Need some opinions here guys

[TomOB]

OK, so i'm going this weekend to go look at a vette. I need to know wat a good price to offer is, as well as a general, thumbs up or down.
here goes:
1980, L82, auto. 45k with red/white interior.
"engine runs good"
"interior is in really good condition"
acrylic t-tops "theyre $2,000, really nice, mirror"

now the bad stuff:
the paint is peeling prettyy bad in some areas.
the cat has been removed (may need to add for my emissions in NY, anyone know?)
Heat works, but blower is non functioning, and a/c doesnt work, says it may be because its dry.
the carb seems to be on its way out, he says it hesitates, i assume its some kind of bad throttle response, it doesnt have any problems after accelerating. The guy is going to put on the carb from another vette to show me what itll be like if i fix that.
according to him, the kicker: surface frame rust, speckling i got from his descption, he claims its not a perfect frame, but not rusted out.
crossmember bolts need to be re-tapped.

so thats about the list, give me some fedback, once again, the guy is asking $5k, what shoudl i offer. I figure a new carb will set me back $500, and a paintjob (DIY) $500-1000. so thats $6000-6500 at his asking price, for a decent-mileage 80, with the interior i want. (i am considering a change to a metallic blue, with the white interior, might look nice)
ALSO, if anyone in the massachussets area, south-western...could come help me out, i'd really appreciate it and I will compensate you. I'm driving up from NYC so i can pick you up if you're on the way.
sorry for the book, but feel free to respond with length!

 

[Dave L.]

Tomas- Look at the frame real good. That would be my major concern as with any vette. Check especially in front of the rear wheel . Take an old rug or something to lay on and don't be shy about checking under that car real good. Look at the brake calipers for leaking too,that could be a bargaining chip. One other major thing to check for is windshield frame rust. This is major $$ repair. Run a white buisness card between the glass and the molding and see if you get any rust color on it.
I'd take about $4000-4500 in cash and if everything suits your liking spring your offer!! Good Luck!!

Dave

 

[cruzer99]

Take someone who knows about RUST, where to find it and what to look for........

 

[TomOB]

anyone fit that description? I really need someone experienced to help me look at the car.

 

[rpounds]

Major area of rust seems to be the frame just behind the door jambs. If there is indeed only surface rust and the frame is in good shape, the price does not seem too bad. Sounds like there are a lot of 'little things' that should have been kept up with as they broke.

Paint is another matter . . . a top quality paint job is a PITA if you do it yourself and $$$$$ if you have it done . . .

But, at 22 years old, the paint has every right to be shot . . .

My $.02

 

[TomOB]

how do i check behind the door jambs? or is this on the wheel side of things?

 

[rpounds]

Tough to do unless you get it on a lift. Best thing would be to take it to a shop that has a hydraulic lift so that you can get it up in the air and really scrutinize the frame. If the frame is rusted out, you usually will see it first in the area just behind the doors and in the windshield frame. I've seen one car that had rust so bad that you could actually punture the steel with a screwdriver.

 

[sscam69]

rust so bad that you could actually punture the steel with a screwdriver.

I removed the kick panel on my vette and saw rust on the pillar

I hope I am not in for any BIG suprises

 

[mvftw]

You need the CAT in NY for inspection.:eek

 

[cntrhub]

This car is your classic "nickel and dimer." You'll pour more money in this car than just calling it a day, and looking for a better buy. There are way too many problems with the car. The A/C is "dry?"....yeah, right! Emissions is another can of worms. Paint?...OMG, the Dupont bill!
Be patient. Don't jump on the first Vette that comes along at a low price. There is a less problem Vette down the road somewhere for you. The money to square that '80 back in shape could be better used to finding a Vette with a little more integrity all around. Do yourself a favor............WALK!

 

[Dave L.]

Buy the very best car you can afford and then some. Its better to buy a car that someone else has either taken great care of or has started restoration on. When you buy a car that needs a ton of work,it will cost you more in the long run than buying one in same restored or semi-restored condition. I hope this makes sense!

Dave

 

[Nut]

walk away

Tomas,

I agree with cntrhub and Dave, WALK AWAY!! Unless you are prepared to do a complete strip down and start from scratch I would not spend the money. There are plenty of good, solid Corvette's that can be had for a very reasonable price that will not need the kind of work this one appears to require. Buy the best you can afford, but BE PATIENT. You will find what you want eventually. And you did the right thing asking for opinions first before having to ask a thousand questions later on how to fix things.

Good luck in your search and keep everyone informed on your progress.

Regards............... Nut

 

[TomOB]

Yea, thanks guys, i really do see the folly in that car. Too much work, and talking to the guy, i didn't get too much of a caring feeling from him. I don't want to buy a car from a guy who thinks of his corvette anything less than his 'baby', because it will ahve to be my baby in turn.
I found a new car, same exact features, actually, about 30minutes from the place. 17,000 miles more, but EVERYTHING works. the guy said the only problem is the left rear brake squeaks every once in a while. I still plan on checking it out pretty good, but this sounds like a great one. and only $7,000

 

[qwall]

take your time and you'll find the "One"...........we all do
good luck