Looking to buy a 78-82 vette, and just wanted to know...

[Flared69]

was wondering if there are any recurring problems which are present within the 78-82 vettes. I know the aircon isn't the best in the c3 vettes, but thats all I know. I would also like to know any repair costs for these recurring problems.

Also wondering one question which I havn't been able to find much information about, and I havn't been able to check out for myself - a really stupid question, but one which isn't answered - Do they have a trunk/boot??? D:

thanks for any help

-- Nik.

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Welcome Nik!

Welcome to Corvette Action Center.

First, the 78-82's do not have a trunk, but with the compound curve rear window we do have much more space back there than the other C3s. However, the 1982 Collector Edition vettes have a lift up rear window.

I would suggest searching through the C3 Tech section of our site and see the recurring problems and their solutions that the membership has encountered.
Each vette will be different as far as what wears because it depends on how it was used and cared for.
Good luck with your search! Buy the best maintainted vette you can afford!
Heidi

 

[page62]

The main reason they have A/C problems is because many of them have not been serviced since new!

The A/C is actually better in the 78-82 models than the earlier ones. The ventilation system has better flow, and the compressor is a more modern (and smaller) R4 unit.

The 79-82 cars (and the 78 Pace Cars) have nice fold-down seats that allow you to easily access the area behind the rear glass. Not as good as a hatch, but not bad either. You can easily put a load of groceries back there!

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Shopping in the 78

You can easily put a load of groceries back there!

My 78 is a daily driver and I have stuffed all manner of things in her during my shopping trips.

Not all at the same time:
I've filled her with groceries, hosta plants (it looked like a mini-jungle!), X-mas gifts, luggage for the airport, 2 sets of golf clubs, my horse saddle and even a planer...the planer took some ingenuity on my part and the two hardware shop helpers to get it inside...and then me and my neighbor to get it out and hidden before Kenny came home to ruin the X-mas surprise!
Usually, the limited space in the 78 keeps me from spending too much.
Heidi

 

[2tone81]

My 81 was a trade in at a Chrysler dealer (on a PT Cruiser of all things).
The older sharks have rusty frame issues in the rust belt (Ohio). So that was my main concern.
The next thing I looked at was originality, and making sure all the options were there and worked.
Miles were an issue(the lower the better) for me.
One thing that some of the cars had (and some newer ones still do) is a battery drain issue, either from non-working or defective wiring-or an alarm that is a draw on a rarely driven car.

I've owned my 81 for 3 years now, and love it! Its not a museum piece , but is a respectable driver. It always gets the thumbs up!

Good Luck on finding the shark of your dreams. Jim

 

[Stallion]

A big idea and great help is, "you get what you pay for." Of course, there's those couple of exceptions that if you "don't do your homework" you might get a bad deal, or on the other extreme, you might get a good deal. But generally, you do get what you pay for. If you spend $5k on a Vette, you are likely to have to put in more money to get it the way you want. A lot of people just think that you might as well spend the money in one shot and save the time.

But it's up to you. Good luck with the search!! Don't settle until you've found The One. Trust me, you'll know when you do.

TR

 

[Flared69]

im looking at spending around $10k for a 78-82 vette.

I reside in Alexandria Virginia, and would like to know if there are any dealerships in the area who sell those model vettes? the only one ive spotted is www.coopercorvettes.com, but no others as yet.

can u guys tell me anything specific to look out for which are recurring in a lot of vettes which havn't been looked after?

 

[22229stingray81]

Aussie,

I live in alexandria, va as well. Ive had my '81 for over 3 and a half years now. I gotta tell you there is no other dealerships that specialize in older corvettes besides cooper corvettes, and I dont think very highly of cooper either. They are extremely over priced and I do not trust the mechanical quality, but that is just my impression. The way I found mine, and the only way Im aware of is to just keep your eye open around here.. you will see a lot of later c3s sitting in a parking lot with a for sale sign on them a lot of time. My best suggestion is look in the local paper, find a good one, and bring it to a mechanic to check out, I can recomend the absolute best vette mechanic around here. Id be more then willing to go with you on a hunt for a vette sometime if you wanted, just to compare qualities and make sure you arent getting ripped off. Also Id be willing to show you my car just so you know how things are (size of the "trunk") and to get a feel for it.. these older corvettes are very unique cars.. unique and expensive. Private message me or email me if you need any advice or help about vettes around here, hope I can help.

