DO NOT BUY A 1977 Corvette: Things You NEED To Know Before You Buy A 1977 Corvette 

Loved my new 77! Bright red. Stock engine. Alarm in door lock. Bullet mirrors. White leather. Great car. I put 26k on it. Removed the c converter and pvc valve. Opened the gas filler so the bigger leaded gas filler nozzle would work. And, the cruise did work (new car) but wasn’t good. More like having an old time wire throttle button than today’s cruise controls. They had an 8 track player built in. I wore out my 8 track of Sat nite fever! The roof panels attached to the luggage rack with two brackets which came with the car. $11,450 window sticker.

The '77 has always been a dream car since a guy down the road had a new one when I was a kid. Some other year sounds a lot better now.

I'm still buying one :)

Owned a ‘77 L-82 for 11 years. (Bought used) never had a single problem with it.

I bought 77 two years ago. Before that I watched all Bens videos to familiarise my self with c3. Look from bright side......its unique one year only!!!!

My 77 is perfect. no issues. best car I have!

I got a 75 L82 4 speed it's been one of the best cars I've owned

In the early 80’s, I owned a 77 Corvette. Never realized all the one year only stuff. Luckily everything worked well with it and I didn’t have any problems.

I'd take a 77 any day

The dimmer switch went bad on my '77 so I'm about to install/retrofit a floor switch.

A Fountain-of-Youthful Knowledge. Wry wit, insanely informed, historically wise beyond your years. Love your presentations, thanks for the hard work and great insights. All my best as usual.

I've got a 77, great condition with no issues but thanks for the information.

The wiper switch was ahead of its time thats how cars are today

GM Management memo to Engineering: "Let's figure this stuff out on the fly and have the suckers (customers) pay for it."

Great INFO Dude!! It's funny, I just Bought a 1977 Corvette "TODAY" Thanks, Tony G.

I have a a 77 I’ve had it for 40 years never had any problems with it runs good looks good and perfect shape. I have only driven it in the rain twice but it’s an excellent shape. I love it.

Love my 66 love them all

When "TheCorvetteBen," Tells you NOT TO BUY A CORVETTE!!! its time to listen up Lol

I love my 77 corvette

I have a 77 also. I have no issues with the things you mentioned, except for the wiper/turn signal issue vi have to hold the switch when turning left,.or the wipers will come on. The only way to fix is to replace the unit.

I would buy this car and immediately strip it down and build it into the Corvette that was in Corvette Summer, the movie Mark Hamill did before he was in Star Wars back in 1977.

Yesterday I acquired a 1977, it was completely restored several years back, but it’s been sitting outside in this Arizona heat. It has historic plates and it’s insured, runs like a top, but I can see that I have a lot of TLC to deal with. The paint job needs buffing, sanding it with 2,500 sandpaper is a must, but I might just repaint it. I didn’t pay anything for it, I just got it from constantly helping the guy out, so I shouldn’t be too upset over a gift. I definitely need tires, and the A/C might need recharge. And the battery is dead. Since he has a BodyShop, he offered to paint it and will have his mechanic install anything I buy. But there’s a dilemma, I don’t have a place to put it once I bring it home, I already have 4 vehicles to deal with and he’s painting (3 stage 2 tone) my 1993 Silverado.

I have a 1977 Corvette with the L82 engine, T-Tops and 4 speed transmission. Runs great, looks great. 77,500 original miles on it. I still drive it once or twice a month. Good to drive them. The engine is strong. I am just a big guy, tight fit for me ion the driver's seat.

My dad's best friend bought a 77 Vette in 1977. We didn't know better; it was the 70's.

I watched this after buying a 77 corvette. Good thing all mine needs is a new paint job.

My reasons I dont want a 1977 Corvette are I dont like what they did with the dash and gauges they made them all plastic. Also They stopped calling the Stingray that year. This is why I bought a 1976 Corvette. I was not shopping for a Corvette at all because I already own a 1994 twin turbo six speed Supra and a 1992 Acura NSX with the science of speed twin turbo system and 5 speed transmission I was not looking for a Corvette until I started watching Corvette Bens fine and informative videos so I went out and bought a 1976 Corvette 4 speed and put a brand new Chevrolet 454 crate engine in it now I love it!!

My 77 is so dependable. I’ve had it for 40 years and it’s the most dependable car. I have no issues no problems four speed L 48 It’s a federal car, beautiful shape.

Almost every car in the world has all those things in the turn signal shaft. I have a 77 and none of these things are issues for me. But thanks for pointing out the differences and what makes mine a little more special.

I own a torch red 1977 corvette,and i love it.I put longtube headers,high performance intake exhaust manifold,Flowmaster racing exhaust.New tires,brakes,American racing wheels,tuneup,new valve covers,timing chain,spark plug wires,monoleaf rear leaf spring,fuel filter,pcv valve,many many more.Its a headturner,Wherever i go,people notice it for sure.it also has new shocks.lol russell wayne boyd.

I almost bought a new hugger orange 1977 Vette but instead ordered a new 1977 Z/28 4 speed with A/C. My very 1st brand new car. I started workng FT in IT in 1975.

You just brought a smile to the face of everybody who owns a 77 parts car

Hey Ben, my 77 is an original car with all those unique features to the year. I did notice over the last 10 years doing the interior and a few other parts the cost was a little higher to replace but not enough to stop me from purchasing. Love the car and keep posting these great videos

i own a 75 corvette l 82 corvette conv,,, its been with us 30 yrs ,, we ve taken a road trip every year its always taken us home ,, i just had the end of the neg battery wire snipped at the end at the engine block it was detereating bolted it back up so now it starts 100% better also ,, red with white top deluxe int has air condition,, love it

My 57 Chevy has a lot of one year only parts, that’s just the way it is. I would take a 77 over a 78 or 79 just for the styling.

Those door lock alarms suck. I gotta fix my 77 corvette’s ones..

I'll buy it anyway.

Thanks Ben. I had 1977 on the brain and I'll now shop earlier if I decide to go with a '70s model. Never should have sold the '69.

Another thing you didn't mention is the early 77's only have the fender alarm switch and no emblems..the second run in 77 they added the checkered flag emblems

1977 was one of GM's worst years. Owned a 77 Camaro. It was loaded with smog and a vacuum hose nightmare, gutless wonder.

Wow, this Vette is destroyed!

OK Ben, now you've really opened up a can of worms here for us 77 owners, Hope you'll show the removal , and rehab/dissection of that steering column before you sell it please.

Personally you can have all C3’s after 1972. Crome bumpers is the only way to go.

Bummer. Mine is a 77.

They were junk from the factory?

Love the Saturday night fever 8 track 😂

Wish you had made this video back in November. I just bought a ‘77 from my mom

My dad has a tan 77 that isn't running but in decent shape otherwise. I still want it because it's my dad's, but I sure hope I don't run into a lot of 1 year only stuff when having it restored.

I like that back window.

i was a day away from buying a 77. thank you for this

Good info. My dad had 73 barebones had power steering Manuel brakes but had four wheel disk 350 .i I was young wish I had these vids then. Sold for better things . he got 15,000 for it so must of been decent. In Pennsylvania

I had a 77 and sold it a few years ago. Just too much money to restore for it's value.

Not sure why you're all over that wiper switch, it's the same idea GM ended up using for several years. My 77 Vette wipers are like my 94 Sierra. Woo.

Fun fact, the very early ‘77’s had Stingray on the sides, maybe 1 or 2 months.

Jimmy Carter era Corvette......Oh boy...

She looks like a work of modern art on the outside. LOL

most people only find your channel after we buy one of these cars, my signals work but the wipers and dimmer dont

Excellent advice! Thanks for taking the time to go over the peculiarities of the ‘77

Just shows how GM never learned how to manufacture efficiently by making one good design and sticking with it. Complicating the manufacturing process "on purpose" is poor business management and reduces quality.

Ok, so I'm sure that wiper/turn signal switch is a bizarre one year only part. And it is weird that the cruise is on the tilt, not in the end of the wiper/signal stalk. But why is it so easy to accidentally turn the wipers on in this year Vette? I mean what am I missing, thats how GM did wiper/signal/cruise and dimmer functions through the 80's and 90's and its never seemed to be an issue for me in other models.

If you have the money, knowledge, and ability to fix car's, you go for IT!

You taught me some stuff today sir. Always wanted a 77 cause it was the year I was born. Wasn't aware of a few things you mentioned. Old man has had 78 silver anniversary since 90 or so.

My 77 had a rubber bladder in the gas tank. It was impossible to find, so I ended up using a fuel cell.

