@@stephenr1999 I have two Vette's, a 76 Stingray and a 86... going to get an 82, because I like the body style, and a 96, then I'll be through shopping... Wish I could afford a couple more.....
Great Vid! Thanks man! YES! these cars are a great value!! Bought a 79 with a cherry body on it all orig paint. Rest of car needing total restoration. Have installed new gas tank, sender unit, cleaned and repainted the frame, installed kilmat heat and sound deadening. New brakes all around, currently have the rear differential out to replace with rebuilt one, replacing all rubber bushings etc. New mufflers, new rims. Gutted the interior, super easy to do and will replace. Next power steering rebuild. Have restored many cars in my day. These cars are super easy to work on and I can't believe how much attention it gets everywhere I drive it, its crazy! Even the women go nutz for it!!! Absolutely one of the most beautifully designed cars ever!
thx for showing the C3 love! the 2 big places to check for rust - the body mounts behind the kick panels and the rear frame kickup where the control arms pivot, both of which are deal breakers unless its some special C3, like a big block 4speed. Windshield frame can rust too. Same platform from '63-'82, and these were raced *a lot*, so they can be made to handle just fine. I own a '74 L82, and they are fun cars...C3's used to be the trailer-park Vette (now that belongs to C4 and C5!) but are coming up value as this level of style will never be seen again.
I traded five grand and a body damage totaled '04 Monte Carlo for a '76 4-speed Vette. Very little rust, good paint, ran well. I replaced the brakes, fluid reservoir, 2 lines, and master cylinder. Car had no interior in it other than the driver's seat which wasn't bolted down. Spent the summer and fall sourcing interior parts and getting it in good shape. Car looked great but it had no power at all so I took it to a family friend who owns and runs a classic car and hot rod shop. A month later and I had a 400hp crate motor and chrome side pipes. Overall I spent about $15k plus the traded wreck. Of all the time and money I've put into cars, this one has absolutely been the best.
My grandpa's got a 77 but with an 81 body, 67 side vents, and was turned into a convertible with a 75 top. It's seen better days and I cannot wait to start working on it
Thanks for this video! I bought a 77 Vette last fall for $3,300. Needs some mechanical work only nothing I can’t do myself. It’s a L48 with a 4 speed manual and in the factory Orange Flame paint.
@@hanzjensen2154 Not that rare and not worth much. (still looks cool and lots of fun) With only 180 or 210hp, if it's not a perfect all original survivor, a 5.3LS straight out of the junkyard would really wake it up for cheap.
@@Chilicharger665 If you're referring to the V8TV swap, that was way beyond a junkyard drop in. They do good, big buck work and if somebody has the cash for it, they will end up with an awesome machine. But as an ordinary driver, definitely not necessary.
@@miamibitch305fl It’s for people who don’t know how to work on their corvette. As someone who didn’t know nothing before, it was a pain with random leaks but now that I know my car, it’s the best working on it and driving with no worries
Buyer beware when a corvette is hacked up and pieced together. It usually means it was wrecked. The lower rear will wear out the inside edge of the tires as they are now canted inward. Btw, those rear links are installed wrong but it looks like a fun driver.
I wish I watched your video last week. Took me 2 days to figure out why key stuck. Previous owner didn't know why I'm having trouble. He never told me about the key lock. Still learning things about my car. Good video. Thanks.
Great video 👍🏿 I bought a C4 Corvette 1987 for $2,600 These cars really are dependable. I drove mine to Michigan and Mississippi from Georgia. Really fun cars to drive😎👍🏿
The biggest problem with a C3 is it's on a C2 frame so the suspension is an old design but it does work well when upgraded with polyurethane bushings. The great thing is any GM Crate engine will fit. He mentions the A/C and that was always an issue in the C3. Later models worked better than early bumper cars but it never worked well.
About c3 prices in Europe, it's over 25k € for models prefacelift (68-73), 10-25k for 73-77s depending how they look and drive, and then 8-15k max for the 78 to 82.
I bought an 81 a year and a half ago for $4800. It ran and drove fine just needed some tlc and basic maintenance. It’s such a cool car. They are out there you just gotta look.
Just got a 77 for 1800. Doing the rear end swap too! I was so happy when you said yours was a 77 because I was nervous it wasn't gonna fit. Hell yeah!!
I bought a 1977 vette a few weeks ago. It was a baskit case, I got everything to put it together and an extra m21 4 speed with all of the necessary 4 speed components. Solid car with great paint, 2 grand.
This is amazing car. The fiberglass at this age don't offer any security in case off accident. First keep the shell off and make a tube attach to the frame and buy new bumpers ( Fox gas oil) check the brakes good look
With 8" subs in the compartment behind the seat, that cool gas cap dances around (and rattles) like crazy. But you can't beat a C3! I've had a 69 and a 71 pro street car. Just like all the rest, I regret selling them regularly. Buy em their not making anymore, you'll be glad you did...
