Help! 1977 Vette 1st purchase :)

[rb0746]

I have come across a 1977 c3 here in Canada after researching the things to look for in buying a used c3 from these forums I have decided it may not be a good deal at all and I should really forget this one and move on ??? you decide.

4 or 5 owners
this last owner seems like a really good guy kept this baby garaged for 8 years
driving in the summer only
upon inspecting the underside I discovered the floor was rotted with a very bad repair on both sides
the frame was showing signs of holes also frame had patches on both sides just in front of the rear tires
gas line repaired in 4 different spots
rear end leaks
rear shock leaks
emergency cable rotted
all body mounts dry and cracked
numerous oil stains
hood has the L82 insignia VIN says it is a L48
interior is completely trash needs allot of money and tlc to bring the interior back
the windshield pillar drivers side appears to be 1/2 inch from the glass shows signs of bad rusting
the lines between the front of the doors and the back of the fenders is not even close to straight
etc etc etc I spent about 90 minutes going over this car the owner was just beside himself he is quoted as saying "I never thought it was this bad if I did I would not have put it up for that price he told me his first price was 8600 he paid 9000 in 2000 then he lowered to 7000 he turned down 5500
told me he would let me have it for that price what do you think ?? The paint is done the front lower spoiler has to be replaced (chunk out of it) the front end has been banged (cracked paint) and the list goes on
NEW Tires all shined up
I am so upset about this the wife agreed and everything lol that I could not take a vette home maybe someday anyone know where I can find say a 5-7 thousand decent starting vette ?
This is a great site btw thanks
Ron

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

he paid 9000 in 2000 then he lowered to 7000 he turned down 5500
told me he would let me have it for that price what do you think ??

He should have taken the $5500. That's about $5500 more than this car is worth. Run as fast as you can AWAY from this one.hnoes

You probably don't really want a Vette that's fairly priced at 5-7K. it will need another 5-10K to get into really nice shape. Buy something that's already finished and let the seller take the loss.

 

[ldf44]

Don't even think twice about it--you do not want that Vette, even if it was given to. There are alot of good cars out there that will be a much better buy. I have a 77 afew years back that you would cry for.

 

[6880 Mike]

Unless I miss my guess, you've already made up your mind on this one.

 

[L48]

If you are not already convinced to pass on this, make up a list of all the replacment parts you know of and put a price on each one. If you are not a mechanic then you will need to include labor costs. When done with this figure out the price for this car in good condition. Also consider that this car is 30+ years old and will probablt need more than you see.

My 75 had a rock solid and basically rust free frame and I paid $3900 for it about 2 1/2 years ago.

If she approved this one, hopefully she will appove another better one.

 

[Zr-1 Mark]

Too bad you're in Canada .
I recently sold a car that was my brothers' to my Boss here at work. It needed paint and my brother didn't want to do it. The car has since been cpmpletely stripped and re-painted and it looks great !!!
Some info just for grins:
1977 Corvette
L-82 4 speed, {matching numbers} gymkhana suspension, P.S. P.B. P.W.
Factory no A/C car with 4 excellent YJ8 aluminum wheels, and sport mirrors.
Engine was rebuilt 3 or 4 years ago, no overbore just a refresh with new cam, lifters etc.....Some light performance mods, brand new DART III aluminum heads, headers, aluminum intake and performance carb.
Mostly new interior, seats, door panels front rugs etc....Could use a set of rear rugs to be perfect.
Frame is solid, no rust near the doglegs or the windshield pillar.
White with red leather...
I'm quite sure he would sell it, I am in Mass.
The price would be $10k.....
I can have him send you some pics if you'd like, we do have all of the original parts also, heads, intake carb. etc...And it's guaranteed an L-82 !!!!!

Lemme' know,
V/R
Mark B.

 

[Vette79]

As Mike said, locate a Vette that is already finished or close to being restored. You want to spend as less money as possible after your purchase. Be patient. The right one will come along...

 

[Phill]

DITTO on all the advise. like said the right one will come along. good luck.

 

[Booie]

Just keeping looking the right one will come along. I just got my first one last July a 1979 L-48 I waited probably 20 years for one maybe longer. take your time you will probably look at a lot of junk before you find the right one. Good luck though

 

[pat72]

American money is almost par look in the states it will be worth your time don't buy junk you will regret it

 

[crowvet]

I have come across a 1977 c3 here in Canada after researching the things to look for in buying a used c3 from these forums I have decided it may not be a good deal at all and I should really forget this one and move on ??? you decide.

4 or 5 owners
this last owner seems like a really good guy kept this baby garaged for 8 years
driving in the summer only
upon inspecting the underside I discovered the floor was rotted with a very bad repair on both sides
the frame was showing signs of holes also frame had patches on both sides just in front of the rear tires
gas line repaired in 4 different spots
rear end leaks
rear shock leaks
emergency cable rotted
all body mounts dry and cracked
numerous oil stains
hood has the L82 insignia VIN says it is a L48
interior is completely trash needs allot of money and tlc to bring the interior back
the windshield pillar drivers side appears to be 1/2 inch from the glass shows signs of bad rusting
the lines between the front of the doors and the back of the fenders is not even close to straight
etc etc etc I spent about 90 minutes going over this car the owner was just beside himself he is quoted as saying "I never thought it was this bad if I did I would not have put it up for that price he told me his first price was 8600 he paid 9000 in 2000 then he lowered to 7000 he turned down 5500
told me he would let me have it for that price what do you think ?? The paint is done the front lower spoiler has to be replaced (chunk out of it) the front end has been banged (cracked paint) and the list goes on
NEW Tires all shined up
I am so upset about this the wife agreed and everything lol that I could not take a vette home maybe someday anyone know where I can find say a 5-7 thousand decent starting vette ?
This is a great site btw thanks
Ron

Hi Ron, I had a75 in similiar condition. I traded for it, so I was not in deep. The interior alone will cost you 5 grand. Run as fast as you can from this one.