HighRisk

Im a brand new c-3 owner and im about to embark on a crosscountry trip, is there any thing i should look out for or get checked before i leave? Its a 1973 L-48 350/350 60000 orignal miles i very well maitained car, any advice would be greatly appreciated...Thanks

Todd...

BLVette75

Hi, I am a newbie C3 owner so I can't give a lot of technical advice that is unique to Corvettes. I would suggest just making sure everything is in good mechanical condition. If so, with only 60K miles, I think your car will be just fine.
The only concern I would have with my C3 on any long trip is the fact it gets pretty darn hot inside the car. Not to mention, the older Vettes are not exactly known for thier smooth ride. Other than comfort, it would be fun.

BLVette75

RC73

How long have you had the 73? Hopefully you already know the ins and outs of it. As with any other trip, check the fluids, belts and if you haven't had any problem around town, you should be good to go.

When I bought my 73, I did not know anything about it, just spent 5 hours check her out before I bought her. She had alway been well maintained so I drove her back from Knoxville to Houston, around a 900 + miles. That was enjoyable and did not have any problems. Enjoy your trip.

RC73
Rick

Wife'sVette

other than what has been stated (belts, hoses, fluids etc...) check the tires .....

as in go to a tire store and check the date codes (or post them here) if they are 5 yrs old or more, I would suggest replacement regardless of tread left on tire ..... just replaced vette tires (8 yr old and 2 had belts pulled)
I would think there is nothing worse than a tire flying apart at speed in a fiberglass car .

big_G

My advice, which I give to my customers..on any old car like yours, is to have it thorougly checked out by a reputable Corvette mechanic. Since you haven't had it too long, you don't know which parts are new, and which ones are 33 years old.......

Techno

Might change your wipers, seems they're always shot on my cars

PhotoVette1

My advice sounds kinda stupid, but it works for me--and I take a lot of loooong road trips in my '77--and always made it back (except for one brief stop to put a brake caliper back on.)

Get your digital camera and take images underneath and in the engine bay. Then take a good long look at the images--anything bad will show up clearly.

marshrat99

My 79 had only 65K miles on it when I got it three years ago. The up side was that everything was original. The down side was that everything was original: belts, plugs, shocks, water pump, fuel pump, water hoses, etc. Nothing like 24 year old parts. Before starting a trip like you're planning, replace all of that "stock" stuff with new. The biggest problem I've had is the power steering hoses...cant't seem to get 'em to last very long. Good luck and


PS. Take your cell phone and Visa.

Bangkok Dean

Just drive it if there is something that is going to brake it will, then you will know which ones to replace

HighRisk

Thanks guys, for the info and yes cell phone and visa are already in hand.


Todd.........

ETM

Make sure the Starter is in good working order.If your going to be doing alot of stopping and going the C3 Starters can be trouble.They tend to wear out quickly from the heat off the exhaust manifolds.It could be a real hassle having to wait for your starter to cool down.
Other than that just be ready for anything.Bring tape,some extra hoses-different sizes.Distilled water and have a phone.

Paul L

Even if you miss something and encounter a breakdown, keep in mind that the L-48 is basically a Chevrolet passenger car engine and parts are everywhere and inexpensive.

rihwoods

Before going on a 7000 mile road trip 3 years ago (Sept 2002)at 100,000 miles,I did the following: All new u-joints,new fuel pump & hoses,new rad/heater hoses,replaced all belts,checked clutch fan,brakes and put new Yoko Avid 245-60-15's....and tuned it...disabled heater...
Had a blast...

SpyderD

It's risky only because I am assuming you just purchased the car and you are taking the word of the previous owner that it is well maintained or you see shiny chrome parts on the engine and a new paint job and it looks well maintained. If you've only driven it a few hundred miles so far you have no idea what is wrong with the car yet, and with a 30 year old car with original equipment plenty can go wrong. If the above assumptions are wrong (you've driven the car 500 miles already, you have documented repair/maintanance history from the previous owner, etc) then no problem.
Then again it could lead to a great adventure. Have fun, bring a cell phone and credit card, and good luck.

tigers123

I like to have a triple a card handy. It beats leaving your car on the roadside at the mercy of people who like to bash cars etc. Cheap insurance on any of your cars anytime.

ngcolby

I agree with all of the above. I would suggest a thorough going over of the brake system tho...a busted belt or hose is an inconvenience...busted brakes can leave you dead. Same thing for the tires, bearings, and steering box and column. All the stuff that keeps you in control of the vehicle is of paramount importance.

Techno

Check your motor mounts.
I tripped to florida and back pulling a boat on the way back. 1 week later my flexplate broke in my caddy. The mount had been broke.