[C1] Jumping Over...
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,394
Likes: 2,767
From: Pittsburgh
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C1 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Jumping Over...
Greetings C1 C2 Forum members
I am jumping over from the C6 Z06 Forum to get some help.
I am a long time owner of Corvettes, but never of one that was built when I was 11 years old.
Buying a Corvette C1 (61).....What can I expect to have problems with with this purchase?
This car has a very good body. And has been owned for 30 years by the seller. Non matching period correct 283, Non matching transmission and a matching differential
Thanks in advance........
I am jumping over from the C6 Z06 Forum to get some help.
I am a long time owner of Corvettes, but never of one that was built when I was 11 years old.
Buying a Corvette C1 (61).....What can I expect to have problems with with this purchase?
This car has a very good body. And has been owned for 30 years by the seller. Non matching period correct 283, Non matching transmission and a matching differential
Thanks in advance........
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 1,557
From: Poway CA
2025 C1 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C1 of Year Finalist (stock)
2019 C1 of Year Finalist (stock)
2016 C1 of Year Finalist
Welcome to our sub-forum!
People will trickle into this thread with nuggets.. or you can search and get the info quickly.
As a 61 owner (my dad was the original owner - the car is older than me!), I would say the biggest concern is the condition of the chassis and front end.
Here is a good thread to get you started: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-opinions.html
People will trickle into this thread with nuggets.. or you can search and get the info quickly.
As a 61 owner (my dad was the original owner - the car is older than me!), I would say the biggest concern is the condition of the chassis and front end.
Here is a good thread to get you started: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-opinions.html
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,145
Army
Greetings C1 C2 Forum members
I am jumping over from the C6 Z06 Forum to get some help.
I am a long time owner of Corvettes, but never of one that was built when I was 11 years old.
Buying a Corvette C1 (61).....What can I expect to have problems with with this purchase?
This car has a very good body. And has been owned for 30 years by the seller. Non matching period correct 283, Non matching transmission and a matching differential
Thanks in advance........
I am jumping over from the C6 Z06 Forum to get some help.
I am a long time owner of Corvettes, but never of one that was built when I was 11 years old.
Buying a Corvette C1 (61).....What can I expect to have problems with with this purchase?
This car has a very good body. And has been owned for 30 years by the seller. Non matching period correct 283, Non matching transmission and a matching differential
Thanks in advance........
Here is a post that covers some of the pitfalls:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1592780715
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Aug 9, 2016 at 04:31 AM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,394
Likes: 2,767
From: Pittsburgh
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C1 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Welcome to our sub-forum!
People will trickle into this thread with nuggets.. or you can search and get the info quickly.
As a 61 owner (my dad was the original owner - the car is older than me!), I would say the biggest concern is the condition of the chassis and front end.
Here is a good thread to get you started: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-opinions.html
People will trickle into this thread with nuggets.. or you can search and get the info quickly.
As a 61 owner (my dad was the original owner - the car is older than me!), I would say the biggest concern is the condition of the chassis and front end.
Here is a good thread to get you started: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-opinions.html
Love Poway, Ca. Did Race Parts testing at SFI 5 years ago Thanks again.
Best
Pro
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 638
Likes: 133
From: Omaha NE
Welcome and congrats on buying a 61. You will have to learn the secret C1 handshake...
I have learned so much from this forum, The guys here are fantastic! And some even give even give the helpful advice- lol.
The BEST is Franks on putting in fuses!!!
Read and read some, there is priceless info on what not to do as well as how to.
Buy the any and all books is a must.
My story is similar to SDVette, My dad was the original owner also.
I have learned so much from this forum, The guys here are fantastic! And some even give even give the helpful advice- lol.
The BEST is Franks on putting in fuses!!!
Read and read some, there is priceless info on what not to do as well as how to.
Buy the any and all books is a must.
My story is similar to SDVette, My dad was the original owner also.
Last edited by 61corv; Aug 9, 2016 at 08:13 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,356
Likes: 870
From: Norcal CA
2018 C1 of Year Finalist
Greetings C1 C2 Forum members
I am jumping over from the C6 Z06 Forum to get some help.
I am a long time owner of Corvettes, but never of one that was built when I was 11 years old.
Buying a Corvette C1 (61).....What can I expect to have problems with with this purchase?
This car has a very good body. And has been owned for 30 years by the seller. Non matching period correct 283, Non matching transmission and a matching differential
Thanks in advance........
I am jumping over from the C6 Z06 Forum to get some help.
I am a long time owner of Corvettes, but never of one that was built when I was 11 years old.
Buying a Corvette C1 (61).....What can I expect to have problems with with this purchase?
