advice for a first timer on this c3
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Ferndale, Detroit, MI 1993 Ruby Coupe
advice for a first timer on this c3
Hi guys. After my order for a '05 mustang was pushed back by Ford from April to September, I decided to scrap that concept and try and nab the vette I have always wanted.
I really like the 70's C3's best, and after looking through some local trader mags and websites, I found this one:
http://kopackicars.com/carview.php?number=40
The mileage and price combination seemed appealing. I'm not quite up to speed on all the mechanics yet, so I don't want to get a vette that is always going to be up on stands. I realize that getting a later model one generally means more work and upkeep, but they are just so cool for lack of a better term.
Thanks guys. I hope to be a proud owner of... some kinda vette soon.
I really like the 70's C3's best, and after looking through some local trader mags and websites, I found this one:
http://kopackicars.com/carview.php?number=40
The mileage and price combination seemed appealing. I'm not quite up to speed on all the mechanics yet, so I don't want to get a vette that is always going to be up on stands. I realize that getting a later model one generally means more work and upkeep, but they are just so cool for lack of a better term.
Thanks guys. I hope to be a proud owner of... some kinda vette soon.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,503
Likes: 2
From: Raleigh NC
Seems reasonable at $16K. However, an ultra low milage 'Vette is still going to give you troubles of other sorts. Leave these to the NCRS guys. Buy something you can drive. And have fun with--unless you want to show.
And, nothing is more fun to own AND drive than a C3.
And, nothing is more fun to own AND drive than a C3.
Last edited by PhotoVette1; May 11, 2005 at 11:27 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Ferndale, Detroit, MI 1993 Ruby Coupe
"An ultra low milage 'Vette is still going to give you trouble of another sort. Leave these to the NCRS guys."
Sorry, I'm kind of a newb - can you clarify what kind of other problems you mean? And what NCRS means?
Thanks!
Sorry, I'm kind of a newb - can you clarify what kind of other problems you mean? And what NCRS means?
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
That car is a beauty! 
But be aware these cars can be a challenge as a daily driver. They require much more care & feeding than modern cars -- they did when they were new! (If you owned a car in the '70s, you'll know what I'm talking about.)
Anyhow, taking a low-mileage car like this and using it more frequently will cause all sorts of issues to pop up. It's not like they can't be fixed or anything like that, but you need to be aware it's gonna happen. I'm talking about things like random driveline leaks, bushings giving out, brake caliper issues...stuff like that. Not a big deal, but annoying if you're not used to it.
BTW: Around here, NCRS often stands for "Not Correctly Restored Stingray"...like mine. Officially, it stands for National Corvette Restorers Society. These are the folks who are into keeping their cars just like the day they came off the showroom floor. (Different strokes for different folks and all that...)
But be aware these cars can be a challenge as a daily driver. They require much more care & feeding than modern cars -- they did when they were new! (If you owned a car in the '70s, you'll know what I'm talking about.)Anyhow, taking a low-mileage car like this and using it more frequently will cause all sorts of issues to pop up. It's not like they can't be fixed or anything like that, but you need to be aware it's gonna happen. I'm talking about things like random driveline leaks, bushings giving out, brake caliper issues...stuff like that. Not a big deal, but annoying if you're not used to it.
BTW: Around here, NCRS often stands for "Not Correctly Restored Stingray"...like mine. Officially, it stands for National Corvette Restorers Society. These are the folks who are into keeping their cars just like the day they came off the showroom floor. (Different strokes for different folks and all that...)
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
Low mileage means deterioration of hoses,fuel pump diaphram,power steering pump o' ring seal, possible caliper leaks,suspension bushing deterioration,etc.
Good price,though.If you purchase it,drive it,inspect everything above,watch fluid levels,checking after,and before driving.Make a check list.
After I had laid mine up for several years,I replaced all hoses,fuel pump,drained gas,all fluids and replenished. That included all belts.Check tires carefully for bead cracking.
NCRS will be able to tell you about that "bolt" on the exhaust clamp that is not stock item for your vette.Heh.
NCRS=National Corvette Restoration Society
http://www.ncrs.org/
Good price,though.If you purchase it,drive it,inspect everything above,watch fluid levels,checking after,and before driving.Make a check list.
After I had laid mine up for several years,I replaced all hoses,fuel pump,drained gas,all fluids and replenished. That included all belts.Check tires carefully for bead cracking.
NCRS will be able to tell you about that "bolt" on the exhaust clamp that is not stock item for your vette.Heh.
NCRS=National Corvette Restoration Society
http://www.ncrs.org/
Last edited by rihwoods; May 11, 2005 at 11:54 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 79
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From: North Florida Florida
You certainly want to start with the best car you can because it will save you a lot of work. Not to say that whatever vette you end up with won't need some regular "love."
If you are after a driver, then you may want to stay away from collectable or very low-mile cars since every drive or modification will depreciate its value. You could probably find a good driver for less money too.
Keep in mind this comes from someone who wanted an inexpensive driver that I could modify without worry.
Good luck.
If you are after a driver, then you may want to stay away from collectable or very low-mile cars since every drive or modification will depreciate its value. You could probably find a good driver for less money too.
Keep in mind this comes from someone who wanted an inexpensive driver that I could modify without worry.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Ferndale, Detroit, MI 1993 Ruby Coupe
Thanks for all the advice guys.
I don't have the knowledge or workspace to be tinkering on whatever I get every day, and that's the main thing making me apprehensive about a C3. There are several low-to-mid miles mid 90's C4s i've seen for sale... perhaps that would be a wiser choice for a first timer. I would sure miss that sweet sray body though.
I don't have the knowledge or workspace to be tinkering on whatever I get every day, and that's the main thing making me apprehensive about a C3. There are several low-to-mid miles mid 90's C4s i've seen for sale... perhaps that would be a wiser choice for a first timer. I would sure miss that sweet sray body though.
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
Originally Posted by jschoof
Thanks for all the advice guys.
I don't have the knowledge or workspace to be tinkering on whatever I get every day, and that's the main thing making me apprehensive about a C3. There are several low-to-mid miles mid 90's C4s i've seen for sale... perhaps that would be a wiser choice for a first timer. I would sure miss that sweet sray body though.
I don't have the knowledge or workspace to be tinkering on whatever I get every day, and that's the main thing making me apprehensive about a C3. There are several low-to-mid miles mid 90's C4s i've seen for sale... perhaps that would be a wiser choice for a first timer. I would sure miss that sweet sray body though.
You can get a six speed manual(overdrive) with fuel mileage,good power,handling.I drove one(loaner) for six months.
http://www.idavette.net/facts/93.htm
