buying a 1980 Vette
 

Hi Everyone,

I am new to this forum and am on the brink of buying my first corvette. Right now I have 2 located and I thought I might let the experts on this forum give me some advise. So please let me know what you think.

Car number one is a 1980 L48. Located in Washington state. It is red with the original tan interior. It has been repainted and the 350 has been rebuilt (10000 miles ago). It has original chrome wheels. Odometer reads 82000 miles.

Car number two is a 1980 L82. Located in Michigan state. It is white with the original tan interior. It has original paint and the 350 is original. The wheels are original aluminum. Odometer reads. 76600 miles

Both cars can be bought for roughly the same money. They both appear to be in about the same shape.

What do you think? I have wanted a corvette ever since I graduated high school. Its time for me to spend some money on myself after raising a family. So I want to get the most for my money. Do either one of these cars have an advantage over the other (considering the limited info given)? I'll probably keep it in my garage and rub it with a cloth diaper when I am not tinkering on mechanics and cosmetics. It won't be a daily driver but definetly fun. Thanks in advance for the opinions

Also I believe the car in Washington (west coast) may have the pollution prevention stuff on it. Is it expensive to deal with that situation?

Steve Hopkins

hmm
 

I looked at the two you were talking about and they seem nice, but 80ish(80-82) was a so-soish year for vettes. Not much really changed and the crossfire system of the 81s was god awful.

I looked for other vettes in your area within that range and found this.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/1424709008.html

First thing to check with any c3 Corvette though is the birdcage. This is the area around the cockpit and just before the engine bay. Look and make sure the weather stripping is still good and that there isn't a lot of rust. Hopefully none. It's a pain in the ass to repair. Next make sure the frame is good.

Jack up the car and grab an icepick. Tap gently all along the frame and make sure that it isn't rusted through anywhere. A particularly nasty spot is right along in front of the engine there is a metal bar that goes across with a hole on the top. Water is notorious for getting trapped there and rusting out those bars.

C3 vettes have terrible brakes. Make sure you check those out too. In front of the drivers seat in the engine compartment is most of your wiring. Make sure it isn't frayed or otherwise damaged. The headlights will probably not come up at the same time.
That's just how they are also the clock will probably not work.

Check for vacuum leaks as well. If you don't know how then I'd bring a friend that does or buy the gauge yourself and attempt to do so.

Check the ignition wires also. Make sure none are too near the headers and are cleanly routed under them preferably. If they are not it's not too bad. You can do that yourself.

Check for bodywaves and cracks. Washington gets cold and you want to make sure the car hasn't suffered too much.

Will post more as I think of it.

Welcome to the Corvette Forum.

Recommend using a microfiber towel as some diapers have a polyester thread in them which can scratch. ;)

Since they are both in northern climes, although Michigan is probably worse from the use of salt standpoint, you should check the frames carefully. All things being equal, the L-82 is probably the better pick. Some pics, if available, would help.

Best to get some books and learn as much as you can about the Sharks or get someone you can trust that also is Corvette knowledgeable. That way you'll know for instance if the L-82 is really a factory L-82 (fifth position in the VIN should be a 6 for a L-82) or a clone or (gasp) just a cosmetic look-a-like. Not sure what wheels the Wash. one has but AFAIK, chrome was not offered, just polished aluminum.

Good luck in your search.

Thanks guys for the info. Any info is good right now. I won't have the ability to go to look at these cars. I will have to ask questions and hope for honest answers. I will check on the VIN of both cars though. The guy in Wash. says the car has little rust as they don't use much salt in that area during the winter and the car has been kept inside. How much can you really take for gospel when dealing with complete strangers. However if it is misrepresented, I could have some protection from the folks on E-bay. I welcome any more info you might have. Thanks again

Steve

73, Thnx for confirming no chrome was available on the 80s. I bought one new and do not remember that option. The engines sucked back then and the trannies had too few gears. I have always thought stripping an 80 and putting modern powertrain and brakes would yield a gorgeous package.

Hey guys,
I broke down and bought the Red L48. I talked to the owner at least 6 times. I have never bought a car on E-bay before so its a little out of my comfort Zone. I realize the car will need some work but that is part of the reason I bought a 30 year old classic. I need a hobby. I looked at several cars near me but many had the central Illinois cancer on the frames that salt provides. Any way I am excited.

buying a 1980 Vette
 

thats pretty nice but if you really are a hard core gamer then i suggest that you get a better one. Look in the ghz, memory ram, and video card since it will be the factor that will give you great gaming experience.
_______________________________________
Website I designed for easy payday loans company.

GlenFox,
I have no idea what you are talking about.

Hop48: Don't worry, just a spammer. Just ignore.

Congrats on your new Shark. If you didn't have a third party inspector/appraiser look at it, you really rolled the dice. Hope you didn't throw craps. :eek:

Hop48 good luck with your Vet.
My advise is to take your time and do things right.
I have a few friends with 80 Vets and they modified the engines, changed the brakes etc Really made a big difference in handling and performance.
There is a lot of things you can do to it without spending a boatload of cash.
Hopefully you will be keeping it inside over the winter.

Schoon