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Info on 1982 Corvette (1/31)
 2/21/14 1:45pm
rmendoza
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Colorado Springs, CO - USA

Vette(s):
'68 (2), '75 (4), '86, '90, '99, '00, '02. '98 (2), '06 (3), '10, '12 GS, '82 Collector Edition, '03, '90 C4 ZR-1, '14, '15


Joined: 10/11/2013
Posts: 109

I have the first year C3 '68 and have been thinking about picking up a C3 last year '82.
 
I don't know a thing about them and their reliability.  I know they came out with the Cross Fire Fuel Injection and the mileage and horse power went up over the preceding year.  I know they put the engine in the '84 C4 but not much else.
 
The asking prices and conditions are all over the map.  I know in reading about their average value, they have dropped a few % over the last year and are unexplainably low over all.
 
I have found what appears to be a nice one on craigs list locally.  It has 29,000 original miles and he dropped the price from $15,500 to $14,000.  This is more than I had in mind to spend because I wanted to tinker. 
 
My boss is looking for his first corvette and is thinking C6 around $30K, which he will be able to find a nice one for that.  However, since this is CO and we have limited driving months I thought this '82 in its condition and mileage for $14K might be a good first starter vette and it's a C3.
 
What do you guys think?
 
 


______________

God  Bless, rick

'75 Steel Blue Stingray Coupe
'75 Hot Red L82 Stingray Convertible
 
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Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (2/31)
 2/21/14 10:55pm
johnu
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Scottsdale, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Corvette Two-Tone Claret color, 4 spd, C7 Vert


Joined: 5/23/2007
Posts: 614

Nice looking in the photos.  Buy the best quality one you can find....it's cheaper in the long run.  If you scan the threads in any Corvette forum it's easy to find many who paid $4,000 and $10,000 later it's still not as nice as an original one like this appears to be. 
Now many like bringing one back from the near dead and kudo's to them.  
 I'm at the point where I like to tinker with a microfibre towel and polish more then with a red shop rag and degreaser.


|UPDATED|2/21/2014 7:55:49 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (3/31)
 2/21/14 10:54pm
dyoes
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Zachary, LA - USA

Vette(s):
1974 L-48 Auto. Just your basic Vette. GM crate motor w/vortec heads and intake. Crane cam. Scorpion rockers, Edelbrock carb. Lots of parts still in boxes... :(


Joined: 1/27/2013
Posts: 201

Old cars are worth what you're willing to pay for them.  Not trying to sound like a smart***, but there is no real valuation tool other than what your heart tells you.

Hagerty's says that the average value of a non-CE '82 is about $13K.  This one certainly looks above average, with low mileage.  As with any car, have it looked at.  These cars can hold lots of (expensive) surprises.

The big increase in gas mileage was the addition of the four speed automatic transmission.  I've been trolling eBay looking for a crossmember from an '82 so I can eventually do a tranny swap.

Many C3 snobs pooh-pooh the later cars because they weren't fast.  Hell, was anything fast in 1982?  In my opinion, the later C3s are gorgeous cars.  More luxury cruiser than sports car, but still drop dead beautiful.  What other car can say it had a 15 year run and didn't look dated?


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- Brother Dave Gardner

Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (4/31)
 2/21/14 10:59pm
johnu
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Scottsdale, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Corvette Two-Tone Claret color, 4 spd, C7 Vert


Joined: 5/23/2007
Posts: 614

dyoes said:

Many C3 snobs pooh-pooh the later cars because they weren't fast.  Hell, was anything fast in 1982? 



LOL,
 
My last three mini-vans have had more HP then mine.   Cry


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      Only 32 years together
Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (5/31)
 2/22/14 1:07am
tb2k82ceLifetime Member
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Lemon Grove, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1982 C3 Collectors Edition 44000 miles, sat in the sun most of its life, My wife purchased it for me for Father's Day in 2007 from her girlfriend that had it for 19 years. It is on the road again. I'm retired but it is now my daily driver.


Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 2041

Thing about crossfire is few people know much about the crossfire. I know even in San Diego the 7th largest city in the USA there is maybe one person that knows them the other 15 corvette only shops want to swap out the crossfire intake for you.    Overall I like mine that said I have never been able to get it to run smooth at idle.  It does not run real ruff but I have friend that has a crossfire and it is idle real smooth. 

Second my mileage is about half of what it should be both problems are most likely tied together.   I do like not having a choke fuel injection is nice for cold or altitude issues.   What I would do besides checking the frame for rust and corrosion is see if it idles when warm around 550 to 650 rpm and is it smooth.  If it does then the crossfire TBIs are most likely balanced.  Having them balanced is an issue that can drive you up the wall.   The inside looks good and if you had to do that (I did) that would run you $2000 easy for carpets, seats, and door panels.  I paid $3000 from mine with most ever thing bad but no corrosion.  I will have $20,000 or more spent on it before it is done.  

I will own a Collector Edition that I could have purchased for a few thousand less than it cost me to restore it.

