Need advice PLEASE????
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: If you believe you can tell me what to think... I believe I can tell you where to go ;)
Need advice PLEASE????
Hello all, I need some help making a LOGICAL decision!!
I have been looking at a 78 vette today thats really sweet. It is in "good" condition, been stored since 97. All original, except new motor, 55,000 miles, 1 owner, no rust, dents, etc. on body, 350 engine, auto trans. black on black leather. Needs a new paint job and some interior work. Nothing major. RUNS like a DREAM!
My question is, what is it worth? She is asking $8500.00 for it. I can probably get her down to about $7500.00 I know with some money and time I could have it really sweet! It would be a GREAT project car for my husband and 3 sons...besides MY first vette! ( I am waiting on the c6 vert) But, I don't want to pass by a great deal or jump on something that is nothing but a rip. In my opinion, its a VETTE and its a classic, but MY OPINION may not be logical.
Thanks for any advice!!!
Sherry
I have been looking at a 78 vette today thats really sweet. It is in "good" condition, been stored since 97. All original, except new motor, 55,000 miles, 1 owner, no rust, dents, etc. on body, 350 engine, auto trans. black on black leather. Needs a new paint job and some interior work. Nothing major. RUNS like a DREAM!
My question is, what is it worth? She is asking $8500.00 for it. I can probably get her down to about $7500.00 I know with some money and time I could have it really sweet! It would be a GREAT project car for my husband and 3 sons...besides MY first vette! ( I am waiting on the c6 vert) But, I don't want to pass by a great deal or jump on something that is nothing but a rip. In my opinion, its a VETTE and its a classic, but MY OPINION may not be logical.
Thanks for any advice!!!
Sherry
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
There's not much logical about wanting a sports car... 
1 owner, no rust ? Take it !!! Black on black, 1978 ? yes, that looks good....
It will probably need some attention (suspension bushings will show their age a.s.o.) but it sounds like a very nice car.... have it inspected and buy it, $8000 seems to be very good deal if it's in that good shape.... you may be able to restore the paint, paint cleaner and polish will do miracles.....
1 owner, no rust ? Take it !!! Black on black, 1978 ? yes, that looks good....
It will probably need some attention (suspension bushings will show their age a.s.o.) but it sounds like a very nice car.... have it inspected and buy it, $8000 seems to be very good deal if it's in that good shape.... you may be able to restore the paint, paint cleaner and polish will do miracles.....
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: If you believe you can tell me what to think... I believe I can tell you where to go ;)
Thank you! I am glad i am not so UNlogical after all...haha
Thanks for your advice!
OH, Is it hard to find replacement parts (i.e. sets, carpets, door panels, etc.) for these cars? and how expensive are they? I have never tried to restore ANYTHING, so I am not sure how deep I am getting myself as far as finding the right stuff.
Thanks again!
Thanks for your advice!
OH, Is it hard to find replacement parts (i.e. sets, carpets, door panels, etc.) for these cars? and how expensive are they? I have never tried to restore ANYTHING, so I am not sure how deep I am getting myself as far as finding the right stuff.
Thanks again!
Last edited by missprissybrat; Nov 23, 2004 at 02:05 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
seems like a fair price if everything is working look really carefully and have a mechanic who has no emotional interest in buying the car look it over....this may help to reduce purchase price and worth the $75....
Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 677
Likes: 5
From: Cary North Carolina
Originally Posted by missprissybrat
OH, Is it hard to find replacement parts (i.e. sets, carpets, door panels, etc.) for these cars? and how expensive are they? I have never tried to restore ANYTHING, so I am not sure how deep I am getting myself as far as finding the right stuff.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
order a couple of catalogs
http://www.ecklers.com/
http://www.corvettecentral.com/
http://www.volunteervette.com/
http://www.riksvet.com/
You can also find many new and used parts on ebay
If you end up having a hard time finding a part you can always try the C3 parts section of this forum. You never know who might have the part you need gathering dust on their shelf
db
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Chambersburg PA
Finding the parts is not a problem...you can basically build a new corvette with aftermarket and NOS parts. The problem is the parts can be very expensive and prices follow no logical pattern. It was not long ago that a set of origional seat belts cost more than a set of High performance heads. Always keep this in mind:
Replacement chevy parts...Expensive
Replacement "Corvette" parts Real Expensive.
Year specific Corvette Parts...Stupid expensive.
