Corvette consistent problems or defects
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,189
Likes: 206
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C3 of Year
Great project to work on! If I may suggest don't say defects or problems as these cars just need solutions. Your Headline --"Tips On
Buying C3 Corvettes" - other chapters on - Problems*Solutions*PM.
You have two audiences - tech and non-tech so KISS principal should
be used. Here's just a few areas to be addressed--- Battery Cranking
Amps vs Cold Cranking Amps - Windshield window tray solutions -
installing brakes - and many more. Good luck on your project. It's
needed. Peter PS: possibly a vendor could support your project.
Buying C3 Corvettes" - other chapters on - Problems*Solutions*PM.
You have two audiences - tech and non-tech so KISS principal should
be used. Here's just a few areas to be addressed--- Battery Cranking
Amps vs Cold Cranking Amps - Windshield window tray solutions -
installing brakes - and many more. Good luck on your project. It's
needed. Peter PS: possibly a vendor could support your project.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,189
Likes: 206
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C3 of Year
Speaking of horn problems, don't forget the plastic retainer internal to the Tilt/Tele column that deteriorates with age, cracking up and letting the spring short to ground, sounding the horn and running the battery down.
Some more you guys may have run across unique to our vettes.
Gas tank sock filter breaking up and clogging the fuel pick-up / filter.
Maintenance free Emergency brake design!
Early C3 external door handle spring
High speed heater blower motor relay failure.
distributor mechanical tach gears
mechnical clock points wear
upper windshield post rust out causing leaks.
electronic tach boards burn out.
speedometer fiber gear wear
clutch fan failure
hood release lever cable
broken door hinge spring
I think I have dealt with all of these one time or another.
Bullshark
And, I almost forgot one of my favorites......now listen to this panic.......carburetors.....
but I guess that's not vette unique.
Some more you guys may have run across unique to our vettes.
Gas tank sock filter breaking up and clogging the fuel pick-up / filter.
Maintenance free Emergency brake design!
Early C3 external door handle spring
High speed heater blower motor relay failure.
distributor mechanical tach gears
mechnical clock points wear
upper windshield post rust out causing leaks.
electronic tach boards burn out.
speedometer fiber gear wear
clutch fan failure
hood release lever cable
broken door hinge spring
I think I have dealt with all of these one time or another.
Bullshark
And, I almost forgot one of my favorites......now listen to this panic.......carburetors.....
but I guess that's not vette unique.
can't wait to hear from Panic!
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,189
Likes: 206
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C3 of Year
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,557
Likes: 0
From: Ridgeway VA
"What to expect when buying a 40 year old Corvette" Well, the first
things you need to buy are a first aid kit and fire extinguisher. When
I first got my '70 Vette about 10 years ago a mechanic told me it was
"raining" under the engine compartment (OK lots of leaks easily fixed).
Most recently the drivers seat is stuck - can't go forward or back, or
up/down - that's the next project. Owning a 40 yr old Vette is never
boring as long as you practice the Power of Positive Thinking.
things you need to buy are a first aid kit and fire extinguisher. When
I first got my '70 Vette about 10 years ago a mechanic told me it was
"raining" under the engine compartment (OK lots of leaks easily fixed).
Most recently the drivers seat is stuck - can't go forward or back, or
up/down - that's the next project. Owning a 40 yr old Vette is never
boring as long as you practice the Power of Positive Thinking.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,557
Likes: 0
From: Ridgeway VA
War Bonnet -this thread is going to get long - good. Based on "reads"
some threads get more than 4,000. I say this because if you print a
booklet with 1,000 copies you might as well go 2,000 plus. A idea -
make your booklet a 3 ring binder because there'll be updates. On
the forum there is a link to 5-6 pages of Winshield Wiper Tray, then
5-6 pages on getting heat out of the cabin - my point is that you already have some detailed problems/solutions. A chapter on "when"
your Vette was made - a example my 1975 has vent tubes going into
the tire well but no Astro Ventilation - why, they discontinued it in
late '75. Good information that answers questions that I could only
find on the forum. Lot of experts here.