Summing it up in my book if runs good and frame is sound it looks like a good deal.
Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (6/31)
 2/22/14 1:08am
jkardis
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Alton, IL - USA

Vette(s):
Red on red 1982 74,000 original miles


Joined: 10/14/2011
Posts: 2

I have an 1982 and love my car.  It is unique in my opinion.  Last of the c3 body style, first corvette with electronic fuel injection, and it is a drop dead gorgeous car.  I have made a few upgrades that have improved performance to a respectable level for a thirty year old car. I told my fiance that I was thinking about selling it and buying an 06 Z06. Her reply was "if you do, you are going to have to trade me in too!"  That being said there are a few things that you need to look for that I have dealt with while working on mine.  1.  One of the main areas of concern on the car are the dual throttle bodies. This setup works well until Bubba gets ahold of it.  The throttle shafts tend to wear out around 60,000 miles and cause a rough idle and throws them out of sync with each other.  The only solution to this is to have the shafts bushed in the housing or replaced all together.  Unfortunately alot of these cars have been touched by the hand of bubba thinking that bending the throttle linkage is the way to balance them, opening a whole other can of worms. 2. They sporadically have transmission issues related to the ecm.  I had a shift kit put in mine and that drastically improved the 10 second gas saver 1-2 shift.  I had all kinds of trouble in the beginning with what I thought was bad sensors, but turned out to be a faulty ecm.  I replaced the ecm and the PROM and have not had an electrical or mechanical problem since.  After I worked all the kinks out and reversed all the bad that had been done by previous bubba mechanics, my car has run flawlessly for the three years I have owned her.  Cranks on the first turn of the key every time.  My advice is if you are going to buy one, do the best you can to make sure that the people maintaining it knew the difference between electrical tape and properly connecting wires..... that is a story for another day!
P.S.  Upgrade to a fuel pump out of an 86, the regulators will smooth out the psi to an even 16psi (the stock pump offers about 11psi).  The crossfire prefers the added fuel pressure and you will notice a drastic change in the throttle response! Good luck from a proud crossfire owner!


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Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (7/31)
 2/28/14 1:13pm
jkardis
Former Member

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Alton, IL - USA

Vette(s):
Red on red 1982 74,000 original miles


Joined: 10/14/2011
Posts: 2

Here she is....


(modified large image to link-aapple)




|UPDATED|2/28/2014 10:13:08 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (8/31)
 2/22/14 11:01pm
tb2k82ceLifetime Member
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Lemon Grove, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1982 C3 Collectors Edition 44000 miles, sat in the sun most of its life, My wife purchased it for me for Father's Day in 2007 from her girlfriend that had it for 19 years. It is on the road again. I'm retired but it is now my daily driver.


Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 2041

I completely agree with everything but the 16psi.  11psi is way low the guys at DCS like it in the 13psi area.  I was having problems with the engine running rich. so I went with 13psi and have not found any issues with performance.  

But you will if you do not have a new fuel pump and more than 12psi coming out of it.

You do want to replace the fuel pump for sure and yes it does come out from the top of the tank but it take some fiddling to get it out.  

Also be prepared to replace some of the gas hose when you do the pump.  Have a car available to go to the auto parts store.  

By the way you will need a special tool to adjust the fuel pressure and you will need a means to measure it between the TBI's.  The stock fuel lines will most likely be hard to get off and you need to be careful about bending them when you do try to take them off.  I purchase replacements with a place for a gauge before I took mine off.  I do not believe DCS offers that setup any more.  I do not know if they plan on doing it in the near future or not.

Some people thing a pressure gauge there is a waste of time and I understand where they are coming from.  But I figure it is better than connecting and disconnecting the line multiple times.  

I know that DCS has been less that responsive sometimes but I personally have purchase a lots of stuff from them including having them put bushing in my TBIs.   Fast they are not.  It took about 4 weeks for the TBIs round trip.  They did tell me it would be 3 to 5 weeks so they were within what they said.  I was just hoping for faster time.   

They have always done good by me including walking me through a number of things when there was no money involved.  http://www.crossfireinjection.net/

John 
Just a side note DCS has come up with a balancing tool for the TBIs that is a lot simpler than the water manometer process and more accurate than using paper as a filler gauge.  They are just waiting time to have them calibrated.  I build a water manometer and tried to balance mine but the shafts were worn to much to have much luck.


|UPDATED|2/22/2014 8:01:11 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (9/31)
 2/23/14 9:30pm
rmendoza
Former Member

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Colorado Springs, CO - USA

Vette(s):
'68 (2), '75 (4), '86, '90, '99, '00, '02. '98 (2), '06 (3), '10, '12 GS, '82 Collector Edition, '03, '90 C4 ZR-1, '14, '15


Joined: 10/11/2013
Posts: 109

Thanks to all of you Guys for you input!!!

I have 2 corvettes,  the  '68 that I just got and a '98 that my wife love and ain't going anywhere. Getting a 3rd will be dicey until 15 Apr.  I could probably swing $9k, which there are some, but after all that has been offered, I better get a good one or not at all.

There is still snow where the car is, so I've put off even going and looking at it for another week if it stays clear.  I will look at it before I discuss it with my wife.  It may be a DOA discussion, but what the heck all she can say is the same she said the last time, "What do you need more than one Corvette for?"..........and she gave in.

