am I wrong for saying those are my favourite vettes?
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Aug. 25, 2011 8:36 a.m. mad_machine SuperDork
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Aug. 25, 2011 2:16 p.m. LeonV New Reader
mad_machine wrote:
am I wrong for saying those are my favourite vettes?
Nope! I plan to build one for my lady someday, she loves 'em.
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Sept. 27, 2011 1:31 p.m. ClemSparks SuperDork
Between this thread and the fact that I've looked over a few of this generation of Corvette at local cruises/shows...I find myself oddly wanting one.
I'd want one that was inherrently low value (not a special edition or desirably-optioned) so I could do with it what I want without worrying about devaluing it.
A friend has one that's been wrecked, fixed, driven, repainted, etc. The perfect Corvette to own, in my opinion.
Clem
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Sept. 27, 2011 2:18 p.m. Woody SuperDork
I'd begin my search in the 74-77 range. Those have to be the cheapest ones out there.
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Sept. 27, 2011 3:30 p.m. Raze SuperDork
C5, just get a non-convertible, non-Z06 and they're dogE36 M3 cheap
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Sept. 27, 2011 3:58 p.m. dculberson HalfDork
I would rock a dogE36 M3 cheap C5 non-convertible non-z06 but I just don't see them. Maybe our definitions of dogE36 M3 cheap are different? Mine is under $10k, preferably well under $10k. But the only C5s I've seen for under $10k were basket cases or totaled.
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Sept. 27, 2011 8:27 p.m. CLynn85 Reader
dculberson wrote:
I would rock a dogE36 M3 cheap C5 non-convertible non-z06 but I just don't see them. Maybe our definitions of dogE36 M3 cheap are different? Mine is under $10k, preferably well under $10k. But the only C5s I've seen for under $10k were basket cases or totaled.
+1
C4's are readily in the sub 5k range now though!
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Sept. 27, 2011 8:32 p.m. BoxheadTim SuperDork
Yeah, but look at what you get for that sort of money. There seems to be a huge spread in quality and price with C4s...
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Sept. 27, 2011 8:50 p.m. familytruckster Reader
There's a C4 that I drive by every day for sale, like 1500 bucks....I think it's overpriced, and I guess everyone else that has stopped does too since it's been there for over a year.
If you've ever driven a c4 and a C5....It's worth the money for the C5.
I like the looks of the C3's. 70's just sucked for performance motors.
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Sept. 28, 2011 6:47 a.m. dlmater New Reader
familytruckster wrote:
I like the looks of the C3's. 70's just sucked for performance motors.
Agreed. But it is easily fixed. I dropped a built 496ci, 550hp, old school big block with a T56 6-speed in my '78. Pretty much a bolt in task.
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Sept. 28, 2011 10:11 a.m. dculberson HalfDork
Sweeeeeet. The C3 is one of those "will own eventually" cars for me. Same with a C6.
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Sept. 28, 2011 11:39 a.m. 93EXCivic SuperDork
Woody wrote:
I'd begin my search in the 74-77 range. Those have to be the cheapest ones out there.
What do those usually go for for an ok car?
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Sept. 28, 2011 3:09 p.m. dlmater New Reader
93EXCivic wrote:
Woody wrote:
I'd begin my search in the 74-77 range. Those have to be the cheapest ones out there.
What do those usually go for for an ok car?
From my experience (others may vary) plastic bumper C3's:
Basket case to full restoration needed - Not running or extensive mechanical repairs needed, missing parts - $1,000 to $2,500
OK driver - expect minor mechanical repairs, paint and interior refresh needed - $3,500 to $5,000
Nice, mechanically sound, decent looker, not a concours car - $5,000 to $8,000
As always, deals are available if you look over a wider area, are patient, and do not have a preference of color, factory options, or matching numbers with documentation. Some sellers have seen the Barrett-Jackson auctions and believe their poor example is worth many times what anyone would pay.
If you look at any, check the frame for rust, especially at the kick-up area in front of the rear tires and trailing arm mounts. Although the bodies are fiberglass, rust on the birdcage (windshield surround and support) is common and can be very expensive and/or require countless hours to repair yourself.
Many of the cars I have seen in the lower price ranges have been butchered quite a bit over the years. The good news is just about every part on these cars is currently reproduced and available through various vendors. The parts are reasonably priced. There is a good choice of suspension and performance upgrade parts available as well. A good online resource is Corvette Forums 68-82
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Sept. 28, 2011 3:13 p.m. bravenrace SuperDork
In reply to pinchvalve:
Todays unibodies are infinitely stiffer than that flexy Vette frame (no offense to the OP, just a result of years of progress).
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Sept. 28, 2011 5:59 p.m. chandlerGTi Reader
There's a four speed convertible in my grandmothers garage, I think my uncle owns it. I drool over it with the 18k miles, but I'm not sure if it is my type of car. I usually drive cars that no one notices.
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Sept. 28, 2011 7:15 p.m. familytruckster Reader
dlmater wrote:
familytruckster wrote:
I like the looks of the C3's. 70's just sucked for performance motors.
Agreed. But it is easily fixed. I dropped a built 496ci, 550hp, old school big block with a T56 6-speed in my '78. Pretty much a bolt in task.
A motor swap in a GM project easy? LOL. Yeah, gotta love that.
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Sept. 28, 2011 7:45 p.m. vwcorvette HalfDork
Woot Woot. First thread to go to the second page started by me!!!!!!
No offense taken about the flexy flyer comments either. I experience that every time I drive it.
You will never regret getting a C3 non-matching numbers, poorly painted, tired-motored Shark bodied car!
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Sept. 28, 2011 9:01 p.m. plance1 Dork
vwcorvette wrote:
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The guys running the skid steers and payloaders were just shaking their heads and taking pics. Hey it was too nice a day not to drive the Vette.
And, yes that's a Thule bike rack on the rear deck.
I had a bike rack on my 914, was the funniest thing ever with the bike, without the bike it looked like the car had a missle launcher on it.
