Need help in Milwaukee area to check out Vette

[irf]

Hi,

I'm looking at a 78 Vette tomorrow morning (Monday) about half an hour from the Milwaukee airport. I was hoping I can find someone who knows what to look for in a used Vette (mechanic or otherwise). I'm looking at the car at around 10:00 AM. I'll gladly pay a couple hundred dollars for your time. If interested please Email me at irf19@msn.com and I can give you a call to discuss.

Thanks!

 

[67HEAVEN]

I'm nowhere near Milwaukee, but I can suggest that rust is your enemy...yes, even in a Corvette!

For all midyear and C3 Corvettes, check for birdcage rust and frame rust. The birdcage is the metal cage completely surrounding the passenger compartment and covered by fiberglass, like this:

The windshield area is a common problem. Look for evidence of flaking rust having fallen below the door hinges or under the dash, etc.
Example: Bird Cage

Also, frame rust in the rear kick-up area is very common. When seated in the car, that would be the area directly behind you just in front of the rear wheels where the frame swings up to travel over the wheel area.
Example: Kick Up

Get the permission of the seller to tap the entire frame area with a hammer, looking for weaknesses, as holes the size of grapefruits are common in the part of the country where road salt is used in the winter.

There are, of course, many other items to look at, but to me these are two of the most difficult to deal with if you find problems.

Good luck!

 

[SwaveDave]

IRF,

If i werent entering a judging Car Show this morning, id come up. I live just over the Wisc/Illinois state line. I wouldnt charge you money...just a cup of java. Did i email you a checklist on what to look at...i cant remember . Email me if you want it (fast1970vette@webtv.net) . Otherwise, id just look it over and test drive it best you can...then, if you still like it, tell the seller you need to have it checked out by a local vette mechanic. Remember...on a 25 year old car., there is always some thing(s) wrong with it...you just need to make sure it isnt real major things.

Dave

 

[irf]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the reply. You did send me a checklist, which I have printed and I'm planning on taking with me tomorrow. I'm checking out the Vette tomorrow, Monday. Is your car show today or tomorrow? I would treat you to all the Java you could drink if you could make it tomorrow! It's the first time I'm buying a used car and I don't want to make any blunders!
Thanks for all the help!

Isaac

 

[SwaveDave]

I wouldnt be able to make it during the week, im afraid. I have work and many commitments at night. Im usually available on the weekends on short notice...its just that today (Sunday) there was a big car show near me. If you find any others in Wisc. or Illinois...let me know.

Let us know how you like the one youre going to look at on Monday.

Dave