Thanks again all,



______________

God  Bless, rick

'75 Steel Blue Stingray Coupe
'75 Hot Red L82 Stingray Convertible
 
Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (10/31)
 2/28/14 12:38pm
vettejackLifetime Member
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Titusville, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1977 Coupe (White), 2006 Convertible (Victory Red). NCM Life Member #2221.


Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 154

My '82 just turned 80,000 miles with no issues. Crisp, immediate starting, no hesitation on throttle up, and no dieseling when shutting down. Replaced TBI and metering units right from the start. Another preventive fix you might consider is pulling the fuel pump from the tank and immediately replace the teflon hose clamps with steel. At one point in time, my car would not stay running until my mechanic and I troublshot the system back to the pump and found rotten teflon.
 
Other than that, smooth as silk going down the road...turning heads and getting tons of thumbs up. I had people tell me that the car looks 'low' and "mean" in their rear view mirror and that its the shape is of what they remember about Corvette as a kid. I take the '82 to shows, leaving the '06 to travel with everything else. The '06 garners no where near the nostalgic conversation as what comes from viewing the '82. Thumbs Up
 
As far as price vs. mileage...I consider what you have told us here to be right in the ball park...Vette-n-Vestments quotes the '82 as average at $12,800, low price at $5750 and high price at $23,500.
 
I won't insult anyone here with what price goes with what condition of the vehicle. We all can figure out what low and high is when comparing the condition of the vehicle against money and value.
 
The Collectors Edition...which had its' own pricing, is not considered in this part of the conversation.
 
As far as my own '82? I would consider it a 17K to 19K car, just by what I've done to it. Some of that money could very well be sentimental value coming out as well.
 
One year appreciation for an '82 stands at 3%, while the 5 year appreciation stands at 2%, so, the '82 is doing fairly well and climbing.
 
With Mecum and BJ auctions saturating the 68-72 'bumper cars' market with big money, they will soon turn their attention to the last of the C3...betcha! 


|UPDATED|2/28/2014 9:38:26 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (11/31)
 2/28/14 2:08pm
rmendoza
Former Member

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Colorado Springs, CO - USA

Vette(s):
'68 (2), '75 (4), '86, '90, '99, '00, '02. '98 (2), '06 (3), '10, '12 GS, '82 Collector Edition, '03, '90 C4 ZR-1, '14, '15


Joined: 10/11/2013
Posts: 109

vettejack said: My '82 just turned 80,000 miles with no issues. Crisp, immediate starting, no hesitation on throttle up, and no dieseling when shutting down. Replaced TBI and metering units right from the start. Another preventive fix you might consider is pulling the fuel pump from the tank and immediately replace the teflon hose clamps with steel. At one point in time, my car would not stay running until my mechanic and I troublshot the system back to the pump and found rotten teflon.
 
Other than that, smooth as silk going down the road...turning heads and getting tons of thumbs up. I had people tell me that the car looks 'low' and "mean" in their rear view mirror and that its the shape is of what they remember about Corvette as a kid. I take the '82 to shows, leaving the '06 to travel with everything else. The '06 garners no where near the nostalgic conversation as what comes from viewing the '82. Thumbs Up
 
As far as price vs. mileage...I consider what you have told us here to be right in the ball park...Vette-n-Vestments quotes the '82 as average at $12,800, low price at $5750 and high price at $23,500.
 
I won't insult anyone here with what price goes with what condition of the vehicle. We all can figure out what low and high is when comparing the condition of the vehicle against money and value.
 
The Collectors Edition...which had its' own pricing, is not considered in this part of the conversation.
 
As far as my own '82? I would consider it a 17K to 19K car, just by what I've done to it. Some of that money could very well be sentimental value coming out as well.
 
One year appreciation for an '82 stands at 3%, while the 5 year appreciation stands at 2%, so, the '82 is doing fairly well and climbing.
 
With Mecum and BJ auctions saturating the 68-72 'bumper cars' market with big money, they will soon turn their attention to the last of the C3...betcha! 




Thank you so much!  Your comments along with the others, is building my confidence!
 
I have a '68 numbers matching L-79 bla bla bla that needs nothing that I bought on ebay for $23,600.  First year of the C3......this is what happens over the winter when you have more thinking time than driving time.......I thought wouldn't it be nice to also have the last year C3.  So I started looking on the internet and happen to find this one about 15 miles away. 
 
I've spoken to the owner and he echos his add, so the proof will be in the pudding, so to speak.  I've been to my Credit Union to Posture the buy, so I'm ready to go!  I've got an appointment to see it tomorrow at noon.  He told me that he has one other interested party in Breckenridge CO, but I called first so I get first shot.  Not sure if this is a seller's ploy or if it's true. 
 
Agreeing with your thought on the future appreciation of the '82, this car's condition and low mileage, I thought it might be a good opportunity.  I was thinking of offering $13,000, not to low ball but just to get the best deal possible.  However when I see and drive it, if it is as stated and with all the pointers that I've gotten,  I'm not sure I want to let it get away
at $14,000.
 
All good stuff though......quick start.......idles smooth.  I heard no complains about the ride, suspension, brakes etc. on '82s.  I love to do Car Shows so I'll be giving the interior and exterior cosmetics and the wheels a hard look.
 
