Opinions on a C3

[BADRACR1]

The more I find out the less I am inclined to buy it. Thinking now I'll stay with shopping for another C4.

[outrunm]

Originally Posted by BADRACR1

How long ago? More than spider gears involved?
I am going to make a couple of calls tomorrow and get prices from a couple of friends who have shops on a rebuild.

Holy chit I just realized this was almost 18 years ago. Unfortunately the car and the file with everything done to the car since 1992 is sitting up at my parents' summer home outside Indianapolis., and I am foggy on the details. I pulled the diff, drove it to the shop, and had it rebuilt with a 3.73 gear ratio. I want to say I spend about $500, but I could be completely off.

[Grey Ghost]

Originally Posted by BADRACR1

The more I find out the less I am inclined to buy it. Thinking now I'll stay with shopping for another C4.

New problems or just the fear of repair cost?

[StaticCling]

Originally Posted by BADRACR1

The more I find out the less I am inclined to buy it. Thinking now I'll stay with shopping for another C4.

I've owned 2 C3's and currently own a '96.

C4's are light years better in every respect, but there is a cool factor with a C3.

[markids77]

I think it might be more likely one of the 6 u-joints back there is dry and speaking out.
If you like the car and can get it in the air put it in neutral and have someone spin a rear wheel while you listen and feel for snapping or crunchy noises at each joint. U-joints are cheap and easy to repair.

[Grey Ghost]

Since the bumpers are good and cosmetics. I would like to have one and do a total '70s Hot Rod to it - mags, side pipes, '70s custom paint. LS swap, if I had the $$$

[RMVette]

Originally Posted by BADRACR1

The more I find out the less I am inclined to buy it. Thinking now I'll stay with shopping for another C4.

What are you looking to spend?

[BADRACR1]

Originally Posted by Grey Ghost

New problems or just the fear of repair cost?

Just leary of the differential issue. Everything appears tight and in order with mounts and unoints. I brevet it is internal.

[BADRACR1]

Originally Posted by RMVette

What are you looking to spend?

This particular car I can purchase for less than 10k. Just didn't want to spend 5k on repairs.

[Anjdog2003]

Don't they have a vette forum for this?

[GTOguy]

'76 appears to be the least desirable year for the C3 cars. Smogged out, low performance, plastic bumpers, etc.
That said, I agree with Ratfinger. Figure on a full diff rebuild, and factor it into your purchase price. Creampuff '75-'82's don't bring much money. If you are bound and determined, find a nicer car.
I would personally change the diff oil first and add the posi additive. A lot of times, that is the issue. The later C3 diffs are stronger than the C2 diffs, and the later C3 engines were all anemic with low power output. So finding a replacement third member or fixing yours is doable for the right $$$. IME, $1500-$2500 all day long. The days of rebuilt diffs for under a grand were 30 years ago.

[Mick]

Originally Posted by GTOguy

'76 appears to be the least desirable year for the C3 cars. Smogged out, low performance, plastic bumpers, etc.
That said, I agree with Ratfinger. Figure on a full diff rebuild, and factor it into your purchase price. Creampuff '75-'82's don't bring much money. If you are bound and determined, find a nicer car.
I would personally change the diff oil first and add the posi additive. A lot of times, that is the issue. The later C3 diffs are stronger than the C2 diffs, and the later C3 engines were all anemic with low power output. So finding a replacement third member or fixing yours is doable for the right $$$. IME, $1500-$2500 all day long. The days of rebuilt diffs for under a grand were 30 years ago.

The only reason '75s are often thought of as more desirable than '76s is because convertibles were still available. '75 coupes have the same level of desirability as '76s, and IMO, '77s. IMO, this is only a problem if you have dreams of owning a Barrett Jackson queen, which these cars will never be.

[GTOguy]

Originally Posted by Mick

The only reason '75s are often thought of as more desirable than '76s is because convertibles were still available. '75 coupes have the same level of desirability as '76s, and IMO, '77s. IMO, this is only a problem if you have dreams of owning a Barrett Jackson queen, which these cars will never be.

I serviced these cars when they were near new and new. The performance really went down the tubes after 1973 with smog equipment, and took a total dive in '75 with pellet type cat converters. The cars were total turds: gigantic turn radius, poor build quality, gas hogs, slow, and not very comfortable.
The '68-'73, different story. Much more graceful and fun to drive car. I don't think you could give me a '74-'82. Can't believe Yadkin got something like 24k for his '81 last year. Totally, totally top dollar.

