Im not new to the forum though I had to make a new username since I forgot my old one since I havent been on in a while.
Anyways Ive got a '88 Corvette that Ive spent a lot of time with and I plan on getting a '74-79 Corvette when I get back to the states (Im in Korea right now)
Ive been looking online for as much info as I could find.
Any tips for someone in the market for one of these? Anything in particular to look/watch out for?
I want a manual though I know they're kinda hard to find during these years also

 

Check the shims on the upper control arms, (excesseive shims) this is an easy way to tell if the car has been in an accedent and the frames tweeked. Look at the wiring under the hood, if its been hacked on you'll see it in the wires looms. Look for eveidence of recent work on the interior - new parts, things that just don't seem to fit right. There are a lot to choose from out there and the market is on the side of the buyer right now. Take your time, ask lots of questions and if it doesn't seem quite right, move on. There will be the one you want around the the corner or down the street. I would suggest ussing this forum to the feed back on any or all prospects you look at. These guys are the greatest source of information I've ever seen and they love to help.

 

Sean,

I realize that you are not specifically looking for a '69, but I have to tell you after reading the below thread, and not needing another Corvette in my life right now, if I were looking for one, this is the kind of car I would be looking for, regardless of the year.

James, the poster of this thread, took some heat initially from Forum members, but as you read through it, you will see that despite that, he answers everyones questions honestly and forthright. In the end, I think most will agree, James is selling a gem of a car and the buyer is going to get a car that has been well cared for and should provide lots of trouble free driving.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...dster-but.html

Again, I'm not saying this is the car for you, what I am saying is that whether you're buying from a private party or a dealer, when the seller is unable or unwilling to answer your questions straight forward keep looking. Many of these cars are 30+ years old and too many sellers will throw a paint job on one, with a few cosmetic changes to the interior and try to convince a buyer it's been "restored". These cares can quickly turn out to be mechanical nightmares. There are frequently threads on here from a new buyer that purchased a car that "appeared" to be in great shape for a "steal" of a price only to discover the frame or birdcage is rotted out. Either one of which can cost thousands to repair.

If you find any Shark Car that has a solid history and the condition of the car in the above thread, you will not go wrong.

Good luck in your quest and keep reminding yourself there are more than enough terrific ones out there to find the perfect one for you.

GUSTO

 

Well the reason I want a 74-79 is although I personally like the chrome bumpers better is I want something I can daily drive/play with and still have the comfort of knowing its not worth too much to have to worry about. My dad has a '68 that Ill be getting soon but that'll be more of a weekend car.
I like the 74-79 with the front and rear spoilers i sometimes see in preference to the later '80-82 different front and rear ends also.

 

Appreciate the tips and link.
I still have several months before Im back in the states though.

 

Keep checking eBay for going price.
You can add the cars you like to your watch list. This way, you can see how much they are getting sold for.