Thanks again guys!!!


______________

God  Bless, rick

'75 Steel Blue Stingray Coupe
'75 Hot Red L82 Stingray Convertible
 
Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (12/31)
 3/3/14 8:10pm
rmendoza
Former Member

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Colorado Springs, CO - USA

Vette(s):
'68 (2), '75 (4), '86, '90, '99, '00, '02. '98 (2), '06 (3), '10, '12 GS, '82 Collector Edition, '03, '90 C4 ZR-1, '14, '15


Joined: 10/11/2013
Posts: 109

tb2k82ce said: I completely agree with everything but the 16psi.  11psi is way low the guys at DCS like it in the 13psi area.  I was having problems with the engine running rich. so I went with 13psi and have not found any issues with performance.  

But you will if you do not have a new fuel pump and more than 12psi coming out of it.

You do want to replace the fuel pump for sure and yes it does come out from the top of the tank but it take some fiddling to get it out.  

Also be prepared to replace some of the gas hose when you do the pump.  Have a car available to go to the auto parts store.  

By the way you will need a special tool to adjust the fuel pressure and you will need a means to measure it between the TBI's.  The stock fuel lines will most likely be hard to get off and you need to be careful about bending them when you do try to take them off.  I purchase replacements with a place for a gauge before I took mine off.  I do not believe DCS offers that setup any more.  I do not know if they plan on doing it in the near future or not.

Some people thing a pressure gauge there is a waste of time and I understand where they are coming from.  But I figure it is better than connecting and disconnecting the line multiple times.  

I know that DCS has been less that responsive sometimes but I personally have purchase a lots of stuff from them including having them put bushing in my TBIs.   Fast they are not.  It took about 4 weeks for the TBIs round trip.  They did tell me it would be 3 to 5 weeks so they were within what they said.  I was just hoping for faster time.   

They have always done good by me including walking me through a number of things when there was no money involved.  http://www.crossfireinjection.net/

John 
Just a side note DCS has come up with a balancing tool for the TBIs that is a lot simpler than the water manometer process and more accurate than using paper as a filler gauge.  They are just waiting time to have them calibrated.  I build a water manometer and tried to balance mine but the shafts were worn to much to have much luck.




Thanks again guys!!!  I didn't buy that nice '82 Silver Coupe...........but I found a '82 Collector Edition in great shape with 52,000.  He has window sticker, tank sticker, and a great story behind it.  Cosmeticly very good and tight.  Starts right away, no smoke, no rust under neath, but runs a little rough.  Spoke to the Corvette Center and that said when they sit to long the injectors can clog up.  He said if I bring it to him for anywhere from $200 to $1,000 it's run great.  I got the car for $13,500.  Here is the link.  Again thanks and I already have my first question
 
 
The '82 has a 85mph speedometer.......what happens to the speedometer when you drive it 90 or 95 or.........?  Do you damage it?
 

 


______________

God  Bless, rick

'75 Steel Blue Stingray Coupe
'75 Hot Red L82 Stingray Convertible
 
Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (13/31)
 3/3/14 11:38pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

rmendoza said:The '82 has a 85mph speedometer.......what happens to the speedometer when you drive it 90 or 95 or.........?  Do you damage it?


Nope. Shouldn't hurt a thing. Thumbs Up
 
Congrats on the Collector's Edition!! Clap


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Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (14/31)
 3/4/14 12:30am
DaveMLifetime Member
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Flanders, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1982 Black, ZZ4, Hooker Side Pipes, 3.55 Rear, Rebuilt & upgraded 700R4, All new suspension, brakes, & new Charcoal interior.


Joined: 1/27/2004
Posts: 2552

Trust me, going over 85 does not hurt the speedo. Good luck with the CE!

Dave



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Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (15/31)
 3/4/14 1:44pm
dskopp
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Oak Creek, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops, Going to remain as Stock as possible. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vetts Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!!


Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1958

rmendoza said: I have the first year C3 '68 and have been thinking about picking up a C3 last year '82.
 
I don't know a thing about them and their reliability.  I know they came out with the Cross Fire Fuel Injection and the mileage and horse power went up over the preceding year.  I know they put the engine in the '84 C4 but not much else.
 
The asking prices and conditions are all over the map.  I know in reading about their average value, they have dropped a few % over the last year and are unexplainably low over all.
 
I have found what appears to be a nice one on craigs list locally.  It has 29,000 original miles and he dropped the price from $15,500 to $14,000.  This is more than I had in mind to spend because I wanted to tinker. 
 
My boss is looking for his first corvette and is thinking C6 around $30K, which he will be able to find a nice one for that.  However, since this is CO and we have limited driving months I thought this '82 in its condition and mileage for $14K might be a good first starter vette and it's a C3.
 
What do you guys think?
 

The 82 had the first crossfire injection engine not fuel injection.  Is the 1982 a Collector's Edition or the base model???  The price you state is a good price for the Collector Edition but not for the base model.

