Switching Gears

[Steve81OR]

Well, as much as I have enjoyed rebuilding my El Camino, I may be trading it in for a new project. I have a chance to buy an '81 Corvette that "needs a little TLC" (we'll have to see what his idea of "a little" is). The price is right, but it will depend on the condition of the Vette and which options it has. I have very limited space, so I can't keep both projects.

A Corvette has been my dream car since high school (1970's), but I always seem to find every other project first. This time I think I need to take the plunge.

I already have a name picked out, how does "Mid-Life Crisis" sound?

[texaselky]

Well I too have always wanted a Vette, I just love the looks of the 78-82's.
However, my son bought one, a 78 a real nice one that just needed a lil tlc, but I'll tell ya what a pita to work on, it's a whole different beast and parts are hard to get, mostly have to order them from somewhere. Can't even run to the partshouse and get a fan clutch, gotta order it. Anyway I will have one someday...just gonna buy one that I can get in and drive.
Hate to hear ya gotta sell the elky but good luck in whatever you decide!

[Steve81OR]

OK, that was a bust (literally). This guy has a pipe dream but nothing to fill it with. I took a look at the Corvette today, I'll break it down by item for you:

The body "needs work" = the right rear fender lost an argument with a light pole in the WalMart parking lot. Fiberglass is broken (not just cracked) in at least 3 places.

Interior "needs restoration" = The car needs an interior. The original is missing, including some dash pieces.

He claims the engine has 76,000 original miles, my guess is either the speedo turned over already, or he had it disconnected. I didn't verify it but I'm not convinced it was the original motor. It certainly wasn't all factory. GM only had one engine option for the '81 Corvette, the L81 (190 HP) 350, but twice he mentioned it had a performance engine option.

The wheels weren't stock, the AC was missing the condenser pump, and the windshield was cracked.

I knew it was a project car, but it needed more work than I was willing to do, and not worth the money he was asking.

Oh well, live and learn.

[hemi57]

Steve, sad when something doesn't meet expectations but good judgement to walk away by the sound of it.

If a Corvette is your aspiration, keep looking and one will come up that matches what you are looking for, I bet.

[Steve81OR]

Thanks John, I agree. I've put too much time, money and work into my El Camino to give it up for another project I wouldn't be happy with. I'm not concerned, I have more plans for the car this year if I keep it.

To tell you the truth, if this turns out to be my last project, that won't bother me either. I like the fact that I can say I did all the work (dispite what others may think of how it turned out), and I'll be able to enjoy it for years.