some threads get more than 4,000. I say this because if you print a
booklet with 1,000 copies you might as well go 2,000 plus. A idea -
make your booklet a 3 ring binder because there'll be updates. On
the forum there is a link to 5-6 pages of Winshield Wiper Tray, then
5-6 pages on getting heat out of the cabin - my point is that you already have some detailed problems/solutions. A chapter on "when"
your Vette was made - a example my 1975 has vent tubes going into
the tire well but no Astro Ventilation - why, they discontinued it in
late '75. Good information that answers questions that I could only
find on the forum. Lot of experts here.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 20,715
Likes: 25
From: Sorrento Italy
[QUOTE=War Bonnet;1562428211..........Are the carbs. too heavy[/QUOTE]
well, no, if you at least reduce the filter weight with one of these thin alu stacks, it weights only 20 grs...
[/QUOTE]well, no, if you at least reduce the filter weight with one of these thin alu stacks, it weights only 20 grs...
Last edited by panic; Oct 23, 2007 at 02:34 PM.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,189
Likes: 206
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C3 of Year
"What to expect when buying a 40 year old Corvette" Well, the first
things you need to buy are a first aid kit and fire extinguisher. When
I first got my '70 Vette about 10 years ago a mechanic told me it was
"raining" under the engine compartment (OK lots of leaks easily fixed).
Most recently the drivers seat is stuck - can't go forward or back, or
up/down - that's the next project. Owning a 40 yr old Vette is never
boring as long as you practice the Power of Positive Thinking.
things you need to buy are a first aid kit and fire extinguisher. When
I first got my '70 Vette about 10 years ago a mechanic told me it was
"raining" under the engine compartment (OK lots of leaks easily fixed).
Most recently the drivers seat is stuck - can't go forward or back, or
up/down - that's the next project. Owning a 40 yr old Vette is never
boring as long as you practice the Power of Positive Thinking.
War Bonnet -this thread is going to get long - good. Based on "reads"
some threads get more than 4,000. I say this because if you print a
booklet with 1,000 copies you might as well go 2,000 plus. A idea -
make your booklet a 3 ring binder because there'll be updates. On
the forum there is a link to 5-6 pages of Winshield Wiper Tray, then
5-6 pages on getting heat out of the cabin - my point is that you already have some detailed problems/solutions. A chapter on "when"
your Vette was made - a example my 1975 has vent tubes going into
the tire well but no Astro Ventilation - why, they discontinued it in
late '75. Good information that answers questions that I could only
find on the forum. Lot of experts here.
some threads get more than 4,000. I say this because if you print a
booklet with 1,000 copies you might as well go 2,000 plus. A idea -
make your booklet a 3 ring binder because there'll be updates. On
the forum there is a link to 5-6 pages of Winshield Wiper Tray, then
5-6 pages on getting heat out of the cabin - my point is that you already have some detailed problems/solutions. A chapter on "when"
your Vette was made - a example my 1975 has vent tubes going into
the tire well but no Astro Ventilation - why, they discontinued it in
late '75. Good information that answers questions that I could only
find on the forum. Lot of experts here.
Thanks for the great advise! Your killing me, Wow what an engine compartment! I'm going to have to study it before I can some sort of intelligent response. Don't forget to add that to your chapter!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 2
From: Sherwood Park AB
"A bad corvette smells bad"
Leaky T-top weatherstripping can allow water to leak in and destroy the interior.
When the heater core fails, it ruins your carpet.
Original clocks rarely work.
This book has many tips on buying a corvette along with problem areas.
http://www.amazon.com/Chevrolet-Corv.../dp/0760303258
Leaky T-top weatherstripping can allow water to leak in and destroy the interior.
When the heater core fails, it ruins your carpet.
Original clocks rarely work.