Dan da Man


(fixed quote box-aapple)


|UPDATED|3/4/2014 10:44:59 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (16/31)
 3/4/14 11:08am
rmendoza
Former Member

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Colorado Springs, CO - USA

Vette(s):
'68 (2), '75 (4), '86, '90, '99, '00, '02. '98 (2), '06 (3), '10, '12 GS, '82 Collector Edition, '03, '90 C4 ZR-1, '14, '15


Joined: 10/11/2013
Posts: 109

Dan,
The link that was in your "Quote" was a base coupe.
 
The one I bought had the link below and is in fact a Collector Edition
 
 
Not only can you see from the pictures, but the VIN has a 0 in the 6th position designating it a CE.
 
Originally a Colorado car being sold at Purifoy Chevrolet in Ft Luption CO.  I pulled CARFAX and it picked it up in 2001 when it was registered in CA.  The 6 records in CARFAX indicating periodic re-registration and only 1290 miles were put on the car since 2001.
 
 


______________

God  Bless, rick

'75 Steel Blue Stingray Coupe
'75 Hot Red L82 Stingray Convertible
 
Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (17/31)
 3/4/14 8:05pm
chronos51
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Phoenix, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1982 corvette crossfire production numer C5101985. Color is silver and claret. All original numbers match. slight mods to crossfire for better efficiancy and power balanced and added fuel pressure assembly between throttle bodies,


Joined: 6/12/2011
Posts: 139

I have an 82 CE that is balanced, tuned, 50k output hei, runs best at 12 psi between throttle bodies (fuel pressure gauge between throttle bodies. upgraded 86 fuel pump for higher out put, smaller torque converter, b and m shift kit in tranny. 76,400 miles. 

I dont have an issue with it, once i got the right fuel pressure she runs great. 
Sure I have to tinker on it now and then, but it idles at 500 rpm, shifts good, fly's down the highway.

Marcus 


______________




Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (18/31)
 3/5/14 12:05am
dskopp
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Oak Creek, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops, Going to remain as Stock as possible. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vetts Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!!


Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1958

rmendoza said: Dan,
The link that was in your "Quote" was a base coupe.
 
The one I bought had the link below and is in fact a Collector Edition
 
 
Not only can you see from the pictures, but the VIN has a 0 in the 6th position designating it a CE.
 
Originally a Colorado car being sold at Purifoy Chevrolet in Ft Luption CO.  I pulled CARFAX and it picked it up in 2001 when it was registered in CA.  The 6 records in CARFAX indicating periodic re-registration and only 1290 miles were put on the car since 2001.
 
 


Dummy me never looked at the URL you sent!!!  DUH!!!!  You got it??  Great!

Dan da Man


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Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (19/31)
 3/5/14 11:27am
rmendoza
Former Member

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Colorado Springs, CO - USA

Vette(s):
'68 (2), '75 (4), '86, '90, '99, '00, '02. '98 (2), '06 (3), '10, '12 GS, '82 Collector Edition, '03, '90 C4 ZR-1, '14, '15


Joined: 10/11/2013
Posts: 109

johnu said:

dyoes said:

Many C3 snobs pooh-pooh the later cars because they weren't fast.  Hell, was anything fast in 1982? 



LOL,
 
My last three mini-vans have had more HP then mine.   Cry

John,
 
After 40 + years of corvettes, I have to agree with you.  In the 10 I've had, I've experienced hair raising situations in my youth and more controlled pleasurable experiences as I matured.  As I mellow with age my attention and appreciation has shifted to the shear beauty of the lines and the reliability of a Chevy.  All with their special aspects, IMO a beautiful C3 has that eye drawing, jaw dropping capability to leave an indelible image on your mind.  
 
When I test drove the '82 CE saturday, I got the feeling that I was in a touring car with its great freeway ride.  With a great story and price, it was a no brainer.  This is the car that I'm taking on the National Corvette Caravan this year.  Assembly Plant move to BG in '81 and the '82s their first production run, I'm taking her to her birthplace.



______________

God  Bless, rick

'75 Steel Blue Stingray Coupe
'75 Hot Red L82 Stingray Convertible
 
Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (20/31)
 3/5/14 11:54am
dskopp
Limited Member
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Oak Creek, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops, Going to remain as Stock as possible. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vetts Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!!


Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1958

rmendoza said:
johnu said:

dyoes said:

Many C3 snobs pooh-pooh the later cars because they weren't fast.  Hell, was anything fast in 1982? 



LOL,
 
My last three mini-vans have had more HP then mine.   Cry

John,
 
After 40 + years of corvettes, I have to agree with you.  In the 10 I've had, I've experienced hair raising situations in my youth and more controlled pleasurable experiences as I matured.  As I mellow with age my attention and appreciation has shifted to the shear beauty of the lines and the reliability of a Chevy.  All with their special aspects, IMO a beautiful C3 has that eye drawing, jaw dropping capability to leave an indelible image on your mind.  
 
When I test drove the '82 CE saturday, I got the feeling that I was in a touring car with its great freeway ride.  With a great story and price, it was a no brainer.  This is the car that I'm taking on the National Corvette Caravan this year.  Assembly Plant move to BG in '81 and the '82s their first production run, I'm taking her to her birthplace.


I will be doing the caravan also!!  Hope to meet with you, rmendoza!!



