c3 question kinda

[nd4speed]

hi, i've been looking for a vette for about 8 months now. first question is. is there a particlar year or years to stay away from? as far as fixing up. second , i've passed on a few from 78-81 because that back window drives me insane. do they make anything to make it look better.


On another note you guys are really freakin me out about the whole process. I am looking for something that has problem free frame but driveable with the intention of fixing, changing things during winter. Been watching this and another forum for 3-4 months now and you make it sound like as soon as the touch pavement your caliing for a tow truck. yikes

 

[gedmeyer]

It's not that bad by any means. I just bought my 81 last may. I really didn't lose any driving days to car malfunction. Mine has 72,000 miles and I drove about 2700 this summer and no problems really to speak of. You have to keep in mind that this site is the first place people come when then do have problems because of the broad knowledge base. I'd have to say there is a higher majoirty people not writing on the forums and out driving!

You just have to remember that these cars are 20+ years old and they do have their days, but they are also a lot of fun!


-tim

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Hahaha!

It's not that bad, really.

I think you just have to shop around for the best deal for your money. The best vette to purchase is one that has been taken care of or one that has had a frame off restoration. Any C3 vette that has not been meticulously cared for will have some problems, variable upon the care they did or did not receive.

Don't get discouraged, there are many good vettes out there that will fit your needs and your budget. My own 78 has been relatively trouble-free for the 13 years we've had her. We've replaced several big-ticket items, and other than the down time for those replacements, she has remained a dependable daily driver and is pushing close to 250,000 miles.
I feel if these C3 generation vettes are cared for and maintained they will make a dependable vehicle for anyone.

Happy hunting, and the right vette will find you.
Heidi

ps, if the curved rear window of the 78-82s bothers you, perhaps you should limit your search to 68-77 as those have the flat back window and have room for luggage/t-top racks.

Myself, I like the big window...since I have room for whatever I want to carry home from the stores or suitcases for a trip. I don't think there is anything that will change the look of it if you don't like it...but I do know that the big catalogs sell a pre-formed tinted piece of plastic (?) that fits the curve of the window and provides shade and privacy.

 

[nd4speed]

thanks for the replies. I think this is worse than when we were looking for a house. :s

 

[gooney0]

Actually it is that bad, its just a matter of perspective. Some people replace their engine and thinks its no big deal...

This hobby revolves around FIXing and looking at an old car, not driving one.

That said they are no worse than other cars of the era.

-Gööney0

 

[Copdogcorvettes]

It all depends on what you start with and what you want to end up with. The fun is the trip from one to the other. When I purchased my first vette, an 80, I drove it every day and fixed the little things that age does to any car in between. I prefer the 78-82 vettes myself becuase of the amount of room behind the seats. One thing that dresses the back window up is louvers. They are a little hard to find and can sell for $100-$250, but they really make the car look good.
Just becuase they are Corvettes parts cost a little more than other cars, but they are CORVETTES. I can find C3s for under $10,000 all the time; so if they need a little fixing or changing to meet ones own likes then it's worth it to me.

Good luck in your search

Gary

 

[nd4speed]

I understand the buy what you can afford thing. I am not interested in a matching # stock car that nobody will get their monet out of. i'm looking for my car. NOT A SHOW CAR. but a vette that says when i go by damn thats awesome. like i said i've read alot of posts. and have 6 or seven books. dont see the 10-15000 in improvement. for a damn that is awesome car. am i being naive?

 

[nd4speed]

I forgot one thing. I cant see spending the money on the possibility of buying bubbas car.

 

[Copdogcorvettes]

Well here is one of my 78 vette that I bought for $5000 about two years ago and I can show you pictures of others. I know of a nice 78 4 speed that is for sale now for $6500. You can get a very drivable good looking vette for not a lot of money if you look around; Unless you are very picky.

Gary

 

[Tom73]

On another note you guys are really freakin me out about the whole process. I am looking for something that has problem free frame but driveable with the intention of fixing, changing things during winter. Been watching this and another forum for 3-4 months now and you make it sound like as soon as the touch pavement your caliing for a tow truck. yikes

Set back and take a look at these forums. The ones posting are people who have a problem/issue/question and are looking for help/advise/guidance. That would tend to be people who have a car that broke and they are trying to fix it. But what about all those that are not having a problem. They do not post about fixing their car, no need to. So basicly you are seeing only one side of the story. Only reading the negative could lead one to believe that the car is only negative.

I have never had to do anything major to either of my C3s. Have done alot of minor/cosmetic items but that was just because I wanted to improve (rather than repair) my cars.

tom...

 

[vmrod]

Despite the poor upkeep from previous owners, my '77 vette has always been dependable. Although it has been in slumber for a few years now, I know it will startup easily whenever I choose to.

I would buy this car again.

-Vic

 

[Glensgages]

nd4speed:
How much 'problems' you'll have will be based on 2 things:
#1- the condition of the car you buy, and...
#2- just "WHAT" you'll be doing with it.

I bought my '82 3 1/2 years ago, with just 11,000 miles on the clock. I drive it between 2,000 & 3500 miles per summer, in dry weather only, when I 'want' to.
It now has 21,000 on it; other than get new tires (OEMs were dry-rotted), chrome the wheels and add 3.73 gears (at MY choosing), I've only had to re-charge the A/C, and replace the master cylinder.

My buddy had a 27,000 mile '77 (since traded on a '97 C5) a few years ago. Like me, he only drove it when he 'wanted' to, not as a daily-driver. He replaced all 4 calipers, tuned-up the carb, and flushed the ATF.
After a few years, a mutual-friend let him drive a C5; soon, he sold the '77 to his dad, who hasn't done a single THING to '77 since then....

If you get a 'worn-out' 25-year-old car, it matters not if it's a CORvette, or a CHEvette; it is still worn-out. Luckily, more CORvette owners than CHEvette owners keep their cars in a good state of maintainence.

Still, getting a 25-year-old car for a daily-driver isn't the 'smartest'-thing you could do, no matter WHAT condition it is in.....

Just my $.02 worth.....

 

[76L82]

My Vette was riden hard and put away wet... but, after changing the calipers and tuning her up it has become a daily driver with no problems. Yes you are right, YOU will be working on these no matter what year or condition of car you buy. However, this is no different from the old Mustangs and Camaros I have owned in the past.

Like anything else, I would caution you to not buy the car if you don't have an unadulterated passion for it...no matter what old car you own...they will test your love for them! Furthermore, if you really don't have a love for that particular model..you will lose interest in it fast. For me...once I bought my Vette I was smitten and would do anything for it..wreching on it all hours of the day!

 

[lobes290]

Take a trip to Arizona, cause "if it ain't fro m Arizona it ain't rust free!"