Any adive would help please
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 12,313
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From: Crescent City N. Cali
Any advice would help please
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...
Todd...
Last edited by HighRisk; Jul 23, 2005 at 04:42 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
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
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
Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 702
Likes: 1
From: Houston TX.
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
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
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 914
Likes: 0
From: Longview Texas
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 .
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 .
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,752
Likes: 5
From: Austin Texas
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....... 
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,503
Likes: 2
From: Raleigh NC
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.
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.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 2
From: Dayton Oh
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.
PS. Take your cell phone and Visa.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,152
Likes: 33
From: Folsom Ca
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.
Other than that just be ready for anything.Bring tape,some extra hoses-different sizes.Distilled water and have a phone.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
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...
Had a blast...
Last edited by rihwoods; Jul 24, 2005 at 02:11 PM.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 690
Likes: 1
From: near Memphis TN
Originally Posted by 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...
Todd...
Then again it could lead to a great adventure. Have fun, bring a cell phone and credit card, and good luck.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 732
Likes: 1
From: Green Lake Wisconsin
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.