C1 future owner
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas Nevada
C1 future owner
I have always dreamed of owning a C1 Corvette and now I can finally afford one. My question is what to look out for when I do come across one? Any electrical, transmission, engine problems that I should stay away from, and yes I do consider that the cars are old and will have some of these problems but I mean the REALLY BIG problems to look for. Any feed back would be appreciated.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 596
Likes: 3
From: Felton Ca
My two cents
I own a C1 a 58 to be exact. So my first question is have you ever driven one? Will you work on the car and will it be a weekend cruiser? I don't know what price range your looking at but these cars are priced all over the place. Wiring, paint, chrome, stainless, interior and frame condition are just some of the things to consider when looking at a car. Figure out your price range and what options you want so you can start your search. Good Luck. Greg
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Congratulations! My suggestion to you is to first zero in on the year you want. Then drive one and see how you "fit". There is more room post 57 although some shorten the steering column. Next decide if you want a car that is to be original or not. By that I mean lots of guys buy and restore their cars to original specs and some modernize with later produced parts and equpment.
You might get better responses if you were to identify the year you want. Hope this helps you. Good luck C1's are great. I have really enjoyed my C1's. They get a lot of attention - much more than my C2's.
You might get better responses if you were to identify the year you want. Hope this helps you. Good luck C1's are great. I have really enjoyed my C1's. They get a lot of attention - much more than my C2's.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,478
Likes: 5
From: Bakersfield CA
Only BIG problem I can think of it missing parts 
Even if you get something that is restored, it could take $15K-$20K just in *correct* parts to get it right, if that's what you are into.
Aside from missing parts, frame rust but that all depends where you are buying the car from and it's history. Look for a good SW car which has never seen snow or been stored outside, unless you are buying restored.
As mention, you are not being very specific at this point what your wants and price range are
No matter what though, have the car inspected by a person who knows exactly where to look for frame rust, body damage, etc. on these cars. Also have it inspected by a qualified mechanic.
Even if you get something that is restored, it could take $15K-$20K just in *correct* parts to get it right, if that's what you are into.Aside from missing parts, frame rust but that all depends where you are buying the car from and it's history. Look for a good SW car which has never seen snow or been stored outside, unless you are buying restored.
As mention, you are not being very specific at this point what your wants and price range are
No matter what though, have the car inspected by a person who knows exactly where to look for frame rust, body damage, etc. on these cars. Also have it inspected by a qualified mechanic.
Last edited by 92GTA; Jun 14, 2011 at 04:34 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 5,662
Likes: 2,344
From: Lake Minnetonka, Mn
2018 C1 of Year Finalist
Congratulations! My suggestion to you is to first zero in on the year you want. Then drive one and see how you "fit". There is more room post 57 although some shorten the steering column. Next decide if you want a car that is to be original or not. By that I mean lots of guys buy and restore their cars to original specs and some modernize with later produced parts and equpment.
You might get better responses if you were to identify the year you want. Hope this helps you. Good luck C1's are great. I have really enjoyed my C1's. They get a lot of attention - much more than my C2's.
You might get better responses if you were to identify the year you want. Hope this helps you. Good luck C1's are great. I have really enjoyed my C1's. They get a lot of attention - much more than my C2's.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,500
Likes: 42
From: Staten island New York
I have always dreamed of owning a C1 Corvette and now I can finally afford one. My question is what to look out for when I do come across one? Any electrical, transmission, engine problems that I should stay away from, and yes I do consider that the cars are old and will have some of these problems but I mean the REALLY BIG problems to look for. Any feed back would be appreciated.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,500
Likes: 42
From: Staten island New York
congratulations on your new endeavor! there are many cars out there FS #s matching is always the way to go if you can afford it I took the route of NOM car and did save some bucks .I would say make sure the car is all there and chrome is perfect as well as frame and paint.the other consideration is will it be driven ! my opinion there is you may drop $ 50 K /$72 K and for that money you better drive and enjoy the car . nothing looks better then a 1960 2x4 honduran maroon corvette with a hard top good luck in your search and take your time get a quality car ,settle for nothing less , still a buyers market .
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 1
From: Quincy IL
Learn all you can. Talk to local Corvette owners for the C1 generation that you might find at car shows or cruises. Zero in on what you really want. If you enjoy reading then you can pick up some good books also. Good luck with your search.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 578
Likes: 11
Some good advice has been given here... I would have to agree on some points previously made. 1) Narrow down your choice of years 2) Sit in one 3)READ...READ...READ and 4)No matter how nice the C1 be prepared to spend $$$.....but remember it's not only a hobby...it's a PASSION!! 
