Tips For Buying A C3 Corvette

While the C8 is the talk of the new Corvette world, the C3 Corvette is by far the most popular classic Corvette. These cars have a diverse following, in this video we'll show you what to look for to find a C3 with good bones, no matter what your intentions may be for it. Enjoy!

[@JBTrades_Inc.]

Ive been wanting a c3 ever since i could talk

[@hanscramon9040]

Corvette c3 - a masterpiece of art on 4 wheels!!

[@barryhill1044]

Here is something ( not mentioned ) that you might wish to do. ( it’s a good indicator of how badly the bird cage might have rotted, Take both T- Tops off, And push very ‘hard’ with the palm of your hand on the top corner of each A pillar whilst looking down the section that houses the door hinges. Look for any movement near the bottom section. If the birdcage is rotten. The bottom of the section holding the door hinges will move slightly, This indicates a birdcage rot. Best that this is done with two people. One pushing at the top of the pillar and the other one keeping a critical eye on the bottom of the pillar holding the door hinges ... just trying to help..

[@jbotnick5361]

I had a ‘72 bigblock for eighteen years! 3 spd th400 Torque monster ;) Fun car

[@marcdevone1204]

I have an 1980 corvette that i had for 39 years. I'm almost completed my restore. I really appreciate some of the tips and information on this particular model.

[@keithbenson2627]

I love these cars ! I know they weren’t fast but they were the best looking vettes ! 80-82

[@keithfaulk1354]

Very fast..

[@ConnerV]

Hey, anything over 110 mph takes a lot of power, plenty fast for someone like me.

[@gadsdonflag4289]

Uh.....'55 Chevy's aren't fast either.....UNTIL you drop in a Big Block!!! So what's stopping you?? ;-)

[@phillipgarrow2297]

Yes sir I was going to buy a 1969 I was afraid of rotten frames and other things like numbers not matching I ended up buy a 2016 Z51 a very dependable and fast car but it's not as pretty as a 1969

[@VictoriousPredator]

@@phillipgarrow2297 The 1969 vette has the 427... So you kinda missed the fastest c3

[@KoaBosk]

I subscribed just because you were very informative and straight to the point.

[@TheCowboyinmej87]

Thank you! Any video that I want to educate someone on will be this type of format. There will be some other videos that we were going to just have fun with things. Thank you for subscribing!

[@fidellaboy-negron5816]

I had a 1980 Vette, Mid night blue metallic. What a beautiful car and color...I missed my vette.

[@klwthe3rd]

I LOVE that silver green color scheme on this car. I'm just like you, i love to have the more rare and unique colors on a vehicle. This car is stunning.

[@jeremyroberts7660]

Thank you for pointing this out. Really good info

[@jefflynch9559]

Thanks for the information, I am going to look at and hopefully pickup a 1981 C3 this weekend.

[@Avenarius2906]

Thanx and Greetz from Germany! 👍🏼 I own a 1979 Corvette and i‘m still proud of it… 😎

[@thepokerrobot1368]

Possibly the best video for C3 rust checking. Ty

[@tsporp]

Great video! Excellent tips! Thx for the info.

[@ZZ48UUP]

Great vid. Very informative!!

[@razbishara6491]

Appreciate sharing your knowledge mate…awesome!

[@HectorGarcia-eo1lq]

perfect explanation. Today I bought one 81 to restore and I hope I don't find bad things lol because I didn't watch your video before. thanks for sharing

[@CrazyPetez]

The real problem is birdcage and frame rot. Not explored very deeply on this nice late C3.

[@romeozulu4424]

Great advice. Thank you.

[@boskans7800]

Great vid!!! Thanks for info!!!

[@aaronloritts3937]

Great info! Thanks for the posting.

[@SuperTruck1]

5 STARS!!!! I just bought a rough shape 76 yesterday for $200 bucks. This is a ton of great info...thank you!!!!

[@aradon9806]

Please tell me where?😭

[@dannyspitzer1267]

For $200 it must not be much

[@michaelgreene7385]

$200? That's where I would have left it too.

[@restlessmind5770]

Great video.. I had an 81 about 30 years ago. It stayed in shop. Driving in Manhattan i would drop my Y pipe all the time. Lol.

