Thinking about getting another C3 after getting burned by the first one

[BradUF]

Well my 00 SS is up for sale that runs 12.2 on the track after owning it for 2 years. I am going to get about 11.5k for it and I am thinking about getting another C3 or a Honda s2000, since I know the s2000 wont give me any problems.

I had an 81 about 4 years ago and everything that could have went wrong with a vette did. The t-tops leaked due to rust, the electronics failed and after having it fixed the person who redid everything said he would never touch another corvette again, the windshield had rust spots and leaked, the engine did not run correctly and one day blew up do to someone messing it up. I paid 8k for the car and 1000's in repairs only to end up selling the car for 2k with a blown engine.

Well, now that I am selling the SS I really want another C3, 81 or 82 vette but I am scared. I can't have those problems again. I know a few things though I want Bone stock and manual.

 

[twiget]

Well my 00 SS is up for sale that runs 12.2 on the track after owning it for 2 years. I am going to get about 11.5k for it and I am thinking about getting another C3 or a Honda s2000, since I know the s2000 wont give me any problems.

I had an 81 about 4 years ago and everything that could have went wrong with a vette did. The t-tops leaked due to rust, the electronics failed and after having it fixed the person who redid everything said he would never touch another corvette again, the windshield had rust spots and leaked, the engine did not run correctly and one day blew up do to someone messing it up. I paid 8k for the car and 1000's in repairs only to end up selling the car for 2k with a blown engine.

Well, now that I am selling the SS I really want another C3, 81 or 82 vette but I am scared. I can't have those problems again. I know a few things though I want Bone stock and manual.

If you are set on a manual, you are stuck with an '81. All the 82 Corvettes were automatics. There are a lot of L81 guys around here, and the CAC hosts the L81 Registry. They should be able to answer any questions you have about the car.

Good luck.

Jason

 

[BradUF]

Looking for an 81 that wont give me problems like my last vette.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

If you're looking a car that's almost 30 years old with no mechanical, structural, electrical or appearance issues for $8K (or 11.5K) I think you're in for a very long search.

Cars in that price range need another $10K to look and run like new.

If you do find something interesting, have a knowledgeable Corvette person inspect it up front.

 

[bill81vette]

you might even consider a '79 or '80 as they were NOT electronic in any way (except for the '80 calif vettes)
and there may be more manuals avalible for those years than the '81's...

good luck with your search!!!!

 

[muddywaters]

81 is the year GM went with electronic meter rods.......

 

[BradUF]

There is a 70 something down the street that is mint under 100k miles for 8.5k obo. I know its perfect condition but the color is ugly and its an auto..

So 81's have more problems then?

 

[Yoda]

If you're looking a car that's almost 30 years old with no mechanical, structural, electrical or appearance issues for $8K (or 11.5K) I think you're in for a very long search.

Cars in that price range need another $10K to look and run like new.

If you do find something interesting, have a knowledgeable Corvette person inspect it up front.

Thank You Mikey you said it!

As for 1981's have more problems :eyerole I would dispute that ;squint: but then again I may be just a bit biased

If you are serious, then I know where there is a mighty NICE 1981 4-Speed
Just Click Right Here! (it's also on usedcorvettesforsale.com C3 Section @ $18,300)

We just got back from Oklahoma City, RiverWind Casino ALL Corvette Show, and this 1981 Took 2nd Place in Concours Rare also took 2nd place Memorial Weekend at Amarillo's Xtravaganza Show (Also Concours)

Bud

 

[BradUF]

I wont be getting anything because I can't seem to sale my 00 SS Camaro.

 

[Yoda]

Brad,

I think I remember you and your 1981 AND all the problems you had with it. If I'm not mistaken, aren't you a young man by young I mean early 20's (by now)?

I wish you luck selling your SS and finding a GOOD C3 if that's what you want, and let's hope this time you get a Corvette that makes your feet tingle and your eyes swell up with pride of ownership

Old Rare81
Bud

 

[BradUF]

Yeah that is me, Bender. My account was deactivated though so that is why I made a new account.


Here is my car.

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=932362

 

[KANE]

There is a 70 something down the street that is mint under 100k miles for 8.5k obo. I know its perfect condition but the color is ugly and its an auto..

So 81's have more problems then?

I wouldn't say they have more problems... they do have idiosyncrasies you might not like. Example would be the CCC carb and associated electronics. The L81 was a one year powertrain as the 82 brought the L83 and a (albeit slightly!) more significant ECM and fuel delivery system.

I personally love EFI. It isn't a big deal for me. I've owned two C3s and EFI'ed 'em both. I would not recommend you go down that road unless you want to learn to work on them yourself. It would be an education and you'd never forget it... but it takes a devotion, strong problem solving skills, and an analytical mindset. You must also be able to deal with frustration (I've never been good at that!).

There are days I get frustrated with my C3. Make no mistake! There are days it'll drive me crazy with little issues. But those come with the territory and eventually I will replace EVERY part that either fails, has failed, will fail, may fail, doesn't work as well as a modern equivalent, or doesn't fit the overall direction. It's fun, there is never a dull moment, and it drives me crazy at times- but I'd wouldn't trade it for anything else. I traded out a C3 for a C5 and came back to a C3. For all the pain... it has been worth it for me!

It sounds as if you are not as comfortable with doing your own work as I am. So, you need to find a GOOD mechanic that you can build a business relationship with. For you- its like having a doctor you trust. That relationship will be a must for you if you want an older car.

There are lots of nice Vettes outside the C3s- you aren't fenced in. Here is a budget C4-
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...ors=&transmission=&max_price=8000&cardist=816

 

[BradUF]

Yeah my car did not sale two people kept trying to low ball me.

 

[LanceB]

Just my 2 cents I would fix the hood before trying to sell. Some people just have trouble seeing beyond the cosmetic problem and they try to use it against you and throw a lowball price. Also I think most people want to buy a car, drive it home and not worry about it.

 

[6880 Mike]

Good reading here. Worth the cost of a copy. Gives a break down on the C3s and items to watch for.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

If you are serious, then I know where there is a mighty NICE 1981 4-Speed

NOOOO!!!! Not Rare. ohnoes

 

[GerryLP]

You may want to check out "Rare" Bud has taken excellent care of it, and the Vette is a rare 4-speed manual!!

 

[fine69]

Yeah my car did not sale two people kept trying to low ball me.

With the present economy, lots of folks are holding tight to their $$$... give it time.

 

[NOLIMTS]

I have an 81. I haven't had any problems whatsoever. (Oh there is a few small cracks in the fiberglass, the t-tops will leak in the rain, but I don't drive it in the rain, hey it is 27 years old!)Although it does have low miles. (bought with 27K, now has 32K). There out there, keep looking, and good luck!