25th Jan 2013, 09:50
Restification is applying new technology on an older vehicles. My bolt on upgrades are completely reversible to stock. I also saved the #s matching drivetrains. Not everyone wants a 190 HP stock Corvette. And many upgrades are safety and performance related.
Chrome bumper models are going up if that is very important to you (68-72). I am still not keen on 68s, but 69-72 are hot. I have had a 74-75, and now have a 70; big price jump and far more desirable.
4th Dec 2013, 03:58
I have a 77 Corvette that was sitting for 15 years covered outside. I'm rebuilding it from the ground up, and 4 years later I'm still working on it. It's a great car, nice to look at, and when I am done with it, I am giving it to my grandson if he ever shows up in this world... By the way I am down 3 thousand on parts alone. All the work is being done by me. Love doing the rebuild. It takes time, but it's well worth it.
6th Dec 2013, 13:04
You really need to examine these carefully. I sight through the rear wheels for rust and the firewall for damage. Be careful buying cheap Vettes or even expensive ones, or eBay even. Body and paint is high. Usually calipers need to all be redone, vacuum leaks etc. Been there, done that. Find a 69-72 chrome bumper car best. I like 98 up better overall and drive anywhere. Skip over C4s with dash clusters, electrical woes and leaks. That's my opinion anyway.
4th Nov 2015, 23:32
'77s are boss; I own one and the comments I get are fantastic. The car is reliable and comfortable to drive.
6th Nov 2015, 16:19
I would rather save 16-17k as an idea and buy a very reliable early C5. I've owned C3s and you can easily pump in thousands just to correct age related suspension, braking and mechanical issues, vacuum lights and still have a low HP car. My HP ranged from 190-250, and even with 4 speeds it's lacking. The past year it's been hard selling even the chrome bumper cars. Unless you sell at Carlisle in our area, it's pretty tough. I've also bought a couple of C3s, not chrome numbered, cheap I thought. Painted one (expensive) and got off quite light at 4 or 5 grand later for the other one; bringing them up to good condition, it's more or less keep it or take a loss. Convertibles bring more, but then people will look at a C5 for the money. The only ones I would possibly consider after 73 are the convertible or late 70s early 80s manual trans only. Even the Pace car doesn't do much for me. Wait a few years and bank up for a nice used C5 without real high miles. You will not regret it. I have learned and owned Corvettes for many years. Hope my experience helps you out.
13th Oct 2019, 01:05
My friend I also spent 8500 on a 77 with real good bones. The frame was great, original engine and carburetor. Interior was in very nice shape. Just last week I decided to pull the trigger on a complete redo of the suspension system and a custom exhaust without any pollution controls, as in Maryland I don’t go through emissions. It is going to cost me roughly $19,000 from top to bottom, but the car runs so good and is a head turner. That also includes all brake calipers (the brakes I decided not to nickel and dime on for the next three years; just get it all done, take the pain and move on), but it is a beautiful car and an early model with the original dealer installed luggage rack.
14th Oct 2019, 21:25
$19K for exhaust and suspension? Oh, and 4 brake calipers. What shop is this? Benjamin Dover Auto Repair?
1st Nov 2019, 20:30
Several weeks ago I bought my dream car again, it's a 1977 l82 Corvette. I paid 8800.00 dollars for it. Its paint job is flawless. Interior very nice, but I have had to have the front end rebuilt, new alternator, new starter, new battery, and the beat goes on for sure. I knew I would have to put a lot of money in my 43 year old dream; please beware, any Corvette that is 43 years old is going to cost you a lot of money in repairs, but I would do it again in a New York minute. Just going out to my villa's garage and looking at it makes me smile. 40 years ago I bought a 1977 Corvette in 1979; it cost me the same as this one, they hold their value.
Russell Boyd.
14th Mar 2020, 20:11
I have updated my baby with Hooker Headers high performance manifold, Flowmaster racing exhaust, and many other things; it's truly a fast car. I have no regrets, I love to pop the tops and drive my baby on a sunny day, here in beautiful west central Florida. It makes me happy for sure.
Russell Boyd.
15th Mar 2020, 17:47
I hate to say, but blowing up the engine gives you an opportunity to double the measly horsepower of 200 or so. But then when you're done you have a car that isn’t as nice as a C5 for same finished money, more or less.
23rd Jan 2013, 22:35
You haven't restored my friend, you've tricked it out.