New member, got a few questions

[Black '78]

I'm looking to buy a Black 1978 vette and figured I'd register here first so I know what I'm getting myself into.

From what I understand the car has 4 wheel disc brakes (which I need to buy new ones) and IRS. The car also needs a rear glass hatch (the one on it now is shattered) and new tires.

The car has 84,000 original miles and a 4 speed transmission. I'm not sure which engine it has (I didn't write down the VIN or look for any RPO codes :duh ) It didn't appear to have any rust either. The seller wants $2500 for it.

I figure about $4-500 for new rotors, calipers, hoses, lines and pads, $400 for new tires, and I found a place online that has a rear hatch for $250.

First of all, did all of the '78 Vettes with the 4 speed transmission come with the L-82 engine? What kind of times can I expect out of this car? Mid-low 15's @ 90-93? I'm looking into some aftermarket parts as well but I'm having trouble finding vendors. Any reccommendations? Thanks in advance.

 

[1979toy]

You can spend a lot of money now and more time driving or less money now and more money and time in the garage.
If you buy a like new '78 for 15,000 you will be money ahead than buying a 2,500 and putting 15,000 in to it.
Now that we've made that disclaimer I'll say that I have gone the route that you are looking at. I LOVE working in the garage and have done all of the work on my car myself. If I had to pay for the work that I have put in to my car I would have needed 2 more jobs.
Make all of the lists of figures that you want and when you're done double any amount that you have on your list. This will be a MINIMUM that you will be spending.
Yes, the Corvette has 4 wheel disk brakes. The calipers are notiorus leakers. Replacement calipers will be about 115.00 each. Upgrade and the sky is the limit.
The tires are a size that is becoming hard to find, 25-70-15 standard or 255-60-15 optional size. You can expect to pay closer to 150.00 each for them. Don't forget to add in mounting, balancing, road hazard warrenty, and our dearly beloved tax.
Your engine may be either an L48 or an L82. Both engines were offered with 4 speed transmissions. The 5th digit of the VIN is the code for the engine type. 4 = L82 while 8 = L48.
Mid 15's are what an L82 ran when they were new. Your mileage may vairy.

 

[norms72]

The interior can get rather expensive to replace as well. If there is no rear window (it's a fixed piece, no hatch was offered from the factory for a 78) that will cost you if left to the elements. Also, you wont see any rust on a walkaround being a fiberglass car. The rust damage will be underneath in the frame, rad support, windshield pillars, and the "birdcage". That stuff will empty your wallet faster than you can say "Bob's your uncle".

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

$2.5K seems awful cheap. I'd want to know why. Have someone familiar with Corvettes do a good inspection, if you find more than just surface rust, walk away. It's not cost effective to fix it.

You mentioned replacing your rotors. Why? Normally they last the life of the car. Replacing them comes with a special set of requirements unique to 65-82 Corvettes, can be expensive to get it done right.

 

[The73vetteman]

You mentioned replacing your rotors. Why? Normally they last the life of the car.

I just replaced my front rotors. They'd done 116k miles and were worn down below the limit. At 84k miles I'd guess they still have a little life in them.

This summer I replaced 4 calipers plus the hoses, front rotors and front wheel bearings. I figure that cost just over $500 plus the value of my labor.

Fitting the new rotors wasn't too big a job. I just took my time and made sure to get the runout under 0.005".

Lastly, I do agree with the others, $2.5k seems cheap. Check it out very carefully, especially the frame.

Ask if you have any more questions.
John

 

[Black '78]

I didn't specify when I joined that this will not be driven daily; the interior is not really much of a concern right now. I'm 19 years old, a college student, and have about $5k to play with that I earned this summer. I can't afford a "like new" $15,000 car unless I sell my other car, which I will not be doing. The car itself has been garaged for I don't know how many years now, and is being stored at a 5 car garage at the seller's second house. Why he is selling it so cheap, if it is legit, could be for a number of reasons. Maybe he is so loaded that he is not worried about the value of things. Maybe he does not know the value of the car. As it sits now, next to an old Pontiac with a totalled front end, He is getting paid to haul this thing away that sits there collecting dust; he might just be happy to be getting rid of it. He has 2 other Vettes as well, probably not interested in this one.

That being said, I love working on cars in the garage, and planned on spending a few weekends to get this one on the road. At this age I still have the time to work on them as well. I'll have to check again about the rust, but to be honest if this is an L-48 I don't think I will be interested.