Buy the car because you love it....None of these cars are any kind of investment. Yes they don't lose value like a new one but your cost per mile will be very expensive on any of them. Figure out your budget then decide EXACTLY which car you want and then go look for it. You get pissed enough when the car you love leasves you sitting in a parking lot...it is much worse if it leaves you and it not exactly what you want....And it leave you sitting at some point....I promise
Replacement chevy parts...Expensive
Replacement "Corvette" parts Real Expensive.
Year specific Corvette Parts...Stupid expensive.
Buy the car because you love it....None of these cars are any kind of investment. Yes they don't lose value like a new one but your cost per mile will be very expensive on any of them. Figure out your budget then decide EXACTLY which car you want and then go look for it. You get pissed enough when the car you love leasves you sitting in a parking lot...it is much worse if it leaves you and it not exactly what you want....And it leave you sitting at some point....I promise
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,114
Likes: 3,909
From: Connecticut, USA
I think it's too high. A good paint job, and interior will run you $3,000-$7,000 depending on what really needs to be done. If the car has been sitting for 7 years you can figure on brake and tranny problems. Add in it's a base model, wrong motor, automatic. If you really want that car think about it, but cars like that can be found for thousands less.
Good luck,
Gary
Good luck,
Gary
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
While parts for these cars aren't cheap, I wouldn't put basic
parts like 78 door panels any more expensive than a new door
panel for my 98 Tahoe. Now - year specific stuff ... yeah, expensive.
8000 sounds like a decent price, but make sure someone
that knows where to look for rust checks it well. The rust
in these cars can hide very well.
Can you get any pictures of it ? (inside, out, and under hood) ?
Hopefully, we will see a new avatar under your name, soon.
parts like 78 door panels any more expensive than a new door
panel for my 98 Tahoe. Now - year specific stuff ... yeah, expensive.
8000 sounds like a decent price, but make sure someone
that knows where to look for rust checks it well. The rust
in these cars can hide very well.
Can you get any pictures of it ? (inside, out, and under hood) ?
Hopefully, we will see a new avatar under your name, soon.
Last edited by NHvette; Nov 23, 2004 at 10:53 AM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,083
Likes: 2
From: Montreal Qc.
Originally Posted by Fevre
Since it does not have the orig motor and needs paint I would offer in the $5-6k range, a decent paint job will run $2-3k and interior parts can add up fast.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
Originally Posted by gtr1999
I think it's too high. A good paint job, and interior will run you $3,000-$7,000 depending on what really needs to be done. If the car has been sitting for 7 years you can figure on brake and tranny problems. Add in it's a base model, wrong motor, automatic. If you really want that car think about it, but cars like that can be found for thousands less.
Good luck,
Gary
Good luck,
Gary
Although without seeing the car, it's tough to say if it's too much. The price is in the range for that year. Like most vettes you will see a spread on the prices. Sometimes spending a couple of thousand more means you will have to spend a couple of thousand less after the purchase plus a lot of time will be saved. One thing to keep in mind is how mechanically inclined the hubby and kids are. Another thing, do you and the rest of the family want to drive it tomorrow or are you going to be satisfied waiting for the interior/paint to be completed.
Since it's been sitting for sometime and you have no idea of exactly why, I would insist that a cetified mechanic look at it. I don't know if your state requires inspection for vehicles but it would be nice to know if it would pass in it's current condition.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Waaaaaaay over priced for a NOM auto car that needs paint, interior and has been sitting for so many years.
Let the present owner restore it and then buy it at market price for thousands less than they just paid.
Always buy the best restored car that you can afford. It's never cost effective to do a resto yourself.
Let the present owner restore it and then buy it at market price for thousands less than they just paid.
Always buy the best restored car that you can afford. It's never cost effective to do a resto yourself.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,592
Likes: 0
From: If you believe you can tell me what to think... I believe I can tell you where to go ;)
Thanks everyone for your advice. 
There was several things mentioned I hadn't thought about. It does make alot more sense to buy one that is restored already to fit my budget. I can afford a better car, but didnt realize how available they were until I searched this site for ones. The same car, fully restored is going for $15000 to $25000 (and a vert at that) . So, I think I would be crazy to buy this one, put ALL that work and effort into it, when I can get one finished, or just about, for much less worry!
My thought at first was, these are RARE cars, and I would be very hard pressed to find another one this cheap. I didn't realize how inexpensive and available these older ones are.
Again, Thank you all! This is a great forum and a wealth of information!
(NHvette, I am working on changing my avator ASAP!!!
