Considering a '81 project vette

[Roadkill]

I've been looking at a '81 Vette project. It looks like it has 109k on the engine, seems to run fine. It is an auto with T-tops and has all the smog equip etc. The car definitely needs a new interior (all electrics work). One of the rear halfshafts is out with a bolt broken off in one of the halfshaft yokes next to the differential.. anyone know how hard it is to pull that yoke if necessary? Also the price is 3k for the car.. is this a good price? The panels are all straight and the glass looks good. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[The73vetteman]

I don't know much about the yokes, but I'd say $3k doesn't sound too bad.

Will this be your first 'Vette? If so I'd encourage you to do some homework on this. There's good information here in the CAC about what to look for, checking originality and so on. Lot's of very knowledgable people available too, so don't be afraid to ask questions. No question is too dumb to be asked (and believe me, I've asked some of the dumbest!)


'73

 

[rgtrough]

Buyer Beware

Hey Roadkill, welcome to the CAC. This is the best forum I have ever been associated with. There is no question too dumb to ask (just ask Stallion).

Is the owner going to back up the rest of the car other than what is already so obviously wrong? Why and how did that bolt get broken? What condition is the differential/transmission? You're in a position that you can't test drive the car before you buy it, so you are really opening yourself up for major problems that may exist.

$3000 is a good price as long as YOU are ok with it. Just beware. There maybe major and expensive problems lurking in this shark.

Peace Bud :cool

 

[Yoda]

Roadkill ~ Welcome to the Corvette Action Center Community ~

Roadkill,

If you have good mechanical ability, ENJOY working on cars and like intreging and frustration then working on our beasts is not all bad There are times that "special" tools are needed or sometimes it better to let the professional deal with it.

I'm fairly confident in my mechanical abilities, I shy away from any internal engine work, but suspension, wiring, interior and body work seem to fit my mode of operations best.

One thing that is difficult with our older cars... we want to drive them and major projects take them off the road during repair or maintenance, it's often easy to loss sight of the outcome.

I would suggest to start with a very solid car.. by this I mean the frame, electrical and running gear, that way you can put the least amount in it and enjoy it before starting major projects on it..

I would love to see another 81 saved from salvage or parts bin Bottom line is what are you comfortable doing. I've found if I take something apart I can usually get it back together, and surprisingly most the time correctly. When it comes to tight tolerances e.g. clutch pack in the rear end... I tend to seek out the professional and pay to have it done

Best of luck and welcome aboard

 

[The73vetteman]

There maybe major and expensive problems lurking in this shark.

Peace Bud :cool

It's been my (limited) experience that most of our cars have such problems. Face it, they're old cars and many have had hard lives.

The pleasure (I think it's pleasure, but they say pain is closely related) comes from diagnosing and fixing the problems.

Oh, and driving the cars too. Mustn't forget that!


'73