I'm seriously considering buying a C3 convertible. I'm at the very beginning of my 'learning' and thought I'd start here.

I'm the proud owner of an 08 convertible and former owner of an 01 convertible. I really feel like my 08 needs a nice C3 to share the garage.

I'm really looking for a driver, not a show car. I know I want a convertible. I want a 73 or earlier because I like the chrome bumpers. I really want an automatic (no flames please, I know what I like) and would prefer working air (It's hot here).

Other than that, I'm pretty open. I don't want to spend an enormous amount of money, which is why a nice driver is just fine.

I live in the Orlando area right now (about to move to Iowa). I've been watching Roger's Corvette's inventory for awhile, but nothing interesting. They're a little high-priced, but trustworthy.

I've read through a lot of posts here and done google search after google search. I found two cars at buyavette and have seen conflicting information about them. Summing it all up, they appear to be ok, but a little pricey.

They have two right now that interest me:

1972 Black Convertible - $27,900
http://www.buyavette.net/c740.html

1972 White Convertible - $33,900
http://www.buyavette.net/c214.html

I like the black better, but suspect it is a little rougher.

Anyone seen these cars? Any thoughts, comments, suggestions?

I tend to be an impulse buyer, so if everything moves forward on a new job, I'll probably buy something this week!

Thanks in advance.

Tom

 

Great Choice. I have a 72 Convert. Big Block and its a Show car that I use on the weekend. Take a look at Contes Corvettes in NJ. He is pretty reliable, Good Luck

 

Please slow down, remember you're buying a 35 year old car. The less than honest seller is looking for an 'impulse buyer'. People look long and hard, with experienced guidance, and still worry over what they've bought. Do you know about RUST in these cars? Take a deep breath.
Regards,
Alan

 

Here's the problem that is causing me to move a little faster. You're right, I should slow down, but.....

Right now I live in Florida and have all the time in the world, because I am not working. I have interviewed for a job that I really want and would allow me the funds to purchase a C3. It requires a move to Iowa, which is fine. We like it.

The challenge is that once we move, I'll be working many, many hours and won't have the luxury of finding, buying and moving a C3. I have that time now.

So, if I can find a nice one and buy it now, I will. If I can't, I'll be patient. It just felt like buying a Southeastern car was a better idea than a midwestern car.

Keep the advice coming

 

At the prices quoted for 72's the cars should be near perfect restorations. That is probably what you want to get. Make sure you get a qualified Corvette mechanic to inspect before buying. These cars are 35 years old and lots can happen in that time. They are in the Southeast now but what about the previous years. There are more Arizona Corvettes today than were ever sold there. Remember fiberglass cars do rust even in the Southeast make sure to have the frames checked thoroughly especially the rear kickups in front of the rear wheels and the windshield frames those are the most likely areas. Just do a search on rust on this forum and you wil get plenty of information. I recommend you take an extensive test drive as the early C3 is a completely different animal from your C5 and C6. You need to know what they are before you get disappointed.

 

, totally!

I've a coworker who just bought a pristine C5. Side by side comparison to my '81 C3 was no contest. She was stunned at how "primative" the C3 is. I explained they were merely a body designed around a big engine back then - creature comforts were an afterthought.

So, Tscales, make certain you test drive one asap to be sure it's what you truly want!

Have fun!

...Alan K.

 

what part of Iowa?

 

Both seem pretty high for what they are. BTW the black car is a 68.

 

I'm origionaly from SoCal and thought the same way. What I found in Corvettes living in the Midwest the last 12 years is they are driven less. Most Midwest Corvettes are kepted in the garage waiting for perfect weather. When I lived in Cali I drove my Vette daily as I'm sure many do in the Southeast.

Just look closly a the rust prone areas and take into account any reconditioning that may be needed. With the C-3's and price range that you have described they shouldn't need much if anything.

Move with caution in your plan and things will come out great; if it is the right car go for it

 

Looks only go so far....

And I've had mine over 30 years. But compared to the C6 I drove....

Well, there is no comparison. You need to get behind the wheel first....

 

my biggest peice of advice is to add 30% to whatever you think it will cost you ( in time and in $) , but seriously have fun with it, and spend a good deal of time looking for a car.

 

Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area.

Oh, and I knew the black one was a 68 -- just a typo.

 

Very sound advise.

 

I took an extra moment this morning and looked at the 2 cars. I would think they are both over priced as they both have cosmetic concerns and would need to be looked at closer. The black one appears to need a paint job and the carpet look like it may be faded. The white car has a low budget pain job as you can see items in the door jamb (interior light switch, door lock striker and door alignment fitting) that should not be painted. Under the hood looks more driver quality on both cars and not what I would expect for 27-33K.

Keep looking and if you are prepared to spend that type of money there a some nice cars out there. Don't be afraid of eBay; just go and look at the car before you commit.

 

My two cents - you've done the first thing I tell anyone who approaches me about helping them find a Corvette: figured out what you want the car to do for you.

Essentially you've said you want a chrome bumper, vert, auto that will be your driver. Great starting point.

My question, have you driven any C3's? My advice, get as much seat time in as many C3's as you can - espicially if your looking for a driver. The driving/ride difference in each of the cars will amaze you. Some will be tight, some loose. This should help with a price point as well.

Like you I love the chrome bumpers...from the outside. I do not care for the dash/gauge/seats in the early C3s and for this reasone landed in a later, albeit no vert, C3. Just food for thought...good luck and enjoy the hunt!

Oh, one last thing, I assume you've considered garages for your stable of cars in Iowa...I hear it snows there. Buy a driver or not, your Corvettes will sit for a few months out of the year.

 

Please test driver one. They don't drive anything like your 08'. They are very bumpy over 65 mph.

 

I agree with most of what these fellows have already said. Anyone here who has owned a C3 for any period of time could give you 1000 words on the subject. But, distilled down, the cardinal rule would be to take your time and learn as much as is possible about the subject. Then have one of the fellows here help you check out any prospective purchase. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.

I doubt you will be driving a C3 in Iowa any time soon so don't be in a hurry. And when you get one, we want lots of pictures!

 

The C3 Forum is in dire need of a FAQ sticky to help out first time buyers and others that may be interested in buying a C3. Such as what to look for, problem areas on C3's, what type of C3's that raise red flags, etc....

 

Get the '68. Lata.

 

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1860134

In for sale section...