Had an 1981 Corvette ... looked much better than it was ... engine was around 175hp and had a real hard time even getting much over 100mph.. once topped it out at 123mph ..and the last 10mph took several miles to reach, LOL. Still the C3 body style was AWESOME, still is.. and the C4 never will be, LOL
Really enjoyed your candid enthusiastic C3 video. Interesting how you upgraded the front and rear. Was it just a bolt on swap? You have me even more excited to keep working on my project that is almost done. A 78 C3 with a new rebuilt motor with only 5000 miles on it. No rust issues what so ever. New windshield. Power windows. I have to go through the brakes and then put some sweet new tires on it and I am on the road. All of the AC components are there so I might eventually get that cold air flowing. Look forward to following on TH-cam Ricky.
I would do a complete retromod restoration on it, currently I'm doing that to a 4gen Camaro Z28, I might go hybrid on this one. The C3 Corvette has always been a Sexy sports car.
Got a 1969 stingray with automatic transmission and 350 v8 for 5k. Still in the process of getting the differential swapped. But once that, all the bushings, and carburetor is replaced, she'll be s hell of a cruiser.
I he said '1977' I was a little confused... but it was immediately followed by him saying it was modded with the 80s front end. The 80s bumpers are my fav version of this car in terms of looks. Hhehe 'only go up in value' at the end though... I love this car... but I'm not so sure for a car that has done nothing but go down in value haha for 30 years.
Not exactly true, actually, they have been slowly rising in price, not so fast that you can't find one before they do, just a matter of time, all Vette's are worth buying, just some more than others, and the 70's model will go up in price before long, because of supplies of these cars are going down every year, and to most people, these Vette's come to mind when they hear Corvette, not the other ones, people love the styling of the c3 car's a lot, repowered with a 400 hp 350, they sell themselves.....
Right on Ricky, I just received a 1979 corvette from my little brother for my 54th birthday. Could not believe my eyes! Infuckingcredible gift! Love my lil bro! Anyway, just acted to tell somebody/everybody how kool my lil bro is. Piece out, AASYKO
"You pull up to a gas station and everyone's gonna look at you, everyone want to take pictures with the car and it's definitely got a cool factor..." And if you're in New Jersey or Oregon, where you can't pump your own gas, the attendant is going to ask "Where's the gas tank?"
Glad to see you back Ricky, especially in a Vette and re-especially in a C3. You did good with this purchase for the points you mentioned as far as the front and rear conversion to the '80 and up bumpers. FWIW, just a bit of trivia, I would stay away from the '82's. The first one being the cross-fire injection engine and second, if you want a manual trans, you're not going to find one. N.A. in '82. Enjoy it, stay safe and as always, Save the Wave.🙋🏼♂️👍👋🏼
I know im late to this but i never been recommended this channel but now im here cause this is my DREAM CAR Since i was a little kid now im 17 and cant find 1
I was able to purchase a 1980 version in 2018 for way too cheap, like less than a thousand cheap. That said. The 80 to 82 cars have better seats and interiors. But....these cars are constant maintenance. My car has all the options, cruise, upgraded visors, power locks....etc. Keeping them functioning is a job in itself. Remember, these cars were built and set up for 55mph national speed limits. Swap an overdrive in them if you plan on driving at modern highway speeds. 700 R4 will bolt in if you get the parts from an '82 Even with a 3:07 rear gear, 70 mph is 3000 rpm, now, 3000 rpm is 105 mph. It makes the car. The 80 to 82 are much lighter cars than the earlier versions. They also have the large back glass....which some people hate, but you can actually see out of them better.
I had a c3. Bought for 5500 when I was 18, I loved it. Had it 10 years, put over 35k into it.... sold it for 8k. Not a good investment car lol i had a lot of fun with it, though
I had a 1979 vette and was soo disappointed when old ladies were passing me with like a maxima. The c-3 s were soo neutered. The L48 engine has 180 hp an the L88 have 210 hp. Mine had 72k an was always in the garage. I would go for an earlier model like maybe a 1972 or 73 at least. But thats a pretty good deal for yours
It's true that the pre-1980 C3s have a weak chin. The 1980-82 C3s solved that with a strong confident chin that looks WAY better. Smart idea to just get a cheaper pre-1980 C3 and add on a 80-82 style stronger chin to upgrade the look.
