1980 Chevrolet L82 Corvette – Don Hyder

By Customs -N- Classics on January 3, 2020 • ( Leave a comment )

So, what do you do if you had this same model car in your 20’s, but lost your license in it? You get another one decades later, of course!

See what Don Hyder has done to his 1980 Chevrolet L82 Corvette and make sure to go to the bottom to see the pictures.

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What type of vehicle is this?: Car

Make, Model, Year of Project

1980 Chevrolet L82 Corvette

What stage is this in?

Somewhere between complete and not sure if it will ever get finished

When did you purchase it and for how much?

I bought it in 2011 in Chicago for $13,000

Why did you choose this vehicle?

I had the same year model as this when l was 20 yrs old.

It was purple (plum crazy). I lost my license in it and had to sell it. I swore that l would one day get another one and when l was 44 and not as stupid, I did.

I am still just as crazy though.

What sort of condition was it in when you started the project, what was wrong with it, etc.

It was in average condition but we went all the way through it including the engine.

What, specifically have you done, or had done to it?

Everything under the hood is new all the way down to the radiator mount.

Put in a Hearst shifter

Removable steering wheel and racing seats along with a 4 point racing harness as seat belts for safety.

Can you list any and all parts that you have put in?

The engine is a 350ci with roller rockers, small cam and 650 Demon carburetor. It has somewhere around 400hp.

Where have you purchased your parts?

Most of my parts came from Ecklers Corvette, and Summit Racing

What about you?

I’m just a corvette car buff.

I’m 51 and now l don’t care if it will run 200mph, l just want to look good getting there, lol.

Maybe show off every now and then from one red light to the next.

Anyone can build the car of their dreams. All you have to do is believe in yourself and trust in God.

Any stories regarding this project?

I drove 967 miles, one way from Union, SC to Chicago. When we got there it was 8° and 9 inches of snow and we were trying to load a corvette in an enclosed trailer.

I would do it again tomorrow.

I have never really shown it in any shows. I get more enjoyment watching people want to take pictures of it. She’s my baby.

Check out the pictures below, make sure to click on the picture to see the full version.