Buying 1979 Need Advice!

[vettedoc]

I am looking at a 1979 coupe. It is not all original, but will be used by my son just to have some fun. I was told it has a new engine and suspension. It has clearly been repainted. I will run the VIN through Carfax. Are there any things I should look out for on this model? Any typical problems for this vintage? I believe we can buy this car for $5-6K. Is this a reasonable price. Thanks in advance.

Doc

 

[Greekman]

If it runs and looks decent as you indicated with a good paint job then 5-6k is a resonable price.

For this price I would look the car over as any good used car and not a Classic car you would buy for a monetary investment.

Carfax only traces back as far as 1982.

Good luck,

.

 

[Copdogcorvettes]

The biggest thing to check on is Frame Rust. I seen some really nice looking car with good paint and run good as well; but when you look at the under side there is nothing but rust. This is not to say all C3 have rusted out frame, but it is something to look for.


Gary

 

[red70vette]

At $5-6K I doubt the car has had any work done to it to restore it. That means you will have to do the work. That car is nearly 25 years old so almost everything needs to be replaced.

If you are not prepared to do the work yourself then my suggestion is to run away as fast as you can. If you have to pay someonelse to do the necessary work to keep the car running and looking well then that $5-6K car will shortly have cost you $15-20K and a great deal of lost driving time.

Unless you like to do the work yourself buy a car that has been restored by someone and looks and runs nice. It will cost you a lot less in the long run. Either that or take the $5-6 K and buy yourself a 99-2000 Cavalier to drive around. A 79 vette costing $5-6K will not be a dependable driver unless you pump some cash or sweat equity in it FAST.

 

[The73vetteman]

Are there any things I should look out for on this model? Any typical problems for this vintage?
Doc

Think SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY!!

Check the brakes - corrosion can be a problem with the master cylinder.

Check seat belts too. Not just that they retract, but that the mountings are secure. The seat belts are bolted into steel underfloor reinforcing plates, and these rust. No good having a belt that rips out of the floor the one time you need it!

'73

 

[groovyjay]

If the car has no frame rust and the birdcage is in sound nick go for it. All other stuff like the interior and engine work is relatively easy and cheap to do.