Need Advice on 1976 Corvette

[leeboy66]

I'm interested in purchasing a 1976 L48 4-speed. It is an all original, numbers matching car with 77.600 miles on the odometer. The body is in great shape and so is the red leather interior. There is a crack on the front bumper, but i am told that this is a common problem with these bumpers. It also needs new tires and brakes. The owner is asking for $6,900, but is willing to negotiate. What is a fair price for this car? I was thinking of offering him $5,500 for it.

 

[Rufus1050]

Fair Price

Welcome leeboy66 to CAC...you've found a super site to get answers to any number of questions that pertain to all corvettes. I'm not knowledgeable about what the going price is for a 76 but you know that you could check ebay to see what something that's not a showcar is going for...if the seller is serious about his price you should ask to see his maintenance records for the car and a list of repairs, add ons, etc before making your decision. Good luck!

 

[The73vetteman]

Hello and welcome to the CAC.

The '76 is one of the least loved years - plastic bumpers, low power and high volume manufactured - but don't let that put you off, it's a great way into the wonderful world of C3s!

The cracked bumper could be $1k if you go with the 'correct' part. Brakes could run you another $1k for calipers, master cylinder, rotors and pads, perhaps less if you do the work yourself. The way you describe the car $6,900 doesn't sound bad so your idea of starting at $5,500 makes sense.

However, there are a lot of things that could be wrong with the car. You don't say how familiar you are with C3s so if you haven't already done so, may I suggest you do a little searching on this forum for all the other things to look for.

Good luck, and let us know if you buy the car.
John

 

[bossvette]

The 76 is the "Rodney Dangerfield" of Corvettes, Cosmetics are the more costly repairs. Check for frame rust in the Kick-ups and the Birdcage pillars the bumpers can be had in several configurations; fiberglass (cheapest) tru-flex or urathane like the originals; many guys use the fiberglass and blend them in for a seamless look.
I paid $4500 for mine in non-running condition and have since put 4 times that in it but don't let that scare you I made a hot rod out of mine

The best thing to do is find someone local (Corvette club) to look at it for you. You can find local clubs on the NCCC website
Good Luck and Welcome to CAC

 

[lucky76]

I'm interested in purchasing a 1976 L48 4-speed. It is an all original, numbers matching car with 77.600 miles on the odometer. The body is in great shape and so is the red leather interior. There is a crack on the front bumper, but i am told that this is a common problem with these bumpers. It also needs new tires and brakes. The owner is asking for $6,900, but is willing to negotiate. What is a fair price for this car? I was thinking of offering him $5,500 for it.

Can he prove it's 77K miles and not 177K miles? Did he buy it new? Probably not. No cracks in my bumpers.
$5000 wouldn't be bad if:... Most people like this will ask $6900 and when you offer $5500 he will come down some but this means you will have to go up some to buy it. If you can't afford to go above $5500 then only offer $5000 for it and raise to $5500 and stop. If he takes it say only after you have it checked out with a compression check, a rust check, and rear axle bearings (cost a fortune to fix). Look in the garage where he parks it for oil on the floor.
Also when you test drive it don't be afraid to drive the HELL out of it. I mean to the floor several times. Look for smoke in the rear view mirror when you accelerate and when you coast. Have a buddy follow you and observe. It won't hurt it if it's a true L48, only 185 hp. If something breaks be sure to say your sorry!

 

[bill81vette]

welcome to CAC!!! where abouts in NY are you???
doesn't sound like a bad deal if it is what he claims...how does it run?
are there any leaks?,how is the frame it self on the vette?
just a few things to look at if your serious..

good luck,leeboy66

 

[MRANT212]

As with many replies already the price is in the right area if everything is true with supporting documentation. Check for rust etc. Great way to start and always remember you are buying it for the enjoyment not as an investment. If you can get a couple of bucks off the price write the check!!!

Anthony

 

[speedmaster4]

you MUST get under it and check for frame rot...immediately in front of rear wheels, where frame curves down and joins horizontal below door and crossmember...bad area for rust--meaning both on the car and this state...if she's not solid there,other places will be weak too and its a $2500 car

 

[glen242]

'76 has metal floors. Check for rust. Mine had no rust other than the floors.

 

[ruby76]

'76 has metal floors. Check for rust. Mine had no rust other than the floors.

Same with mine.

As to the 77k vs 177k, a quick look underneath will let you find that out. I think $6,900 is fair in all likelyhood. And I've never sold a car for the "asking price", shoot for $5,500 , you'll likely meet in the middle somewhere.

 

[THORIN]

My 76 was in pretty good shape when I bought it. Like lucky76 says. Floor it a few times. Remember when you get it. If it hasn't been updated, all the seals and anything made of rubber is 30 years old. Will all need replacing in the near future. I paid 8 for mine and so far have put in another 10. Anything you buy that is this old is going to need a lot of work. But look for a solid base. Frame, engine tranny body ect. The may be under appreciated but they are still a blast to drive and everyone recognises it.

 

[JOE BYRNE]

After reading this I think im going in the garage to look mine over....oh I forgot I already wrote the check...lol

 

[Superman]

Im looking at a 76 right now, actually. Im not overly concerned with the "collectability" of this year, however, are there any other reasons why I might want to avoid one?

 

[THORIN]

Personaly, I think you have to look at what you are going to do with it. If all you want is a nice looking vette that you can drive. The 76 will do. If you want a hot rod. It isn't very impresive. This was from the time of smog controls and high gas prices. ($1.75) So they built them underpowered and smog controled. But it is a beautiful car and a lot of fun to drive.

 

[bossvette]

Im looking at a 76 right now, actually. Im not overly concerned with the "collectability" of this year, however, are there any other reasons why I might want to avoid one?

No

there are several small one year only items on the 76 but nothing to scare you off; early ones had one type of AC compresser while the late had another for example. But if you are buying the car to drive and enjoy you can work around anything and if you like to play with them they can be made to run real well.