78 - 82 out of favor?

[Robert B.]

I don't see many posts here for 78 - 82 cars. Are they out of favor for some reason?

[Martin N.]

Re: 78 - 82 out of favor?

ROBERT-

I'm sure as time passes we'll be getting more and more late C-3 joining and discussing their cars. I often thought the same way when I first came on board, but there's more and more "chat" about the 73-74 models now, so it'll change. Go out to a couple of shows in your area and pump up the "NCRS jam". Ask away on the questions and I'm sure you'll see some 78-82 owners pipe in. Enjoy.

Marty

[Harmon C.]

Re: 78 - 82 out of favor?

The newer cars have lots more things to go wrong so most of the judged cars are unrestored. We see few frame off restorations on 78-82 as it takes more time than older cars to restore them and the finished product is worth less. Ask your questions we have a few 78-82 experts here.

[Jack H.]

Re: 78 - 82 out of favor?

I suspect 'some' of the reason is the result of simple supply and demand...

They made many more of these cars on an annual basis than equivalent C1/C2 cars. Plus, there are quite a few to pick and choose from that weren't 'driven into the ground' requiring massive restoration efforts to re-capture...

[Michael W.]

Re: 78 - 82 out of favor?

The 78-82s are not being singled out. If you look at the judging results from any regional or national meet, you'll see very few cars newer than '72. The low volume of questions on this TDB for this era is similar.

I'm not sure that I agree with the logic of having a large supply of pristine cars that don't need restoration. If so, the Bowtie class would be flooded with them. It's not.

The rubber bumper sharks have always suffered with a stigma (look at the name) that reflects in their prices- unrestored, restored or otherwise.

On the bright side, getting a judging spot at a meet is almost guaranteed

[Tom R.]

Re: 78 - 82 out of favor?

I don't see many posts here for 78 - 82 cars. Are they out of favor for some reason?

Interesting question and can't disagree with a single post...all have merit. Volume of Tech board late model C3 posts is representative of percentage of articles published in the NCRS Restorer and probably representative of ownership among board members.

I think it was MW that commented on value and that is the bottom line...not unlike stock or even players selected for fantasy football. Better players and better teams (with more fantasy value) get more play and that's what you see represented on the tech board.

As one member who is immersed in the late model C3s, I find most of us borrow knowledge gains from early C3 "players" and adapt to late model stuff since its so similar. Late model C3 owners have yet to step up and contribute to the Corvette body of knowledge like earlier generations have and so until the class has, will it earn the interest of the larger late model C3 community.

Having said all that...we've had some great threads on late model C3s and many of contributors are those that understand intimately early C3 production and assembly. So jump in and be among the few, the proud, the fantasy!

[Joe L.]

Re: 78 - 82 out of favor?

Actually, I think the 78-82's were some of the best looking Corvettes ever built, especially the 78-79 models. I think the thing that "holds them back" is that these were not what one would call "high performance" cars. With horsepower ranging from 175 to 230 over the period, these were not what one would call "race cars". To make matters worse, they were among the heaviest Corvettes ever built. However, they have beautiful lines, "rubber" bumpers and all.

[Robert B.]

Re: 78 - 82 out of favor?

Actually, I think the 78-82's were some of the best looking Corvettes ever built, especially the 78-79 models. I think the thing that "holds them back" is that these were not what one would call "high performance" cars. With horsepower ranging from 175 to 230 over the period, these were not what one would call "race cars". To make matters worse, they were among the heaviest Corvettes ever built. However, they have beautiful lines, "rubber" bumpers and all.

Thanks to all for the responses. I agree with them all. The interesting thing is, I bought an '08 cpe in April and the '79 in August. I didn't buy the '79 as an investment or as a collector car. My wife just can't get enough of that car!

My wife absolutely loves the '79 and goes out to the garage to dust it all the time and just look at it. Hey, what about this $60,000 C6 over here? I'm just happy she loves it so much and wants to go to all the local car shows and GM's 100th birthday at the Tech Center and Heritage Center. God bless her.

I'm going to look at a '69 on Monday. If it's what I hope it is I'm buying it.

[Jim S.]

Re: 78 - 82 out of favor?

Actually I bought my 1975 Vert in 1982 thinking that it was the very last of the drop top Vettes. Even working for General Motors (Saginaw Steering Gear Division) I wasn't aware that a new convertible was scheduled for 1986. I have owned a 1976 and 1980 (new) and the 1975 vert.

Luckily, Saginaw Division manufactured all of the steering parts for Corvettes (at least until the latest era) and I collected a lot of C3 information through the years. Being responsible for the engineering group that designed all the hoses, flexible couplings, and all of the rubber seals used in gears and pumps also gave me a lot of insight and background as to the Saginaw steering parts in the C3 era.

Jim

[Michael H.]

Re: 78 - 82 out of favor?

Interesting question and can't disagree with a single post...all have merit. Volume of Tech board late model C3 posts is representative of percentage of articles published in the NCRS Restorer and probably representative of ownership among board members.

I think it was MW that commented on value and that is the bottom line...not unlike stock or even players selected for fantasy football. Better players and better teams (with more fantasy value) get more play and that's what you see represented on the tech board.

As one member who is immersed in the late model C3s, I find most of us borrow knowledge gains from early C3 "players" and adapt to late model stuff since its so similar. Late model C3 owners have yet to step up and contribute to the Corvette body of knowledge like earlier generations have and so until the class has, will it earn the interest of the larger late model C3 community.

Having said all that...we've had some great threads on late model C3s and many of contributors are those that understand intimately early C3 production and assembly. So jump in and be among the few, the proud, the fantasy!

I have 1976 and a 1981 when I first joined I thought you needed a chrome bumper or straight axle to participate. I also think most Late c3 are younger and not up on the mechanics of the cars. The only way is to participate here learn from our mentors. I have a new year resolution to force myself to get back to the nuts-bolts to share with all.

[John M.]

Re: 78 - 82 out of favor?

We were at a Corvette shop today, and my wife said she like the looks of a '78 they had there. I always liked them, because they were new when I got my license, and I used to hang out at the dealer next to my HS and dream while I waited for the bus on cold days.

I'm now looking...Black, Red, or Silver 4 speed, L82 would be nice, so would original paint and original owner.

No pace cars for me though, BTW the high mileage ones are actually rarer that the ones with plastic still on the seats!