Purchasing a '78 -- Things to look for
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1
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From: Flint MI
Purchasing a '78 -- Things to look for
I am looking into purchasing a '78 Corvette. I don't know too much about the C3 at all, so I was wondering what are the things that I should be looking for (ie known problem areas for this car). They are asking $6000 for a well kept blue '78 with 90,000 miles. This seems a little high, but I could be wrong.
Anyway, so if there is anything I should be looking for, I'd appreciate the help.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Anyway, so if there is anything I should be looking for, I'd appreciate the help.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,097
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From: Olive Branch MS
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Purchasing a '78 -- Things to look for (xmind2006)
Check this site. It will give you alot of info that I was not aware of when I recently bought my 79 http://www.corvettefaq.com/gotvette.asp
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 35
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From: Beavercreek Ohio
Re: Purchasing a '78 -- Things to look for (brooksman9)
$6,000 doesn't sound bad if it is truly a well kept car. As everyone says rust is probably the biggest show stopper. Given that you are in Mich that would be my biggest concern. I see a lot of talk here about $4500 - $6000 in this forum but I would consider any under $6000 in well kept condition to be a brag worthy price. A lot depends on what you are looking for and how much work you want to do. It is a 25 year old car and short of a full restoration you have to expect to put some $$$ into maintenance and repairs but you can't buy anything new for under $40,000 that would get as many longing looks as you will for a C-3 vette. Good luck
Mike
[Modified by Plumbroke, 4:11 PM 11/6/2003]
Mike
[Modified by Plumbroke, 4:11 PM 11/6/2003]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,362
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From: Brazos TX
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Re: Purchasing a '78 -- Things to look for (xmind2006)
If the car is indeed in good shape I think $6000 is a good price. Check for rust in the frame and birdcage. Other than that if the brakes are good and the drivetrain is solid then it sounds like you have a good deal on your hands.
Let us know if you have more specific questions. Good luck.
Let us know if you have more specific questions. Good luck.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: St. Charles MO
Re: Purchasing a '78 -- Things to look for (xmind2006)
Check the frame were the rear trailing arms go into the frame....very common spot for rust....Also check the floor boards to see if they are rusting out....Also take a good look at the interior and make notes of what is needed and get some prices from MAD or any other Corvette shop...Interiors are very expensive for these cars.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,581
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From: Tolar Texas
Re: Purchasing a '78 -- Things to look for (brooksman9)
Like brooksman9 said, visit Corvette Forum member, Terry Rudy's web site. He's built a really nice archive of C3 related information. http://www.corvetteFAQ.com http://corvettefaq.com/index.asp
Here are some articles that you might want to check out.
Mechanic Inspection before buying C3 - Part 1 http://corvettefaq.com/c3/dpg/part1.htm
Mechanic Inspection before buying C3 - Part 2 http://corvettefaq.com/c3/dpg/part2.htm
Mechanic Inspection before buying C3 - Part 3 http://corvettefaq.com/c3/dpg/part3.htm
Welcome to the Corvette Forum.
Keep us posted :seeya
Here are some articles that you might want to check out.
Mechanic Inspection before buying C3 - Part 1 http://corvettefaq.com/c3/dpg/part1.htm
Mechanic Inspection before buying C3 - Part 2 http://corvettefaq.com/c3/dpg/part2.htm
Mechanic Inspection before buying C3 - Part 3 http://corvettefaq.com/c3/dpg/part3.htm
Welcome to the Corvette Forum.
Keep us posted :seeya
