Looking at a C3, what to look for

[nuke_honda]

My 3rd generation eclipse is officially for sale at the end of October. It is a $16,000 MISTAKE. Worst car on this planet. I wish somebody would just steal it for me. Along with all the problems I have with it i'm getting raped by insurance premiums in the process.

Back on topic, I'm wondering what should I look for in a C3 in good condition besides the presence of rust? I'm looking and i see very few around, and I don't want to dive in head first again like I did with the eclipse

please give me some sort of advice
thanks

-eric


DO NOT EVER BUY ONE

 

[Yoda]

-eric,

Interesting question you have here "what should I look for in a C3 in good condition besides the presence of rust?" It really depends upon what you want in a Corvette If you like to make mods, and go fast.. then I would recommend an older C3 from 1973 and older. This would give you the chance to do a lot more engine mods, and not have to worry about smog.. If you're looking for more comfort.. I would suggest the 78 ~ 82.

Of course as you mention, be sure to check for RUST.. there are many good threads here about what and where to look for rust.. try the "Search" feature and a few key words like Rust or buying a Corvette.. also, the tab at the top of the page "Knowledgebase" has a buyers check list when checking out a Corvette..

Enjoy the experience of finding that special Corvette.. You'll lust after many, but fall truely in love with the right one

 

[nuke_honda]

Thanks rare.

I looked at a 68 C3 today and it was in bad shape. even from looking under the car, the only thing that didn't look rusted was the tires. I'm not too sure how deep the cancer was on the car but I didn't want to know either. no way am i gonna get another one of "those" cars.

I take it this is going to take awhile...or am i just impatient?

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Take your time!

Buy the right one for you.

I like the higher mileage vettes. Mine has been a daily driver for over 12 years now, with minimal problems.

I'd try to buy the best maintained vette you can find. One that has been restored should have the problems addressed, and the seller will never be able to recoup his costs of the restoration, which translates to a "good for you" purchase. A vehicle of this type may cost a little more, but hey...a little more now or a lot later?!

If you sacrifice the cost of the restored vette, do be aware that the items that have not been addressed, whether being driven or sitting, still age. I would prefer a vette that was driven regulary and maintained meticulously over a low mileage vette that has sat for unknown lengthy amounts of time.
Happy hunting!
Heidi

 

[Yoda]

Nuke,

Keep looking :eek your next ride is out there! Sometimes impatience, $$$ and drivability teaches Patience

Lots more Sharks in the LandSea, there's one out there just right for you

BudD

 

[MoeJr]

All sharks are nice so u really can't go wrong. One thing to consider if u look at the oldest 68-70 sharks is that they are hi compression and may have a harder time running well on super unleaded due to pinging. 73's are really sharp lookers if ya want the older ones. I also like the 82's as they are the best handling of the sharks and also the only shark that had fuel injection. Hope this helps.

 

[BigBrakeFuelie]

MoeJr.-that`s interesting, I`ve never heard that before.What made the 82`s handle better?They had the same chassis.Weight distribution?Just curious.

 

[MoeJr]

I really cannot tell u why they handled better I am just going by skid pad figures have seen for various sharks.

 

[400hp_76]

Hey Nuke

I have a C-3 im about to sell. I am putting it on ebay. It is a 76 with about 385 hp.(more with when you uncap the hooker super comp headers). 17x8" one peice polished billet aluminum rims. A set of 4.11 gears. 700r4 transmission converstion kit. 700r4 transmission case(needs to be rebuilt) 3400 stall converter for the 700r4. It currently has the stock th350 tranny and a 2500 stall converter with 3.36 gears. excellent paint(just painted with ppg this summer 4 coats of clear and 2 coats of black. The original hood will also be the buyers choice. This car has everything you need to get into the 12s. It is already a mid to high 13s car. The engine is very fresh. It has a little over 10k. New front urethane suspension. All new wiring harnesses. I could go on with extras but you get the point.

 

[84Vette]

DO NOT EVER BUY ONE

Nice Lic. Plate :L

 

[nuke_honda]

400hp_76 I'm very interested...send me some info and asking price to channidai@yahoo.com.

There was a rumor somewhere about the C3's saying that they rattle and vibrate a lot (possibly the frame) I was also thinking of buying a vette from a vintage dealer...would that be a good decision?

84vette yeah it was nice till i got a ticket for it and THE MAN made me take it off...then again, i wouldn't say all cops are pigs, because one let me off the hook with only a speeding ticket for doing 85 in a 40 zone on the street

 

[Fred's Vettes]

I have a real nice 80 four speed on EBay now till Sunday. Nice car for $6900 buy it now price. Fred Item # 1870710205

 

[StarFX]

400 hp 76, i just wanted to comment that that car looks really sharp.

 

[400hp_76]

Thanks Starfx. I never thought it would take as long as it did to complete the car. But it has been a great learning experience. A few minor interior things and it will be complete.

 

[MaineShark]

Re: Re: Looking at a C3, what to look for

Nice Lic. Plate :L

I don't know - I think H&K is a better fit with a 'Vette.

Maybe instead of the 'this vehicle equipped with an anti-theft system' sticker, get one of the 'insured by Heckler and Koch' stickers that some gun stores have on their windows.

Joe