Waiting on BG to get busy on the verts! Should hopefully be Jan. But here lately, the way things are going, could be Feb. BUT i am trying... 
For now, the only "sport car" I have is my lil' ol' camaro. I know it's not a vette, but... 
Thanks AGAIN!
Sherry
There was several things mentioned I hadn't thought about. It does make alot more sense to buy one that is restored already to fit my budget. I can afford a better car, but didnt realize how available they were until I searched this site for ones. The same car, fully restored is going for $15000 to $25000 (and a vert at that) . So, I think I would be crazy to buy this one, put ALL that work and effort into it, when I can get one finished, or just about, for much less worry! My thought at first was, these are RARE cars, and I would be very hard pressed to find another one this cheap. I didn't realize how inexpensive and available these older ones are.
Again, Thank you all! This is a great forum and a wealth of information!
(NHvette, I am working on changing my avator ASAP!!!
Waiting on BG to get busy on the verts! Should hopefully be Jan. But here lately, the way things are going, could be Feb. BUT i am trying... For now, the only "sport car" I have is my lil' ol' camaro. I know it's not a vette, but... Thanks AGAIN!
Sherry
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
I agree with most of the statements above because it is hard to say if it's worth $7500 or not without having seen the car.
If the paint can be buffed and the rest of the car is ok then $7500 is not a bad deal for a 55000 miles car with only one previous owner....
Maybe the car can be wet sanded so you only need clearcoat, that won't be too expensive at all....
Even if you have to invest $2500 on top of the $7500 - then the Vette will be in good shape and you will be able to sell it for what you paid for it ... just my 2 cents...
If the paint can be buffed and the rest of the car is ok then $7500 is not a bad deal for a 55000 miles car with only one previous owner....
Maybe the car can be wet sanded so you only need clearcoat, that won't be too expensive at all....
Even if you have to invest $2500 on top of the $7500 - then the Vette will be in good shape and you will be able to sell it for what you paid for it ... just my 2 cents...
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 243
Likes: 1
From: Knoxville TN
Price is a little high, $4-6K would be about right. Paint is expensive, unless the old paint can be saved. Sitting up, like that, it will need to be nursed back to running condition, change all fluids, hoses, gas. Then the brakes will have to be gone thru and possibly rebuilt. Tires will have flat spots.
It would be a good winter project and on the road for next spring.
It would be a good winter project and on the road for next spring.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Just to give you an idea: I paid $5000 for mine and spent another $5000 in parts only (no labor) since May... this is including $1200 for the rear bumper and rims and new tires though....
I believe that now it is in very good shape and could be sold for what I paid for it....
Just offer $5800 -$6000 and see if they sell.... from what you said it seems to be a nice car. You said it's the first owner, what about documentation ??? That would be nice...
I believe that now it is in very good shape and could be sold for what I paid for it....
Just offer $5800 -$6000 and see if they sell.... from what you said it seems to be a nice car. You said it's the first owner, what about documentation ??? That would be nice...
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: If you believe you can tell me what to think... I believe I can tell you where to go ;)
Yes. She has all the documentation on it. Even the sticker that was on the window. She is in the military and thats why its been stored (covered) for those years. She was over seas and just closed it up and left it in her garage until she got back. She has the paper work for the motor too. But, its a new crate motor. She didn't have the old one rebuilt. (I don't know what happened to the old motor. Maybe from setting up??) And its very drivable now, she drives it everyday. Just doesnt "look" as nice as it could, as far as I can tell.
BTW, the sticker says $9500.00 (around that, I cant remember the exact number, but thats rounded off) for it new.
BTW, the sticker says $9500.00 (around that, I cant remember the exact number, but thats rounded off) for it new.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Massillon,Ohio USA
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Originally Posted by missprissybrat
Yes. She has all the documentation on it. Even the sticker that was on the window. She is in the military and thats why its been stored (covered) for those years. She was over seas and just closed it up and left it in her garage until she got back. She has the paper work for the motor too. But, its a new crate motor. She didn't have the old one rebuilt. (I don't know what happened to the old motor. Maybe from setting up??) And its very drivable now, she drives it everyday. Just doesnt "look" as nice as it could, as far as I can tell.
BTW, the sticker says $9500.00 (around that, I cant remember the exact number, but thats rounded off) for it new.
BTW, the sticker says $9500.00 (around that, I cant remember the exact number, but thats rounded off) for it new.
Last edited by Paul Borowski; Nov 24, 2004 at 11:40 AM.