[@robertclymer6948]

Awesome info here Josh! I am in the market for a C-3 1973 coupe or a 80 pre computer C-3, and now I know what to look out for! Thanks a million for sharing this valuable information with us. Cheers from Motown.

[@fidellaboy-negron5816]

Look for a 1982 the last year for C3. There was NOT 1983 Vette.

[@GetsumJ]

Great information! Going to pick up a 1982 24/26 Two Tone and was not aware of the frame holes. A-Pillars look awesome, but now I know to look below as well.

[@rocklava110]

Excellent video thanks for posting.

[@brodydog8447]

Good video 👍🏻 very informative. Thanks

[@davidgappmayer1526]

I have the silver blue color on my 82. It turns heads everywhere I go.

[@vdmur7952]

Thanks! Great video! 👍

[@user-fs5ir1or5p]

Looking into buying a 1978 up here in Canada. Thanks for your tips.

[@yutehube4468]

If only every used car video for all makes and models was as as straight to the point and understandable as this video is.

[@garymathews4042]

check the frame where the rear frame (dog leg ) meets the rear main frame .also check any leaks from the transmission and the rear end .the 80-82 got a liter frame and weaker drive shafts ,and the lock up trans ,and aluminum rear diffs are weaker , so those years are limited to power levels .you can bolt the 80-82 front and rear bumper style on 79 and older vettes .

[@ERprepper]

Love the videos man. Any tips on getting the t tops to fit properly? On the 78 I bought they don't fit perfectly.

[@youngestson6537]

Very informative.

[@200hit]

Great info and I love Zip Corvette too

[@stephengerdik5121]

Great video!

[@nonsequitur807]

Sweet car...That color is mint! (Pun intended)

[@TheCowboyinmej87]

Lol thank you. Yes, I love the color. It's taking me a long time to find one in this color.

[@bycracky22]

Have one i restored. The best style ever made.

[@e.fabian954]

100% agree sexiest curves on a car! Attention ecerywhere i go in mine

[@tbear68-]

Thanku! Best body style. Well done.

[@hayderghulam486]

Great video! Thanks man!

[@SuperRainbowsRus]

Great video thanks man

[@onehotfl]

Thanks! Good info!

[@sargentthiccboi9333]

I’m so excited for this car

[@lowerthefriction4328]

Great tips Thanks

[@dmomcilovic9185]

Excellent info

[@jd4810]

Very helpful information.

[@sharksport01]

Outstanding color.

[@babakgholian3467]

Thanks for the info 👍

[@OldielocksNmo50]

My 82 has never been drove in the rain.. she's all chromed, polished, still a cross fire but I did away with the box and ran two chrome dimes with different plumbing. Added chrome hoses to the headlight doors and vac.. louvers to the rear glass and tail lights, polished wheels and slots, cowl cover, mirror tops, 1/665 blue. Did you know that the 82 is the onlyC3 since 1972 to have the 1972 LT-1 engine? Detuned to pass CA emissions..

[@BlowmeRoger]

Well there you go, 76- on had steel floors, im blown away...

[@digitalbrand2930]

Just bought a white and red C3…88,000 miles…my father designed it while he was alive…😉

[@KidTonyGaming]

I've been wanting a C3 since Chris Tucker picked up Detective Lee from the airport in Rush Hour

[@stevesepulveda7398]

That's a ton of good info, a woman in our neighborhood has a red 1982 Corvette that she touts as very valuable because it's "crossfire injection" which I hear is or can be troublesome.. She hasn't given a value number but I would like to get it because that era looks so cool even if they're not great vehicles.

[@gregahrens8220]

If you're still in the market. My uncle is trying to sell an 82 with 34k miles. Always garaged and covered, never seen a flake of snow or salt.

[@eddiesandoval3560]

How much

[@BDKennels]

Thank you!

[@rea8755]

Great video! Thank you so much. Where is the 1977 number on the engine. I have looked and looked.