iTheGeek ah damn dude how’d you know. Our Facebook market place has so many too. We hold some of the biggest rod runs in the country in Pigeon forge, TN
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There’s 3 under 5k in Los Angeles right now just don’t know how practical it would be for me I don’t kind the two seater but I don’t wanna be spending tons of money on repairs
Bought mine four years ago for $7250,(L-48/Auto) relatively good shape, changed tires, and some minor upgrades, Holly carb,upgraded tuning components,Racing stripes, etc Car runs great, A/C not so cold and power door lock dont work, but you cant findcone in decent shape for $5k anymore. These creeping up. I would say $8k - $12k more realistic
Just got one for 4k. Needs work but got it running for like 300. Now just need tires. Actually sitting in dmv right now to get title transfer and plates lol
Sadly from 2030 on all combustion cars including classics will be banned from public streets in entire EU and Scandinavia :-( In Germany the Green Peoples Party gave order to shorten fuel supply from 2025 on by reducing all conventional fuel stations to only one state operated central gas station per city or county. Now they even want to slow down all the gas pumps from 20 litre per minute to 2 litre per minute...From 2027 on in the EU certain car spare parts will be banned too....as exhaust systems, turbo chargers and even some engine and gearbox oils...California and New York will do the same from 2027 on.... So no investments should be done in oil burning cars any longer....They even created a new kind of crime here, called emissions and smoke crime. "Bundesabgasbespaßungsverbot" in German. :-////()(
Hey Ricky! She looks pretty good with the front and rear mods! I used to own a C-3 73 350 ci automatic Vert. Miss that car and now I have the Vette bug again and not sure which one I want. Thanks for sharing. Cheers from Motown.
I’ve owned two corvettes, a 1991 and a 1981. They are total money pits. If you still want to buy on and spend money to keep them on the road, buy a 1980 or earlier. They don’t have ECM computers, sensors, or digital crap.
My rich buddy bought a brand new champagne edition C3. That car was ridiculous. It fell it apart as soon as he started driving it. And they literally have no power. Theyre embarrassingly slow. Back then small trucks were faster.
I am working on a trade to get a 1979 c3 with a 412 that has been really upgraded. The guy can get anyone to buy it because it needs head gaskets after he messed the torquing up installing them.
I enjoy all vettes. Have owned C3 and 4's ,looking for a C6 now. Worst thing on C3;s are rotten birdcages.And most later C3's were so weak. But you can fix that also.
@@RickyBoada they are climbing up..as we speak. Most people think only of a Vette, as a investment... nothing wrong with that.. but, I bought mine to drive.... that's what they were made for.....the HP wasn't their fault... That was big brother....if not for that, there's no telling what kind of power would have been introduced into these cars.... C3's got caught up in that gas shortage b******* that the government in the oil companies come up with pollution control... I say if it hadn't been for all of that they would have been fuel injected supercharged Street rulers like they always have been ever since they've been in production... At the time when it came out the c3 was one of the best, if not the best, looking car in the world at that time and still ,there's not many cars that look better than the c3 Corvettes they may not have had the muscle , but, the style of the car and the fact that it was a Corvette said it all..... And any car that's a Corvette is worth having no matter what model it is.....
I'd say that's actually plenty for this car, especially without knowing about the birdcage. If that's rusty, it's parts. A/C is $500-1000, do the headlights work? Paint looks tough. That damage in the jamb may be indicative of prior crash repair. The nickel and dime stuff will be massive. Looks to me like you could put about 15K in it to make a $7500 car.
How on earth you got that car in that condition that cheap? I know everyone like to throw shade on the car because they don't have much power from the factory but there is no way you are getting one with upgrades for that price. Mine is an 82. People want to trash the crossfire injection system but of the late C3's it has the most power and reliable EFI as long as it is properly maintained. Granted upgrades are extremally limited on the Crossfire system due to the tiny intake runners. However if you install a nice street cam and swap out the EFI system to Holley, FAST, Fitech, or Edelbrock you can make decent power. Or go extreme like I did. I installed a 550hp 427 small block from Tri Star engines, upgraded 700R4 built for racing, Steeroids, rack and pinion, Hydroboost brakes, high performance pads, drilled and slotted rotors, upgraded suspension and all new interior with dynamat, keyless entry, and Dakota digital gauge system, auto lights electric headlight conversion, retained power accessories and Kenwood sound system.
You meant complete interior for $7000 not $700. Seat covers alone are like $600, complete seats are $1000 to $1500 each, carpet $350, complete console about $700, upper dash $300 lower dash $450, door panels $300 to $500 complete interior $700 yeah right more like $5000 to $7000. I'm doubting the price now of the car, its probably worth $10k to $12k. If you want a nice car to hot rod around on look for mid 80's Monte Carlo's or any g body.. can be had nice for $3k plus they will stand a 400hp 350 with a tq converter change.
I've always liked the back glass of the late 70s n dig the front n rear treatment/bumpers of early 80s. What a combo! Sweet ride. They have everything for those cars to get them back 100% Groovy vid...thanks for the idea!
Now if only such corvettes in Australia were $5,000.. I'd be flipping these things like pancakes!! A 77 Vette, in that condition would set you back about $18-20,000 Aussie Dollars so about $13,000 or so American..
Mine was 10500, after mostly restored I have 42k in it. Still need paint but the original looks good. Very rare find at 5k and i will take all you can send me at that price.
