D-FRESH3

I am new to the forum, and looking to buy and build my first Corvette. I am looking for a mid-year that needs a little love. I have a max budget of $35k. I would love some opinions/suggestions on what I should be looking for on the vehicles as I start searching. Any common trouble areas on these cars? Any websites or places you can recommend to help me find a vehicle? Any help is appreciated,
Doug

Bowtyeguy

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-for-sale.html

TJefferson2020

Not sure where to start. Use the search function- this is a common question.

Big things are frame rust in front of the rear wheel wells (it can be hidden on top of the frame). This is very common and can be catastrophic.

The other area is the birdcage - the steel enclosure around the cockpit. A rusted birdcage is an expensive nightmare to repair.

You should seriously bring someone experienced with these cars with you to look at any potential vehicle. Lot's of BS (intentional or not) with buyers misrepresenting the originality, numbers matching or not, fake protecto plates, and more.

Be aware that there is very little interchangeability with Corvettes - you can't just cruise down to the local boneyard to get parts. Almost every part is specific to the Corvette.

Get to know the years and options offered - lots of nonsense with buyers claiming "rare" this and that.

I don't want to discourage you but I also don't want anyone to learn the hard way like I did.

OHSIXX

Buy a car that someone else has poured a ton on money into and wants out.

D-FRESH3

Good info. I have already inspected a few cars. With my budget, matching numbers probably won't come into play. I am aware of the frame rust issue. What is the best way to check for a rusted birdcage? Where can you see it the best?
Doug

Bluestripe67

If you can't remove the glove box, get low and look up behind the box and behind the gauge cluster. It's not easy, but can be done. If it's a coupe, add the rear door jamb area. It can show bubbling under the paint. Dennis

Gary's '66

I bought a cheap inspection camera from H.F., brought my best and brightest small LED flashlight and various picks and screw drivers, a small hammer, my camera AND a friend as 2 sets of eyes are better than one.

We got waaay under the dash from end to end, removed the kick panels (4 screws) and looked up and down the A pillars, and pulled the rocker panel access covers (again, 4 screws).

Everything "looked" good but just to be sure, wherever possible, such as the bottom of the A pillar, I poked down and tapped with the hammer. Thuds good, crunches BAD!!!

Did the same with the frame since fortunately, there was a lift available. I'm sure that there's more and possibly better ways but that's what I did.

Gary