Ok, I have been looking at a replacement for my 1977 which I sold a couple of months agao. thought I had Paul's 1980 yellow Corvette but someone else beat me to it. Decision - found a sharp 1982 silver/ claret corvette- priced right at $8900 obo down in Tennessee. I am in Michigan. Have received pictures etc. - all looks good. Problem? whether to run with my emotions and buy it or try to find a mid-60s for my $12,000. and restore it. Before you answer - realize my mechanical abilities amount to oil changes, filters, grease, brakes, exhaust replacement - just basics. I wouldn't call myself a mechanic. I would proabaly be farming out the majority of the work, unless I can barter. Need help! any and allrecommendations accepted. Also, advisability of the 1982- good year? Any problems ? pitfalls? thanks in advance. :cheers:

 

Won't Paul sell you one of his other vettes? He has quite a few extras lying around!! :lol:

mid 60s? Are you talking midyear or 68/69? If you can find a midyear project for $12k wont it cost you another $20k to restore it? And if it's a 69 project..... another $10 - 15? I don't really know, but the price for the 82 compared to a project are 2 vastly different amounts. MJ

 

go with the mid year. :yesnod:

 

A mid year would be a very nice car. But, if your plan is to farm out most of the rebuild, then it is probably less expensive, in the long run, to purchase one that is already finished.

 

A mid year for $12k will probably need some work IMO. Most guys spend well over $20k to get one in decent shape, not worth it IMO.

On an 82, if the tranny hasn't been updated then you may want to put a little away for some repairs. Overdrive trannys are the way to go, but those first year 700R4's are the weakest of the weak.

Best of luck.

 

I would go with the 1982. Having looked for a mid-year (1963-67) for a long time I can assure you that $12,000 will only fetch a pretty bare bones and rough body and chassis. Another $12,000 - easily spent if paying for someone's labour - will not get you to project completion. A good paint job can run $6,000 alone. And you will have to find a person with patience to do the work. Most body and mechanical shops depend on volume to stay afloat. Corvettes generally represent low margin work. A few hours here and there when time permits. From a $12,000 base I would predict that the car will see the road in a presentable form in two to three years.

So I guess it depends on your priorities. If you want to drive, go for the 1982. If you have the time, go for the mid-year.

 

If I had a choice between a midyear and an 82 I'd pick the midyear all day long. However plan on spending 20k on up restoring a 12k project car. As far as the 82 is concerned I'd rather shop closer to home to see and inspect what I'm buying. The 82 is the most refined 0f the C3's and as long as the x-fire setup doesn't scare you and lack of a 4speed doesn't put you off the 82 is a fine cruiser. I just would't buy long distance.
Good luck with your search.

 

If you're on what seems to me to be a budget, I'd stay away from a restoration project. Even if you do the work yourself, it's going to cost you at least as much as the 12K for the car. I don't see farming out the restoration as an option for most people, it's just too expensive. Also, if it isn't the process you're looking for, (which if you're farming it off, I'd assume it's not), you should go for something that is already "restored" since it will cost much less in total than restoring yourself.

I agree with buying something close to you as well. Not to say that if you find a perfect specimine in some other location you should pass it, but put a bit of thought into it as you will have to pay for shipping and may not get exactly what you expect. I've thought several times about buying one particular car in New York, but eventually decided that it was just too much hassle and I'd be better off (in my mind anyhow) to stick it out with my project, which I'm into too far at this point to ever recover the money (see above about restoration costs). Sure, if I had it to do over again, I'd be willing to go for a project again, but I know a lot more now and wouldn't waste as much money on things I'd end up redoing again later anyhow...

 

You better go with the 82 and get on the road.

I would be surprised if you could find a midyear for $12,000, and if you
could it might cost $25,000 to restore.

 

I chose my words carefully but well said.

 

I bought my 82 long distance. Minneapolis to Anahiem. I had pics like you do and I gambled and I got lucky. I was also wanting to get a southwestern vehicle as they are usually the cleanest you will find without restoration. I did run a car fax which showed the car was averaging 1500 miles per year and had no salvage title.

The tranny should be replaced as they self destruct at 60K. Mine was replaced in 1991. The CFI will run great as long as you keep up on any maintenance. I love the fuel injection and overdrive tranny for the cruising aspect and decent MPG. The 82s will sound good also if you want to put on a more agressive cat-back exhaust set-up.

Not to sound biased, I say you should go with the 82, well nuff said.

Brent....

 

I'd keep watch for a better buy
I think that it's definitely possible to find a better buy. Try not to be so anxious. Anxiety covers blemishes in whatever you're buying. I bought mine for less than that, and I know of a 68 vert that was bought not too long ago, that might be for sale for around 10, that needs a paint job.

 

60's mid year would kick butt. No doubt about that.
:cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:

 

I like posters to respond to those who take the time to comment. I am sure we will hear from Bill soon....

 

Sorry, my triplets had a track meet and my daughter a regionals meet in track . Add to my anxiety she just turned 16 so good old dad was helping her to prepare for her roadtest. In addition to teaching American History, I teach drivrs ed. and drive school bus . Appreciate all the help and advice. I believe I will pass on the 1982. You guys are right a mid -60's Vette would be awsome but having to farm it out or bartering would probably leave me as many have seen, with a project I simply give up on. Have been in contact with a few others and all seem to be of the mind - buy one you can enjoy NOW. :cheers: :cheers: