I Bought a 1981 Corvette. NOW WHAT?
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- Опубліковано 6 сер 2024
- I've always liked C3 fastbacks, from back in the day when I was driving around the streets of North Miami Beach in my 1976 Corvette.
Back then, the chance of affording a new late-model C3 was fiction, but I really wanted to own a "modern" Corvette.
Eventually, I traded my Vette for a 1982 Firebird SE since I was hooked on watching the then-new Knight Rider series on TV, and that seemed to be the right thing to do. Plus it had a back seat so that was very practical. And the fact that I also loved F-Bodies did not make the decision hard.
But you know how those dreams from your youth come back to the forefront a few decades later, so when I spotted this mostly-original 1981 Corvette for sale, I had to go check it out, even though it entailed a 3-hour roundtrip.
A couple of days after the pre-purchase inspection, I drove back down to Pasco County with a buddy of mine and trailer in tow and brought the '81 Vette home with me.
This video will be part of the new series on my channel chronicling the reconditioning and rehabilitation of my new 1981 Corvette, and I hope it will give you a few ideas, hours of entertainment along with information, and maybe even some inspiration to work on yours or, if you are on the fence thinking about buying a C3 Corvette, finally pulling the trigger.
Thank you for watching! 🙂👍🏻
⚡ Inspecting and Test-Driving a 1981 Corvette
▶ • How to Check a C3 Corv...
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CORVETTE PRODUCTS (sponsored)
- 76 Vette Assembly Manual: amzn.to/2GBuHrd
- 68-82 Corvette Manual: amzn.to/3devEEW
- How to Restore Corvette: amzn.to/35B6L0R
- 68-82 Vette Resto Guide: amzn.to/2QvvIG
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DISCLAIMER: Even though I like to wrench on my C3 Corvettes and most of my videos are of a how-to nature, I am not responsible nor liable should you decide to follow my musings on the subject.
The repairs and other work I do are for my own benefit and entertainment, and even though my videos may appear to give technical how-to advice, that's not my intention.
Working on a vehicle is inherently dangerous. If you're not confident, qualified, or lack the tools to do the job correctly and safely, hire a licensed mechanic.
CONTENTS
00:00 Introduction and Project Assessment
04:24 The L81 Engine
06:44 First Wash
08:06 Removing Aftermarket Taillight Louvers
10:56 Cleaning the Rims and Tires
12:53 Removing Headlight Bezels
14:08 How to Use the Headlight Bypass Switch
15:56 The Headlight Bezel Will Not Come Out
17:11 Liquid Nails® for Attaching Emblems?
18:29 Coming Up... - Авто та транспорт
A new project is always exciting. I always liked the 1980 -1982 cars the most refined C3 Corvettes.
I always liked the 80 to 82 bodies as they looked like a ground effect kit was installed. If I could be lucky enough to get one I would swap out the smog motor and put in an LS motor. Good job on cleaning and getting rid of those tail light louvers!
I wish I had the financial and mechanical ability to do an LS swap, alas, it will have to remain carbureted. Thank you for watching! 🙂👍🏻
Avoid LS engine swap at all cost ! The Chevy 350 small block is more reliable and is much better looking and sounding than the ugly LS engines . A well built blue print small block with a reliable 350 /400 horsepower is all you will ever need . A Beautiful sounding small block Chevy with stock exhaust manifolds and Turbo mufflers are quiet enough for long enjoyable road trips and the 4-speed just adds to the enjoyment of driving. That Chevy small block can be made to look like Jewlery with just a few chrome pieces . OUTSTANDING !
Yeah! Love the C3’s, I have 3 of them, ‘68, ‘69 and ‘80. Love your videos. 👍🏼🤙🏼
Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
I love watching the progress! She'll eventually be a real head turner on par with the 76 if that is even possible! Most of us dream of having one c3. You have two. Thanks for all the content. Love it
Hi Paul, and thank you for the kind words. Lots of little repair and improvement projects planned for the ‘81, so stay tuned, and thanks for your support! 😊👍🏻
Very beautifully done too!!
Ahh this is the video I’ve been waiting for. Really looking forward to riding along on your journey with this car. I could watch these videos for hours this is the best content out there. Congrats on a sweet new ride. 👍
Thank you, Dave. It should be an interesting and hopefully entertaining ride. Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
I had a 76 like yours many years ago when I bought mine somebody had replaced the nose and flip up lights with the custom Camaro style lights which I had mixed feelings on but went with it was an ugly beige color with brown interior I would end up replacing the old l48 and th350 with a 350 4 bolt main 40 big Edelbrock cam speed pro pistons a Built Th 400 stall convertor put the ecklers custom cowl hood painted the car candy apple red put the earlier derby cap wheels on it probally put 30 grand in that but she was beautiful beast when it was all said done. Got an 85 now running and driving project love it
Very cool video. I love doing all of the little things like this. Makes owning a car that much more enjoyable. Thanks!
Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
شفرولية كورفيت من جنرال موتورز الأمريكية شكلها جميل وخصوصا موديلات ( 1980 1981 1982 )❤
Super happy you got this carrr! I have an 81 and i love your videos so i already know this is going to help me so much with the little things in my car:))
Thank you so much for the kind words. I have a bunch of videos planned so stay tuned. Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
Thank you for your video.
It is refreshing to hear your words describing you corvette project. I especially respect your idea that the car wears a bridge of honor in its survival.
Thank you.
I’ll do my best to treat it right 😊👍🏻
Congrats on the new project. i'm looking forward to seeing future videos on it
Thank you, Scott. I appreciate it. And yes, I already have several videos planned, so stay tuned! Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
Great car Luis! Enjoy the journey! ....doing my spoiler on front, door adjustments and new door panels on my 76 next week....These vids get me motivated, Thank you!
Good luck with your ‘76 Corvette, and Thank You for watching! 😊👍🏻
I love your channel... I own an '81 two toned tan/bronze Vette 4 speed leather seats ...all original... for 15 years. It's my baby and I just love it! Watching your expertise and keen attention to detail is inspiring to me. Congratulations on your work and I look forward to watching your videos...
Thank you, Ralph, for the kind words, and I’m very happy you’re enjoying the videos.
Two-tone vehicles have always looked awesome IMO, and they’ve been quietly making a comeback, which is about time.
Thanks again for your comment and keep enjoying your 81 Vette! 👋🏻😎👍🏻
Congrats on the 81 project !! Looking forward to following your progress. I am sure it will look just a beautiful as the 76 👍 enjoy the build
Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
Nice purchase! Good looking vette with potential. I look forward to new videos and informative content.
Thank you. Lots of videos coming up. 😊👍🏻
Congrats on the 81... looking forward to picking up additional tip & tricks as the updates come out :-) Especially interested in the cleaning / detailing of the wiper bay, I have big issues in there that have to be addressed.
Thank you, Zeddie! Detailing of the wiper bay probably is the most requested how-to video because it was done so poorly at the factory, so I will definitely publish a video about cleaning, detailing, and painting mine. And once I start working on that project I will also post pictures to the Community tab, so stay tuned for those updates. Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
Love your new car. The condition reminds me of my yellow 79, very good overall condition but just a lot of little things to fix to bring it to the next level. I’ve enjoyed watching all the videos on your 76 and am looking forward to seeing this one come to being on par with that fine vette. Thanks
Thank you, Dan. It’s going to be a long process and I’ll do my best to do the car justice by returning it to its former glory. Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
Great videos thanjs fir sharing love my 75...only problem i have watching this video is im distracted by your awsome garage...could watch a video just on that....thanks for sharing
ua-cam.com/play/PLDTLhdsa2wI9Bg-huep-G8lWTa8y1xsQQ.html&si=mV2mO3-j5l88P0eA
Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
The C3 corvette. For me always a love affair. Congratulations 👍
Thank you! 😊👍🏻
I like your "new" 1981 Corvette. Since you have a three car garage and like Corvettes, you should consider buying the first year of the C4, which was made in 1983. Of course this would be nearly impossible, as there is only one left, and it is in the Corvette museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. 😊😊
Thank you! 😊👍🏻
Nice presentation on your new 1981 corvette project. Wish you luck with it!
Thanks, Jim. Now I need a blue one for the hat trick. Hint, hint. Lol 😆👍🏻
Looking forward to the content as you work through the "to-do" list on this car. Your attention to detail really shows on your '76 so this '81 will get the care it deserves.
I'm especially eager to see how you deal with the delamination on the nose. Your temporary fix of the clamp seems fine but you may have to notch the hood so it will close.
Haha. Yes, I will have to find a permanent fix. Clamps are expensive and I’m going to need that one at some point.
To do a proper repair, the nose and headlights have to come off, so it will be an involved project but I want to do it right.
Stay tuned! Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
You have a nice, quiet way of assessment of the cars condition and I'm sure any repairs will be accomplished with the same careful thought process.
Thank you for the kind words, and Thank You for watching! 😊👍🏻
@@76vette You are welcome.......I DO have a place in my garage that is Corvette-sized........
Congratulations on your new project! Enjoy it 👍🙂
I appreciate it. Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
I recently inherited my father's White 1980 Corvette. He dropped a fresh ZZ4 engine in it. She needs a new steering column. That's next months project. I really enjoyed your video. Keep posting brother 💪
Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
cool I just baught a 1975 L82 Convertible Like your channel I subscribed
Congratulations! And thank you for your support. 😊👍🏻
Pretty sharp too!!
My dad informed me he LOVES the look of the 1980-1982 Corvette. Now I want one after taking a second look at them. 😁
Excellent choice.
Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
Great car for a quicker project, good luck and enjoy it
Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
You have great taste in your car choices.
Meticulous work… something to aspire to with my new to me ‘76 Green on Green Auto with the L48.
Leather interior (needs seat covers and door cards). It is 99% original Arizona car. I do need to do all the bushings, water pump, timing gear set and valve seals. Previous owner put on Truespoke wire wheels which I really like.
Great videos!
Thank you for the kind words and for watching! 😊👍🏻
Looking forward to the future projects
Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
I don’t have a c3 I have a c5 but I love your content and I remember when I saw it in 1980 I knew I’d be getting one but not a fan of the cross fire injection
Thank you so much for the kind comment and for watching my videos. 1981 was the last year for carbureted engines. In 1982 they started offering fuel injection with the Cross Fire engine. With a C5 you get one of the best V8 engines ever made: the LS.
I thought about getting a C5 after watching some amazing transformation videos, but since I’m familiar with C3s (and love them), that led eventually to the ‘81. But who knows what the future will bring. Lol.
Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
The 81 is a great project car, mostly cosmetic fixes but damn your 76 she's a real beauty.
Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
Very cool! My neighbor just bought the same car / same color! This will keep you busy for a while.
It sure will. Your Vette is looking good, BTW. And the slotted rims turned out nice after that clear fiasco. Good job! 😊👍🏻
@@76vette Thanks. I’m happy with the progress. It’s often 2 forward, one back, but we get there eventually.
@ 1:42 That happened because somebody wheeled it out with super duty compound.
Love your new addition to the stable! 81's have always been special to me, Corvette donated 1981 training bodies from the then new Bowling Green assembly plant to the Autobody vocational schools in my area and we got to use the bodies to train on fiberglass repair with! I would assume from your build date yours is one of the last St. Louis cars?
Thanks, Mitch. I have no idea when they stopped production at the St. Louis plant, but mine came out of that factory.
It’s so cool that you got to practice fiberglass repair on new Vette bodies back then. I’m sure that knowledge has been very valuable. 😊👍🏻
Nice shirt.....glad to see i am not the only one that will bath it with t-tops off
Heck yeah! I only found three drops of water in the car. Lol 😆
You took those cool grills off the rear tail lights !..........But now the car doesn't look stupid ! ;D
Lol 😆 Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
Hey Luis, nice car. That’ll keep you busy for awhile. I like your oversized garage so you can actually work on your cars. Be well.
