CadVetteStang

I’m looking for a cheap C4 to build as a project. It does not need an engine. Trans is unimportant. It can NOT be wrecked in the suspension or frame. The body can have some cosmetic damage, but It pretty much needs to be a complete car minus engine and maybe tranny. I will most likely convert it to a carb and not use the computer (unless the factory injection can run a 500 ci engine from idle to 5,000 RPMs)

What is the cheapest you have bought a car like this for? Or do you know someoen who got a good deal? I just want tto know what I'm going to spend on the body - thanks.
$2,000?
$1,500?
$1,000?
Less than $1,000?

And what was its condition?

Brett Richmond

There is an 84 on here for sale for $2500 but needs paint and everything is there, you are probably looking in the neighborhood of about $2000 or below. I would say a complete car would be easier to work with as you can take what you need and use it and the other stuff just sell to make some money back.

Here is the forum link
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4s-...te-2500-a.html

Here is a direct link with pics from craigslist
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/1343210634.html

flynn508

I paid $3500 for mine and drive it every weekend.

wro87

My buddy bought on for $2500 bucks and drove it the next day. 85' with 70k miles and sure it had a crack in the glass top, paint was a little faded but interior was nice, hell it even had chrome ZR1 wheels on it. Yes they are out there and resonable and he found it on Craigeslist also.
Good luck wro87

Aardwolf

On a different forum there is a guy that got an '84 in running condition for $900.

jeffp1167

Bought this 1990 for 1,500. complete and ran but needed head gaskets and alot of cosmetic work. once head gaskets were done it ran perfect.

There out there just keep looking. Only thing that made this project desireable was it was only 30 minutes from me. Got the car off fleabay.

my85redvette

I traded my 48 pontiac streetrod for mine with some cash

JackDidley

A few years ago, I totaled my 87. Allstate gave my $11000 for it and I bought it back for around $900. I had to replace most of the bodywork fro the doors back.

mnypitVette

I paid $1100 for my first 84. That was back in 96. It was wrecked but no frame damage, and only had 48k on it. My current 92 I paid $3000 for it but it needs an opti, otherwise not terrible.

There is one here locally advertised for $1500. Its an 84 adn could probably be had for $800 to $1000. Its on public land that the people live on and the county said they had to move it. It runs but needs a master cylinder. Slight body damage that could probably be fixed easily. They hate it and have to get rid of it before they tow it away. I just didnt want an 84 that needed that much, but if your plan is to rebuild it anyway, its perfect.

mnstrlt1

well, if you're planning on a big block swap, the newer cars have a k-member that is a little easier to work with (at least what's I've been told by Bill- who is doing an LS-x based swap).

the big-block swap is a "cool" concept, but the new Ls-x's can be punched out to well over 450 cubic inches. Take a look at RHS blocks, or even the world castings LS7x block. The RHS can be punched out to 500cubic inches! this would be much cheaper that trying to fuel injector a true big-block and shoe horning it into the c4. The LS-x can be opperated with the factory computer (obviously with details and re-tune) and the factory type intake system. It also fits the C4 engine bay real nicely. The automatic swaps are far easier, especially on the older c4's (less computers to deal with).


Other than that, I would spend a little bit more to get a complete car. You just don't know what's been butchered when you get soemthing minus drivetrain. The interior components are expensive to replace (if purchasing new). The exterior panels are also kind of pricey. So something that's in a bit of a better shape will save you thousands in the long run (small items "dime and nickel" you to death)! JMO

OrangeSV

I just paid $1,600 for my 89 at the auction. Just needed a battery and fuel pump. Just joined this site to source other various parts--they're already on the way!
Bob

Brett Richmond

What kind of auction did you go too, I would like to find one like that for sure.

OrangeSV

South Florida Auto Auction. I do this for a living. Normally don't deal with cars like Vettes, but couldn't pass this up. It was a trade to a large dealership, had been sitting for a long time. It was a "push" (did not run through the auction, was pushed by a truck). Most bidders avoid these kind of cars, but I did a little re-con before the auction. I used a jump box and a can of starter fluid, heard the engine come to life, then quietly kept my mouth shut about it. Outbid the other guy by $200, and voila.

Charged the a/c and it's cold and not leaking. Was low on all fluids, changed the oil, and the more I run it the better it's getting. Needs new seat covers, but the rest of interior is decent. Knuckleheads at the auction tore the bumper skin, but that's an easy fix. paint is decent otherwise. Need the little bumper trim piece (notice in pic).

Bob

Brett Richmond

Hell of a find at that price for sure

JeepCycle

I just paid $1,000.00 for one that starts and drives real well....she ain't much of a looker though...but it goes fast enought that ya can't tell...lol...not really...

PLRX

96 CE LT4 for $3,500

mnstrlt1

i cant believe the deals you guys have found?

i think the lt4 takes the cake! Unreal!

Brett Richmond

Agreed

mustclime

The 84-85's are silly cheap in the north east on CL. $1500-3500 all the time.....to bad I am looking for a 92-96 project....

CadVetteStang

This is GREAT News! Thanks for all the replies and keep 'em coming!
If I can find a running car (hopefully 88 or newer) for less than $2,000, I'd hold off on that swap for a while and drive it till the 350 goes down!

I'm starting to get excited now about the future purchase of my first Corvette!

Cody