olevetter

Hi All,

Purchased a '74 L82 back in '74, but only kept it 4 years, so never had any major repairs. Now I'm looking for another '74 and wondering what MAJOR parts I should be concerned with. I'm thinking U joints, gas tank, front suspension, engine, frame and bird cage. Do you think that about covers it?

Thanks in advance.

76CSRvette

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html

Brack c

olevetter

Thanks for your reply. Did read that article. Didn't really say much about major parts to inspect - except frame, bird cage and suspension, which I already mentioned.

MidShark

I would include the trailing arm assemblies (pricey) and rear suspension. Any car running around yet with it's original trailing arms (wheel bearings) and rear rubber parts would probably be due for some work.

Alan 71

Hi ov,
I think I'd take a look at the various items (not MAJOR parts) that need replacing as a car ages and is used. I believe this will give you an idea of how the car has been maintained.
Things like the oil and air filters, spark plugs and wires, fuel lines and filter, pvc valve, etc.
I'd look at the shocks and alignment shims to see if it appears the car has had a 4 wheel alignment on occasion.
In the interior I'd look at it's condition to see if it jives with the mileage indicated.
I'd also look under the car in the wheel wells and front and rear corners for signs of repaired body damage.
The car itself is usually pretty good about telling you where it's been and what it's gone through for the last 40 years. Cars that have been well taken care of look very different (I don't mean pretty paint) than those that have been kicked around for many years.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

GregS_72

olevetter

Thanks Alan. That was very helpful info. It was much easier buying the car out of the showroom 40 years ago!

olevetter

Thanks for the info. That sounds like it would be a very important safety consideration also.

LS4 PILOT

Frame

Birdcage

Frame

Birdcage


Most of the time corvette owners were too cheap to maintain the suspension on them.....so....owner after owner they did NOTHING ."but drive the **** out of it and let it get worse and whine about issues....So basically the bearings, suspension , diff, so on...is usually worn slap out on grandmas barn finds . The owners sucked ...not the corvettes.....not their fault.

I owned. 74 back then too.....so you know how it is suppose to handle.....they were very good new . It generally takes some doing to return them to that state.

Alan is right ..... Owners would waste money on chit like chain steering wheels, velour seat covers, chrome the engine , all kinds of clown stuff ......but would not spend a dime on anything that really helped.

I good car will stand tall.

F22

And some $$$ too!