-Tatortot

 

[Stallion]

I agree, just look for a private seller. That's where I got my '78. That's the best way. There's usually fewer loopholes with this way. Good luck!

TR

 

[SwaveDave]

Email me and ill send you some super Checklists to go looking at used C3's with.
G'Day !!!!



Dave

 

[Glensgages]

AussieWithNoVette, you DEFINITELY 'get-what-you-pay-for' in late C3s. Try finding the "CORVETTE & CHEVY TRADER" in your local 'Speed-ee Mart'-type place. To give you an idea, here are a few '78-'82s offered in the June issue 'near' $10k; '78, 84k miles, $9500 (Ct); '79, L-82/4-spd., White/Dark Green, $10,500 (Tx); '80, White/Blue, $8,740 (SE Philly); '80, Black, 76k miles, $10,900 (NY); '81, Black/Black, 60k miles, $11,5000 (NYC); '82 Lt. Blue-Dk. Blue (two-tone)/Blue, 58k miles, $11,000 (Ms);

 

[Flared69]

yeah ive got that

but its bloody hard trying to find one in the area D:

ill keep u guys posted thanks for the enthusiastic replies. if you have any more information, its appreciated.

 

[Stallion]

www.collectorcartraderonline.com

You can search in your area for a specific price range. That's a great site. Good luck!!

TR

 

[81 Corvette]

Re: Shopping in the 78

My 78 is a daily driver and I have stuffed all manner of things in her during my shopping trips.

Not all at the same time:
I've filled her with groceries X-mas gifts, luggage for the airport, 2 sets of golf clubs,

I've done all that too. The hardest part was the golf clubs.

 

[Stallion]

Re: Re: Shopping in the 78

I've done all that too. The hardest part was the golf clubs.

:eek :eek Wow!! You fit golf clubs in your Vette? I'm amazed.

TR

 

[81 Corvette]

Re: Re: Re: Shopping in the 78

:eek :eek Wow!! You fit golf clubs in your Vette? I'm amazed.

TR

:confused

 

[Stallion]

I didn't think there was enough room in the back of our Vettes to fit golf clubs. But I guess there must be.

TR

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Re: Re: Re: Shopping in the 78

:eek :eek Wow!! You fit golf clubs in your Vette? I'm amazed.

TR

Nah...just dedicated!
I usually have one set behind the seats and the other is between the passenger's legs. A bit uncomfortable, but we both get to golf!
Heidi

 

[Corvette Craig]

Nik....

When your looking at an older car, remember your largest problem is....age. :confused Age itself is our worst enemy. No real surprises here, just common sence, assume some things are going to need replacing anyway.

A good start is looking at the general care of the car itself.
As a general rule of thumb, if the interior is in good shape (all parts there, unripped - not stripped, no trash, etc.) I believe that's a good start, it tells me the "owner" cared.

That's not saying it would be a perfect auto, but generally, if it's been looked after on the inside, it's a pretty good bet it's been taken care of mechanically too.

I'd also ask when the brake calipers were last replaced.
These do go bad after long periods of sitting.

I've got a 81, I've had it for 9 years now, it was in so-so shape when I got it. It can get pretty expensive quickly, but remember this - Not everything needs fixing today.

I've spent more on cosmetics (paint, interior, chrome) than I've had to do mechanically, but I'll try to list items I HAD to get done over the years to keep her on the road and running.

NEW EXHAUST
NEW BRAKE CALIPERS w/SS LINES
HALF SHAFT and U JOINT
BATTERY

Not a very long list at all, but I gotta tell you this. My Vette is in the shop this very minute, getting new rear bearings, along with getting the headlights to pop up again - and for some reason the tail lights stopped working yesterday.
There goes some $$$$$$$$$ :Silly
BTW - Just two weeks ago, everything was fine, just old,
so back to: "Age is our worst enemy".

 

[SLICKMAN]

Mine is for sale if your Interested but of course it's not $10,000..