I honestly love the 1977 just because it’s so wack and unique. I’m never trading mine

My friend bought a 77 brand new and I remember it being the first Corvette I'd seen with factory leather seats that had velour inserts. I think 77 was the first year for optional glass T-Tops too.

Don’t need to watch the vid to know that.

So here is a question. If you do not care about being original, what would be the best subs? Sounds like putting a 78 cruise control in is an upgrade. What about a different column?

Great video, great information. I have my Dad's 1965 GTO; it has many of the same things. One year only trim items too. It all goes back to what Ben says, slow down and review your cars condition. Then you truly enjoy it more.

What about the 8 track stereo?

The Swiss Army wiper/signal lever.

Great videos Ben! Been following for a while now and learned so much.. even cars I dont own are a world of knowledge! Great job here :)

I had a 74, which was also unique to the Corvette series as it was the last year of the Big block. It also had a two piece rear bumper cover which makes 74s easily identifiable as long as you haven't replaced it with an aftermarket one piece. It's been a few years since I've owned it but I also believe it was the last year that there was no Factory catalytic converters but I could be wrong on that last fact

My turn signal stalk broke off and some of it is still in the column. Any advice on what I can do and where to get needed parts?

I guess my stupid question is if you know not to buy one why did you buy one that seems like a genius move to me

77 is an in between year for corvette It wasn’t a stingray and it still had the flat back window … Non desirable

I spent some time trying to find the wiper/signal/dimmer switch for my 77. IMPOSSIBLE to find. I sold the car.

1977 Sold 49213, which was another step higher in sales that happened every year until 1980 when there was lesser produced. So C3s sold like hot cakes during their stretch from 68-82.

Ben, also the rear window defroster switch on the console is '77 only and if you have a good one I'll take it

Love the patina

A good heads up! Thx!

Well that just stinks, drops the value of my 77 even further. Bought it 5 years ago, never home to even mess with it. Hope some of this stuff still works. I'm seeing some videos where the turn switch assemble can be repaired. Maybe there's hope.

My 77 has the l82 it’s a decent motor

That's not a 1977 Corvette on the trailer (unless someone swapped the polished deep dish wheels for those slotted wheels) at the video's beginning. Those slotted wheels were first available on the 1978 Corvette.

Oh great... Just bought a 77 about 5 days ago. Didn't realize all the 1 year parts... How difficult is it to add a different model component?

Mmmm the year i want I've been looking at them

Well thankfully mines going to be a 1/4 monster with a 454

What’s a body and frame with only a rear end worth these days ? Roller

My dad's 77' has been around since I was 2. Love this specific model. Soon it will be mine. Its so tedious to how many times it breaks down but compared to watch I just saw its a blessing 😂😂

absolute junk, what were they thinking, i have a 1997 Harley ultra classic, fuel-injected, absolute junk, always having problems with fuel sensors

Ben, thanks for the heads up on the 1977 Stingray. Always informative.

Wish I’d seen this 10 years ago.

So, you enjoying the rain too?

Does it not say stingray by the alarm body key hole? Mine did. I just forgot how the headlights come up? Were they vacuum or hydraulic?

I actually shopped around for a 77 because of the cruise control and the "other " features. SO I bought a 74 L82, I dont miss it. I will eventually buy one one day. BTW, You selling the wheels?

Good to know, going to look at a '77 tomorrow

I only want one so I can get it painted/wrapped to look like the wreckfest super venom...

Don't buy a 77 vette, thanks for the info, I'll pass on a 77

If I had to pick one it would almost be a mix of the best of 73-77. Chrome bumper cars got real expensive. 73 has that odd mix of urethane front and chrome rear bumpers, 74 had that odd split rear bumper, 75 you got HEI ignition, lost the big block, got catalytic converter, by 76 you lost the fiberglass floor, had the crappy Vega steering wheel, got alloy wheels, lost the cowl induction hood. 77 has just so many one year only parts.

I have a 77, with that exact same setup. it’s partially restored and most of the things work, the alarm system is in the door lock and it doesn’t seem to work, the cruise control works and the steering column is in pretty good condition but the steering wheel is offset, the door panels have The wood insert instead of the black stripe (probably from a 76) . It’s a 4speed manual, leaks all the transmission fluid, has a tired old small block 350 with 240k miles on it, the rear differential snap crackles and pops, and it shakes violently above 60 mph and handles like a brick on rover skates.

What is your opinion on the 1979 Corvettes L-48 ?

My grandpa's 74 had that alarm key