76 or 80 C3 ??? Help identify.

[zagger]

This car was posted as a 1976, am I wrong or does it look like a 1980 or newer???

 

[Bob Chadwick]

It's not a 1976, that much I can tell you with just looking at the hatch. That style of glass did not come into being until 1978. I think it's an 80 based on the front but someome more knowledgable about the differences the last three or four model years of the C3 will have to speak up.

 

[Phill]

Could be two cars made into one. 76 frame with a 80-82 body. id look good and hard at that one if its the one your looking to purchase.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Get the VIN or numbers. It will help you tell the year with it stamped on different parts of the car. Take a look at this information in the Model Center to help you figure out what you have.

 

[zagger]

Thanks for the reply, actually it's my older daughter who is interested in buying this car. I have a C5 and know very little about the C3 model but once I looked closer at the pictures something didn't seam right. I'll have to check the vin numbers along with the block and frame to make sure I know what she is getting. Thanks again, Zig.

 

[Yoda]

It's not that unusal to morph a few different year parts to make one good Corvette But as mentioned above the VIN will identify the year, at least by the State and what it is regulated as/at

My observations on the photo's
Hood 1980 ~ 1982
Front End 1980 ~1982
Emblems 1978
Back Window 1978 ~ 1982
Rear End 1980 ~ 1982
Wheels Aftermarket
Outside Mirrors 1978 ~ 1979 (?)
Fender Cove 1978 ~ 1979
Tail Lights 1978 ~ 1979
Rear Fenders 1976 or there abouts, by the way they surround the tire they don't look flaired enough for 1978 ~ 1982


Bud

 

[mike82]

the rockers look like like '77

 

[zagger]

Thanks for all your help. Just got back from looking at it and I'm more confused now than before seeing it. The interior and frame is from 76 but the rest ? Engine was not original, I don't think it even came from a vette (2 barrel 350). Needles to say I convinced my daughter to keep on looking.

 

[spikebot 81]

Thanks for all your help. Just got back from looking at it and I'm more confused now than before seeing it. The interior and frame is from 76 but the rest ? Engine was not original, I don't think it even came from a vette (2 barrel 350). Needles to say I convinced my daughter to keep on looking.

I think thats good advise

 

[73shark]

Probably a good decision.

 

[Curtis]

DEFINATELY not 76.. it doesn't have any of the correct emblems, especially the STingray on the side (76 was last year for that). Looks like a cobbled mess. good idea to pass. Here is a picture of a real 76.

 

[Cruzen]

Hey, maybe this is like the Johnny Cash song about the guy who worked at the Cadillac plant and took home a Cadillac, one piece at a time over a number of years. It's a 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 82 Corvette automobile......

The trip is short,
enjoy the ride,
Denny

 

[6880 Mike]

...DEFINATELY not 76...

Could be a '76 with a whole lot of 80-82 body panels on it, including the big back window. Only way to know is to check the VIN.

 

[73shark]

A unique feature of the '76s was they had a Vega steering wheel. Never did figure that one out.

 

[Raphiki]

Looks like someone toured the junk yard and built they seff a vette!

 

[Evolution1980]

Gotta go with what everyone else said, "Skip It".
If you're daughter wants a vette, I suggest she do at minimum two things before buying, and in this order:

1) Determine which body style or years she likes best.
2) Have her register at the CAC and start asking questions.

 

[L82Dan]

I would "RUN" not "WALK" away from this vehicle. Who knows what lays underneath the bodywork. Like everyone else has said, the VIN holds the key to the details. Also, the body plate on inside door jam of the driver's door also could tell some interesting details, if it exists on the car.