Hello all!

I need a little help...

I'm looking for a C3 for my wife. She wants a 70. I found this one on ebay, and it doesn't look like a bad deal to me, but I really never researched the C3's much. What do you think, is this a good deal?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...MakeTrack=true

If not, where is a good place to find a 70? We're not too concerned about it being matching numbers, but would like it to be in a fairly presentable condition, and mechanically solid.

Thanks for all your help!

 

That car does look sharp! Just check out the usual rust areas before you buy. If you get it, tell your wife that there will be a lot of jeleuos people here!

 

The 1970 350/350h.p. engine had aluminum valve covers, not the stamped steel ones as in the picture. Also looks like the ignition shielding is wrong. Air cleaner is also wrong. Seems like these items wouldn't have been changrd on such a low miles car. I would question the originality of that motor. Looks to fresh.

Doesn't look to have many creature comfort items, i.e., p/s. p/b, or a/c.

Might be a great car, just wanted to mention these items.

Good Luck,

70 MUSL

 

Wow! You guys really know your stuff!

So, what are the typical trouble spots? Anything special I should check for?

 

Wow - your wife has incredibly good taste! It is universally acknowledged that the 1970 model is the best performing and most desirable Corvette ever made!

I looked at the car in your link - here are my observations:

- I can't figure out why a dealer can't find the VIN. It is in the windshield pillar on the driver's side. You can see it in one of the photos (the one with the glare) between the visible end of the steering wheel and the outside mirror. It looks like a black vertical rectangle about two inches long. How come a dealer can't find it? Also, it should be on the paperwork. I mention this because you probably don't want a salvage title, even if the numbers don't match. (I personally don't think much of numbers matching even though mine do. Just have fun!)
- Overall, the car body appears in very good condition. Seats appear straight indicating their frames are still good.
- Don't even bother looking at the speedometer. That's how mine looks at 340,000 miles.
- While the engine coule be originally from a Vette, some minor parts are not correct and were probably replaced due to the originals just wearing out. Air cleaner, ignition cover - not stock. Mine is not an A/C car, so my original radiator did not have a cap like that. Rather, it has an aluminum overflow reservoir on the passenger side. Valve covers appear to be from the base type Vette engine in 1970. No smog stuff remains - most of these at least had a air pump.
- Since it's for your wife, I'd put more value on working creature comforts. Seats, heater and fan, mirrors, shifter, doors, radio, brakes, shifter, etc. Make sure the top works. The vinyl parts on this one look pretty good. Rear window is still clear. No power brakes or windows. That's OK - just more stuff to break. Can't see if it has power assisted steering - most of these do. If it doesn't have PS, it will be hard to park which could be a problem for your wife.
- The biggest thing to look for can't be seen from these pictures. The condition of the frame is very important, especially in the NE area. You need pictures (or to view for yourself) the frame in the area just ahead of the rear wheels. This is where it first shows up and is easy to see. Everything else can be fixed, but frames are just something you don't want problems with.
- Price?? I'd get a couple of recent Vette magazines and check out the prices listed for the auction sales. Also, search the web for selling prices (not the asking prices) to get a feel for what they are going for now.

Good luck -

 

Funny you should mention that... She wants a 70 just because it's the year we were both born! (Gald we weren't born in 83!)

But, I lucked out, the 70 has the chrome bumpers, and other than the fact that they seem to be more on the expensive side (compared to my 89 C4) I like them alot!

 

Z-man - I don't think he had trouble finding the VIN on the car......just the VIN on the engine...thats what it said in the add.........which is a bit suss.

Oh and I totally agree - your wife has excellent taste..70 is the best year of alllllllllllllllllllllllllllll vettes

The car looks to be in good shape, but I would never purchase a car sight unseen - having said that I did purchase a car without inspecting it myself (cause I was on the other side of the world!!!!) - but I did get an inspection place to look at it.

If you can't check it out yourself, get an inspection done on the car.

Oh, and I like your c4..Im going to get one one-day.......but they are more expensive than c3's over here! and as for importing another car..I won't be doing that anytime soon or I will go bald......and Im female!

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

Well except for the 81 that is.