Checking out a 1973
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 149
Likes: 3
From: Chadron Ne
Checking out a 1973
As a corvette owner, I have been asked to check out a 73 that is for sale. The buyer won't tell me where exactly the car is because I think he thinks he could get a pretty good deal on the car but he wants someone to check it out a little first. I know some of the areas to look for on the frame but what areas are accessable on the "bird cage"? The owner says the rear tires "don't track correctly". Sounds to me like the trailing arm bolt is broken.
Any info would be helpful
Thanks
Mike
Any info would be helpful
Thanks
Mike
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 149
Likes: 3
From: Chadron Ne
I am supposed to go with the buyer to look at the car but it is about 150 miles away so he is planning on pulling a trailer because he is pretty sure he wants the car...if it isn't too bad. He just doesn't know much about corvettes and wanted someone who had spent some time around them. I have not had to mess with the birdcage, only body and some suspension. I am hoping that the rear bearings are the problem but don't the rear trailing arms attach to the back of the birdcage?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,708
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
There are three very easy access points.
The first is just from looking through the windsheild at the window frame. Especially, look at the VIN plate for indications of rust.
The second and third are behind the kick panels. You'll probably have to remove the sill plate (four or five Phillips screws per plate) to get the panels off.
If there are no indications of rust here, that's a fair indication that you're good. If either shows signs, it might be worth removing the inside trim from the windshield to investigate further.
One guy I know if an advocate of grabbing the corner of the windshield frame and shaking the car by it. If it's rusty enough, you could probably break off the frame, but I'm not sure that I'd do this looking at a potential car to buy. The owner may not be thrilled.
The first is just from looking through the windsheild at the window frame. Especially, look at the VIN plate for indications of rust.
The second and third are behind the kick panels. You'll probably have to remove the sill plate (four or five Phillips screws per plate) to get the panels off.
If there are no indications of rust here, that's a fair indication that you're good. If either shows signs, it might be worth removing the inside trim from the windshield to investigate further.
One guy I know if an advocate of grabbing the corner of the windshield frame and shaking the car by it. If it's rusty enough, you could probably break off the frame, but I'm not sure that I'd do this looking at a potential car to buy. The owner may not be thrilled.
