Gold Corvette

[Bret]

There is a Gold Corvette for sale around the corner on a used car lot. It’s an 82 not one of my favorite years (not enough chrome) but it looks clean. I had a book on what to look for on classic Vettes but can’t locate it. Is there anything I should know or check out on line before I swing by & kick the tires?

Thanks,
Bret

 

[William]

Is this a gold Corvette (as in it's painted a gold color) or is it a Gold Corvette, as in a Bloomington Gold winner Corvette? If the former, look for all the usual used car issues and functioning electrics. If it's the latter, and it's been cared for since it's Bloomington-ization, you probably won't have to look at anything except the price, because a Bloomington Gold standard 'Vette is pretty much a new car.

On a more serious note, many later unrestored 'Vettes tend to be in a parlous state, because a Corvette is still a car to be aspired to, and they've gone through the typical used sports car cycle of slightly less well heeled owners doing less and less maintenance. Check for bad fiberglass repairs (surprisingly, many shops still can't deal with it correctly), and any damage to the chassis. The acutating motors for the headlights and that weird flap over the windshield wipers tend to fail, too. And leather interiors are available, but cost a fortune.

-Wm.

 

[tony barnhill]

'82 is my favorite year Vette....they skipped '83, didn't they?

 

[KLUTZ]

I think they made around 43 or 44 1983 Corvettes Tony. My favorite is the '63 Split window coupe. Been saying I will own one since I was a teenager. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Paul

 

[R6MGS]

Yes technically 83 was skipped in anticiaption of the 84 C4 corvette...82 is, in my opinion probably one of the worst years, I hate that bubble back rear window, and the nose is on the ugly side when compared to the 73-79 C3 nose(I've even nicknamed the 80-82 vettes "Hoover" after their vacuum looking nose). Horsepower was back on the climb in 82 though since bottoming out in 75. Usually with C3 corvettes the earlier the better in terms of value.

As far as what to look for; the frame is by far the weak poin on those cars...If you get serious about buying try to get underneath with a screwdriver and poke at the frame if you go through RUN!...The frame runs up the jam where the door hinges are and into the windsheild frame(essentially the windsheild frame is part of the cars frame) look for sagging doors, and rust on the inside of the windsheild pillars.....There are alot of common little problems that are associated with these cars (headlights, tail light grounds, dash clock etc.) but overall their fun, somewhat simple cars with tons of character.
I've owned a few C3's, most recently a pretty rough 73 roadster...I really regret selling that car but in the time I had it I really enjoyed myself.

If you get the chance buy it! you won't lose money on it as C3 vette prices are just starting to climb now that the C2's are way over priced.

Well that should get ya started.....I am sure Sammy B will pipe in with more.

Zack /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/patriot.gif

 

[Basil]

The only 83 in existance is in the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY

 

[DrEntropy]

C6. IMHO it took waaay too long for that to show up. *First* performance "sportscar" outta the US in nearly 50 years.

That's me story, guv, an' I'm stayin' wif it.

 

[KLUTZ]

AHHHHH


https://www.corvettemagazine.com/2000/january/83/83p1.asp


I guess they junked the rest they made. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif


Paul

 

[Basil]

[ QUOTE ]
C6. IMHO it took waaay too long for that to show up. *First* performance "sportscar" outta the US in nearly 50 years.

That's me story, guv, an' I'm stayin' wif it.

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh I dunno, I kinda felt that way about the C5:

 

[R6MGS]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
C6. IMHO it took waaay too long for that to show up. *First* performance "sportscar" outta the US in nearly 50 years.

That's me story, guv, an' I'm stayin' wif it.

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh I dunno, I kinda felt that way about the C5

[/ QUOTE ]

Right on Bas! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/patriot.gif

 

[R6MGS]

BTW; Beautiful Vette Basil....and the perfect environment for it!
My old 73....

 

[DrEntropy]

<slopes off...>

 

[tony barnhill]

[ QUOTE ]
<slopes off...>

[/ QUOTE ]

...with chin sagging on chest & shoulders humped larger than the hunchback of Notre Dame sobbing silently as he clenches his fists....

 

[DrEntropy]

You got cameras 'round my hovel then?

 

[tony barnhill]

Black ops, doc, black ops

 

[DrEntropy]

hmmm.... <waves> "Halloooo Toooneeee!!!"

 

[tony barnhill]

No, no, no, Doc - turn around...the 3rd palm - the one that's tilted just a little...

 

[DrEntropy]

AAhhhhh.... <gathers up rattle can of Krylon Flat Black> *PSSSSTTTTT* There.

I just *know* there's 'nother one 'round here.....

 

[tony barnhill]

Always, doc...didn't you learn about redundancy?

 

[DrEntropy]

's why my conclusion of MORE... someplace.