C3 Curves...differences between the years?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
C3 Curves...differences between the years?
Hi all.
I am looking to buy another Vette and I just wondered if there was much difference between the years with regards to the body curves and fenders.
The coke bottle shape is to die for but which ones are most curvy? Do some have taller or wider wheel arches ( without after market flares ) or are they all basically the same?
TIA.
I am looking to buy another Vette and I just wondered if there was much difference between the years with regards to the body curves and fenders.
The coke bottle shape is to die for but which ones are most curvy? Do some have taller or wider wheel arches ( without after market flares ) or are they all basically the same?
TIA.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Hi all.
I am looking to buy another Vette and I just wondered if there was much difference between the years with regards to the body curves and fenders.
The coke bottle shape is to die for but which ones are most curvy? Do some have taller or wider wheel arches ( without after market flares ) or are they all basically the same?
TIA.
I am looking to buy another Vette and I just wondered if there was much difference between the years with regards to the body curves and fenders.
The coke bottle shape is to die for but which ones are most curvy? Do some have taller or wider wheel arches ( without after market flares ) or are they all basically the same?
TIA.
The curves are all the same. The nose changed, as well as the butt end, and some hoods were more curvy. The '80s saw changes to the nose and tail again...but the coke bottle shape you like is the same.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: Spokane WA
As DB noted the basic curves and the signature "Coke-bottle" shape are the same for all C3's. It was a pretty long run with only minor visual changes. There was a small change to the rear of the wheel openings between 69 & 70. The later years (70 up) have a bit more of a flare at the back of the wheel wells. This was to help prevent paint damage from rock and other road debris. Other than that and a change to the hood length in 73, they are all very similar. Aftermarket flares and so forth are available for all years along with a host of other mods.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,214
Likes: 4,301
From: Westminster Maryland
I think the later cars look more swoopy than the early cars (68-72), because the cars developed front and rear spoilers in the later years, along with more highly styled bumper caps, especially 80-82. The early cars are more racy looking and the later cars more luxo looking.
Regards,
Alan
Regards,
Alan
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 0
looking at my dads 72 and my 74, it looks like the front of mine sloped further down going to the point of the hood to the front point of where our front bumpers start
that could be an illusion that the diffrent bumpers are playing on me but maby not
Miles
that could be an illusion that the diffrent bumpers are playing on me but maby not
Miles
Last edited by randommj; Aug 4, 2008 at 06:27 PM.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: Spokane WA
Just an illusion. Although I would agree that the later cars, particularly the 80-82 models do have a longer swoopy look. I think that's what I like about the 68-72 models. They have a shorter, stouter look.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 1
From: North Bellmore Ny
St. Jude Donor '09
I think there is a design angle change from the metal front bumper tp the rubber bumper cars. Looks like the rubber bumper cars have a shorter front end and the length of the bumper makes up the distance.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I think the angle is the same, the rubber bumper just extends what the chrome bumper ends.
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 126
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From: Grand Haven MI
C3's are the best....But,
The '73 is the King of the C3's. It is the most unique with the Chorme in the back and Fiberglass front. And just oozes character. I am obviously biased as I own a '73. But search your fellings younglings....you know it to be true. But basically, they really all are basically the same body-wise. Good Luck!!!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Thanks all...Im not worried about length, just the great view from the drivers seat. I just love the curves over the wheels and was looking at a couple of cars, both 73 but in some of the pics they just looked...well, less curvy!
Now I have been re assured I am ready to go!
Thanks.
Now I have been re assured I am ready to go!
Thanks.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,469
Likes: 20
From: Rockville Centre NY
The '73 is the King of the C3's. It is the most unique with the Chorme in the back and Fiberglass front. And just oozes character. I am obviously biased as I own a '73. But search your fellings younglings....you know it to be true. But basically, they really all are basically the same body-wise. Good Luck!!!
GM Cert Corvette Tech
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,559
Likes: 585
From: Anaheim Hills California
I think the later cars look more swoopy than the early cars (68-72), because the cars developed front and rear spoilers in the later years, along with more highly styled bumper caps, especially 80-82. The early cars are more racy looking and the later cars more luxo looking.
Regards,
Alan
Regards,
Alan
I like my 68 & 80 for the same but also different reasons.They each reflected a different Era...but with the same style.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 692
Likes: 0
From: waterloo ontario
The '73 is the King of the C3's. It is the most unique with the Chorme in the back and Fiberglass front. And just oozes character. I am obviously biased as I own a '73. But search your fellings younglings....you know it to be true. But basically, they really all are basically the same body-wise. Good Luck!!!
Rod
Love the Vette
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,711
Likes: 2
From: Rochester NY
IMO the best C3 are the last of the run
The later year C3, 80 to 82, have a different front and rear bumper
The front of 80 to 82 Vettes are more aggressive looking, the front bumper is lower to the ground and the car is longer.
the rear spoiler is built in to the rear bumper, the car also has several updates to lower the over all weight, as the late 1970's Vettes weighted too much.
Weight of the 1980 Corvette dropped nearly 250lbs thru greater use of aluminum and plastic. The doors, and hood were less thick and the roof panels decreased in density.
In 1981 the rear leaf spring was replaced with a composite leaf, that weighs 40 pounds less.
the Seats were also updated and lost about 25 pounds each, the front bumper internals were also changed to lower the weight, in all the 1981 Vette is one of the lightest C3 with about 300 pounds gone.
also Best .cd of any of the C3 years.
The later year C3, 80 to 82, have a different front and rear bumper
The front of 80 to 82 Vettes are more aggressive looking, the front bumper is lower to the ground and the car is longer.
the rear spoiler is built in to the rear bumper, the car also has several updates to lower the over all weight, as the late 1970's Vettes weighted too much.
Weight of the 1980 Corvette dropped nearly 250lbs thru greater use of aluminum and plastic. The doors, and hood were less thick and the roof panels decreased in density.
In 1981 the rear leaf spring was replaced with a composite leaf, that weighs 40 pounds less.
the Seats were also updated and lost about 25 pounds each, the front bumper internals were also changed to lower the weight, in all the 1981 Vette is one of the lightest C3 with about 300 pounds gone.
also Best .cd of any of the C3 years.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 721
Likes: 105
From: hernando fl
had an 80,one of the prettiest body styles to ever leave detroit,also a lot more creature comforts than the early ones.now have a 72 BB convert.in my opinion the chrome front & rear is very agressive and racy looking,same generation but completely different cars. one day soon i will have another 80-82 , so i can pick my mood , adrenaline rush or stylish comfort...........
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Searcy AR
<a href="http://s324.photobucket.com/albums/k334/tluzzi/82Vette/?action=view¤t=100_9975.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k334/tluzzi/82Vette/100_9975.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s324.photobucket.com/albums/k334/tluzzi/82Vette/?action=view¤t=100_9975.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k334/tluzzi/82Vette/100_9975.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Just to show some pics of an '82 (I hope it posts)....I think it is the best shape of them all, but I am biased. Hope this helps.
<a href="http://s324.photobucket.com/albums/k334/tluzzi/82Vette/?action=view¤t=100_9975.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k334/tluzzi/82Vette/100_9975.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Just to show some pics of an '82 (I hope it posts)....I think it is the best shape of them all, but I am biased. Hope this helps.