I bought one!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 8,950
Likes: 4
From: Lafayette LA
I bought one!
My fourth 'Vette, but my first C3.
1972 base model with a 4-speed
Has power steering, power brakes & A/C (compressor missing), manual window and manual locks.
Originally blue / blue
Car is 38 years old, and needs some work. Wipers don't work, wiper door doesn't work, one headlight won't come up on it's own and the other is very slow, some interior panels are loose, door keys are missing, etc.
More importantly though, the frame is SOLID and the birdcage is SOLID.
1972 base model with a 4-speed
Has power steering, power brakes & A/C (compressor missing), manual window and manual locks.
Originally blue / blue
Car is 38 years old, and needs some work. Wipers don't work, wiper door doesn't work, one headlight won't come up on it's own and the other is very slow, some interior panels are loose, door keys are missing, etc.
More importantly though, the frame is SOLID and the birdcage is SOLID.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
C3 Corvette Enthusiast
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 3
You can find a compressor but if the lines have been open to outside air, you can be sure the entire AC system needs to be replaced. If so, there are aftermarket AC kits that are direct fits and give the benefit of using current technology and refrigerants. 
Great looking machine - lots of potential to give you hours of aggravation/enjoyment.
Welcome to people who share your joy and enter the valley of the empty wallets.
Great looking machine - lots of potential to give you hours of aggravation/enjoyment.
Welcome to people who share your joy and enter the valley of the empty wallets.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
If the frame is not heavily rusted, you did well. The car appears to be all there...which is a big plus. Nothing in the interior appears to be significantly damaged, so you can refurb what you have and not spend big money on sprucing it up.
Do yourself a big favor and buy the "68-82 Vacuum Troubleshooting Guide" from Rik's Corvette Parts [www.riksvet.com] for a few bucks and a vacuum gauge, if you don't already have one. It's the best money you will ever spend relative to vacuum system diagnosis and repair.
If the seatcovers aren't significantly damaged (no tears or wear thru in the material), they can be refurbed and re-dyed. It looks like the channel foam in the seating surfaces is pretty well disintegrated...very common in these cars. If you want to put new foam in the channels, I can supply processing instructions and photos to help you do that. Otherwise, you can buy new covers...but the Comfort-weave mesh will not be the same as original. PM me if you want to discuss further.
Beautiful car! Have fun working on it.
Do yourself a big favor and buy the "68-82 Vacuum Troubleshooting Guide" from Rik's Corvette Parts [www.riksvet.com] for a few bucks and a vacuum gauge, if you don't already have one. It's the best money you will ever spend relative to vacuum system diagnosis and repair.
If the seatcovers aren't significantly damaged (no tears or wear thru in the material), they can be refurbed and re-dyed. It looks like the channel foam in the seating surfaces is pretty well disintegrated...very common in these cars. If you want to put new foam in the channels, I can supply processing instructions and photos to help you do that. Otherwise, you can buy new covers...but the Comfort-weave mesh will not be the same as original. PM me if you want to discuss further.
Beautiful car! Have fun working on it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 7
From: Peekskill NY
Very Nice!! & had some nice options. Vacuum issues are common, but you'll figure it out with help from here. One good upgrade I see was the Hurst shifter. I drove one with an original shifter and couldn't believe how sloppy it felt compared to my Hurst. You'll love it.
Also get the Chassis Service Manual & the AIM-Assembly Instruction Manual for your year from one of the Vette part vendors listed on the left panel on your screen. The AIM was used by the assembly line workers.
One thing to remember, WE LOVE PICS, so post more of the engine and underside as well.
Did you get maintenance records and any original documentation with it?
Good luck with it and have fun!
Glenn
Also get the Chassis Service Manual & the AIM-Assembly Instruction Manual for your year from one of the Vette part vendors listed on the left panel on your screen. The AIM was used by the assembly line workers.
One thing to remember, WE LOVE PICS, so post more of the engine and underside as well.
Did you get maintenance records and any original documentation with it?
Good luck with it and have fun!
Glenn
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,160
Likes: 4,241
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi ZB,
The car looks VERY nice in your pictures.
It sounds like it make take a bit of tinkering, but should be lots of fun and turn heads as you go by.
I agree with the suggestions to buy the GM 72 CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL, the 72 AIM, and a vacuum trouble-shooting guide.
GOOD LUCK!
Regards,
Alan
PS: Think about painting the side grills. To me it improves the appearance, especially on dark colored cars.
The car looks VERY nice in your pictures.
It sounds like it make take a bit of tinkering, but should be lots of fun and turn heads as you go by.
I agree with the suggestions to buy the GM 72 CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL, the 72 AIM, and a vacuum trouble-shooting guide.
GOOD LUCK!
Regards,
Alan
PS: Think about painting the side grills. To me it improves the appearance, especially on dark colored cars.
Last edited by Alan 71; Mar 3, 2010 at 03:44 PM.