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas Nevada
Some good advice has been given here... I would have to agree on some points previously made. 1) Narrow down your choice of years 2) Sit in one 3)READ...READ...READ and 4)No matter how nice the C1 be prepared to spend $$$.....but remember it's not only a hobby...it's a PASSION!!
1. No I have not driven one yet but my father-in-law has told me how hard they drive since they are hard tails.
2. So far 1958 is the year I am shooting for. I am a small guy of 5'9" and still young 31.
3. My price range I would love to shoot for is $40,000-50,000 and I know I will not get the most clean. I also want it to fix up a little but not do a whole restoration. Just something I can fix in my own garage.
4. I will drive it on weekend and carshows.
5. I know about passion. My last ride was a SSR and I loved it to death until I got into an accident and totaled it. Also my first car poster was a 1958 corvette that I still have. My passion is there.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,273
Likes: 804
From: Georgetown TX
2025 C2 of the Year ('64-'66) Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C2 of Year Finalist (stock)
2016 C2 of Year Finalist
Love my 62s! A lot of good advise and things to look out for on this forum.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 99
From: Boston MA
1. Join some local to you Corvette clubs. You may decide after some time that they're not for you. But in the meantime, you will learn about the cars; enjoy the hobby; figure out who the local resources are; and, you may find your next car. You will have better luck buying a car from somebody who has a local reputation to maintain. If you decide later that you are no longer interested in the club, just quit. No biggee. Guys get all wrapped around the axle about some clubs. If you don't like the members or the activities, just stop going.
2. Don't be in any hurry to buy it. Read and research all you can. Go to shows. Talk to owners. You do not have to own the car to start enjoying this hobby. If you really feel that you need the experience of owning the car, just dig a hole in your backyard and throw dollar bills in it. Same thing, other than the daily visits of the UPS truck.
2. Don't be in any hurry to buy it. Read and research all you can. Go to shows. Talk to owners. You do not have to own the car to start enjoying this hobby. If you really feel that you need the experience of owning the car, just dig a hole in your backyard and throw dollar bills in it. Same thing, other than the daily visits of the UPS truck.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,146
Army
Wow - not the way I would encourage a youngster to get involved in our hobby and keep it alive in years to come....maybe this was a jest and I missed it.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 31,141
Likes: 461
From: Wilmington N C
St. Jude Donor '14 thru '26
I, too, have a '58. When I was looking, I specified, in ads I'd 'posted' (we didn't have internet way back then) that I was looking for a '58 to '62. I found some pretty beat-up heaps with horrible paint and mechanicals. Finally, I found what I was looking for, which sounds exactly what you're looking for. My advice, keep looking for what you really want, and don't "settle" for something that is less than you want. Don't be in a hurry.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,565
Likes: 1
From: Melbourne victoria
If your spending between 40'and 50'k for a 58 I would recommend you buy a car that has the best paint as possible since you have mentioned you don't want to do to much garage work. The 58's are a little dearer due to a few items like the chrome tusks and so forth. I have owned my 60 for 4 years now and love it as much as I did when I first bought it. I'm trying to get into other cars but I keep coming back to my C1. It just does it for me I guess. My suggestion would be to find a car and take a knowledgeable C1 Corvette guy with you. Pay him if you have to. They have very expensive parts and if they are missing or need replacing they can add up very quickly. Good luck and let us know how you go. They are a great car and I'm sure you will love it. Stewy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 8,017
Likes: 2
From: The problem is all inside your head she said to me.
What state are you in? I've owned my 58 for 26 years. My father has had his 60 since 62. 58's have some one year items. Door panels, hood, trunk spears. Ask any questions you would like. Good luck and welcome.
Gordon
Gordon
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,976
Likes: 54
From: On the bank of the Columbia River..... Washington State
Lots of good advice above. Read as much as you can, go look at some if you have any specialty dealers near you, or go to some car shows, learn as much as you can. Have someone that has some knowledge assist you in the purchase if possible. Congratulations and good luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,730
Likes: 92
From: Lakeland FL
Fill out your profile!
All of the solid axle cars look good, even if they are the wanna be red off color honduran maroon..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,359
Likes: 871
From: Norcal CA
2018 C1 of Year Finalist