This car has a very good body. And has been owned for 30 years by the seller. Non matching period correct 283, Non matching transmission and a matching differential
Thanks in advance........
Problems??? No problems. My only problem is where are the pictures?
Definitely, take an inventory on what is there. Keep in mind its over 50 years old so might have some squeaks and creaks. Do the usual things:
Does it steer well?
Does it brake well?
Does the engine feel sluggish or smoking (worn rings, guides)?
How does it track down the road?
How does it shift?
Does all of the gauges work?
How are the tops?
How is the interior?
Any rust issues?
How are the supports behind the kick panels?
How are the rocker panels? Look for any rust seepage in the fiberglass.
How is the frame and suspension parts?
Does the rear end leak?
Check the fluids
How is the wiring harness?
Any new aftermarket parts (new radiator)?
Is it missing any parts?
What paperwork does it have?
Definitely no problems. Just keep in mind it will not drive like a C6.
Last edited by jimh_1962; Aug 9, 2016 at 10:52 AM.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 719
Likes: 165
From: Glen Allen VA
2025 C1 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
2021 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2016 C1 of Year Finalist
Welcome to the C1 club...I have my Dad's '60 that he bought in '62. It spent all those years in Pittsburgh (South Hills area) until it come to Richmond VA this June...
As others have said, there's a wealth of info here...folks have pointed out some of the major issues already.
Just remember it's a 50 plus year old car based on early 50's suspension technology! Fun none the less!
Randy
As others have said, there's a wealth of info here...folks have pointed out some of the major issues already.
Just remember it's a 50 plus year old car based on early 50's suspension technology! Fun none the less!
Randy
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,394
Likes: 2,767
From: Pittsburgh
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C1 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Hello. I was born in McKeesport Hospital and lived in Squirrel Hill back on the 50's (retired in Florida now). I owned my original '61 for 10 years and just sold it. As you'll see in the various threads....rust is your biggest enemy and that would be on frame members.
Here is a post that covers some of the pitfalls:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1592780715
Here is a post that covers some of the pitfalls:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1592780715
Just bought a 1961 Corvette, owned by a gentleman in the South Hills. Checked out your areas of concern...things looked very good.
I wanted to reach out and thank you for your help!
Best,
Dcamick
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,394
Likes: 2,767
From: Pittsburgh
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C1 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Problems??? No problems. My only problem is where are the pictures?
Definitely, take an inventory on what is there. Keep in mind its over 50 years old so might have some squeaks and creaks. Do the usual things:
Does it steer well?
Does it brake well?
Does the engine feel sluggish or smoking (worn rings, guides)?
How does it track down the road?
How does it shift?
Does all of the gauges work?
How are the tops?
How is the interior?
Any rust issues?
How are the supports behind the kick panels?
How are the rocker panels? Look for any rust seepage in the fiberglass.
How is the frame and suspension parts?
Does the rear end leak?
Check the fluids
How is the wiring harness?
Any new aftermarket parts (new radiator)?
Is it missing any parts?
What paperwork does it have?
Definitely no problems. Just keep in mind it will not drive like a C6.
Definitely, take an inventory on what is there. Keep in mind its over 50 years old so might have some squeaks and creaks. Do the usual things:
Does it steer well?
Does it brake well?
Does the engine feel sluggish or smoking (worn rings, guides)?
How does it track down the road?
How does it shift?
Does all of the gauges work?
How are the tops?
How is the interior?
Any rust issues?
How are the supports behind the kick panels?
How are the rocker panels? Look for any rust seepage in the fiberglass.
How is the frame and suspension parts?
Does the rear end leak?
Check the fluids
How is the wiring harness?
Any new aftermarket parts (new radiator)?
Is it missing any parts?
What paperwork does it have?
Definitely no problems. Just keep in mind it will not drive like a C6.
The adventure begins!!!!
Thanks All! Very Helpful!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,099
Likes: 2,354
From: Allison Park, PA
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,394
Likes: 2,767
From: Pittsburgh
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C1 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,394
Likes: 2,767
From: Pittsburgh
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C1 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,145
Army
Well maintained later C1s, on decent roads, will ride just fine.....I don't know where that myth comes from. A TON of early muscle cars had solid axles and they aren't disparaged nearly as much as Corvettes.
Now, steering and cornering with the old king-pin/centerlink/school bus steering wheel setup.....that is 40's technology and adds to the fun!!!
Hence some refer to the C1s as 'fast tractors'...
Now, steering and cornering with the old king-pin/centerlink/school bus steering wheel setup.....that is 40's technology and adds to the fun!!!
Hence some refer to the C1s as 'fast tractors'...
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Aug 14, 2016 at 09:07 AM.
