76 C3 value
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
76 C3 value
I looked at a 76 today and need help with what the car might be worth. It has p/b, p/s, tilt/tel column, p/windows, original am/fm radio, side pipes, t-tops, 75K miles, 3 speed auto, with a L48 eng.The car has been repainted with a fair paint job, it has minor rust on the frame, the rear window is held in place with two straps to the rack, tires are fair but look cupped. the tach doesn't work, brakes are soft, there is alot of fluid leaking under the engine area ( amber color fluid, brake fluid maybe?) the owner reports red fluid leak but I didnt see that. and the interior needs much attention. The asking price is $7000. Is this price out of line?
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: fort collins co
Re: 76 C3 value (jetech)
id say 6k is more reasonable with poor interior and fair shape, the sidepipes are the only thing that justify it, a set of hooker headers and pipes is around $1200, I payed $4600 for my 76 L48 with good interior same mileage, and good paint tires, 4speed, no mechanical probs, but I would ave paid up to 6k...
[Modified by szercer, 5:20 AM 10/14/2002]
[Modified by szercer, 5:20 AM 10/14/2002]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 852
Likes: 0
From: Katy TX
Re: 76 C3 value (jetech)
Does not sound like a great deal at $7K. Figure $2K plus your labor for new seats and carpet. If you are mechanical natured then the engine leaks are mainly free labor and gaskets. If a new/rebuilt motor is in the horizon then figure $2K up, depending on how fast you want to go. If the suspension has never been worked on then you will need new items, tough to tell what all is involved without more info. You can easily spend $1K+ even if you are doing the work. If the frame is good then you could be in a really nice vette for $12K, maybe less. The late '70s models are not the best as far as resale price goes but I suspect many people here have more in their cars than $12K. This car sounds like it would be a good deal at $4-5K and then you could stay under $10K total investment. All of this is dependent on the frame. Inspect closely because rust can be deceptive and often work inside out on these frames.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 0
Re: 76 C3 value (PatG)
Think price is too high.....but then I wouldnt just turn my back and walkaway either.......I paid 8,500 for my 76 5 yrs ago....it had only 48K miles (Only has 54K now LOL) but needed nothing......Beautiful White Leather Seat Option (among other things). Maintenance has NOT been an issue w/this car (even w/my mods).....Knock on wood....... :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 668
Likes: 0
From: Greensburg Pa
Re: 76 C3 value (jetech)
Maybe a bit hi. I paid 7K for my 76 three years ago but it was in slightly better condition. The white princess is still sucking money from my wallet... :lol: At least another 4K over the past few years was put into it.
If I could have found a vette for 4-5K, I would have bought two :smash: :lol:
If I could have found a vette for 4-5K, I would have bought two :smash: :lol:
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
Re: 76 C3 value
I wouldn't go over 5, and that's pushing it.
I paid $6,250 for my 76 L82 4spd about half a year ago. The interior was shot to hell, but it ran pretty well with 67,000 on the clock. (leaks everything but water, but I can still light 'em up in 2nd with that 3.70 rear)The previous owner had put on headers going out to true duals, but other than that it was totally stock, fully optioned, and everything worked. ...tach, speedo, defoggers, all lights, brakes were completely new from master cyl on, new rear spring, new shocks all around, etc.
I paid $6,250 for my 76 L82 4spd about half a year ago. The interior was shot to hell, but it ran pretty well with 67,000 on the clock. (leaks everything but water, but I can still light 'em up in 2nd with that 3.70 rear)The previous owner had put on headers going out to true duals, but other than that it was totally stock, fully optioned, and everything worked. ...tach, speedo, defoggers, all lights, brakes were completely new from master cyl on, new rear spring, new shocks all around, etc.
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 351
Likes: 0
From: Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada
Re: 76 C3 value (jetech)
Usually red fluid from a vette is the power steering, but possibility it could be Automatic Transmission fluid. Personally I would not go over $4000
for the car as you describe it. There are lots of better deals than that.
for the car as you describe it. There are lots of better deals than that.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,502
Likes: 0
From: Elyria Ohio
Re: 76 C3 value (jetech)
Price is way to High. I have done a frame off resurrection on mine it is almost in perfect condition. I had an offer of $7,000 an almost took it. I would try to get the seller down to $3500 to $4,000. I may ave mine up for sale again soon. I am picking up a 79 when I get home. It needs some work also, I may sell both and buy a chrome bumper 68 that is for sale in the neighborhood. We'll just have to see.
Bob
Bob
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,007
Likes: 0
From: many sticks land of mountains
Re: 76 C3 value (1LE)
I payed $6500 for my 76 in very similar shape. Trust me. It was too much. If there are things that you can easily see need repair, you are not seeing many more invisible money suckers hiding out.
I would not pay more than $5000 for a car in that condition now that I have been working on it for 2 years. :eek: :mad
I would not pay more than $5000 for a car in that condition now that I have been working on it for 2 years. :eek: :mad
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Re: 76 C3 value (VettePower)
Sorry it took so long to respond but I have been looking for a C3 pretty hard. The guy had removed the rear window sealant so the window was held in place with two tightened straps that wrapped around the window and the rack.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Palm City Fl
Re: 76 C3 value (jetech)
Sounds steep to me also. Hand the owner a card with a firm cash price with your home and work phone numbers on it. Tell him you are interested, but this is the price...Firm. Then walk away. If he doesn't sell it , He will call. If he does, Keep looking. Always figure in labor to parts prices. Even if you do the labor yourself. Time is money.