NO!! not that high?? LMAO.. that car has been dropped about 1-1/2 inches... not 4 inches.. C'mon bro if that was dropped that far the rear spring ends would be scraping the ground..
ssdtrain1 haha car literally sits like a quarter inch from the ground and when I got it, it was looking like a 4x4. But you’re right probably not a whole 4 😂
@@RickyBoada no definitely was dropped4 inches those are 10 inch leaf spring bolts which give you around 3.5-4 inches of drop. Just did the same to my own car.
![1981 Chevy Corvette Walkaround & Test Drive | REVIEW SERIES [4k]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8wzAQ7CvkWk/mqdefault.jpg)
5K i'd buy it in a second. In Europe a car like this does 15-25K
Lol everywhere that car goes for 15k idk how he got that deal I’m jealous
Boss Artwork22 there’s a couple of c3’s that goes under 12k here in Norway. They’re atos tho
15-25k? I'd buy it in a second. In Argentina a car like this does 70-100k
@@bossartwork2269 Bruh. You're getting scammed
there are even some for 9k€
Best body style Vette in my opinion. I might get a ‘74 in the next 48 hours. 350 Automatic
Did you end up getting it ? I have a 74 that needs to go
Labowski UnderAchiever I did. Ran into some wiring problems. Became too big of a hassle so I had to sell it about a month ago
no,its kinda the ugliest.the 60s are the best,1972 is were it all gets ugly
trillrif axegrindor opinions are like *ssholes, we all have one lmao
Brandon Knight automatic=Race winner. Added bonus, no bullsh*t excuses about missing gears and sh*t
"In the nighttime you want the wind to blow your hair"
2:54
Doesn't even have a hair.
I was just about to comment on this LMFAOO
I was thinking the same thing 😂
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
was gonna comment but you got it haha
It was said tongue in cheek
If buying, check the birdcage and frame for rust. Engine and transmission are the easy parts to repair and replace.
My mother just gave me her '78 pace car. Having it fixed up right now since it was sitting for about 6 years. I'm over the moon.
That will be a nice ride...
Check the frame and birdcage before you buy a C3, or u could get screwed
And not even kissed...
@@michaelgreene7385 Its a pieced together s. fl $5k frankenvette, my moneys on rotten.
But you need to get one.
@@stephenr1999 I have two Vette's, a 76 Stingray and a 86... going to get an 82, because I like the body style, and a 96, then I'll be through shopping... Wish I could afford a couple more.....
Great Vid! Thanks man! YES! these cars are a great value!! Bought a 79 with a cherry body on it all orig paint. Rest of car needing total restoration. Have installed new gas tank, sender unit, cleaned and repainted the frame, installed kilmat heat and sound deadening. New brakes all around, currently have the rear differential out to replace with rebuilt one, replacing all rubber bushings etc. New mufflers, new rims. Gutted the interior, super easy to do and will replace. Next power steering rebuild. Have restored many cars in my day. These cars are super easy to work on and I can't believe how much attention it gets everywhere I drive it, its crazy! Even the women go nutz for it!!! Absolutely one of the most beautifully designed cars ever!
How much has the restoration cost you since you got it?
thx for showing the C3 love! the 2 big places to check for rust - the body mounts behind the kick panels and the rear frame kickup where the control arms pivot, both of which are deal breakers unless its some special C3, like a big block 4speed. Windshield frame can rust too. Same platform from '63-'82, and these were raced *a lot*, so they can be made to handle just fine. I own a '74 L82, and they are fun cars...C3's used to be the trailer-park Vette (now that belongs to C4 and C5!) but are coming up value as this level of style will never be seen again.
I traded five grand and a body damage totaled '04 Monte Carlo for a '76 4-speed Vette. Very little rust, good paint, ran well. I replaced the brakes, fluid reservoir, 2 lines, and master cylinder. Car had no interior in it other than the driver's seat which wasn't bolted down. Spent the summer and fall sourcing interior parts and getting it in good shape. Car looked great but it had no power at all so I took it to a family friend who owns and runs a classic car and hot rod shop. A month later and I had a 400hp crate motor and chrome side pipes. Overall I spent about $15k plus the traded wreck. Of all the time and money I've put into cars, this one has absolutely been the best.
My grandpa's got a 77 but with an 81 body, 67 side vents, and was turned into a convertible with a 75 top. It's seen better days and I cannot wait to start working on it
It would be tough to sell that FrankenVette if you ever had or wanted to. People want original.
Thanks for this video! I bought a 77 Vette last fall for $3,300. Needs some mechanical work only nothing I can’t do myself. It’s a L48 with a 4 speed manual and in the factory Orange Flame paint.
where did you buy it?
The perfect car to drop a LS conversion in there, even the 5.3 with that LS1 intake would rock in that car.
Stupid idea...it’s a 1977!
