Hey all, I'm new the vette circle and would appreciate some help on this. I'm looking at a 1975 Convertible L-82 4sp manual. Car has 78k orig miles matching numbers. Has been repainted orig red several yrs ago(showing some paint chips here and there), new black top, luxury leather int, luxury door trim w/woodgrain. Frame is rust free, brakes have been completely done over all new rotors pads ,ss lines. rear suspension all new, car runs and drives smooth, no smoke, tranny feels solid, clutch good. The flaws I see are: oil leaks( bottom of motor is wet) exhaust is hanging low, but not leaking, hood insulation is falling down, fan swith for a/c heat not working, and power steering pump is going(groanin). All in all I' rate the car a 6 out of 10, but made easily into an 8 with liitle effort. In my research I've found that this engine/tranny combo on a 75 convt. if very rare(less than 1000) Does that make it worth more or less? Seller said he has to have $12500. I was thinking more like $11500, but don't want to insult him if I'm wrong at the value. Every one I found on the internet is around 17k asking price or more, but they don't have the L82 and 4sp tranny, they are usually L48's and 350turbos.

Sorry so long, just want to be sure!!

 

Hmmm... Not a bad price at all for that car. Under 100k miles, unmolested under the hood, 4spd, all excellent points in favor. Oil leaks, as long as they are pan or valve covers, no worries at all (main seals on the other hand...). Hood insulation is 5 minutes and a couple clips (or glue). New AC/heat controls (worst case, replace the whole unit) around $100 and an hour or so. Power steering pump, $100 and an hour.

Worst case, you are looking at a main seal and a new heat/AC fan assembly as your major problems. I'd say that the price is very good if you are at all handy with a wrench, and definitely not bad even if you aren't (adding labor costs).

bill.

 

Kinda what i was thinking as well. Yes it is an unmolested car and I've been know to turn a wrench or two. I did a frame off resto on a 72 Jeep cj5 2 yrs ago, converted to all fiberglass, power steering bored.30 304amc v8. Neat little buggy, won a couple shows. Thanks for your input!!

 

A 75 convertible is a good find.A friend of mine recentlybought a 75 coupe in great shape for $6,000.00 I wouldn'tgive any more than $11,000.00 for the one you are looking at.

 

I think its a fair price for it. Not harm done in trying to get it for less, but I imagine the seller won't have too much trouble gettingthat, or close,for it .

 

Welcome to the forum.Excelent guys and great advice and information.Sounds like a good deal,even with that little bit of work.You sound handy enough to do it yourself,saving money but moreso apprcieating the car as you do it.It does'nt hurt to try and get him down.Your the one that knows if that is the right car for you.Good luck and enjoy the car.Talk at ya later.

 

Welcome to CF!
Most important question.......
Is it what you're lookin' for?
If not, move on.
If so, ****** that sucka!!!!!

 

Well.....made the offer for $11500, he took it!! Said he throw in a front suspension kit complete with bushings and ball joints, and car cover. Pick it up tomorrow!!

 

I am glad you were able to strike a deal with the owner. The price is more than fair and I would have hated to see you lose the car over $1K just because you wanted to make a better deal. Nothing that you described seems to be anything more than routine repairs and can be easily handled by you or any decent garage.

Good luck and welcome to the Forum.

 

My opinion: Buy it (unless you can find a 74 that looks like mine).