Hi Dave. Yes, a three car garage was top of the must-have list when I was house-shopping a few years ago. Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
Better than the new ones!
Thank you for watching! 🙂👍🏻
Coolest one I ever saw was LS swapped and geared low. Very quick. Sets apart from those 190-205hp These cars get sketchier the further you pass 100mph. As you know, the bird is the word ,but In the C3 ,its the bird cage. Happy motoring.
Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
You're pretty much done with projects on the 76 right? This will give you something to do in your spare time.🤣
That’s part of my master plan. 😆👍🏻
I hope you make a video on the wiper bay for this one. Can’t wait to see you working on this one because it’s almost like mine 😜
I will, Michael. Just a lot of projects in between and the wiper bay is a ton of work, but I’ll definitely get it done and documented. Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
@@76vette no hurry, can’t wait to see them all just wanted to be sure that one is on your list LOL
@@michaelriley3110 Oh yes. Definitely on the to-do list. I just have to decide how far down that rabbit hole I want to go. Stay tuned! 😊👍🏻
Great video, I like how you are showing how to do it right. The emblem parts made me cringe! How can people work like that? I was so hoping you'd toss those tail light louvers!
Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
Before you buy tires! You may want to take a closer look at your car. My 81, 4 speed corvette came from the factory with 255 60 15's. The way to tell it look in the inner rear wheel opening. The 235 cars have about a 1/2" lip, the 255 cars have the lip almost entirely cut off from the factory. Nice car. I wish my car had the cloth seats, they breathe better.
Interesting. I didn’t know that. But if wider tires were fitted for better grip purposes (I am guessing), I think 225/70R15 would provide a more comfortable ride. Just a personal choice. But I sincerely appreciate the information. Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
Just wanted to say happy holidays and thanks for the videos, you do great work. I’m thinking of installing one of those wiper compartment covers on my 79. What do you think?
They help hide all kind of sins in the wiper bay, but the ones I’ve seen look so “aftermarket.” I guess it’s because of how they’re installed. But it’s a lot easier and faster than restoring that part of the car. Happy Thanksgiving and Thank You for watching! 😊👍🏻
I actually have one but a little hesitant with installing it. They don’t fit as well as they should. Par for the course with aftermarket. But that area just looks unfinished from the factory. I will probably give it a try in the spring.
Exhaust sounds good
Yes! It needs some work though. 😊👍🏻
Nice!
Thank you! 😊👍🏻
I've never seen an 80-81 in 4 speed, nor have I ever seen the cloth seats. I don't think I've seen white w/ blue before either. Very interesting car.
Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
Almost as rare as an ‘83 🤣😜
Almost. I've seen the '83. :)
I think 80-82 Corvettees are perfect for restomodding.
Yes. I’ve seen a few restomods and they look great. This one though will remain pretty much stock. Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
Love the 81!!! Cant wait to see more videos!!!!
Thanks. Editing several new videos, so stay tuned. Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
Sir, maybe you know, where in Orlando I can do wheel alignment for my ‘80 Vette?
Any shop with good equipment should be able to do 4-wheel alignment. 😊👍🏻
Nice car but the first thing to do once it’s cleaned up is pull the rear end and put decent gears in it, 81’s had horrible high gear ratios that just kill acceleration.
Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
So is the plan to flip it? If you dont mind me asking ,how much did you pick it up for and whats your selling price goal?
Not at this time but I’ve already received two offers. Only time will tell.
I recently inherited an 81. 4 speed black on black. 76k miles. Been sitting for 20 years. The hood is jammed somehow. Not sure how to proceed. I haven’t messed with it much but I plan to this winter. The engine is junk I’m thinking carbed ls or spring for a Holley. Any advice on the hood jamming?
Congratulations! 🎊🍾🎉
When you say that the hood is jammed, what does that mean?
Is the release lever under the dash not working or gone?
Is the hood partially open on either side?
Does either side open?
There are two latches, and the one on the driver’s side actuates both through a latch-to-latch cable.