@@hanzjensen2154 Not that rare and not worth much. (still looks cool and lots of fun) With only 180 or 210hp, if it's not a perfect all original survivor, a 5.3LS straight out of the junkyard would really wake it up for cheap.
The only LS swap I have seen so far required a lot of cutting of the body. It was a T56 swap too, though.
NOPE!! Waist of time.....and a HUGE pile of money if you plan on actually driving the car.
@@Chilicharger665 If you're referring to the V8TV swap, that was way beyond a junkyard drop in. They do good, big buck work and if somebody has the cash for it, they will end up with an awesome machine. But as an ordinary driver, definitely not necessary.
C3 is easily the most beautiful corvette
They say the two best days in a mans life is the day he buys a corvette and the day he sells it.
I've had mine 35 yrs and it's an 80 model...wouldn't sell it for $30k, even though they tell me it's only worth 10!
A lion and a jaguar escaped from the zoo yesterday. The found the jaguar broke down about 3 miles away from the zoo. They haven't found the lion yet.
I wouldn’t say the selling part.
I’ve sold a Vette.....not one of the best days at all.
@@miamibitch305fl
It’s for people who don’t know how to work on their corvette. As someone who didn’t know nothing before, it was a pain with random leaks but now that I know my car, it’s the best working on it and driving with no worries
“Let the wind blow through your hair” proceeds to stroke bald head, that was pretty funny
In Vietnam this car is consider a expensive classic , it’ll cost $100k in Vietnam if swap with a new engine.
Buyer beware when a corvette is hacked up and pieced together. It usually means it was wrecked. The lower rear will wear out the inside edge of the tires as they are now canted inward. Btw, those rear links are installed wrong but it looks like a fun driver.
It was 5k!
I wish I watched your video last week. Took me 2 days to figure out why key stuck. Previous owner didn't know why I'm having trouble. He never told me about the key lock. Still learning things about my car. Good video. Thanks.
Great video 👍🏿
I bought a C4 Corvette 1987 for $2,600
These cars really are dependable. I drove mine to Michigan and Mississippi from Georgia. Really fun cars to drive😎👍🏿
I bought a 1989 for $3100 in 2019. Great condition! 108k miles. Drove it from california to Texas. No problems! Fun fun fun!
Can u tell me where did u get it plz?
Had a C4 and put close to 400K on the clock. Very reliable!
I've got a red, with black targa roof, 5 .7 TPI, it will haul ass, and I ain't talking about a fat chick either...
Mine is a 86, runs strong.
The biggest problem with a C3 is it's on a C2 frame so the suspension is an old design but it does work well when upgraded with polyurethane bushings. The great thing is any GM Crate engine will fit. He mentions the A/C and that was always an issue in the C3. Later models worked better than early bumper cars but it never worked well.
I had a 1973 loved it except no air conditioning, big factor now that I'm older
About c3 prices in Europe, it's over 25k € for models prefacelift (68-73), 10-25k for 73-77s depending how they look and drive, and then 8-15k max for the 78 to 82.
I bought an 81 a year and a half ago for $4800. It ran and drove fine just needed some tlc and basic maintenance. It’s such a cool car. They are out there you just gotta look.
Nick Austin 100% man I agree. Can’t beat it for the price
Love my C3, I got from a 1 car owner. He swapped for an LT-1 engine 👍🏼 No regrets
Just got a 77 for 1800. Doing the rear end swap too! I was so happy when you said yours was a 77 because I was nervous it wasn't gonna fit. Hell yeah!!
I bought a 1977 vette a few weeks ago. It was a baskit case, I got everything to put it together and an extra m21 4 speed with all of the necessary 4 speed components. Solid car with great paint, 2 grand.
This is amazing car. The fiberglass at this age don't offer any security in case off accident. First keep the shell off and make a tube attach to the frame and buy new bumpers ( Fox gas oil) check the brakes good look
Front driver side kick panel is the best way to check the Birdcage for rotting.
I would totally buy that!! The old Corvette Stingrays and C3’s are one of my favorite cars to date.
With 8" subs in the compartment behind the seat, that cool gas cap dances around (and rattles) like crazy.
But you can't beat a C3!
I've had a 69 and a 71 pro street car. Just like all the rest, I regret selling them regularly. Buy em their not making anymore, you'll be glad you did...
Had an 1981 Corvette ... looked much better than it was ... engine was around 175hp and had a real hard time even getting much over 100mph.. once topped it out at 123mph ..and the last 10mph took several miles to reach, LOL. Still the C3 body style was AWESOME, still is.. and the C4 never will be, LOL
C4 zr1 has more character than a c3…
you can always leave the headlights up until you can afford to fix them
It got lowered 4 inch's from where the frame is rotten!
Really enjoyed your candid enthusiastic C3 video. Interesting how you upgraded the front and rear. Was it just a bolt on swap? You have me even more excited to keep working on my project that is almost done. A 78 C3 with a new rebuilt motor with only 5000 miles on it. No rust issues what so ever. New windshield. Power windows. I have to go through the brakes and then put some sweet new tires on it and I am on the road. All of the AC components are there so I might eventually get that cold air flowing. Look forward to following on TH-cam Ricky.