[mrvette]

THEN there are guyz like ME, only thing stock on my '72 vert are the chrome bumpers, previous owner made a show car out of it, many mods including a completely welded frame......nice wide tired, handles like a raped ape.....

[Grey Ghost]

Originally Posted by Anjdog2003

Don't they have a vette forum for this?

They won't let us in.

I like the car. Maybe the shop you talked with understands or knows if just spyder gears fixes the problem vs a total rebuild? Does the current owner have a shop or sell lot? There were other cars in the photo. Maybe he knows something or the repair price and that is why is price is low.

We have a local drive line shop here. That is about all they do...for decades. I had no idea the cost either until others mentioned it and price of parts. It's just a problem with independent rear suspensions.

My favorite C3 is a 1978. I just loved when they went to the hatchback design and I also turned 14 that year and lusting for a new car when I got my license. I love the '78 Pace Car, but would also just enjoy a black/black with a beefed up motor.

[Grey Ghost]

Originally Posted by GTOguy

'76 appears to be the least desirable year for the C3 cars. Smogged out, low performance, plastic bumpers, etc.
That said, I agree with Ratfinger. Figure on a full diff rebuild, and factor it into your purchase price. Creampuff '75-'82's don't bring much money. If you are bound and determined, find a nicer car.
I would personally change the diff oil first and add the posi additive. A lot of times, that is the issue. The later C3 diffs are stronger than the C2 diffs, and the later C3 engines were all anemic with low power output. So finding a replacement third member or fixing yours is doable for the right $$$. IME, $1500-$2500 all day long. The days of rebuilt diffs for under a grand were 30 years ago.

Do you need special tools to rebuild? I thought you just kind of replaced the gears and adjusted the mesh with shims if needed? Can you get by with just spyder gears or do all have to be replaced?

[The_Dude]

I've had several. Never again.

[Anjdog2003]

Originally Posted by The_Dude

I've had several. Never again.

I had a 1975 30+ years ago. When i got beat by a jogger i let it go.

[BADRACR1]

Originally Posted by Grey Ghost

They won't let us in.

I like the car. Maybe the shop you talked with understands or knows if just spyder gears fixes the problem vs a total rebuild? Does the current owner have a shop or sell lot? There were other cars in the photo. Maybe he knows something or the repair price and that is why is price is low.

He owns a trucking company. The surrounding cars are all part of what he has collected the last twenty years and decided to sell off. He has a 67 Chevelle SS with a 468 and a 57 Nomad in the building behind the car, neither for sale. Out front was the Vette, an 81 Z28 with a blown small block ($30k), 67 GTX (shell, but originally a 440 car), another 67 Satellite (383 car), a 69 Chevelle SS (327 car), and one of the prettiest 1970 Lemon Twist 'Cuda 440 auto/ac cars I have ever seen ($90k). Lots of engines and trans in the building.

He has an 81 Vette at Hudlow's Driveline getting the rear end repaired on it to sell. Been there two weeks because they are backed up like everyone else. The 76 is supposed to go there if it isn't sold when the 81 is finished.

According to the title he has had the 76 since 2014, and supposed to be the third owner. Just really not sure I want to risk that rear end. I believe I'd rather find one without that particular issue. It does only have 86k miles, and the ac and headlights work...

[Grey Ghost]

Originally Posted by BADRACR1

He owns a trucking company. The surrounding cars are all part of what he has collected the last twenty years and decided to sell off. He has a 67 Chevelle SS with a 468 and a 57 Nomad in the building behind the car, neither for sale. Out front was the Vette, an 81 Z28 with a blown small block ($30k), 67 GTX (shell, but originally a 440 car), another 67 Satellite (383 car), a 69 Chevelle SS (327 car), and one of the prettiest 1970 Lemon Twist 'Cuda 440 auto/ac cars I have ever seen ($90k). Lots of engines and trans in the building.

He has an 81 Vette at Hudlow's Driveline getting the rear end repaired on it to sell. Been there two weeks because they are backed up like everyone else. The 76 is supposed to go there if it isn't sold when the 81 is finished.

According to the title he has had the 76 since 2014, and supposed to be the third owner. Just really not sure I want to risk that rear end. I believe I'd rather find one without that particular issue. It does only have 86k miles, and the ac and headlights work...

I noticed the '69 Chevelle. I had a '69 SS396. It's in the Dunlap, TN. area now. I should never have sold it. Bought it in 1978 for $1800.

I may inquire about the '69. I like the '76. Doesn't scare me, but I neeed something else to work on and park outside like another hole in the head.