I have an option to purchase a '76 4 speed for <8K. I have looked at the car. The current owner has done the following things to it. And has the paperwork.

RHS Heads 2.02 170/76
Edelbrock Carb. EDL 1411 750 cfm
Edeldbrock intake EDL 7501
Crane Gold roller Rocker Arms 1.6 3/8 stud
Lunnati Voodoo Camkit 1400-5800 rpm 227/489
383 Stroker Eagle Crank & Rods
Sealed Power rebuild kit
Hyperteuutic 10.34:1
Engine Bored .030/Block milled for rod clearance
(transmission rebuilt by prior owner)
Lakewood Bell Housing
New Clutch
New Radiator
Complete power steering rebuilt
pump, hoses, rack, CONTROL VALVE
7 Quart oil pan, new pump, pickup
New Brakes (4 wheel disc) 4 caliper (DOT 5 fluid)
Stainless Steel branded hoses in front
Interior: New carpet & console
Weld, Draglite wheels with Goodyear Eagle tires

I checked the floor pans and they have been repaired and fiberglassed. I can tell the interior has had water by the odor (mildew smell) but I did not see any rust except in the cable that runs up through the seats which seems to indicate that the water sat in there before being noticed. Owner did say there is a leak because of the door pins and he keeps it in the garage. New carpet, but I would go custom upholstery and interior. Didn't see any sign of wreckage, Checked up in wheel wells and underneath.

I know that the car needs lower arm joints. It has a low order vibration somewhere in the drive train. Possibly U-joints. Definitely needs interior work. Needs weatherstripping all around. Needs door hinge work. AC was taken out of the car ( Boss Lady has to have AC). It has a decent (not great, but enough for me) paint job (Black, non factory). The front bumper has waves. Has power windows and no lock handles. Factory alarm with the key on the side of the hood. Telescoping steering wheel.
The car is not a matching numbers car (although I can get the block and whatever parts he has) and there are so many of them so I would just customize to what I wanted. Such as a 5-6 speed transmission,,,,,

Basically, this car would mostly be a W/E cruiser kind of deal. I'm not the best wrench turner, but I know how to do some things cause I have a '99 GC HEEP

I am wondering if, because of what's already been done, this car is worth what he's asking. Then, also, I have to transport it about 800 miles.....

I also realize I'll need to put at least as much as I pay for the car into it after I get it. But I think that's worth it considering what you get for 14K new.

FYI, around here, comps I've seen for that price are automatics with original motors. And the ones that have most of what he's done are wanting 10k+.

Hurdle one was passed when I asked Wifey for either a 30 year old mistress or a 30 year old Corvette.......

I do have pictures but can't find my Micro SD adapter tonight so will add those later. I KNOW you need pictures for consideration.

thanks and sorry for the long post.

 

Sounds pretty good but price is a little high, for the times anyway.
Try to just make an offer around 7k, then work it out from there.
Good Luck

 

Another very important thing to check before buying ANY C3 is to check for rust around the windshield frame. This can be a MAJOR job to repair and is easy to check. See if the owner will let you remove one or two pieces of trim around the interior of the windshield. You will need a Phillips screwdriver and a flashlight. Remove the piece across the top of the winshield, (inside the car, behind the sunvisors). Poke at the metal with a screwdriver, (don't hit the glass!), and make sure the metal is solid. Poke any rusted areas and see if the screwdriver goes through the metal, if it does you have rust problems. Remove both side trims and do the same. Remove the trim down by your feet where the vent is. Look inside the pillar at the bottom for a large bolt. This is one of the body mount bolts. See if there is a pile of rust flakes around that bolt. If there is, they likely fell from above where there is likely rust at the base of the windshield. If the owner will not let you check these areas, or if you do and you find substantial rust, I would walk away or take at least $2K off of the price.