Bought an '81 with a T5 a few months ago for a bit more than this. Awesome purchase. Everyone should buy these things.
This and a 1969 Charger are the most iconic American cars in my opinion
I watched you older Lotus Esprit video before this one and it is impressive how much your videos improved in a pretty short time.
cloud819 I appreciate that!!
I would do a complete retromod restoration on it, currently I'm doing that to a 4gen Camaro Z28, I might go hybrid on this one. The C3 Corvette has always been a Sexy sports car.
I had a 74 Stingray...I think I put a truck battery in mine.
"When you hop in my Vette,don't get burned by the pipes...."
Got a 1969 stingray with automatic transmission and 350 v8 for 5k. Still in the process of getting the differential swapped. But once that, all the bushings, and carburetor is replaced, she'll be s hell of a cruiser.
bullshit,were?
I he said '1977' I was a little confused... but it was immediately followed by him saying it was modded with the 80s front end. The 80s bumpers are my fav version of this car in terms of looks. Hhehe 'only go up in value' at the end though... I love this car... but I'm not so sure for a car that has done nothing but go down in value haha for 30 years.
Not exactly true, actually, they have been slowly rising in price, not so fast that you can't find one before they do, just a matter of time, all Vette's are worth buying, just some more than others, and the 70's model will go up in price before long, because of supplies of these cars are going down every year, and to most people, these Vette's come to mind when they hear Corvette, not the other ones, people love the styling of the c3 car's a lot, repowered with a 400 hp 350, they sell themselves.....
I love my 79 c3. So easy to work on, and a 600hp 383 isn’t a bad add on
You still got it ?.
@ I actually got rid of my C3. Although I do still have my C7.
Looks cool, a classic look now with the curvy lines gone forever with the new mid.
Yup!! But performance is gonna be out of this world
These things are SLOW, but the interiors look sick in my opinion, has that late 50's corvette vibe
They definitely aren’t slow. My TH400 hit 60 is 2nd. And that’s a shity 3 speed.
I love your whole set up. This is what I want whenever I can get my hands on one.
Right on Ricky, I just received a 1979 corvette from my little brother for my 54th birthday. Could not believe my eyes! Infuckingcredible gift! Love my lil bro! Anyway, just acted to tell somebody/everybody how kool my lil bro is. Piece out, AASYKO
I love the styling but no one selling under 10k nowadays.
My C3 just went up $5000...thanks to this video.
"You pull up to a gas station and everyone's gonna look at you, everyone want to take pictures with the car and it's definitely got a cool factor..." And if you're in New Jersey or Oregon, where you can't pump your own gas, the attendant is going to ask "Where's the gas tank?"
I have had 32 Corvettes, own a70 custom now. They have attitude for sure!
Glad to see you back Ricky, especially in a Vette and re-especially in a C3. You did good with this purchase for the points you mentioned as far as the front and rear conversion to the '80 and up bumpers. FWIW, just a bit of trivia, I would stay away from the '82's. The first one being the cross-fire injection engine and second, if you want a manual trans, you're not going to find one. N.A. in '82. Enjoy it, stay safe and as always, Save the Wave.🙋🏼♂️👍👋🏼
i have an 82 they are extremely reliable
I know im late to this but i never been recommended this channel but now im here cause this is my DREAM CAR Since i was a little kid now im 17 and cant find 1
Ig I got lucky then bc I found like 3 within 150 miles of me
I got 82 in mass. If you want to look at it
I was able to purchase a 1980 version in 2018 for way too cheap, like less than a thousand cheap. That said. The 80 to 82 cars have better seats and interiors. But....these cars are constant maintenance. My car has all the options, cruise, upgraded visors, power locks....etc. Keeping them functioning is a job in itself. Remember, these cars were built and set up for 55mph national speed limits. Swap an overdrive in them if you plan on driving at modern highway speeds. 700 R4 will bolt in if you get the parts from an '82 Even with a 3:07 rear gear, 70 mph is 3000 rpm, now, 3000 rpm is 105 mph. It makes the car. The 80 to 82 are much lighter cars than the earlier versions. They also have the large back glass....which some people hate, but you can actually see out of them better.
when he said 5 grand i was suprised because most of em are going 30-60k
Lol most of em....not even close to reality.
Unless they’re perfect. You 98% of the time don’t need to go over 20-25g.
There is a reason for that, they don't have a different front or back tacked on to them like this car has hence the price
car is a mongrel. a rattle box with front and rear parts from a different year hence the 5k price point. i have to say i do like it : )
I had a c3. Bought for 5500 when I was 18, I loved it. Had it 10 years, put over 35k into it.... sold it for 8k. Not a good investment car lol i had a lot of fun with it, though
Don't get it for an investment
Those aluminum wheels will polish out, look like new, and be awesome.