[@leethadmitchell1996]

Thank you for posting a vehicle that allows for transparency . Buying a used vehicle is always a gamble and buying a classic/vintage vehicle is even more so. But here is the reality...Desireable classic cars will always sell regardless of blown engine or missing tranny. Buyers just need to know EXACTLY what is wrong with the car. The problem always in dealing with cars in the 'unknown'...but instead of hiding defects to make a sell ...try being honest and make a sell. Some people are in a position to replace the entire drive train and some are not. Point is for anyone selling a car private or dealer JUST BE UPFRONT about everything that you know about the vehicle you are selling and leave it there. Someone will buy it and then you'll also have made a friend because they know exactly what they are getting in to. From there you won't be receiving nasty phone calls or emails you'll get friendly updates on how they are rebuilding the vehicle. Blessings to all...Honesty just work best guys. Thanks again for your detailed video.

[@JustSayN2O]

Agree. Several years ago I sold locally, my beloved 1968 Oldsmobile Toronado that I had owned for 13 years. I told the buyer EVERYTHING about it, including all its known defects. He bought it and I never heard from him again. Pays to be honest.

[@HappyDude1]

Very good review Can you tell me a bit more about the engine and the gearbox? Wich one is to avoid en wich one are the most reliable ?

[@tommyw.9424]

They're all pretty reliable and none are "to avoid"

[@bodieb.1239]

Oh it's a 1982 and a dark gray color. It sits very nicely.

[@cliniquemaxillo135]

Good tips

[@AlexTheGrumpyOne]

Well done buddy! Good video. I have started my series on my channel on 1975 Stingray Restoration. Just on how to fix it and etc :)

[@TheCowboyinmej87]

Thank you! I'll have to check yours out

[@AlexTheGrumpyOne]

@@TheCowboyinmej87 thank you. Well done with your project. Looks very good!

[@bodieb1233]

Thank you. Very helpful. I am creating a plan to buy a 1980. I will be in touch.

[@joniholthofer6948]

I am looking for the same year model and same color. What you think of that cross fire injection motor, is it as bad as they say? Or can something be done with it, minor replacement of "ecu" etc computer?

[@inell6]

Noticed you have a cowl cover. How do you like it, and did you install it with screws? Thanks.

[@roberto5665]

Hi Josh I heard a lot of stories about the crossfire injection, is it bad as I heard? Thank you

[@keithfoster1655]

Great information on the C3 and where to find rust I was hoping to find a 73 Convertible that is nice and sound and getting it shipped down here to Australia. Have you got any tips on where to find one and just wondering if you do inspections Cheers from Aus

[@TheCowboyinmej87]

Thank you very much! I actually may know where a 73 convertible is. Depending on what you were looking for and what your budget is. Yes, I also do inspections. I would be more than happy to look at a car for you. You can search my name on Facebook and connect with me there, and I would be happy to locate a car for you.

[@keithfoster1655]

@@TheCowboyinmej87 Hi Josh thanks for geting back looking for a nice honest car with no rust no accidents doesnt have to be a show piece but in generally pretty good condition I dont have facebook although my wife does if there is no other option Cheers

[@TheCowboyinmej87]

If you have your wife add me on Facebook, that would be the best way to communicate. I can send you pictures and info on cars that I find directly on there. I can easily find you one of those cars

[@nickmastrandrea223]

is the tag that is rivet in the driver door panel painted or bare metal? i have an 1980 that has white paint on it.

[@manontheroad3297]

@josh Hi josh, I'm trying to buy one and was wondering if you could give me some tips on running a history report on it?

[@TheCowboyinmej87]

Hey! It's awesome to hear that you're going to buy one! unfortunately, there is no way to run a history report like you would with a modern vehicle. All Corvettes from 1980 on back were not plugged into the main database for vehicle history reports because they do not have a 17 digit VIN number. Most of these older cars get their history from word of mouth, or documentation of paperwork. you might be able to do a title search on one but you'll have to know somebody at a title office or a police officer who could show you who currently owns the car. It's best to just check the vehicle for potential signs of damage from the past

[@JeffTomlinson-Consultant]

Sounds like you know your stuff. I had a 08 vette great car but I love the 80 to 82 vettes and I want to build a autocross car to drive and race. Can a c6 frame fit on a c3? Do you have any recommendations?

[@TheCowboyinmej87]

Hey, not sure if it will fit, but good luck if you try

[@timleimbach5817]

How easy is it to pull the carpet back and get those kick panels off?

