Hi everyone and thanks for posting, the more the better.

Been looking for a Corvette for a while now, ran into this 79 and thought I would ask all you C3'ers about this one.

I have seen this Vette sitting for the past 4 years not moved, stoped and asked about it today and here is what he has.

1979, L82 auto, T-tops, silver/red, air, 36,xxx orig miles, orig owner.

Parked the car 4 years ago dew to batt would not keep a charg, new batt, new alt and GAVE UP AFTER THAT, he states he dont know much about cars and just parked it until he had more time to just play with the car, that was 4 years ago.

Older guy, 53, newer cars in drive way, nice house, he just didn't seem into the car anymore. He's been down to BG twice, done the plant tour, just didn't seem into the car now.

He said about 50 others has asked about selling the car but never would until now, states wife is wanting to move out of state and has no use for the car.

Here is what I seen, tires were fair but deep tread, seals bad, bushings bad, hoses bad, carpet faded, seats good (no cracks or wear) we didn't start the car dew to he could not find the keys :rolleyes:

He said "make me an offer" I said "I'll start after I hear it run"

Ok guys, more post the better, should I walk or offer? What should I offer? I was thinking around 3-4 only dew to the work that will be needed after sitting so long.

Thanks again,
Mike :seeya


[Modified by Mike71, 9:51 PM 4/3/2002]

 

IN my opinion, if you can get that car for 3-4 grand, assuming the body is straight, and it runs and drives ok, you would be getting a GREAT deal. I think it would be worth a lot more than that. IMHO

 

Have to get off line now :rolleyes: wife's rule, but will check beck soon, 18 views and only 1 reply, come on guys, what do you all think? yes....no....maybe??

as far as the body, it looked good, it all lined up good, nothing cracked or out of place.

POST POST POST POST!!

 

Doesn't sound like a super rare vette, so 3-4 sounds probably about right. In top shape, I would say it's only worth 9 or 10, but this one obviously is not in top shape. Battery drain could be a number of things, mine was the key buzzer. Unplugged it and it was okay. First thing I would do (aside from changing oil) is drain the radiator, flush the system really well, and then refill with new coolant. You may even want to pull the radiator and have it rodded, but that's a job and a half. Antifreeze turns acidic after a long period. It's hard telling how long it's been since he changed it since he didn't bother to trace down a battery drain.
It really depends on how much you want to spend. You will easily spend another 2 just getting everything back to good shape. If the vette runs, I would not pay more than 5 for it, but I'm a tightwad. :D Good luck if you decide to buy. Start low, but don't insult the guy either. Of course, that's almost impossible with some people.

BTW, are you wanting to own this vette for NCRS type resto, or do you just want a decent vette for yourself? NCRS resto will cost a bundle, probably more than a 79 is worth.


[Modified by sharklover, 9:12 PM 4/3/2002]

 

I have a 79 L48. 3G is a great deal for it if it runs. Blue Book is 7900 in excellent condition. I would give up to 4500 if it's in decent condition.

 

Add 1500 to 2k for L82 in top shape (which this one is not in)

 

If you want a 79 it sounds like an interesting car and that would be a good price for you. He might have a much higher price in mind.

I had to laugh tho, to me it sounds like he parked the car 4 years ago and was waiting for the corvetteforum to be invented!! :lol: :lol: :lol:
I wonder how many of our cars would be abandoned in our garages if we didnt have the forum to get help from. MJ

 

Weigh your resto costs against the restored value. Sounds like it could be a lot of work. Sitting on Grass? Check frame carefully!

 

Here's what I would do: The car is worth a lot more if it runs. So don't make that the starting point of your negotiation. The fact is, you're going to have to work a lot on the car regardless, so offer to take it off his hands, as is. Tell him $2500, and you'll remove the car. It's worth a shot, and you can always go up from there. Assuming the frame is okay, it sounds like the car is not in that bad of shape. If the guy presses you on the price, and he probably will, then you can push for hearing it run. The guy probably wants to unload it, and the hassle of making the car run will be a motivation for selling it for less. It depends on how busy or mechanically inclined he is.

In the end, $3500 would not be an unfair price to pay

Good Luck!