Weeping from the uk, affordable dream car for real haha x
I had a 1979 vette and was soo disappointed when old ladies were passing me with like a maxima. The c-3 s were soo neutered. The L48 engine has 180 hp an the L88 have 210 hp. Mine had 72k an was always in the garage. I would go for an earlier model like maybe a 1972 or 73 at least. But thats a pretty good deal for yours
Yeah that's why I'd never buy one unless I was going to put a different power train in it
72-73 ARE 25-30K
It's true that the pre-1980 C3s have a weak chin. The 1980-82 C3s solved that with a strong confident chin that looks WAY better. Smart idea to just get a cheaper pre-1980 C3 and add on a 80-82 style stronger chin to upgrade the look.
where did u buy this for 5k
I know of someone who got one for $3k
Here in California you can find them everywhere for 5k
There are a lot of them around this price in near perfect condition. Especially where I live
iTheGeek ah damn dude how’d you know. Our Facebook market place has so many too. We hold some of the biggest rod runs in the country in Pigeon forge, TN
There’s 3 under 5k in Los Angeles right now just don’t know how practical it would be for me I don’t kind the two seater but I don’t wanna be spending tons of money on repairs
Dont get 1980 or 1981. Aluminum rear ends bolts pull out. My first was a 1977. No one wanted to take a picture
I’ve been thinking about a c4 while they’re still cheap. My grandfather had a 61 convertible, that thing was fun to drive
Bought mine four years ago for $7250,(L-48/Auto) relatively good shape, changed tires, and some minor upgrades, Holly carb,upgraded tuning components,Racing stripes, etc
Car runs great, A/C not so cold and power door lock dont work, but you cant findcone in decent shape for $5k anymore. These creeping up. I would say $8k - $12k more realistic
Great purchase!!
Just got one for 4k. Needs work but got it running for like 300. Now just need tires. Actually sitting in dmv right now to get title transfer and plates lol
Sadly from 2030 on all combustion cars including classics will be banned
from public streets in entire EU and Scandinavia :-( In Germany the
Green Peoples Party gave order to shorten fuel supply from 2025 on by
reducing all conventional fuel stations to only one state operated
central gas station per city or county. Now they even want to slow down
all the gas pumps from 20 litre per minute to 2 litre per minute...From
2027 on in the EU certain car spare parts will be banned too....as
exhaust systems, turbo chargers and even some engine and gearbox
oils...California and New York will do the same from 2027 on.... So no
investments should be done in oil burning cars any longer....They even
created a new kind of crime here, called emissions and smoke crime. "Bundesabgasbespaßungsverbot" in German. :-////()(
Hey where did you purchase your interior for $700??
Look on Rock Auto for carpet.
for 700 USD you can not buy complete new interior it is nonsense. ONly dash board is aprox 300
I was looking into redoing the center gauge bezel, shifter bezel and both door panels on a ‘76 and I got close to $1,200.
The whole interior (e.g. door panels, dash board, center console, seat upholstery, carpets etc., will set you back 4 grand.
Hey Ricky! She looks pretty good with the front and rear mods! I used to own a C-3 73 350 ci automatic Vert. Miss that car and now I have the Vette bug again and not sure which one I want. Thanks for sharing. Cheers from Motown.
I’ve owned two corvettes, a 1991 and a 1981. They are total money pits. If you still want to buy on and spend money to keep them on the road, buy a 1980 or earlier. They don’t have ECM computers, sensors, or digital crap.
You can upgrade the steering wheel to tilt telescoping also. Great car my man.
My rich buddy bought a brand new champagne edition C3. That car was ridiculous. It fell it apart as soon as he started driving it. And they literally have no power. Theyre embarrassingly slow. Back then small trucks were faster.
Check the camber on your rear IRS. You have a negative camber angle issue.
As a little kid my dream was to own a c3 corvette. I paid $6,000.00 well maintained. I have a brown interior hate it.
last good year of the c3 was 1972 chrome bumpers front and rear!
Good job reppin' the C3
A cherry 75 now with t tops and 350/4 speed about $14k now in California
Mid to late 70s C3 + late 90s 350 LT4 = damn respectable pavement pounder.
I am working on a trade to get a 1979 c3 with a 412 that has been really upgraded. The guy can get anyone to buy it because it needs head gaskets after he messed the torquing up installing them.
bought mine in 12, 60k miles. it will run way past 125mph. 9k car worth over 16k today in America
I enjoy all vettes. Have owned C3 and 4's ,looking for a C6 now. Worst thing on C3;s are rotten birdcages.And most later C3's were so weak. But you can fix that also.
You can always reach under and raise them manually. And also they can be easily lowered...
