Hello C3 folks.

I'm looking at my 2nd vette (maybe). A bone stock red 74 with a black interior and 80K on the clock.

Looks to be well maintained as all the interior is really good and there's no rust to be found. The paint is good.

Is this likely to be a reliable car? I know the late 70's weren't really good years for GM but maybe 74 is ok.

The seller wants 13K. A good price?

I will have a mechanic look at it first but I thought I would get some opinions from the real pros first.

Thanks much,

the beep

Oh, it's a t-top coupe with a 4spd.

 

eh it didn't get really bad till later, i have an 80, and apart from the appalling way the body panels fit, it is a solid car. As for the price, 13K is reasonable if the car is in reasonable condition. Having a mechanic look at it is a good idea, remember, as always check that birdcage. Good luck, and have fun peace,
Steve

 

Ok, I'm a complete idiot. What's a "bird cage"? Is that the rockers and B-piller and stuff like that? What's the best way to check it. With a magnet? Black lite? Sonar?

 

The birdcage is basicly what you said the a pillar and b pillar and the rockers the best and easist way to check is to remove the kick panels on the drivers and pass side and look at the cage were it is joined also check for rust around the windshield.Hope this helps and I'm sure others here will give you some more pointers.

 

You need to get up to speed on C3 rust, because it can easily be a deal-breaker.

These are "birdcage" pics from another cf member. Not only can the cage rust, but where it bolts (body mounts) to the frame is a big concern.

Also, the whole "numbers matching" thing if you're wanting to ensure an original component. The difference in price is huge for NOM cars pre '75.

C3s are completely different buying experiences from C4s.

If you have questions, ask them sooner rather than finding out later.

Good Luck, and have fun looking.

http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/D.../matchnos.html

 

I LOVE the 74, my favorite C3, (kinda biased, but I like it more than my dads 72) I think 13 is kinda high though, unless its perfect (almost)

I could sell mine for 9K-11K










and what options does it have? engine? standard/auto? power what?


Miles

 

I love my 74 Dearly, though I would NEVER Sell mine!

 

Dont worry about asking questions, if you have any questions, ASK THEM. people here are always very helpful good luck

 

Just ignore all the self centered idiots who think there model is the only vette to have.

 

I've had my well-maintained '74 L82 4 speed for almost two years. It's been an excellent car in all regards. I see no quality decline at all in my 1974 compared to the other C3s I've had (two '72s, a'71 and a '69). It's also a bit more refined with a less harsh ride.
Terry

 

I really like my 74. Check the rust of the birdcage, behind each kick panel inside and behind access panel in front of rear wheels.

Also of course the numbers matching. GOOD LUCK

 

I agree with what everyone said above - I love my '74. Good luck!

 

How do you remove those panels, do they just pop off? Wont the seller flip out if you start pulling stuff apart?

 

You have to remove 4 (?) screws to remove the chrome sill plate, because the back edge of the kick panel is held down by the sill plate. Then it just lifts right out.

 

You guys rock! I'm difinetly going into this with my eyes open. I realize the 74 won't have the power and handling of my 85 but I absolutely love the styling and it will probably cost less to repair/maintain.

What's the story on the chrome bumpers? I thougt for sure the 74 would have them.

Also, I'm sure there are suspension upgrades. I saw a TV show where they were upgrading the rear suspension. It looked rather involved.

Thanks again,

-beep

 

'72 is the last year for chrome bumpers front and back.

'73 has chrome rear bumpers.

Poke around on this site by just changing number the after /vet7_ to get to different '70s vette stuff.

Here's '71.


http://www.100megsfree4.com/corvette/1970/vet71.htm

 

No question, before you put your hard earned money down, pull the kicks, just one screw in back, up near the firewall and the sill covers, first 3 screws ought to do it, and check the lower birdcage to body mounts, second there are little covers in the front rear wheel wells, 6 -1/4in bolts, pull these and check the rear cage mounts. The other two, called #1 and #4 you can see from underneath the car, there open to the air. Don't let a little surface rust scare you off of these, the main thing is that their not pitted or seriously rusted, No holes! I've included pics off mine,, these are "OK", but no worse would be acceptable. Check for the level of the rust, if it's present, with a sharp tool. If that checks out, and you like the car and price, It Needs to go on a lift to check the frame for tears and/or rust, same thing applies, a little surface is ok , but no pitting. Pay attention to around the front suspension areas and to the take off areas for the rear kick-ups, the front for tears and the rear for rust. The windshield surround can be fixed for about $2k, so it's not that bad if it's rusty. Look a the w/s surround from the top of the shield through the glass, and look inside, behind the mirror, the line across the top of the windshield, inside. Serious Birdcage is a death knell for everything but a high value (+35k) Vette, looking upward of $10k for that, and I do mean upward. put a camera in the front kick panel holes and take a picture up into the cage rails, you can see the condition rails. cage, frame and w/s surround inspection is a must for any C3 buy, and if he won't let you do it, I'd walk away from it.

Front:



Up into the front rails:




Rear:



Good luck!

 

The structural check list has been repeated ad naseum on the Forum. Check the archives. I don't know why these messages have to be repeated?? Perhaps a sticky by Moderators? The 1974 does not have chrome bumpers.

 

I love my 74 dearly. I've had her for over 30 years and would never dream of parting with her. I may be old (67) but I'll drive her till the day I die!

 

It's probably like the cooling system threads over in C4. You never stop seeing new ones.

There are always people experiencing new things and wanting to interact even though you may have seen it all. If nothing else, just roll with it.

You have a very beautiful car.