C3 Common Problems?

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Jun 21, 2005 | 09:41 AM

integraoligist

Thread Starter

1st Gear

Joined: Jun 2005

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C3 Common Problems?

Hey all, new to the forum and new to the C3's...
I wanted to know if there are any common problems and if so, what years did the problems occur?

This is just a general question about all C3's... but currently i'm looking at a '68 Stingray 4-speed with a 428... depends on wether the dealer will drop the price any more.

Also, i've been trying to search on-line for aftermarket parts distributors but can't really seem to find any. Do any of you suggust a site that has quality aftermarket or OEM parts for the C3's?

sorry for the noob questions...
Thanks all for the help!

Jun 21, 2005 | 09:53 AM

CGGorman

Team Owner

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 20,216

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From: Smile, it's just the internet.

428? You sure? That's a Ford FE engine...

'68s have a lot of subtle one-year-only parts that make them more interesting to restore/maintain. When you start talking about 35 year old cars, problems are about the only things that ever come up....

-Overheating is common theme for C3s...especially big block cars with A/C.
-Excessive cabin/cockpit heat is also a common complaint.
-Vacuum system problems seem to baffle people.
-Water leaks from all over the place
-Due to age, rust is major concern in the frame and birdcage (door frames, windshield frame, dash support, etc.)

Those are the ones that seem near the top of my mind...

Parts? What are you looking to do? Along the left side of the forum, you can find a hundred links to different suppliers...depends on what you want.

Jun 21, 2005 | 11:10 AM

tigers123

Burning Brakes

Joined: May 2004

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From: belle plaine ks

federal reserve

One of the biggest problems is the addiction of spending a lot of money on them.

Jun 21, 2005 | 11:37 AM

lg4vette

Instructor

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 208

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From: West Branch MI

"Stingray" "4-speed" and "big-block" add up to dealers seeing dollar signs in their eyes. If this is your first corvette try and get someone from this list to check it out with you....these are incredible cars that can bring lots of fun. BUT they have the potential to cost LOTS of money if there happens to be something amiss.

Heck of a car though.....I'm a '73 model myself so I haven't had the opportunity to ride in a true "big block" corvette.....but from the near-legendary status they hold, they must REALLY be something!

Jun 21, 2005 | 01:09 PM

rcread

Race Director

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 10,628

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From: Duvall, WA

Brakes. They leak, get air in the lines and cause general havoc. Bleed them often.

Jun 21, 2005 | 01:23 PM

Empatho

Melting Slicks

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 2,143

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From: San Diego California

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigers123

One of the biggest problems is the addiction of spending a lot of money on them.

Jun 21, 2005 | 01:23 PM

ffas23

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 2,817

Likes: 21

From: Somerset, NJ

The disc brake calipers are the biggest problem not only on C-3's but also on C-2's. I have owned three C-3's since 1971. One with a big block and two with small blocks. I prefer a C-3 with a small block anyday of the week over a big block for cruising. Good luck in finding a nice car.

Last edited by ffas23; Jun 22, 2005 at 02:22 AM.