This book has many tips on buying a corvette along with problem areas.
http://www.amazon.com/Chevrolet-Corv.../dp/0760303258
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
This is an interesting post. Here is my list based on my very limited experience with my '76; all of these are fairly common from what I've read over the past couple of years. Not a lot of detail, but thought it would help with your outline:
- Loose front-end (bushing, ball joints, tie rods, rag joint)
- Leaky steering control valve
- Leaky brake caliper seals
- Emergency brake
- Clock
- Electronic Tach
- Pop-up head lights
- Rusty floor pans (first year for steel pans was '76) mine have been previously "patched" twice and need to be replaced
- Poor window sealing that leads to rusty floor pans and rotted carpet
- Cabin heat insulation
- Heater core
- Horn
- Loose front-end (bushing, ball joints, tie rods, rag joint)
- Leaky steering control valve
- Leaky brake caliper seals
- Emergency brake
- Clock
- Electronic Tach
- Pop-up head lights
- Rusty floor pans (first year for steel pans was '76) mine have been previously "patched" twice and need to be replaced
- Poor window sealing that leads to rusty floor pans and rotted carpet
- Cabin heat insulation
- Heater core
- Horn
Last edited by redman76; Oct 23, 2007 at 04:41 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 123
From: CA.
hey WAR BONNET, dont mean to change subject but gotta ask about your aviator. is it the franklin mint and if so how is the quality? i have 72 wb and was thinking about getting this. thanks, nutsy.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,189
Likes: 206
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C3 of Year
This is an interesting post. Here is my list based on my very limited experience with my '76; all of these are fairly common from what I've read over the past couple of years. Not a lot of detail, but thought it would help with your outline:
- Loose front-end (bushing, ball joints, tie rods, rag joint)
- Leaky steering control valve
- Leaky brake caliper seals
- Emergency brake
- Clock
- Electronic Tach
- Pop-up head lights
- Rusty floor pans (first year for steel pans was '76) mine have been previously "patched" twice and need to be replaced
- Poor window sealing that leads to rusty floor pans and rotted carpet
- Cabin heat insulation
- Heater core
- Horn
- Loose front-end (bushing, ball joints, tie rods, rag joint)
- Leaky steering control valve
- Leaky brake caliper seals
- Emergency brake
- Clock
- Electronic Tach
- Pop-up head lights
- Rusty floor pans (first year for steel pans was '76) mine have been previously "patched" twice and need to be replaced
- Poor window sealing that leads to rusty floor pans and rotted carpet
- Cabin heat insulation
- Heater core
- Horn
I also have the Danbury Mint WB, I think the color is super close to the real deal
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,270
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Corvette Consistent Problems and Defects.
How about REAL factory paint that has REAL factory touch-up areas that don't match worth a hoot. Seems to most often have occurred on that funny GOLD color, that came and went like a wind in the night.
Regards,
Alan
Your project seems like a good idea. List could get pretty long. The word INDEX comes to mind. Carry on.
How about REAL factory paint that has REAL factory touch-up areas that don't match worth a hoot. Seems to most often have occurred on that funny GOLD color, that came and went like a wind in the night.
Regards,
Alan
Your project seems like a good idea. List could get pretty long. The word INDEX comes to mind. Carry on.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,189
Likes: 206
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C3 of Year
Corvette Consistent Problems and Defects.
How about REAL factory paint that has REAL factory touch-up areas that don't match worth a hoot. Seems to most often have occurred on that funny GOLD color, that came and went like a wind in the night.
Regards,
Alan
Your project seems like a good idea. List could get pretty long. The word INDEX comes to mind. Carry on.
How about REAL factory paint that has REAL factory touch-up areas that don't match worth a hoot. Seems to most often have occurred on that funny GOLD color, that came and went like a wind in the night.
Regards,
Alan
Your project seems like a good idea. List could get pretty long. The word INDEX comes to mind. Carry on.
