Buying a Vette What to look at and for?

TinyRulz · 07-17-2006, 05:43 PM

First of all it's a 1976 L-82 Corvette.

It's red with tan int. not org.350 3 spd. auto, Rally Wheel's w/ new tires,
Someone did a poor restore on it, will have to be painted again.

What would be a good price to pay.

SwaveDave · 07-17-2006, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinyRulz

First of all it's a 1976 L-82 Corvette.

It's red with tan int. not org.350 3 spd. auto, Rally Wheel's w/ new tires,
Someone did a poor restore on it, will have to be painted again.

What would be a good price to pay.

REPLY: Need quite a bit more info before one could venture what its close value is. Is it mechanically sound ? Hows the interior ? How many miles on the car and replacement engine ? Chances are, if someone did a bad job on the restoration...that same person probably didnt take good care of maintenance items either. You certainly want to have the car checkout out real good and preferably by an experienced Vette mechanic. Only then can you accurately determine what the car is worth paying for.

TinyRulz · 07-17-2006, 09:36 PM

32000 ON NEW ENG. The rest of the car has 117000 on it, The int. is good maybe some seat covers The biggest thing is a very bad paint job.

SwaveDave · 07-18-2006, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinyRulz

32000 ON NEW ENG. The rest of the car has 117000 on it, The int. is good maybe some seat covers The biggest thing is a very bad paint job.

REPLY: Is the replacement engine 'a corvette engine' or is it a generic crate motor ? Is it a 350 cid ? In the 1975-1982's , youll find quite a few that have replacement non corvette motors in them so you have to look into that. Its not so bad if it was replaced with another L48 or L82 corvette motor but if a crate motor was installed, then it drastically decreases its value as a Corvette. Although to some buyers...it might be a plus if a more powerful crate motor was installed as these year Corvettes are known for being poor performers and were basically cruisers (thanks to the Governments tight restrictions on emmisions and fuel economy). It sounds like it might be a good starter Corvette if this is going to be your first ; you have to start somewhere . If it were me seriously considering the car, I would be willing to pay in the neighborhood of $5-8,000 depending on what type of motor it has now, if it checked out ok mechanically , and if the car wasnt butchered in a bad way. Of course, seeing the car would really help too. Post some pics of it if you are able.

TinyRulz · 07-18-2006, 07:42 PM

It has a rebuilt 1986 350 vette motor,said to have 230 hp, Run's GREAT! I had a mechanic look at it and he said if I didn't buy it he would, he said it was mechanicly sound but could use louder exhaust system.

And yes this would be my first vette.

SwaveDave · 07-18-2006, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinyRulz

It has a rebuilt 1986 350 vette motor,said to have 230 hp, Run's GREAT! I had a mechanic look at it and he said if I didn't buy it he would, he said it was mechanicly sound but could use louder exhaust system.

And yes this would be my first vette.

REPLY: The 1986 motor is a TPI (Tuned Port Ignition) motor and is a very torquey engine. Compared to the original motor that was in it, the 1986 motor is miles above it in raw power. TPI motors in corvettes were around from 1986 to 1992 and they really brought back the Corvette as a 'powerhouse' sports car. So, how much is he asking for the car and do u think he is negoitable on the price ? How desperate does he need to sell it ? Dont forget to figure at least $5000 for a decent paint job --- that will get you a good average paint job. Add another $2000 for top of the line.

TinyRulz · 07-19-2006, 01:46 PM

Got Pic's today !

They are asking $6500. FIRM

G-man422 · 07-19-2006, 01:48 PM

looks clean!

TinyRulz · 07-19-2006, 01:55 PM

Here's 2 more.

G-man422 · 07-19-2006, 02:08 PM

lol, I'm diggin the seat covers.

SwaveDave · 07-19-2006, 05:08 PM

My conclusion is that it is a very good deal providing it checks out ok mechanically and you dont have to put a ton of money into it right away concerning the mechanicals. It certainly looks presentable from the photos. If you go to him with $6000 in 'cash' instead of $6500...im willing to bet youll save $500 . Tell him you had to scrape the bottom of the barrel to come up with $6,000. I have a detailed professional check-list of 75 things to check for on a C3 (1968-1982) Corvette when looking it over -- email me if you want a copy of it. Fast1970vette@webtv.net
Right off hand i think this is a good first Vette for you. Since its over 25 years old, it will appreciate in value from this day forward.

TinyRulz · 07-19-2006, 06:31 PM

Thank's

imabballer · 07-24-2006, 06:17 PM

It looks pretty clean to me. One thing though, and i'm sure you already know this, but the motor may be an 86 as far as the block and heads, but it has had a different intake put on so that it is no longer has the tuned port injection, computer, etc. If they made the right modifications it could still have the same horsepower, maybe even more, but it is likely that it will not perform as well.

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