[@perrymurdock7505]

Josh you have a link to sid corvette that you mentioned you pick up your parts?

[@TheCowboyinmej87]

Zip-corvette.com

[@joracer1]

Bird cage rust, main thing... frame 2nd, interior 3rdly, everything else is gravy..

[@straighttimestirrups]

What is the color code for the Corvette in the opening photo?

[@robyspidertv9779]

is it better to buy an auto or stick c3?

[@byfaithalone3529]

Is the 74 a good choice

[@bodieb.1239]

I've got a few questions. How can I get ahold of you. I'm looking at a C3 for sale on the west coast but I'm in Boston. He has told me it needs and ECU unit some paint on the bumpers and a few other things. It is a dealer. I would like to get some info and your opinion. Thanks

[@TheCowboyinmej87]

Hey! Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. The best thing to do is add me on Facebook. Just search my name

[@ericxblah19]

sp true with that rot , seen one sheer right in half right there ,

[@manontheroad3297]

How do you run a VIN number check on these c3 since they don't have 17 digits?

[@TheCowboyinmej87]

The cars from 1980 on back do not have a 17-digit van which does not connect them to the main database for all vehicles. there used to be a website or two out there that still had information on these cars. There is no way to do like a Carfax check on an older car. You just have to simply look around and check for any kind of evidence of damage.

[@stevejewell9263]

I like your recommendations concerning where to look for rust problems and as always paint and body are a big deal because a proper paint job on fiberglass will run you bigger dollars than traditional all metal cars and trucks. Where we'll disagree and part ways for the later model C3s is in drivetrain originality. No doubt if you're looking at 1970 LT-1 or one of the many really desirable BBC options from the chrome bumper years original #s matching is worth more than replacement engines. I wouldn't say the say the same of the emissions cars from the mid-70s to the end of the run. I can't speak for everyone but I'd have ZERO interest in any Corvette with performance weaker than a modern Honda Civic so the first thing to go is the drivetrain. If someone has done this for you already and done it well I'd argue that car should fetch more money that all original #s matching, all else equal. Ultimately all C3s through the 1970s at least are the same basic car and all will accept the same drivetrain up-grading and honestly in a world where you can very simply order a crate SBC motors with 450-500+ HP from a bunch of different sellers, completely with warranties. Then there are the many LS swaps that leave me unable to imagine why anyone would even want the original emissions era SBC weaking if it's still there anyway. It's a Corvette it should "go" with the performance the name alone implies.

[@Cozman430]

Zip is the best!!!

[@steveadams5502]

Do u ever give out estimates of what a c3 world be worth, if ur provided pics?

[@TheCowboyinmej87]

Pictures are one thing, but it is easier to do it in person. You can actually go through the car

[@lappydog9020]

I have 79 with a 383stroker in her. Thing is badass. Shame I have to sell it.

[@KeelanxHacks]

How much??

[@lappydog9020]

@@KeelanxHacks 27k. I have alot into it that i know i can not recover.motor has about 1.500 miles on it

[@nicholasspecialmusic]

I used to want a 2006-2012 manual Cayman or Cayman S as my someday car. But now? I want a c3.

[@frankpavan3044]

On a 1982 collectors edition I am looking to purchase it has 3 issues. Gas gage doesn't work. Oil pan at time leaks. Antenna doesn't go up. Are these expensive repairs? It's my first vette. Was in love with them since a child. I am 55 years old now. Haha. It's never to late they say. Thanks for your insights.

[@michaelgreene7385]

Buy it....

[@boooshman83]

Did you buy it?? Intruiged as to costs as I’m looking to buy one myself

[@jonmeredith4400]

Excellent video. This helped me understand what to look for. First Vette I looked at the drivers t top was crooked. Because of this video I knew what was happening and walked away 👏

[@nick011182]

I have an 81 with sidepipes and chrome rims and it still turns heads every time I drive it.

[@h3luvsnephy]

Ayo the car in ya pfp is badass :)!

[@nick011182]

@@h3luvsnephy haha thanks that’s my other toy.

[@kevinkinney5445]

I had an 81' 4 speed with chrome true spoke rims... for a minute. Wish I still had it.

[@frankpavan3044]

Hi, Is a stock very clean 1982 collectors edition worth purchasing?

