Hi all,

There's a 1976 L82 4-speed vette for sale a few minutes from where I live. It definitely needs work. The owner says it's the original block but I couldn't find the number that's supposed to match the VIN. Our SB 1971 vette (the blue one in the sig) has a matching numbers block; the number was at the front of the engine. The stamp pad on the '76 has MA11800 on it, but the lower part of the stamp has nothing. The block has the number 3970010 but lots of 350's have that number. I think I know the answer to this question already...but did '76's have the engine block number stamped in a different location? The car needs new tires, a luggage rack, antenna, driver's side pillar post, new weatherstripping, new vacuum headlight hoses, carpets, chrome wheel rings (we have an extra set!), passenger side door lock, windshield chrome trim on the outside and some other things I have on a list. The interior was pretty decent actually except for the carpets. The seats are used but there were no tears. The seatbelts are fine as well. The frame under the driver's side door has a hole over a foot long (the hole runs down the frame) so that's not encouraging. The radio works, power windows work, engine runs a tad rough but it's been stored for over 4 years, wipers work , rear defroster works, etc. The guy is asking $3500 CDN...without even discussing anything the price went down to $3000 CDN (which is a hair over $2000 U.S.) as we checked out more things...it was raining pretty bad so we couldn't stay too long. Anyway, obviously we've been bitten by the Vette bug and it would be cool to add a non-chrome bumper vette to the stable...but not if it's a headache! Oh yeah, it most defintiely needs a new paint job...the car is currently dark metallic purple but there are so many crappy touch ups it's almost criminal. Any info about the engine number or over all value is greatly appreciated!

Mike

 

Forget it- put the money into your '71 :yesnod:

 

Hi,

I haven't updated the sig or the website in a while, but the blue (now red) vette is virtually complete. (Pics are coming!!) There's some minor things left to do (get a luggage rack, paint the engine etc. ) but nothing too big. Maybe that's why the '76 got my attention...I'm worried we won't have a vette to take apart this summer! :lol:
There might be enough working components in the '76 to make money off...but it's tough parting a vette up. Anyway, you gave me one more thing to think about though. However, the fact that it's not the original/matching numbers engine (and the crumbling frame) makes me want to :leaving:
Decisions decisions hehe.

Mike


[Modified by 71stingray454, 5:39 PM 4/26/2003]

 

I don't see how you could lose. You could part and make $$.

Larry

 

Hi,

We're going to check it out one more time under better weather conditions and with our digital camera this time (hopefully this afternoon, if not then tomorrow for sure). If we do pick it up, expect to see a "Parting 1976 vette" post soon! :yesnod:

Mike