C3's as projects?

[blackandred78]

Folks - I have a really sorted out 1978 that really has not needed heavy duty resto work - I did new suspension, exhaust and engine bolt ons but the car just turned 50K and I have never really thought of it as a project car - more of a tinker special...

SO...do these cars make good project cars to bring back from the dead?

 

[bill81vette]

Folks - I have a really sorted out 1978 that really has not needed heavy duty resto work - I did new suspension, exhaust and engine bolt ons but the car just turned 50K and I have never really thought of it as a project car - more of a tinker special...

SO...do these cars make good project cars to bring back from the dead?

it all depends on how much $$$$ you're willing to spend.sometimes it only takes a few thousand to bring them back,others you would need a 2nd mortgage.It just depends on what it needs and if your willing to spend it!!!!

 

[Twin_Turbo]

sure, these cars are awesome project cars..and great mod cars too. jsut don't sink a lot of money into restoring a late c3 and expect to get much out of it.

 

[Texason67]

Folks - I have a really sorted out 1978 that really has not needed heavy duty resto work - I did new suspension, exhaust and engine bolt ons but the car just turned 50K and I have never really thought of it as a project car - more of a tinker special...

SO...do these cars make good project cars to bring back from the dead?

I'll let you know in the next few months. My 74 has 60K miles, but sat out in the weather for the last 5 years. I put on a new fuel pump and battery, then she started right up. I couldn't believe it.

After new brakes, hoses, gaskets, interior, paint and many new engine parts that I'm going to be installing, I hope to have a respectable ride.

I can't wait.
​

 

[Evolution1980]

SO...do these cars make good project cars to bring back from the dead?

depends on who's turning the wrench and how much money you plan on putting into it...

 

[VetteThunder]

My '68 is a project

My wife got me a '68 big block 3 years ago as a christmas present.

It has however turned into a real project. I had a few nasty surprizes but some I was expecting.

I found numerous cracks in the frame, I found Band-Aids holding the wiring together under the dash and most of the interior screws were missing or just wrong. UGH! Did I mention the home made patch job to fix the driver's floor pan? The brakes didn't work very well either. Lots of work to do.

So far I have a new frame on order, I have removed the interior, the electrical system all the trim, bumpers, hood, cooling system, windows, brake system, lights....

I am going to be doing most of the work myself to help keep costs down. Hahahahahaha we didn't take out a second morgage but I could buy a new 2006 Z06 with what I am putting into the old beast, but I try not to think of that too much.....

I am hoping to get it on the road sometime in 2007-ish, I suspect that it will take me a while longer then that to complete....

 

[Evolution1980]

My wife got me a '68 big block 3 years ago as a christmas present.

It has however turned into a real project. I had a few nasty surprizes but some I was expecting.

Well, her intentions were certainly good, but buying a used Corvette isn't like buying a used station wagon...I'm guessing that she only had the advice of a couple of non-vette people and not true Corvette people? Still a nice gift though.

....or maybe it was intentional because she thought you just needed a project to keep you home more! "At least in the garage I know where he's at!" :L :L

 

[smrtmblues]

It probably will take years for you to hold onto a '78, if it's not an anniversary car, to make it worth much more that you have in it, however all Vettes seem to appreciate over time. I don't have enough time left to worry about value on the late C3's, so I would enjoy the heck out of it, keep it maintained, and keep watch for an earlier C3 to buy! Welcome to the C3 crowd!

 

[L48]

I would say that a late C3 Corvette is a good project vehicle, as you can get replacements for any part you need, and you might even be able to get some deals on used parts because they are the lowest demand Corvette right now. Compared to some other restores this will be easy because just about every part is readily available.

Also if you want to modify the car you can make it your own without feeling too guilty about ruining the collector value of the car.

 

[WONKABOY]

You add up how many 68-82 C3 Vettes were made and how many C4's were made 84-96 and i bet there are many more C4's out there than the C3 , the lesser, the rarer, more likely to go up in value , A 70 ZL1 is worth more than any ZR1 OR Z06 , correct me if i'm wrong. Believe me i would love have the models , this only my opinion.

 

[Evolution1980]

A 70 ZL1 is worth more than any ZR1 OR Z07 , correct me if i'm wrong.

A ZL1 is worth more than an L88, so comparing it to a ZR1 or Z06 is kinda...I dunno...lopsided... :L But yes, the more rare, the more expensive.

 

[TJay]

If your looking at it as an investment, it won't be in the short term. I'm lucky enough to have 4 of these money pits, and I'll never see a return for what I have in them. But I went into it not caring, I just enjoy them. Take a C-3 out for a spin, and watch the heads turn and the comments fly, which make it all worth the time, effort and money spent.

 

[Joe78]

Well said TJay.