'74 L82 potential probs?

[Crash89]

Hey you guys,
I'm in the early stages of checking out a fairly nice looking '74 Vette and was wondering if there are any nightmares associated with this year. Obviously it's an old car and there will be problems but, is there anything that stands out in your mind?

Thanks,
Crash

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

They're no better, no worse than any other C3. Watch out for 'fragile' bumpers if they're original. If you live up to your screen name, it can get expensive.

 

[purpleRac3r]

Crash, I have a '74 coupe myself. As Vettehead Mikey says, there's little to be concerned with, beyond what any 32 year old car will present. Note: there are a few features unique to the '74, such as the 2-piece rear fascia and the tailights. Most of these differences you'll encounter if you have to replace something, and even then, if originallity isn't at the top of your priority list, somewhat more readily available parts from other C3's will fit. Good luck and have fun!

 

[Crash89]

If you live up to your screen name, it can get expensive.

Ouch! Thanks (I think) for the response. Is the performance generally good?

 

[BarryK]

Crash
I see you have a C4. How familiar are you the known "problem areas" on the earlier cars? If you are not well versed, you would be well advised to take someone knowledgable with you to help you look the car over.
The C3 had basically the same frame as the C2 cars had. The frame is always an area of concern on these cars and since I see you are in upstate NY and assuming that's also where the car is salt has a tendency to take it's toll over the years on car frames. Look the frame over very carefully for rust and any places rotting thru. The kick-up area right in front of the rear wheels especially is a problem area. Surface rust is fine and can be easily cleaned up, but anything beyond that is cause for concern as frame repairs can get real expensive real fast.
When I go to check out a car I usually bring a sharp, pointy tool like an awl, icepick, or screwdriver with me to poke the frame in lots of places. If it feels soft you have concerns you need to look at - it it goes thru when you are poking it than you have MAJOR problems to deal with.

Also check around the entire birdcage area. Birdcage rusting is a major issue and very difficult and very expensive to repair. Most of the birdcage is not visible or accessable so you need to look for telltale signs such as rust or bubbling of the paint because of rust underneath it along the birdcage areas such as the door jambs and along the windshield area.

Fresh, new paint is always nice but to me that makes me look at a car even harder as I start wondering why someone is selling a car they just spent money to paint. is the new paint there to hide other problems??

Check thru operation of everything running off the vacumn system such as the headlights and wipers.

Check fit on all panels, especially the doors, hood alignment, and where the rubber front and rear pieces join the body.

check for evidence of leaks around windshield, doors, rear window, and t-tops. Check condition of weatherstripping. Weatherstripping can be replaced without TOO much trouble but it's a bit of a PIA and it's not cheap to buy all new weatherstripping.

these are just a few areas to look at

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Ouch! Thanks (I think) for the response. Is the performance generally good?

Don't forget that these are 'smog era' cars and will have their doors blown off by most ricers today. Big blocks aren't much better.

 

[JJS]

Don't forget that these are 'smog era' cars and will have their doors blown off by most ricers today. Big blocks aren't much better.

How true. Technology has come such a long way with FI, handling etc.
Even back in the early '70's they couldn't put the hp onto the pavement.

 

[Crash89]

Crash
I see you have a C4. How familiar are you the known "problem areas" on the earlier cars? If you are not well versed, you would be well advised to take someone knowledgable with you to help you look the car over.
The C3 had basically the same frame as the C2 cars had. The frame is always an area of concern on these cars and since I see you are in upstate NY and assuming that's also where the car is salt has a tendency to take it's toll over the years on car frames. Look the frame over very carefully for rust and any places rotting thru. The kick-up area right in front of the rear wheels especially is a problem area. Surface rust is fine and can be easily cleaned up, but anything beyond that is cause for concern as frame repairs can get real expensive real fast.
When I go to check out a car I usually bring a sharp, pointy tool like an awl, icepick, or screwdriver with me to poke the frame in lots of places. If it feels soft you have concerns you need to look at - it it goes thru when you are poking it than you have MAJOR problems to deal with.

Also check around the entire birdcage area. Birdcage rusting is a major issue and very difficult and very expensive to repair. Most of the birdcage is not visible or accessable so you need to look for telltale signs such as rust or bubbling of the paint because of rust underneath it along the birdcage areas such as the door jambs and along the windshield area.

Fresh, new paint is always nice but to me that makes me look at a car even harder as I start wondering why someone is selling a car they just spent money to paint. is the new paint there to hide other problems??

Check thru operation of everything running off the vacumn system such as the headlights and wipers.

Check fit on all panels, especially the doors, hood alignment, and where the rubber front and rear pieces join the body.

check for evidence of leaks around windshield, doors, rear window, and t-tops. Check condition of weatherstripping. Weatherstripping can be replaced without TOO much trouble but it's a bit of a PIA and it's not cheap to buy all new weatherstripping.

these are just a few areas to look at

Great response, I appreciate your suggestions and will consider them when I look this car over.

BTW: I live in Utica Nebraska and the car is in Southern Missouri. However, I think your advise applies in this geographical area as well. Thanks

 

[Crash89]

Don't forget that these are 'smog era' cars and will have their doors blown off by most ricers today. Big blocks aren't much better.

Yeah, I understand that. I'm looking for a casual driver, not a racer. There isn't much out here in the hinterlands to race with anyway. The roads are straight with about 1 sheriff per 5 miles and they get to know you pretty quick. I sometimes feel that there is a cop magnet in my yellow C4, I've had them stop me and tell me that it "looked" like I was going too fast! No Clock, it just looked to them like I was speeding. Usually, they just wanted to look the Vette over and I'm happy to oblige them if I have the time.