______________
          



(click to see a larger image)
Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (21/31)
 3/5/14 11:57am
dskopp
Limited Member
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Oak Creek, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops, Going to remain as Stock as possible. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vetts Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!!


Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1958

rmendoza said:
johnu said:

dyoes said:

Many C3 snobs pooh-pooh the later cars because they weren't fast.  Hell, was anything fast in 1982? 



LOL,
 
My last three mini-vans have had more HP then mine.   Cry

John,
 
After 40 + years of corvettes, I have to agree with you.  In the 10 I've had, I've experienced hair raising situations in my youth and more controlled pleasurable experiences as I matured.  As I mellow with age my attention and appreciation has shifted to the shear beauty of the lines and the reliability of a Chevy.  All with their special aspects, IMO a beautiful C3 has that eye drawing, jaw dropping capability to leave an indelible image on your mind.  
 
When I test drove the '82 CE saturday, I got the feeling that I was in a touring car with its great freeway ride.  With a great story and price, it was a no brainer.  This is the car that I'm taking on the National Corvette Caravan this year.  Assembly Plant move to BG in '81 and the '82s their first production run, I'm taking her to her birthplace.


My car was "born" in St Louis, so I cannot find her "birth certificate"!!! 

she was born in MARCH OF 1981!



______________
          



(click to see a larger image)
Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (22/31)
 3/5/14 2:58pm
rmendoza
Former Member

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Colorado Springs, CO - USA

Vette(s):
'68 (2), '75 (4), '86, '90, '99, '00, '02. '98 (2), '06 (3), '10, '12 GS, '82 Collector Edition, '03, '90 C4 ZR-1, '14, '15


Joined: 10/11/2013
Posts: 109

dskopp said:
rmendoza said:
johnu said:

dyoes said:

Many C3 snobs pooh-pooh the later cars because they weren't fast.  Hell, was anything fast in 1982? 



LOL,
 
My last three mini-vans have had more HP then mine.   Cry

John,
 
After 40 + years of corvettes, I have to agree with you.  In the 10 I've had, I've experienced hair raising situations in my youth and more controlled pleasurable experiences as I matured.  As I mellow with age my attention and appreciation has shifted to the shear beauty of the lines and the reliability of a Chevy.  All with their special aspects, IMO a beautiful C3 has that eye drawing, jaw dropping capability to leave an indelible image on your mind.  
 
When I test drove the '82 CE saturday, I got the feeling that I was in a touring car with its great freeway ride.  With a great story and price, it was a no brainer.  This is the car that I'm taking on the National Corvette Caravan this year.  Assembly Plant move to BG in '81 and the '82s their first production run, I'm taking her to her birthplace.


My car was "born" in St Louis, so I cannot find her "birth certificate"!!! 

she was born in MARCH OF 1981!


Dan, I checked the NCM site and the '82 VIN is unfortunately in the group that is missing.Cry............however I'm in luck because the previous owner has both the window sticker and the tank sticker, so I'm getting the birth paperwork on this CE
Thumbs Up  I bought my '68 in Nov and it has none, but in luck on this one.

______________

God  Bless, rick

'75 Steel Blue Stingray Coupe
'75 Hot Red L82 Stingray Convertible
 
Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (23/31)
 3/5/14 9:36pm
dwright
Standard Member
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Victor, NY - USA

Vette(s):
2004 Commemorative Edition Coupe, Auto w/HUD. 13K miles in 2015. Sold 1982 Red Coupe


Joined: 7/12/2004
Posts: 6833

Congrats on the new purchase. You will love the CE. Several members here have one.

I have owned my '82 for 10 years now (time flies when you're having fun).

The odometer turned 45K last summer. Of course it turned 100K a few years before that.

Some owners have problems with the throttle bodies and a "searching idle", but when they are balanced correctly, it idles very smooth and the response is instantaneous. 

I have a stock fuel pump and it runs fine. It's not a race car; it's a luxury sports car that is 30+ years old.

You may want to check those tires. If they are more than 10 years old, there may be some serious cracks.

Last summer traveling on I70 between Moab and Las Vegas, the Garmin registered 115 mph and the speedo is still operating fine.

You will probably want to change all the fluids, belts and hoses just for peace of mind.

Good luck with it and we'll see you in BG. Hopefully, we'll have pizza Friday night in Cave City.




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Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (24/31)
 3/6/14 1:19am
rmendoza
Former Member

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Colorado Springs, CO - USA

Vette(s):
'68 (2), '75 (4), '86, '90, '99, '00, '02. '98 (2), '06 (3), '10, '12 GS, '82 Collector Edition, '03, '90 C4 ZR-1, '14, '15


Joined: 10/11/2013
Posts: 109

dwright said: Congrats on the new purchase. You will love the CE. Several members here have one.

I have owned my '82 for 10 years now (time flies when you're having fun).

The odometer turned 45K last summer. Of course it turned 100K a few years before that.

Some owners have problems with the throttle bodies and a "searching idle", but when they are balanced correctly, it idles very smooth and the response is instantaneous. 

I have a stock fuel pump and it runs fine. It's not a race car; it's a luxury sports car that is 30+ years old.

You may want to check those tires. If they are more than 10 years old, there may be some serious cracks.

