hey guys. in the next few months i'm going to buy a 77-81 corvette( they seem to be the cheapest to get into). what problem areas should i be looking for with the cars? would you guys recomend a certian year between the 77-81's or are they all similar? i'm a diehard ford guy but i've really begun to dig the corvette so i'm going to take the plunge. are there any local clubs in the tampa florida area? are they all t tops? are they all stingrays? does it matter? my plan is to keep it looking stock but with a nicely built small block under the hood. thanks in advance,
John

 

stingrays go to 77.....all 77-81s are T tops....you need to decide if you like the 78+ fast back body style or the early style coupe........these things are money pits spend your first $100 at the book store buying some reference books on these cars it will be worth the investment....and buy the right car first there are lots of them out there.... don't buy the first car you look at. look at least 2-3 to get a good comparison

 

John, if the car you are planning on buying has not been maintained well, has been stored outside in a wet climate, you will eventually rebuild the entire car. Not any different than any steel body car, except when steel bodies get really bad they go to the crusher.

Do youself a big favor, put the car on a lift and check everything you can find.

1. The rear suspension is unique and requires special knowledge, lots of money and special tools to rebuild. Check for play in wheel bearingings and differential yokes. Check to see if the rear differential cover is cracked or broken.

2. Power steering system is unique, they leak, and need rebuild or replacment.

3. The radiator support rot out, about $300 to replace.

4. Headlights are a PITA, vacuum operated, and crappy cast housing that break if stressed even a little.

I have learned my lesson once and for all, next time I buy a car as a driver, I will spend more money and get a car that already has the problems corrected.

But if you are looking for a project, well than anything goes...

As for the other questions, you should be able to get into a 74-82 (these are the cars with the bumper covered), most are simular in price based on their condition. 74 last year for Rat motor (454cid\270hp), 75 last year for Convertible, all other are T-Tops, some of the last C3s were auto trans only, L-48 was base Mouse motor 190hp +\-, L-82 was the hot Mouse 250hp +\- depending on year.

C2s were Sting Ray (two words) went away for 68, then came back in 69 as Stingray (one word), not sure but I think it stayed until end of C3s in 82.

Good luck,

Audie

 

There are alot of members in and around the Tampa area that will be of great help. I believe there is a corvette club in Spring Hill or New Port Richey.

 

thanks for the info guys. i know there is a club in springhill, just can't remember where they meet.

 

They have a web site.

 

i'm not real good with gm products, sorry. does the rad support bolt in or is it welded in( like most fords)? i can weld so that's not a problem.

can the housings for the headlights be bought new or are they a used part only?

the only thing i can't do is paint and body, everything elese is easy for me

can you guys tell me a good place or places to order a few catalogs from so i can get an idea on parts availability?

 

Ecklers, Parts America, and EBay.

Mid America, I meant Mid America. :o

 

Bob - I'm surprised at you - Stingrays go to 76

 

i will ad this the 80 to 82 look the same but the 80 dont have the ecm
computer like the 81 and 82.
if your gunna mod 80 and under.

 

Well 81 look the best

 

Use the same logic you would use for any other used car.

If you want to get a good stock performance try and get a 77-80.You wont have to deal with any computers.The California 80 and all 81`s have a computer that controls timing and fuel air mixture.
The 80-81 has a slighly different look, mainly revised bumpers.It brought down the drag and helped aid cooling.80-82 has 85MPH speedo.The 79 and later Vettes have different seats than earlier years.81 they added a power drivers seat.
Just some random info to consider.
Good luck.

 

Light housing can be rebuilt piece by piece or get a complete rebuilt units. The Rad support is bolted in.

Year One is now in the Vette business... Corvette World, Corvette America, Mid America Corvettes, Corvette Central, Vette Brakes and Products, etc.

Check out the forum real well there are advertisments for a lot of the best parts places.

Audie

 

john, welcome to the club. i'm an old ford guy too. worked for ford in the 70s wife retired from ford with 30 yrs. saw our 69 conv at a rod run and fell in love with it. bought it and have enjoyed it ever since. had it out today for a drive great especially with the top down. still have fords though.

 

Give Zip a call, 1-800-962-9632, they are a forum sponser and have a pretty good catalog. One of my favorites is The Last Detail. They have a slim catalog but can get just about anything out there you would need. Call them for a catalog 1-888-LASTDETAIL.
Paragon
Doc Rebuild
Riks Corvettes
Volunteer Vette
Ecklers
Mid America
Corvette America
Al Knoch Interior
DeWitts for anything radiator related

This is just a short list. There are several out there. Come back here and be sure to look in the C3 Parts for sale also. Lots of members are always working on their vettes and have parts for sale and may be able to help you out.

 

Add me to the list of FL newbies - Tampa area Mopar kid who (see my post in the C3 General section) just came into a '76 Stingray. Guess I better hook up with the area club !

 

Also Van Steal and VBP Brakes are located in St. Pete/ Clearwater area.

 

talked to a guy with a 76 and an 80 yesterday. i'm going to go to their next club meeting in two weeks. can't wait