So, if only the driver’s side of the hood pops up but the passenger side remains latched, then the latch-to-latch cable has failed.
If they both remain latched then the lever cable has failed.
I am trying to understand this better in order to hopefully give you a suggestion.
C3 Corvette hoods that won’t open can be the stuff of nightmares.
how does the rear end sit so high? I have the same model but the back is so much lower.
I haven’t checked that yet, but the plan is to use longer spring bolts to lower it a couple of inches. Since this one is a manual, it has a conventional leaf spring. Automatics have a composite spring, so maybe that’s why?!?! Maybe it’s adjustment? I have no idea.
Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
4sp is a real score...great colors too...dont think that a blue interior was real common. Front end seems low...my 74 had same thing but it had cut down springs so replaced them with normal height...looks much better
Yes, I thought the front end was a little low so I’ll have to check things make sure everything is ok. And I bought it because of the overall good condition _and_ the 4-speed. I love the blue interior and the seats are super comfortable. All in all I’m super happy with my new Vette 😊👍🏻
@@76vette why are 4 speeds so much in demand now? ,its funny because back then everybody wanted the autos based on the production numbers , and nowadays they don't make manuals anymore in these new corvettes. maybe thats why and the manual shifting is a better driving experience realized now.
people in 1981 would rather eat ,drink ,apply makeup,look at their beeper see who called...then shift a manual when you only have 190hp! 😂
@@sixsixtysixanhour My guess is that it is a numbers and nostalgia game.
I learned to drive in a three-speed, column shifter Ford Falcon. Back in the 1970s, a “sports car” usually had “four on the floor,” vs. the common “three on the tree” shifter.
Personally, I prefer a manual transmission classic car for sentimental reasons and also because it feels like a true driving experience that gives the driver more control.
When I used to fly for fun, I usually chose to rent an old Piper Cub or an Aeronca Champ. Both tail-draggers that had to be hand-propped. It was all part of the experience.
Horsepower is cool, but I couldn’t care less about it (never really have). I usually hear about guys test-driving a 500+ Hp car and being the first to arrive at the scene of the accident.
By the way, beepers (invented in 1921), were VERY expensive in the early 1980’s. Thankfully, I didn’t need to carry one.
Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment. 😊👍🏻
@@76vette ..and forgot to mention awesome addition to your collection ,this survivor ,it fell into the right hands! enjoy them both & thanks for the videos and beeper trivia!📟 .I agree anything above 400 hp at the wheels in 3-3500 pound car rear wheel drive is more than enough for the street. manual shifting has another advantage gives the left leg something to do!
@@sixsixtysixanhour Thank you! 😊👍🏻
If you would like to sell your cooper cobra tire i am really interested, great video👍
Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
Original is the way to go.
Agree. Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
What's Red paint name color 👍 been looking for it
Closest match is GM’s Dynasty Red.
@@76vette what about Victory Red ❓ thank's
Not sure. I had the front air dam done a few years back and they gave me a small bottle labeled Dynasty Red. Cannot tell you for sure if it was the original paint or a mix.
www.76vette.com/2020/09/fifty-shades-of-red.html
A 1981 should have a chrome air filter cover not black. All ‘81’s had these. Is this a 1980?
No, it's a 1981. I guess it was replaced by one of the previous owners. I stripped the paint and managed to polish it well enough so it would look like the original.
@@76vette I had 2 used ‘81’s over the years, loved them. My first I bought in 1995, for only 10,000 with only 40K miles on it. The only thing both were automatic, wish they were 4-spd, but bought a mint 1978 L82 4-spd in 1998. Wish I hadn’t sold any of the 9 corvette’s I’ve had. Had 4 C3’s, 2 C4’s and 3 C5’s but nothing now. Like the style of the C3’s the most.
Nice! But expensive hobby
Yes! 😊👍🏻
Good old uncle sam sticking his nose in causing this engine to be so underpowered it can barely pull its own weight.
I hope you can do something to reverse that and make it a proper vette.