New Here
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5
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New Here
Looking for my first Vette and have settled on the 80 -82 C3 for starters, any help with "look out for" issues would be appreciated. I currently own an LS2 SSR and am looking for a mate. Thanks!
George
Macon, GA
George
Macon, GA
Last edited by big-daddy; Aug 9, 2006 at 08:38 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 0
From: Leander Texas
Welcome to the forum.
You should look for the usual mechanical things first. For Corvettes
1) check the radiator core support for rot at the bottom where it attaches to the frame extension.
2) panel bonds seperating.
3) rotted bird cage (can be seen from sometimes from under the dash, and arround the windshield)
4) rear suspension bushings worn out (car may appear to sit un level)
5) body mounts rotted out (4 on each side)
I'm sure other members will suggest other things I missed. Good luck with your search. Where do you live? There may be members near by that can help you look at a car you find.
Good luck.
You should look for the usual mechanical things first. For Corvettes
1) check the radiator core support for rot at the bottom where it attaches to the frame extension.
2) panel bonds seperating.
3) rotted bird cage (can be seen from sometimes from under the dash, and arround the windshield)
4) rear suspension bushings worn out (car may appear to sit un level)
5) body mounts rotted out (4 on each side)
I'm sure other members will suggest other things I missed. Good luck with your search. Where do you live? There may be members near by that can help you look at a car you find.
Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,921
Likes: 0
From: GA "When I grow up, I'm gonna get a Trans Am and run from the cops". Direct quote from my 4yo son.
Welcome to the forum. Lots of useful info here. If I can answer any questions, shoot me a pm. I've been working pretty steady on my '80.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5
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Originally Posted by 69camfrk
Welcome to the forum. Lots of useful info here. If I can answer any questions, shoot me a pm. I've been working pretty steady on my '80.
George.
Thanks for the advice everyone!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,921
Likes: 0
From: GA "When I grow up, I'm gonna get a Trans Am and run from the cops". Direct quote from my 4yo son.
Originally Posted by big-daddy
Are you going to the RAFB Museum Car Show in Oct? I'm planning to be there with a few other SSR's and hope to see some nice C3's.
George.
Thanks for the advice everyone!
George.
Thanks for the advice everyone!
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Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Thanks Everyone!
I'm sure I'll want to add some more HP, I just want to get started with a solid car and drive it a bit before I decide on which mods I want. I understand these models aren't the real money cars today, but I like the Sting Ray styling and the relatively low entry price. I plan to have fun with it just like my SSR, I keep it show clean, but its a blast to drive.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,698
Likes: 295
From: Concord VA, U.S.A.
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
Originally Posted by big-daddy
I'm sure I'll want to add some more HP, I just want to get started with a solid car and drive it a bit before I decide on which mods I want. I understand these models aren't the real money cars today, but I like the Sting Ray styling and the relatively low entry price. I plan to have fun with it just like my SSR, I keep it show clean, but its a blast to drive.
Welcome.