need help please...
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
need help please...
hey guys i am new here and new to the c3 vettes, i have an 88. anyway i have just bought a 1979 corvette i am not going to go into the details its to long but i got this 79' for $2000.00 dollars but its got some problems the major one i want your opinion about is the rust and its got a lot on it, the only place is underneath the car its everywere i dont know if its surface rust but it looks bad, the car runs and drives good and the body is perfect but needs paint. my question is did i get screwed on this deal? and is this rust i big problem? and what can i do?
also were is the best place to buy c3 items?
also were is the best place to buy c3 items?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Rust can be a major issue on a C3. The frames can rust out, typically around the frame kickup. The birdcages can rust out, typically windshield posts. If the car is really nice other than that you may be OK and put a frame in. Not a small job and a good frame is $1000 or so and many days work. Good place to get parts is from the Forum sponsors. Another good place would be Carlisle next week if you are anywhere close. Do a search on rust. there are plenty of posts on this subject.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 6
From: 68 427 4.11s Roadster
You can poke it with a screwdriver and look at the holes in the frame to see how thick the metal is. Rust itself isn't a big deal. A rusted out frame...
Por 15 or rust bullet or any of those paint on rust convertors if the frame is rusty but good and you want to drive the car rather than work on it.
For 2 grand you could probably parts the thing out and get your money back?
The same places you've bought parts for you 88 should be fine for the 79. BTW you should have bought a 78, the #s don't match
Por 15 or rust bullet or any of those paint on rust convertors if the frame is rusty but good and you want to drive the car rather than work on it.
For 2 grand you could probably parts the thing out and get your money back?
The same places you've bought parts for you 88 should be fine for the 79. BTW you should have bought a 78, the #s don't match
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,289
Likes: 16
From: Skippack PA
St Jude Donor '13
The screwdriver test really is the best way to find out how bad the rust is. Punch the frame from below with a flat headed screwdriver should tell the tale. Any car that's been driven in rain will have some surface rust on the frame.
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 695
Likes: 0
From: No matter where you go, there you are. No VA
Like Techno said you can prolly part it out to get your money back. Like others have said it is fixable with time and money. I guess it all depends on your purpose for having the car and how much time you are willing to devote to get it fixed.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
$2000 is pretty cheap for the car, so you might be fine just having another frame installed as long as the rest of the car was in good condition. I don't know anything about having a frame installed though, so I could be wrong. Maybe someone else could chime in?
Worst case scenario though, I'm sure you could get your $2000 or at least somewhere close to that by parting it out.
Worst case scenario though, I'm sure you could get your $2000 or at least somewhere close to that by parting it out.