Things to Check
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 23
Likes: 4
From: Bowling Green, KY
Things to Check
I am in the process of buying a 1959 Corvette (third try is the charm!). It was a driver but has been sitting for a couple of years. Besides changing the oil and checking the lubrication, in what order would you suggest checking/replacing parts to ensure safe driving?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Drifting
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 1,017
From: Sierra Vista, AZ
There are no ball joints, jsut metal bushings up front, rubber on rear springs. These usually don't mind sitting.
The brakes probably need maintenance (all the rubber parts go bad, and the cylinders get rust in them). Water pump bearings get tired, and seals leak. The fuel system can get pretty bad from sitting with old fuel in the tank, again rubber parts might all be needing replacement, and check the tank for rust or "stuff" growing in it.
Keep in mind that you don't know how long it's been that these parts had been replaced.
The brakes probably need maintenance (all the rubber parts go bad, and the cylinders get rust in them). Water pump bearings get tired, and seals leak. The fuel system can get pretty bad from sitting with old fuel in the tank, again rubber parts might all be needing replacement, and check the tank for rust or "stuff" growing in it.
Keep in mind that you don't know how long it's been that these parts had been replaced.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,271
Likes: 1,771
From: Central Michigan
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
As jforb says, front end parts don't deteriorate from sitting. That said, as I have posted many times before; I've never seen a unrestored C1 that didn't need some front suspension parts. I'm sure they're out there but I've never seen one.
Drifting
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 1,017
From: Sierra Vista, AZ
My 62 has been doing pretty well without any suspension parts, just a toe adjustment. But it's an exception, I guess! goes down the road straight, didn't wear the tires funny after 15k miles, I'm happy with it.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 23
Likes: 4
From: Bowling Green, KY
The owner died awhile back. I don't know what parts he changed or upgraded. I won't have a look at it for a couple of weeks. I do know he drove it on a regular basis, and though it appear in really good shape, it definitely was not a trailer queen.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,271
Likes: 1,771
From: Central Michigan
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Most certainly many can do that. The question is; have you everchecked your front suspension for worn parts?
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2017
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From: Central Michigan
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Yup, I bought mine out of an estate where the owner had also died 5 years earlier. Friends helping the widow sell the car claimed it to be perfectly road worthy. First thing I checked was the front end and, as expected, needed numerous parts replaced. Took it for a test ride and it would hardly stop. One front brake hose swelled completely shut the other partially shut.
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Drifting
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From: Sierra Vista, AZ
Melting Slicks
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