fixin to buy an '80 vette

[snoman]

I am new to the forum, I have learned alot already about the C3s from just reading everyones disscusions. I would like to get an opinion on if i have a good deal or not. I'm looking at a '81 vette with the stock L48 350 with only 60'000 miles the car is in great condition with the only flaws being fading of the original emblems. I know that the car has been wrecked but I do not Know how bad and neither does the seller but I couldnt tell untill he told me. The title is good. The car is totally stock with no mods what so ever. The leather interior looks brand new. I have never owned a vette before but Im going tomorrow to buy it. Any comments on what its worth? Or maybe anything I should look at before buying it? THANKS

 

[Stallion]

I'm definitely no expert, but I'm also looking for a Vette and I can tell you what I do when I look and what I look for. I'm sure you'll get more viable information with more replies, but I'll give my input...

When I went to look he allowed me, of course, to look under the hood. I looked for rust (there will probably be surface rust, but it shouldn't be deep) and any damage or dirty spots denoting leaking.

Somebody on this forum once told me that you can pretty much assume the condition under the hood of what you see in the interior. If the person you're buying from takes well care of the interior, it's likely that he takes care of the whole car. That helped me out.

So the numbers match? If you're not looking to restore to NCRS standards or if you don't mind non-matching numbers, this shouldn't matter. But the seller will probably take advantage if numbers match and raise the price.

Like I said, these are my experiences. Not very many, and I'm also learning. But, hopefully I've helped even a littl!

Good luck in the search!

TR

 

[BigBrakeFuelie]

A couple things to check for.Since he said the Vette has been wrecked I would bring a measuring tape and measure the ride height.Measure from the middle of each front wheel to the bottom of the wheel well.Also stand in front of the car and find the center line of the T tops make sure the front end lines up with it.Open each door and check to see if there is any misalignment with the door jams against the body.Sometimes chipped paint in that area is a sign of a poorly repaired Vette.
Ask if the title is clean or if it has been salvaged.If the car was wrecked and repaired properly that doesn`t mean it`s bad.Just make sure it is repaired well.
Check the engine,have someone start the car and you can stand behind the Vette watch the exhaust.If black thick smoke comes out then you may be looking at a worn engine.Or it could just need a tuneup.
On the ride height if it`s off slightly like a quarter inch that`s no big deal but any more than an inch and that would be a red flag.
Good luck I hope it`s a good car.:cool

 

[snoman]

Thanks for the help guys. The guys only asking $6500 for the vette. Which seems to me like a good deal. The vette has wheel style like I havent seen before its not alluminum wheels and has a turbine/finned look similar to old trans am wheels. The seller said they are the originals but i've never seen any like it. The center caps have the corvette flags. Did they offer different wheel options? Does it sound like a good deal.It runs and drives excellent

 

[Surfer44]

That sounds a little high for an 81. I've seen them down in the 5 to 5500 range and they were pretty nice. I hate seeing that since I'm the original owner of an 81 4 Spd. that has never been wrecked and is still a beautiful car.

 

[cruzer99]

Welcome snoman,
Sounds like it may have 82 Collector wheels (worth big $ if they are).
Be very careful of the "great deal". Like everyone says check it over closely and don't get emotional, (it's hard not to). If you like it, leave a refundable deposit subject to a shop saying it is a "good deal" and find a shop that know Corvettes.
Good luck and hope for the best........

 

[snoman]

I just found a picture of an 82 collectors edition vette. They look just like them except for the centers mine has spinners. By the way I said it was an '81 its an '80 model. How much are those wheels worth?

 

[cruzer99]

I saw a set (NOS), on Ebay with the center caps that had a reserve of around 2K but did not sell. The bidding stoped around 1500.00....
By the way those rims were only available in 82 and only on the Collector Edition.

 

[BigBrakeFuelie]

If the car is sound that price doesn`t sound bad for an 80 vette.I would just be concerned about the wreck.Sometimes they will adjust the body to compensate for a crooked frame.You would have big trouble if that happened.60,000 miles is pretty good.If that is the true mileage it may still be pretty fresh.
Make sure you take the time to do those checks on the body.If you don`t you might regret it.As great as it feels to own a Corvette it also feels that bad to have one and not being able to drive it because of problems,and breakdowns.Trust me I`ve been there.

 

[qwall]

.As great as it feels to own a Corvette it also feels that bad to have one and not being able to drive it because of problems,and breakdowns.Trust me I`ve been there.

we've all been there.............take your time and look around the car and just get a feel for the car

q

 

[Corvette Craig]

SNOWMAN

Looking to buy a Vette are ya?
Everything stated before is all VERY good advice, and can save you alot money in the long run......but if you really want a Vette, my advice is, make sure the frame is straight, and for the rest, don't be too overly critical.

Remember, the car your looking at is 23 years old.
Don't forget it, be subjective, expect repairs.
If you nit-pick too much, you'll talk yourself out of buying, and never find a Vette in the price range your looking in.

The car has 60k miles, runs good, paints good, interiors good,
If you can't tell it's been in a wreck, chances are - no one esle can either.
Personally, I think the asking price of 6500 is pretty good, providing the frame is straight, make a offer.

For 6500 hundred dollars, you could always buy something else, like a used civic.

GOOD LUCK

 

[Stallion]

Even due to my inexperience, I would have to logically agree with Corvette Craig. If I found a Vette for $6500 and it was driveable off the lot (driveway) and in decent condition with no major problems, I think I would seriously consider this Vette.

Did he say $6500? Because you might be able to bring that down a little lower if you're a good talker.

Good luck.

TR

 

[RLP]

As long as the car drives straight it should be alright. Have some one follow you in another car and see if it tracks straight and doesnt dog track. If it checks out offer $6,000.00

 

[snoman]

Thanks, i think signing up as a member to this club is the best thing i could have done. Thanks for all the advice you guys have given me. Im pretty sure by monday i'll be the proud owner of A C3, then you guys will be sick of me, Ill be on here all the time asking for advice.......THANKS

 

[Stallion]

Isn't this place great? I think so...

You are a lucky, lucky man if you are going to get this Vette. I can't wait until I find the one. Hopefully soon, but I'm patient.

TR

 

[BigBrakeFuelie]

Hey Stallion,I just noticed a 78 Silver Anniversery Corvette in my local paper for 6,500.Ofcourse they said excellant condition etc. no mileage listed.That sounds decent for a 78 SA.:confused

 

[Stallion]

Hey Stallion,I just noticed a 78 Silver Anniversery Corvette in my local paper for 6,500.Ofcourse they said excellant condition etc. no mileage listed.That sounds decent for a 78 SA.:confused

That is a really good price. Hmmm...he either wants to really get rid of it or there is something wrong, and I would assume the latter.

Where is this? Around where you live? In California? Too bad.

TR

 

[Stallion]

"Citrus Heights, Ca"

I'm sorry but I don't know my state abbreviations. Is thiat California ("Ca")? Or Carolina? I know, it's kind of pathetic I don't know this.

TR

 

[BigBrakeFuelie]

Yeah it`s California.I thought about calling the dude and asking if the original engine is stilll there etc.

 

[Derster]

Hey Snoman

Wait till you heartbeat slows down when you first see the car, then and only then use a critical eye to observe everything about the car then figure if you can deal with the work that will need to be done.

Good luck
Steve