Newbie here - general question first

[onebluemcm]

Hey all -
Am finally at a point in my life where I can seriously begin looking for a C3 - have always wanted one and the time has nearly come.
I'm sure some of you will have some opinions regarding my question to you all and I want to hear every one.
I really want a '78 L82 preferrably, but anything '78-'81 would do - one big priority is a manual transmission however. So you know, I want a solid car to restore/rebuild and am concerned with a near original status in the end, but not fixated on an all original vehicle. My main changes would relate to mild internal modification in the engine, perhaps some changes to ignition and air/fuel delivery and then suspension work-over - it's gonna handle like a dream.
So, now that you have some perspective, here's the big general question - what sort of pitfalls should I be aware of in looking at vettes of this vintage so as to avoid major headaches later on?? Every older vehicle is know for certain problem areas and I am ignorant of them in Corvettes. What are the big things I should be inspecting when I go to look at a car? I hope to find one that is in safe driving condition from the get go, so I'm not looking for that extreme, needs-tons-of-work just to roll safely restore. And for me, I'm hoping to find one with matching numbers for the most part because I want to be the one making changes if they are going to be made, not sorting out someone elses changes first.

So - sorry for the long first message - I've been reading on this site for some time now and have finally joined up as I get closer to actually getting a vette.

Let me know - I'm interested in even the small things, but it's the big, headache maker problems I need to learn about.

Thanks in advance

 

[page62]

1. Rust
2. Rust
3. Rust

Check where the frame meets the rear trailing arms, and the upper corners of the windshield frame (under the trim bits). Also check the lower radiator supports.

Buy the best Vette you can possibly afford! The more money you spend up front will mean money saved in restoration costs, which ends up being much more expensive...

Good luck!

 

[SwaveDave]

Email me at Fast1970Vette@webtv.net ...and ill send you some very comprehensive C3 Checklists to go shopping with .

Dave

 

[MsSchroder]

Hi OneBlue, welcome to the CAC.
I don't have any specific tips on C3's, but the CAC has a big checklist to use when shopping for a corvette. Click the Learning tab at the top, and then click the Buying a Corvette link.
Good luck and happy shopping!
Tammy

 

[cruzer99]

Shop Califorina, Nevada, Ariz, etc. for your corvette. You have a better chance of finding one without rust.
My .02......

 

[wichitacorvette]

i agree got mine in cali with extremely little rust, and it was mainly the motor lol.......... cali will have more emissions b.s. though...... (mine)......

if youre not worried about an original car, you can always fit a 5 speed in there ;-)

 

[onebluemcm]

I don't want to get off the topic too much - still want opinions on what to look out for, but I'm getting the point about rust.

So, just how difficult is it to pop a 5-speed into a late 70's vette?

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Do a search and you'll find more information than you can shake a stick at. I think you'll find mention of 6 speeds as well.

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21679&highlight=trans+swap

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17168&highlight=trans+swap

 

[Ctfoodguy2000]

Welcome to the and good luck in your search!

 

[SwaveDave]

One BLue,

Email me at fast1970vette@webtv.net , and ill give you a list of 75 things to look at , as documented from a Corvette professional., for C3 's.

Dave

 

[wichitacorvette]

im sure a couple guys on here have and theres been plenty of lt1's and ls1's in c3's so finding someone whos done it and steal their idea is the trick ;-)