rmm025

I have always wanted a c3 vette and I finally think I will be able to get one. I am going to look at a 77 L82 this weekend and I wanted to get some input on things to lookout for when I go. What are some things to check and make sure that I am getting what I want and not a hunk of junk.

rrent

I had someone suggest checking the floor boards especially seat belt attachment points - since the floors are steel in '77's. '77's had a good bit of extra rust preventative -- but you might still want to check the frame just before/at the turn-up where it goes over the rear end.

That's the only things I can think of other than your usual used car check list. Don't think that a speedo repair or missing part(s) will be cheap and easy -- it won't be cheap or easy.

Take a friend -- two sets of eyes are better than one -- and he/she might not fall immediately in love with the car.

I’ve had the best of luck with my ‘77 -- its needed a few things along the way, but has been a joy to own/drive.

good luck

dman535

Be sure to scrutinize the car. hood badges alone do not an L-82 make.

Stoge

:withstupid:

Also check the brakes over very thoroughly.
Also check the brakes over very thoroughly.
Also check the brakes over very thoroughly.

No, seriously. A real good way to ruin a nice 'Vette is to overlook major brake problems. Factory original brake calipers suck. They are rebuildable, and they are replaceable.

rmm025

Thanks for the advice.

rmm025

:flag

Boofers

Try a forum search, this question has been asked many times so you will probably find all the info you need in previous posts. :cheers:

68shark

:iagree:

Should be dozens of posts on this. Take someone who knows Vette's (maybe a local forum member?) with you. Check VIN (which on a '77 will have an engine code telling you which of the two engines (L48 or L82) the car contains. The poster questioning the badging is right on. Many "fakes" out there. Frame rust can be fatal so make sure you have a chance to see the car on a hoist. Poke the steel with a screwdriver. Again though...having someone with you who knows these cars well is a great asset. Good luck!! :cheers:

shamby

I love my 77, but it needs a little work.







[Modified by shamby, 4:08 PM 7/23/2003]

HEARTBEATUSA

try to find a shop that services vettes and see what they would charge you for an inspection, thats what i did and they only charged me $50.00, and i was able to have a "global" look at the car :cheers:

jonny4523

First of all, thats a nice car that you are looking at. Easy way to tell if its really an L-82....just take the engine out and look at the crank main caps. 4 bolt main means its an L-82. :lol: :lol: Ok, so dont try that. L-82's also have a dual snorkal (sp?) type air cleaner. I'm sure there are others that I cant think of. Please, anybody correct me if I'm wrong. You should check the floors though. I had holes in both and had to take out the seats and carpet to repair them. I also had to replace my seatbelts. Its good to check the brakes, but if they are not up to par...they are fun to rebuild. (Atleast I thought so). As long as its not your daily driver, you can have a lot of fun with it. If it is your daily driver, you are going to be really frustrated with the numerous repairs you will have to make with a time limit. my 2 cents

rmm025

thanks guys, I am going to look at it today.

jerryp58

Some other things:

1. rust on the windshield "A" pillars
2. rust where the trailing arm meets the frame.
3. rust at the lower radiator support.
4. excessive play (holding top & bottom of wheel) at rear wheels signifying excessive side yoke wear.

I was pretty lucky with mine, rust-wise. I did have to replace calipers & rear, however, that was during 7 years as a daily driver.

BTW, wasn't there a thread a while back about L82 blocks saying that not all L82's were 4-bolt mains :confused:

Good Luck with the search.

rmm025

OK guys, I looked at it today, no major rust problems that I could see(just what I could look at while lying on the ground). Body and interior look magnificent from a few feet away but at closer inspection all it needs is some tlc. The biggie, its been garage kept for the past couple of years so the engine and tranny are leaking. SHOULD I GET IT AND REBUILD THE ENGINE(NO LABOR COSTS) or let it pass and wait for the next one to come around? PS I offered 5500 is that any good?