1978 Pace Car (Again)

[Jeff G.]

Here's another Pace car my good friend is looking at. It's a L78, 4-Spd., with 52K miles. He is looking for any comments regarding this car before he goes to see it. I know very little about these cars so any help from you guys is very much appreciated. Here's a link to some photos I uploaded to the web.
Thanks!
Jeff

http://s167.photobucket.com/albums/u135/selectgear/1978%20Pace%20Car/

[Michael D.]

Re: 1978 Pace Car (Again)

...It's a L78...

L-82. The wood trim is not stock.

Good luck.

[John L.]

Re: 1978 Pace Car (Again)

Air injector is blocked off, maybe missing the AIR pump???
Upper heater hose has been replaced (red).
Exhaust tips are aftermarket.

[Tom H.]

Re: 1978 Pace Car (Again)

I would say on one like this that has 52K miles, you approach it like any other 78. You check things like the condition of the brake calipers, you make sure the AC works, headlights go up and down, and you make sure it runs and drives good. Then you check for general deterioration and or previous damage. If it has any issues, either make sure you can fix them, or deduct enough from the price to get the issue fixed. Also be sure VIN and trim tag confirm it is a true pace car AND that it is an L82. 5th digit in VIN will confirm the engine that was originally installed. L would be a base engine, and a 4 will indicate an L82. Check VIN code on front block surface to verify. Cars of this vintage are known for oil leaks too, so check the underside for leaks at the pan, valve covers and power steering control valve. Also keep in mind the paint quality of original pace cars wasn't fantastic, so don't let a few visble seams or lumpy paint scare you away. That's just the way they were. I'm sure there are a million other things to look at, but the basics will get you through this one, I'm sure.

If all checks out, then it just comes down to price and what he wants to pay.

Looks like a fun cruiser. Best of luck.