[@TheCowboyinmej87]

It all depends on the price in the miles

[@michaelgreene7385]

Any Vette is worth buying, watch the price, they carry..

[@kevinsweetwater7293]

What is the name of the online parts supplier you mentioned? I couldn’t find it. Thanks

[@TheCowboyinmej87]

I believe you are looking for Custom Image Corvettes

[@TheCowboyinmej87]

Sorry, I commented on the wrong video lol. You are looking for Zip Corvette

[@kevinsweetwater7293]

Thank you Josh

[@peterjacobsen2724]

The 76' C3 I am looking at has a 3 speed trans. Thoughts?

[@paulmoss7940]

RARE. Are you sure it is factory?

[@zx_599]

@@paulmoss7940 not rare at all. all auto c3's before 1982 are three speeds

[@TheCowboyinmej87]

It is a good transmission

[@michaelgreene7385]

Turbo-Hydromatic 350, one of G.M.'s best to date.

[@revanthm1785]

if my car has rot how do i get rid of it

[@TheCowboyinmej87]

There are a ton of factors involved with that. It all depends where the rot is, how much you want to spend, and how severe the damage is

[@Gibbo205]

What gas mileage do you get on your L82 Crossfire C3 please?

[@TheCowboyinmej87]

Actually, it gets around 21 mph lol. I haven't had the chance to take it on a long trip, but I bet it would get even better on that. Also, that engine is actually referred to as an L83

[@Gibbo205]

@@TheCowboyinmej87 Thank you Josh, 21mpg is like amazing for a V8 that is 40 years old. Yes L83 sorry, I am trying to hunt down a nice L83 C3 Corvette here in the UK, no easy.

[@TheCowboyinmej87]

Good luck on your search! I will tell you that actually Corvettes get better gas mileage than this. I have seen 30 MPG out of my '87 c4 Corvette, and I have heard that people with a C5 Corvette have seen even higher than that.

[@Gibbo205]

@@TheCowboyinmej87 Thanks, I really want a C3 and ideally 80-82 as I heard they made quite a lot of weight reducing in the later years.

[@paolovanastya4289]

Not saying. But drivers headlight door. Is wider than passenger side.

[@michaelgreene7385]

Why do you think they would do that?

[@peterjacobsen2724]

R143a air conditioning? Your thoughts! Thanks

[@chickenfarm4462]

Converted mine with just autozone fittings. But you have to evacuate the system of all R12 before charging. This takes a special pump.

[@nonamel6377]

Is insurance high on C3s?

[@TheCowboyinmej87]

Actually, insurance is pretty cheap depending on your plan. It all goes on a case-by-case basis, but I use national Corvette museum insurance. I am 33 years old, I have eight collector cars, and I pay $1,200 a year for full coverage on all of them combined.

[@nonamel6377]

@@TheCowboyinmej87 I've heard that insurance is pretty low through a collector's plan, though I'd be using the car as a daily driver if I were to get it.

[@ephraimfink9010]

Not at all. Classic car insurance is inexpensive. I insure my 1978 Silver Anniversary with Condon Skelly and it’s less than $300 a year

[@coop4274]

They actually made 723 silver green cars in 82 not 713.

[@peterjacobsen2724]

Oops, 134a!

[@davidwright873]

You take a metal cutting blade, cut that shit out, reweld in new frame pieces....done and done...

[@michaelmontana0804]

I had a 1980 I restored. Loved it but it had zero power. Only thing to do is replace with a crate 350.

[@michaelgreene7385]

Super charger, it's the way to go....it will pep it right up, and most are bolt on, almost instantly adding power, and most are reasonably priced...

[@scottholder4776]

No it isn't

[@michaelgreene7385]

@@scottholder4776 what do you recommend Scott?

[@Cooladj]

I just wanna buy one and ls Swap it but the damm tran tunnel is too small

[@TheCowboyinmej87]

Go check out my other videos. If you're talking about an LS swap, we are currently doing one on a 78 Corvette. Everything bolts right in.

[@equisequis.55]

why throw it away if it has a little rust. rust can be removed and repainted. if its not real bad.

[@paulreyes5810]

79 for sale 11000.00new engine brakes tires white