Hi all,

As I am in the market for a C3, and new to Corvettes, I thought it would be helpful to have something to go by as I look at cars. Most people seem to have a process developed through experience, and I think it would be very valuable to accumulate and document these. Has anyone ever created a checklist? Here's a draft I was building based on my limited knowledge of Corvettes and my experience with other cars which I always did by memory (and usually missed important items).

I would be willing to accumulate and edit/expand this into a resource for the forum if it hasn't already been covered.

There's also the intangibles you get from the owner, but tough to put that into a list.

Please add your comments and feedback on the idea.

Evaluation checklist

1) Body & Trim:
a. Check paint and trim codes to match
b. Signs of repaint, bodywork
c. Panel alignment
d. Chrome
e. Interior wear, color consistency
2) Numbers:
a. VIN matches title
b. Engine block
c. Intake manifold
d. Exhaust manifold
e. Transmission
f. Rear end
g. Stance
3) Undercarriage
a. Leaks?
b. Rust-prone areas
c. Bushings
d. Exhaust
e. tires
4) Pre-drive mechanics:
a. Guauges working
b. Seat belts, adjustments
c. Lights, wipers vacuum system
d. Cold start, idle
5) Test drive
a. Shift all gears
b. Smooth acceleration
c. Rattles, noises
d. Tightness of ride, steering
e. Brakes straight, smooth
f. Tire clearance on tight turns
g. Temperature
h. Oil pressure
i. Speedo & tach
j. Odometer
k. Weather seals

 

You want an entire subject of theoutline detailed for 3 B in my opinion. RUST PRONE AREAS! You may also wanna call this 1A.
Seems like anyone can repaint a Corvette and make it LOOK all shiney and clean, but what lies underneath is whats gonna end up being the part that bites you in the wallet.
Window frame Pillars, Body Mount bolt areas, the corner window areas near where the wiper compartments flow(not sure of the name)
Those seem to be very key ones. Then different points int he frame, Wheel wells etc.

 

You'll be spending the rest of your life running through your check list on each car you inspect.

I broke it down into 3 categories; Engine and drive, interior, exterior. I was willing to tackle 1 of the 3. Luckily, I found one that had the engine and drive as well as the suspension and everything under the car completed, interior in better than good shape. So All I had to do was paint and a few minor things.

 

there are certian areas that deserve close looks. Rust ,has already been mentioned. Make sure the headlights flip up and down,sounds simple till you start reaching for your wallet. Dashboard lighting and functions working. Non leaking heater. Working AC. Radio.Wiper motors on early c-3s. I am sure I forgot something..guys?.

 

Clunking noises from the rear diff when turning. Big$$ repair for rebuild.
U-joints.
Didn't mention leaking t-tops, rear plenum drain tubes which will dump a lot of water in the rear compartment if they are cracked and rotted. This is easily and often overlooked.
The small stupid stuff that is often missing like windshield washer bottles and hoses, small brackets ie; inner grill on 70-72's (mine are missing), various interior trim screws. All not critical but a PITA to have to deal with.
I'm sure there's more others will mention.