Things I Should Watch For...

[bankboy]

I have started shopping for my first Corvette. I've decided on a C3; ideally I'll be able to locate a '79 that I like.
My question is this.
What are the major problems that I should look for on these cars?
I've done a lot of reading, but there's nothing better than "hands on" experience to make sure you don't miss something, and since I don't have any, I thought that maybe this forum would be good place to get this information.
Thanks

 

[Flared69]

air conditioning would be one thing.

 

[pauld]

Most important things are frame, frame and frame!!!! must check for rust

 

[matchframe]

Vettes do rust!

Check for rust on the frame. One of the easiest ways to first look right in front of the rear wheels where the frame kicks up. The trailing arms connects at this point and is a good place for water to get caught in the frame and sit for a while causing rust to form here. I have seen people check this point with just a car key and push right through the wall of the frame where the rust has weakened it. Also just look under the doors at the frame because this is another place where rust can start, especially if the car is from the area of the country where they salt the roads due to ice.

Also check the metal frame that forms the windshield. If there is rust here, it is best to move on to another Vette because repair to the "birdcage" is quite involved.

Hope this helps!

Bill

 

[Bob_K]

Emissions

Make sure all of the emissions equipment is in place if you ever want to go to a state that does inspections. If you get a 79 you still have at least 5 years of inspections in California.

 

[Bob_K]

Suspension

Almost forgot. Look at the suspension too. I've seen '79's with the rear leaf spring flat as a board (like mine). Not sure how much work you want to do, but I'll be looking at $1000-$1600 worth of suspension upgrades this winter (I could do it for a LOT less, but I want my car to handle better than new).

 

[clar2001]

cost me $1500 to smog mine first day I had it ouch .diden,t realise a old car required all that .
Rear end is impotant thats hi $ too ,Guess it deponds on how much you spend for how many problems you get. and you will need work all C3s do .

Ilive in CA. thank fully I bought a 75 one more year and no more smoge reguirments its every 2 years so I will never half to do only if I sell

Ac diden,t work removed that but its so ca. so dont really need any way.

 

[MM-C5]

See if you can pick up a copy of the July '03 issue of Corvette Magazine. They did a nice market report on C3s.

Tom

 

[yellow_2002_germany]

I would also recommend finding a car that is cosmetically strong, good paint and interior, no water leaks to the interior. Mechanical weaknesses, other than engine rebuild type problems, are almost always easier and cheaper to repair than cosmetic ones. Just keep in mind all about the rust problem areas.

 

[bossvette]

Go here and buy his video it will tell you exactly what to look out for well worth the money
http://www.bairs.com/
with all the aftermarket stuff out there you could probably build your own:eyerole but the cost would be high
Good luck a C-3 is a good choice

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Someone trying to pull a fast one on you.

Educate yourself about the specific year Corvette you will be viewing. Learn what was, and wasn't, special for that year so no one can BS you.

I'd recommend buying the best maintained vette you can afford. Even better would be one that has been restored recently. Check out our Learning Center blue-tab at the top of the page and print out a copy of the Corvette Buyer's Checklist. It may seem like overkill but if you have it with you, you won't forget to check certain things.
Happy Corvette hunting! The right vette will find you.
Heidi