pitfalls of buying an older corvette

[Dakota kid]

What would be some of the pitfalls of buying an older corvette, I am thinking c-2 and early c-3 68-73

And late C-4 92-96

thanks and hi

 

[Vette_Dreaming]

What would be some of the pitfalls of buying an older corvette, I am thinking c-2 and early c-3 68-73

And late C-4 92-96

thanks and hi

I think the biggest pitfall that you are going to find is cost. C-2's and C-3's that are in good shape are going to cost you. Ones that need work are still going to be high in cost and you will have to think about replacing parts that have just worn out. If you are looking for a project, the parts can add up quickly. You should ask yourself what you really want. If you are looking for car to drive and enjoy and you end up with a project, you might not be very happy. I am writing this based on the fact your profile says you are student. As far as late C-4's you might be better off with one of them. But why just the late C-4's? There are some pretty good looking early C-4's out there and they will cost you less to begin with. But you have to keep in mind that any car is going to have parts that will just wear out. And if you don't know the background of the car you don't know if it has been taken care of. I don't have a really good answer for you without knowing what you are really looking for. Do some searching on the site and you may find the answer that you are looking for. Several people have helped me get closer to what I really want out of Vette.

 

[bossvette]

What would be some of the pitfalls of buying an older corvette, I am thinking c-2 and early c-3 68-73

And late C-4 92-96

thanks and hi

Welcome to CAC I don't know of any pitfalls there are things to look for when buying with a checklist in the blue bar below the banner at the top of the page click here
the most commonly given advise is to buy the newest model you can afford or in the case of an older Corvette to buy the "best condition" you can afford.

then there are those who buy "basket cases" to have something to do with their spare time and money
as you can see in my sig I have a 76 and a 97 the 76 was a basket case and is a work in progress, but I have about as much money in it as I paid for the 97 (and many hours of "work") over the period of 5 years.

 

[corvettespecialists]

The condition of the car is the most important thing to be concerned with. Every little piece and part you have to replace will cost you more than you thought. Keep in mind when looking that first impressions can be deceiving. A fresh paint job doesn't fix a rusted frame! The parts alone for an interior on an early '70's vette will run you $2-3000. Replacing a rear end seal is a day of mechanical labor (8x$80-100). If you have access to a lift, you can do a lot of the work yourself, but if you don't... Cars that have been sitting a while can be trouble. Cars that have been sitting near water (particularly salt) can be a slow painful suicide. Check any prospect out thoroughly, especially with an under carriage inspection. When you've found the right car, learn as much as you can about that model and set timed goals toward completing it. Good luck.

 

[Dakota kid]

I would expect any older corvette should be gone over with a magnify glass before buying.

Yes rust would be a big problem,

A buddy of mine restored a Shelby Hertz Stang 6 years ago and it alone set him back him 19 grand.

How ever he bought it 15 years early for 6 grand, it was in good shape with a straight frame. And the only rust was on the hood and that was only surface rust.

 

[I_R_DA_ONE]

The first thing I would do ,,,, Is to find an active member in a local Corvette club that would be willing to go with you to look at your prospects as far as a Corvette goes,,,, You will most likely spend about 10k to 15k to get a fairly good corvette..... You may buy one for less but you will spend that much fixing it up.... Corvettes are being sold for as little as $2,500....but they are real basket cases and by the time you get done with them, you will have spent 10k to 15k getting them to a driveable condition.....

This is just some advice from an ole timer that has had many Corvettes....There is just no free lunch...

Mike

 

[Daryllawman]

Take your time and do your homework.....shop around and read up on any that you come up on......Do the carfax when you think you have found the one you want....Buy the best one you can afford....ask alot of Questions and do alot of looking and driving.....Good Luck.....!!

 

[kingman]

Already restored is the cheapest way to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This makes a lot of sense besides tink of all the time you will save.

Alan

 

[Ripp 73]

However, if a good one does come along, don't be afraid to jump on it a little. Some people get very lucky and find a good Corvette for a great price. The older the car is the more likely it will have frame rust. I was actually looking at cars that were basket cases and needed a lot of work. Then found one that I could drive and work on because it had been taken care of for so long, but the past few years the last owner just gave up and drove it. He was to the point that he wanted to see someone else fix her back up and was willing to sell cheap. I also don't mind getting my hands dirty and tinkering with toys.