Crazy this guy was right cause they’re going for about 15-25k right now
I mean, the market on everything is up in general, but yea you could’ve bought these really cheap when I released that video
@@RickyBoada they are climbing up..as we speak. Most people think only of a Vette, as a investment... nothing wrong with that.. but, I bought mine to drive.... that's what they were made for.....the HP wasn't their fault... That was big brother....if not for that, there's no telling what kind of power would have been introduced into these cars.... C3's got caught up in that gas shortage b******* that the government in the oil companies come up with pollution control... I say if it hadn't been for all of that they would have been fuel injected supercharged Street rulers like they always have been ever since they've been in production... At the time when it came out the c3 was one of the best, if not the best, looking car in the world at that time and still ,there's not many cars that look better than the c3 Corvettes they may not have had the muscle , but, the style of the car and the fact that it was a Corvette said it all..... And any car that's a Corvette is worth having no matter what model it is.....
I'd say that's actually plenty for this car, especially without knowing about the birdcage. If that's rusty, it's parts. A/C is $500-1000, do the headlights work? Paint looks tough. That damage in the jamb may be indicative of prior crash repair. The nickel and dime stuff will be massive.
Looks to me like you could put about 15K in it to make a $7500 car.
How on earth you got that car in that condition that cheap? I know everyone like to throw shade on the car because they don't have much power from the factory but there is no way you are getting one with upgrades for that price. Mine is an 82. People want to trash the crossfire injection system but of the late C3's it has the most power and reliable EFI as long as it is properly maintained. Granted upgrades are extremally limited on the Crossfire system due to the tiny intake runners. However if you install a nice street cam and swap out the EFI system to Holley, FAST, Fitech, or Edelbrock you can make decent power. Or go extreme like I did. I installed a 550hp 427 small block from Tri Star engines, upgraded 700R4 built for racing, Steeroids, rack and pinion, Hydroboost brakes, high performance pads, drilled and slotted rotors, upgraded suspension and all new interior with dynamat, keyless entry, and Dakota digital gauge system, auto lights electric headlight conversion, retained power accessories and Kenwood sound system.
I got my 77 for 5500 the only thing that messed me up is that it’s a 3 speed so mostly for looks and not for speed tbh
Tremec TKO
Its definitely a bargain RIcky Boada, definitely a bargain
Loved the video! Short and sweet! Now I have a bunch of bookmarks for corvettes! Thanks Ricky!
My dad has one of these, I really want to get it from him & restore it. Anniversary edition.
Any idea on how much it’s going to cost to fix headlights? Thinking about snagging one for $2,700 from a friend.
You meant complete interior for $7000 not $700. Seat covers alone are like $600, complete seats are $1000 to $1500 each, carpet $350, complete console about $700, upper dash $300 lower dash $450, door panels $300 to $500 complete interior $700 yeah right more like $5000 to $7000. I'm doubting the price now of the car, its probably worth $10k to $12k. If you want a nice car to hot rod around on look for mid 80's Monte Carlo's or any g body.. can be had nice for $3k plus they will stand a 400hp 350 with a tq converter change.
Corvette has always been a bargain, you always get what you pay for and sometimes more
I've always liked the back glass of the late 70s n dig the front n rear treatment/bumpers of early 80s. What a combo! Sweet ride. They have everything for those cars to get them back 100% Groovy vid...thanks for the idea!
Peter Wyndham thank you so much man!! Appreciate it
Now if only such corvettes in Australia were $5,000.. I'd be flipping these things like pancakes!! A 77 Vette, in that condition would set you back about $18-20,000 Aussie Dollars so about $13,000 or so American..
Damn i wish i had a black c3. Looks like a fun car!! I’ve added it to my wishlist though. Maybe it’ll be my birthday gift lol
love it beautiful! I would buy one for $5000 in a heartbeat
You need to adjust the camber on rear tires or they will wear out on the inside of the tire
Awesome I had an 82 many years ago. Sweet looking car
Cheap but yet beautiful.
That's How I like my women "Cheap and beautiful."
@@stoundingresults 🤣 LOL too funny.
Hahahaha
That's what I got my 79 for as well x) there's seems to be a sweet spot for old Chevy's in Oregon.
got one in the buckskin paint and interior for 2500! love that thing, tossing some sidepipes on
Motorcycle Man-GO how did u get it for that cheap? Plz help
Mine was 10500, after mostly restored I have 42k in it. Still need paint but the original looks good. Very rare find at 5k and i will take all you can send me at that price.
NO!! not that high?? LMAO.. that car has been dropped about 1-1/2 inches... not 4 inches.. C'mon bro
if that was dropped that far the rear spring ends would be scraping the ground..
ssdtrain1 haha car literally sits like a quarter inch from the ground and when I got it, it was looking like a 4x4. But you’re right probably not a whole 4 😂
@@RickyBoada no definitely was dropped4 inches those are 10 inch leaf spring bolts which give you around 3.5-4 inches of drop. Just did the same to my own car.
Ohh wow is this yours Ricky?
You still have it?