Actually that is a complete topic all to it's own! I have read that WB is the most difficult color to blend? However, if a new buyer looked at an original body with the bonding lines being visible, it could definately be mistaken for a bad repair! Will be noted.
That index idea is begining to sound very good
PS: Please note shirt size large.
Last edited by Don Rickles; Oct 23, 2007 at 07:07 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: Cranston R.I.
I have not tackled it yet but I am sure I am not the only one that was shocked to find out that replacing rear wheel bearings is not a Saturday afternoon project. Looks like the trailing arm removal and rear wheel bearing proceedure is pretty close to doing a hip replacement on grandma.
Bill in RI
Bill in RI
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
I have not tackled it yet but I am sure I am not the only one that was shocked to find out that replacing rear wheel bearings is not a Saturday afternoon project. Looks like the trailing arm removal and rear wheel bearing proceedure is pretty close to doing a hip replacement on grandma.
Bill in RI
Bill in RI
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 2
From: North Royaton Ohio
The first one's my personal favorite and the reason I carry my heavy spare and jack, as well as a big, hefty breaker bar (sorry Panic!)
-Rusted bolt that holds the spare tire carrier up. It's really nice when you actually have a flat and you're stuck on the side of the road
-Wiper door problems
-Points ignition (I've got far too many stories about dad's 69 on that topic)
-Stuck shifter linkage when going into reverse
That's never fun
-Vacuum leaks
-leaks, leaks, and more leaks (interior, oil, coolant)
-horn malfunctions (seems to be actually the most common problem)
-rusted body mounts and floor pans (The car's made of fiberglass, it won't rust, so we can drive it in the winter
)
-The amazing parking brake you can fully engage while driving down the highway with no effect at all! (no, that's not how I found out mine didn't work)
-People and their stupidity (remember, I drive an 81, which is non-Stingray) "You drive a Stingray, not a Corvette!"
I'm sure there's more I'm missing. If I think of some, I'll post 'em
-Rusted bolt that holds the spare tire carrier up. It's really nice when you actually have a flat and you're stuck on the side of the road
-Wiper door problems
-Points ignition (I've got far too many stories about dad's 69 on that topic)
-Stuck shifter linkage when going into reverse
That's never fun-Vacuum leaks
-leaks, leaks, and more leaks (interior, oil, coolant)
-horn malfunctions (seems to be actually the most common problem)
-rusted body mounts and floor pans (The car's made of fiberglass, it won't rust, so we can drive it in the winter
)-The amazing parking brake you can fully engage while driving down the highway with no effect at all! (no, that's not how I found out mine didn't work)
-People and their stupidity (remember, I drive an 81, which is non-Stingray) "You drive a Stingray, not a Corvette!"
I'm sure there's more I'm missing. If I think of some, I'll post 'em
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: San Diego California
You should consider writing in your book a chapter about 'how the 70's killed the american muscle car' then you go into a sub-chapter saying why and that will drive you streight into one of the main C3 problems: weight, specially in later models...Weight will worsen every single problem in a car, specially when this car was designed to weight one third less of what actually ended weighting: insufficient braking capacity, insufficiend road holding, insufficient rear holding and insufficient performance. All of these insufficiencies have a common denominator which is, as said above, over weight.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 20,715
Likes: 25
From: Sorrento Italy
You're partially right. The late 70's vettes got heavy- peaking at 3572lbs in 1978- and slightly less in 79. But the diet started in 80 with thinner body panels and glass, and the aluminum intake manifold and rear diff cover- to 3336 lbs. The change to the composite rear spring in 81, further reduced weight to 3307 lbs. I've added aluminum heads. the new rear spring, and deleted the spare tire, carrier and jack, and figure about 3200 lbs for my 80- less than the 1970 rated at 3285 lbs. Uhhh, the rebuilt 355 helps too. Trivia: According to the Corvette Black Book, the 1971 vette, small block, at 3202 lbs is the stock fetherweight. Ya gotta eliminate unnecessary fat, and gain accelleration, speed and agility.
