Thinking of a 1978 vette
12-31-2001, 06:45 PM
#1
5th Gear
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Thinking of a 1978 vette
Hello all. I am new to this board. And I have never owned a Corvette. First time for everything, right!
I am thinking about purchasing a 1978 corvette, if I can talk my husband into it!! This one is a Pace car. Has the L-48 engine, automatic. #'s match. Good condition. Mechanic said the power steering pump is leaking, transmission has a small leak that can be repaired. No other major problems. 56K miles. Seller wants $8800.
I need to hear about the good, bad and the ugly about this car....... Any input would be most appreciated. Thanks!
I am thinking about purchasing a 1978 corvette, if I can talk my husband into it!! This one is a Pace car. Has the L-48 engine, automatic. #'s match. Good condition. Mechanic said the power steering pump is leaking, transmission has a small leak that can be repaired. No other major problems. 56K miles. Seller wants $8800.
I need to hear about the good, bad and the ugly about this car....... Any input would be most appreciated. Thanks!
12-31-2001, 06:57 PM
#2
Melting Slicks
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Re: Thinking of a 1978 vette (thisisit)
Sounds like normal problems for a C3. Does your husband plan on doing any of the maintenance? Any C3 is a rather high maintenance vehicle compaired to a modern sedan.
I hope that you enjoy owning your Corvette and the time that you spend on this forum. :D
I hope that you enjoy owning your Corvette and the time that you spend on this forum. :D
12-31-2001, 06:58 PM
#3
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Re: Thinking of a 1978 vette (thisisit)
Welcome to the fourm cant help with the car but you came to the right place many knowledgable people to help you out
:cool: Larry
:cool: Larry
12-31-2001, 07:37 PM
#4
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Re: Thinking of a 1978 vette (thisisit)
I dont know much on 78 but it should have a vin as follows:
1z87l8s900001-1z87l8s906502 If its a true pace car. Welcome to the forum.
1z87l8s900001-1z87l8s906502 If its a true pace car. Welcome to the forum.
12-31-2001, 08:53 PM
#6
Platinum Supporting Dealership
Re: Thinking of a 1978 vette (MikeC)
Wow, SOUNDS like an awesome deal. Wish I could have bought that one instead. How is the condition of the interior? How's it run? How does the paint looks? Better check that vin though!
12-31-2001, 09:09 PM
#7
Le Mans Master
Re: Thinking of a 1978 vette (thisisit)
8800 sounds like a good price. I just sold one with 12K miles for about 16K. Power steering leaks are common. You will need to replace every rubber hose on the car since time is not kind to rubber. I bought the 78 because it's the oldest Vette I could buy that I could get the dog and wife in and cruise.
12-31-2001, 09:37 PM
#8
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St. Jude Donor '08, '15
Re: Thinking of a 1978 vette (thisisit)
I just noticed you're in Tyler...that's awesome. If you get the car I'd like to see it sometime. Welcome to the forum. :cheers:
12-31-2001, 11:26 PM
#10
Re: Thinking of a 1978 vette (AFunderJack81)
My Pace car is for sale. It is an original L82 motor car. 112k. I have done the following to the car: all new front end w/F41 springs, 330# rear spring, all new brakes, (Muskegon Brake) , 700r4 tranny upgrade, (Bow Tie Overdrives) , 17x8.5 Vortec Z wheels w/Firestone Firehawk tires, rebuilt Q-jet, plus lots more. Asking 12K. :)
01-01-2002, 06:35 PM
#12
Platinum Supporting Dealership
Re: Thinking of a 1978 vette (sd pacecar)
My Pace car is for sale. It is an original L82 motor car. 112k. I have done the following to the car: all new front end w/F41 springs, 330# rear spring, all new brakes, (Muskegon Brake) , 700r4 tranny upgrade, (Bow Tie Overdrives) , 17x8.5 Vortec Z wheels w/Firestone Firehawk tires, rebuilt Q-jet, plus lots more. Asking 12K. :)
01-02-2002, 01:14 AM
#14
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Re: Thinking of a 1978 vette (thisisit)
Way cool! :cool: That car sounds very similar to mine and I love mine! Only drawbacks are that its a 23 year old car and parts are wearing out. You have to expect that the car will need work now and again.
Oh, the original T-Tops are expensive and hard to find and color match (the blue tint fades). If you will be using the car as a daily driver, consider buying an "everyday set" so that if one top gets broken or cracked, its not hard to replace.
It takes a special person to drive a Pace Car. There's a camaraderie among Pace Car owners that’s a level deeper than just being corvette owners. The Pace Car Reunion we had back in October was just too much fun! :D :cheers:
If you do decide to get it, join the local Corvette Club and meet other Pace Car owners. We’ve been thinking of having a Texas-wide Pace Car Reunion in the next year or so.
Take Care
-Rick
------------------------------------------------------
1978 Pace Car #3272 (sold out of Rockdale, TX; to William E. Rogge, May 15th, 1978 )
Oh, the original T-Tops are expensive and hard to find and color match (the blue tint fades). If you will be using the car as a daily driver, consider buying an "everyday set" so that if one top gets broken or cracked, its not hard to replace.
It takes a special person to drive a Pace Car. There's a camaraderie among Pace Car owners that’s a level deeper than just being corvette owners. The Pace Car Reunion we had back in October was just too much fun! :D :cheers:
If you do decide to get it, join the local Corvette Club and meet other Pace Car owners. We’ve been thinking of having a Texas-wide Pace Car Reunion in the next year or so.
Take Care
-Rick
------------------------------------------------------
1978 Pace Car #3272 (sold out of Rockdale, TX; to William E. Rogge, May 15th, 1978 )
01-02-2002, 01:23 AM
#15
Re: Thinking of a 1978 vette (Cruzmeisters)
Welcome abord . spend as much time as posible learning before you buy it can save you a lot of money on th back side . Join one of the local Vette clubs
they can help to advise you Good Luck :chevy
they can help to advise you Good Luck :chevy
01-02-2002, 01:44 AM
#16
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St. Jude Donor '03-'10
Re: Thinking of a 1978 vette (thisisit)
Definitely verify the VIN as a pace car.
Other than that, sounds like a great deal to me.
welcome to the forum! :cheers:
Other than that, sounds like a great deal to me.
welcome to the forum! :cheers:
01-02-2002, 10:45 AM
#17
5th Gear
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Re: Thinking of a 1978 vette (Chris Fowler '80)
Vin no. is 1Z87L8S903158. Pace car, right?
Owner has original sticker and manual!
Thanks for all your help!
Owner has original sticker and manual!
Thanks for all your help!
01-02-2002, 10:51 AM
#18
5th Gear
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Re: Thinking of a 1978 vette (Rhys)
Thanks for your response. Vin is 1Z87L8S903158. Pace car, right?
Paint is good, interior is good. Still has original radio and 8-track!
Paint is good, interior is good. Still has original radio and 8-track!
01-02-2002, 11:02 AM
#19
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Re: Thinking of a 1978 vette (Rexx)
Thanks for your response!
Just trying to talk my husband into buying it. I made him drive it again, yesterday and I think he is in love.........
The Texas Pace Car reunion sounds like fun. Let me know when it is scheduled, if possible. Thanks.
Just trying to talk my husband into buying it. I made him drive it again, yesterday and I think he is in love.........
The Texas Pace Car reunion sounds like fun. Let me know when it is scheduled, if possible. Thanks.