Last summer traveling on I70 between Moab and Las Vegas, the Garmin registered 115 mph and the speedo is still operating fine.

You will probably want to change all the fluids, belts and hoses just for peace of mind.

Good luck with it and we'll see you in BG. Hopefully, we'll have pizza Friday night in Cave City.



Dwight,

You hear a lot of bad things about the '82 and the Cross Fire Injection, but as some one said, "Nothing was fast in 1982" and to the point did you know: "The 1982 Corvette went 0-60 mph in about 8.1 seconds and performed the 1/4 mile in 15.9 seconds at 86 mph. This 1/4 mile time made it the fastest production American car for 1982."?  You just had to be there back then to hear the raves I guess

I found a great article about the '82 CE and I recommend all '82 owners or anyone considering getting a '82 CE read it.  I did and I feel so much better about my purchase.  I don't have it yet as the title has to come from CA but after reading the article I can hardly wait to get my hands on it, wax it, drive it and get that first double take, Thumbs up or question....."What year is it?"





|UPDATED|3/5/2014 10:19:22 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


______________

God  Bless, rick

'75 Steel Blue Stingray Coupe
'75 Hot Red L82 Stingray Convertible
 
Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (25/31)
 3/7/14 12:08pm
vettejackLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
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Titusville, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1977 Coupe (White), 2006 Convertible (Victory Red). NCM Life Member #2221.


Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 154

rmendoza said:
johnu said:

dyoes said:

Many C3 snobs pooh-pooh the later cars because they weren't fast.  Hell, was anything fast in 1982? 



LOL,
 
My last three mini-vans have had more HP then mine.   Cry

John,
 
After 40 + years of corvettes, I have to agree with you.  In the 10 I've had, I've experienced hair raising situations in my youth and more controlled pleasurable experiences as I matured.  As I mellow with age my attention and appreciation has shifted to the shear beauty of the lines and the reliability of a Chevy.  All with their special aspects, IMO a beautiful C3 has that eye drawing, jaw dropping capability to leave an indelible image on your mind.  
 
When I test drove the '82 CE saturday, I got the feeling that I was in a touring car with its great freeway ride.  With a great story and price, it was a no brainer.  This is the car that I'm taking on the National Corvette Caravan this year.  Assembly Plant move to BG in '81 and the '82s their first production run, I'm taking her to her birthplace.



I would still do all the preventive maintenance previously mentioned as the 82 CE is no different from the regular production vice the cute little exterior and interior color scheme. LOL
I had a CE, but the paint would have cost 10K in 2007 dollars when it only cost me 4k the same year to paint my code 13 silver 82 (I eventually traded my CE 'even steven' for a 2002 HD Springer). Either choice you had when it came to the '82's certainly benefited you...good buy!!! 


______________

Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (26/31)
 3/7/14 1:10pm
StingrayHawaii
Standard Member
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Ellijay, GA - USA

Vette(s):
1996 Collector Edition Coupe, LT4, 6 spd 1982 Red on Red, 60k miles 1970 Convert, Maroon, Lt Saddle, 383 4 spd conv with ac 2016 Z-51 yellow Convert, 7 speed (Sold) 1974 Avanti w/Chevy 350 - 4L60 trans 2020 Polaris Slingshot GT LE


Joined: 1/2/2007
Posts: 38

I have had a number of C3 Corvette. The 1982 is one of my favorites. It is a great cruiser, good gas mileage and sounds good, and still has all the creature comforts. They are still the old chevy we can all work on and the drive train and components are modern but not high tech! I have had some later model C4 and C5s and there is not much the averige guy can work on on them, They are more High tech and component replacement. So I think the 82 is one of the best driver corvettes around. I have loved all three I have owned and regreted selling each one and still own one. There are always some things you would like better on a car, but the 82 is a good middle of old school with a little tech and a really good modern driver you can take on trips! Not to many fairly stock 30 years old + cars you could take on a trip in todays world!

______________



 


Gary & Ina
Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (27/31)
 3/7/14 1:20pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

rmendoza said:
I found a great article about the '82 CE and I recommend all '82 owners or anyone considering getting a '82 CE read it.  I did and I feel so much better about my purchase."




That's a pretty decent article. Thumbs Up Perhaps not 100% accurate(no Corvette ever had the 2004R transmission), but still a good read. Thumbs Up


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Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (28/31)
 3/7/14 3:24pm
rmendoza
Former Member

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Colorado Springs, CO - USA

Vette(s):
'68 (2), '75 (4), '86, '90, '99, '00, '02. '98 (2), '06 (3), '10, '12 GS, '82 Collector Edition, '03, '90 C4 ZR-1, '14, '15


Joined: 10/11/2013
Posts: 109

Yeah, I saw that and assumed it was a typo, should have been a 7 instead of a 2


______________

God  Bless, rick

'75 Steel Blue Stingray Coupe
'75 Hot Red L82 Stingray Convertible
 
Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (29/31)
 3/7/14 3:45pm
tb2k82ceLifetime Member
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Lemon Grove, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1982 C3 Collectors Edition 44000 miles, sat in the sun most of its life, My wife purchased it for me for Father's Day in 2007 from her girlfriend that had it for 19 years. It is on the road again. I'm retired but it is now my daily driver.


Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 2041

Something you need to be aware of. All CE's rear hatch hinges will expand and the hatch will get stuck.  
 
The distance across the hinge  if i remember is 3" and at 3 1/4" to 3 1/2" you hatch will not open anymore.  You then have two choices bend them back carefully or contact this guy who makes replacements that actually work and last forever.  Normally this happens before 30,000 miles so with a low millage car you may not notice.  By the way it is not uncommon for the owner to have the latching mechanize adjusted (it is designed to be adjusted) so yours may already have started to expand and you do not notice it yet. 
 
I would recommend that you get in line for a set of his hinges as he only makes some once in a while and may stop completely at anytime.  
 
His story is his wife owns a CE the hatch stuck shut so being an engineer he designed a set. Lots of people saw what he did so he make a batch of 10 and every few years or so he makes another batch of 10.  Last I know he said he was not going to do that anymore but then I saw that he made another batch.  That is why I'm telling you to get on his list. 
 
By the way he has lots of articles on tuning and balancing the TBI.  He will not sell to dealers by the way.  He will only sell to individuals.  He put me through a little quiz before he would sell me a set.
 
steve@theCUBEstudio.com
Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (30/31)
 3/7/14 7:07pm
rmendoza
Former Member

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Colorado Springs, CO - USA

Vette(s):
'68 (2), '75 (4), '86, '90, '99, '00, '02. '98 (2), '06 (3), '10, '12 GS, '82 Collector Edition, '03, '90 C4 ZR-1, '14, '15


Joined: 10/11/2013
Posts: 109

tb2k82ce said:
Something you need to be aware of. All CE's rear hatch hinges will expand and the hatch will get stuck.  
 
The distance across the hinge  if i remember is 3" and at 3 1/4" to 3 1/2" you hatch will not open anymore.  You then have two choices bend them back carefully or contact this guy who makes replacements that actually work and last forever.  Normally this happens before 30,000 miles so with a low millage car you may not notice.  By the way it is not uncommon for the owner to have the latching mechanize adjusted (it is designed to be adjusted) so yours may already have started to expand and you do not notice it yet. 
 
I would recommend that you get in line for a set of his hinges as he only makes some once in a while and may stop completely at anytime.  
 
His story is his wife owns a CE the hatch stuck shut so being an engineer he designed a set. Lots of people saw what he did so he make a batch of 10 and every few years or so he makes another batch of 10.  Last I know he said he was not going to do that anymore but then I saw that he made another batch.  That is why I'm telling you to get on his list. 
 
By the way he has lots of articles on tuning and balancing the TBI.  He will not sell to dealers by the way.  He will only sell to individuals.  He put me through a little quiz before he would sell me a set.
 
steve@theCUBEstudio.com

Just another example of the value of this sight and its unselfish members!
 
That has already happened!  When I looked at the car and asked that the rear hatch be opened, he showed me that I had to pull the hatch release, while he gently pushed up on the rear glass hatch until the two pins moved forward enough to then to come out of the holes.  We had the hinge discussion and that it would need new ones.  It also needs the two struts as they don't hold up the hatch very well.  Eckler has them for $89 a pair so that isn't much, but the hinges may be more costly.
 
I'll cross my finges and send off an email immediately and see if I can get on his list.  Thanks so much for the insight. 



______________

God  Bless, rick

'75 Steel Blue Stingray Coupe
'75 Hot Red L82 Stingray Convertible
 
Re: Info on 1982 Corvette (31/31)
 3/7/14 9:03pm
tb2k82ceLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
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Lemon Grove, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1982 C3 Collectors Edition 44000 miles, sat in the sun most of its life, My wife purchased it for me for Father's Day in 2007 from her girlfriend that had it for 19 years. It is on the road again. I'm retired but it is now my daily driver.


Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 2041

do not purchase the struts for the back window yet.  I know that there is at least one of the suppliers that suppose to have the correct struts but they really do not fit all that good.   I do not remember which one it was.  Just hold up a little.  

If I remember it was Steve that told me which location to purchase them from.  Anyway the ones I did purchase fit just like the original ones.  One of the aftermarket sets require you to trim some plastic from the inside.  Not a good thing.

If Steve does not know where to get them give me a PM and I will go back through my records and see if I can come up with the place I purchase mine from.  They worked perfectly.  For those following this thread I will post the supplier for the structs the PM is just to give me notice that I need to start looking through a lot of data.

There was a place in Canada that would rebuild them for you.  I did not do that but I kept my original ones so if someone needed them I would have them.  The same with my radio.  I replace the speakers and put in a new radio but keep the old stuff.  I will never put it back in myself but if someone want an 82 8 track radio I have one.

Steve will get back with you I'm sure.

By the way it is easy enough to replace the hinges but do not try to do it yourself.  That glass is way to valuable and is not replaceable by the way. 

 Almost anyway I heard of a guy in San Diego that has the mold for the rear window and I heard that he could make one drill the holes then temper it.  This is all hearsay at this time but I got that information for a hotrod guy that had windows made for his split window 51 pickup.


|UPDATED|3/7/2014 6:03:39 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
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