Frame Rust - Where To Look

[husker]

I am a potential first time corvette buyer and would like some help. I am looking at a 1970 corvette that was originally from NY state and would like to know what areas should be inspected on the frame for rust. What other things should I look for as far as determining if the car is solid.

The engine is some sort of a "crate" engine and the T400 trans is in need of work and the car is not drivable due to the trans not working. The car is complete and suspension and brakes have all been replaced with new. The interior has been mostly replaced (carpet, seat covers etc.) but still needs some items to be finished.

The car is in need of some work and I would cosnsider a decent sized project. I have not been able to look at the car yet so I was wanting to know what things to look closely at to make sure I don't end up with a "basket case".

Thanks

 

[black_81_vette]

Places to look are the rear corners of the frame right in front of the rear wheels,the rear frame rails and pay close attention to the rear body mounts also. Also common are badly deteriated rear trailing arms and suspension peices.Look closely at the body for shoddy repairs and pay special attention to the windshield frame to body area as any delamination of fiberglass in that spot spells big trouble.Im sure more folks will chime in on areas I missed.

 

[Eric]

Also, while not as big a deal as frame rust mentioned above, look under the dash and seats to see how rusty things are underneath. A lot can be an idicator of leaks, past or present, that won't be readily visible when you're looking at the car. This can lead to corrosion on some of the wiring too. I dealt with some of this on my 71 and while none of it was particularly difficult to fix, it was tedious as heck.

BTW, where in NC? I'm from Sanford and drop in occasionally. I'd be glad to peruse some with you. Regardless, it's always good to have someone who is not interested with you just to point out flaws that you might overlook in the excitement.

Gook luck in your search!

 

[husker]

Where do I look for windshield frame rust? Is it around the actual windshield or is it down where it mounts to the firewall?

 

[husker]

Thanks for the help, I went and looked at the car today - not good. Both the frame rails in front of the rear tires and the windshield posts had serious rust problems. I guess I will keep looking.

Thanks again.

 

[6880 Mike]

Good reading here. Worth the price of a copy. Tells where to look and what to watch out for. Also gives a fairly good break down on model year changes.

 

[Vette79]

Be patient. You will know when the right Vette comes along.

 

[6880 Mike]

...You will know when the right Vette comes along...

Absolutely.