but I have been lurking around for a while now. My name is Kevin, I just turned 18 and I have been in the market for a C3. Right now I own a 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse, I know I know its an import but I love that car. I have decided its time to sell it and pursue my a time dream of owning a C3. I am going to college next year for automotive the car will be stored in a garage while I am at school. I will be living just 25 minutes away from home though so I will be home on the weekends to work on her. I have done some work on my car now whether it be adding stuff or just fixing the things that are wrong with it. But anyway, I would really like a 68-73 but due to cost I will still gladly take a 74-76. I found a 76 L-48 4 speed, numbers matching for 8k. They paint looks to be decent from photos. I know the frame rot is pretty common among the C3s and I will deffinately have the car checked out by someone with a bit more experience than me but I was just wondering where I should start to look while I check it out for the first time. I have heard one of the worst spots is right in front of the rear wheels. Any advice would be appreciated. I have about 4 to 5k to spend plus selling my car for around 7. They guy may be interested in a trade as well so I will have to see...but enough of the blabbering Hello!

 

Hello Kevin, and welcome. Sounds like you have a good start on knowing things about the Corvette. Like you said, the rear kick ups are a bad rust spot, the windshield corners and body mounts are prone to rust and expensive to fix. The floor pans on the '76 and up (?) rust but are a cheaper fix. Try the search in tech for more info. Finding a decent '76 for $5,000. should be fairly easy. It's the bastard child of the C3's, or seems to be. That's what I have. You could post a wanted ad in the C3s for sale section and may have luck. And have a better chance of getting what you're promised.
steve

 

Here's a good place to start.



Lots of good information here. It's worth the cost of a copy.

 

Welcome and good luck in finding your dream car

 

Welcome!!! My brother has a 2006 eclipse GT...it is always a fun time when the two of us go cruzing.

You should be able to find a driveable rubber bumber for $5,000 - $8,000. Save some cash for upgrades and fixing things.

Rust is the issue. Front of the rear wheels is important to check as well as the bird cage. The L48 engine is a dog, but has tons of potential, especially when hooked to a 4 speed.

Good Luck with your search and with school!!!

Chris

 

Look on collectorcartraderonline, that's where I found my 79. It sounds like you've got a good handle on some of the problem areas on these cars. Good luck with you search.

 

I will pick up that buyers guide today! I know the stock L48 is kind of a drag at 180hp, but its still a 350 with a lot of potential. I plan on rebuilding the engine in college but before then I plan on spending some money of performance things. I was looking into the hooker headers and sidepipes, while expensive I love sidepipes. By freeing up the exhaust with the headers and sidepipes should I expect large gains? I am sort of new to the domestic modding but I am deffinately looking foreward to it

 

Exhaust is once of the easiest hp gain on 350's. Side pipes are great, but dual undercar exhaust is great also (maybe not as cool).

The biggest issue on the smog vets is the cat if it is original or plugged. Replace or eliminate that and you will see instant improvement.

After exhaust you can get into upgrading the manifold, then the cam, then the bottom end...etc...

Good Luck!!!
Chris

 

Welcome to the forum

I wish you luck finding yourself a C3

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome !!
Good Luck in College.
Remember to leave some time to study while you're cruisin' with the chicks in your 'vette!

Ed
ps
( I did my cruisn in collge with a 1965 Buick... oh well......)

 

Welcome to the forum and good luck in your search and your education. You have a firm grasp on the knowledge you will need to be successful. Keep asking questions and listening to the replies and you will be fine.

 

Welcome!

Friendly advice... buy the cleanest C3 you can find. As you mentioned, 68-73 are going up. However, finding a good condition later year will bring much more fun than a earlier year that needs constant work. Also, when you first get it... just drive it for awhile. Nothing like getting a new dream car that sits in the garage waiting for repairs. After driving it, you will find what needs attention or where you would like to add upgrades.

Good deal on the higher education. You may find... this will allow you to buy more CORVETTES in time...

post some pics when you find the dream!