First Corvette, need some help please.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Williston Florida
I second the "Corvette buyers guide" book. Excellent resource. Since you're just starting to look, here are some generalities:
The earlier years (71-72) will be more expensive as they are "chrome bumper" cars (front AND rear). The '73 is a "step-child" with chrome rear and "plastic" front. '74 to '76 (no chrome) are very similar - prices will be more affordable than a chrome bumper car. So #1 - you need to decide if you want to spend the extra money for chrome bumpers.
The problem areas on all these years will be rust damage in the corners of the windshield (birdcage) and # 2 body mount in the kick panels. BE CAREFUL! Another potential trouble area is the brake system.
You said specifically that you want a black interior. If you're absolutely set on that, you need to purchase the car that way. It will be costly to replace all the panels, trim, etc for a color change.
If you're not going for original and just want a daily driver, I wouldn't worry too much about original motor vs crate engine. Buy it and drive it... if you don't like the motor, you can always change it. As for getting 16 mpg or better... you'll need to go with a small block or even better, a modern powertrain like an LSx.
Here's a concrete example. Pick this car:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1975-...item41532f16c7
Let's say you get it for $4000. Add $4000 for body work and paint. Another $2000 for the missing parts (luggage rack, etc). Install the head unit, amp and speakers YOU want ($1000?). Drive it for a while, and accumulate the parts for an LSx swap. That will set you back another $5000 but you'll then have a fully rebuilt car, 20+ mpg, in the color you want.
Good luck!
The earlier years (71-72) will be more expensive as they are "chrome bumper" cars (front AND rear). The '73 is a "step-child" with chrome rear and "plastic" front. '74 to '76 (no chrome) are very similar - prices will be more affordable than a chrome bumper car. So #1 - you need to decide if you want to spend the extra money for chrome bumpers.
The problem areas on all these years will be rust damage in the corners of the windshield (birdcage) and # 2 body mount in the kick panels. BE CAREFUL! Another potential trouble area is the brake system.
You said specifically that you want a black interior. If you're absolutely set on that, you need to purchase the car that way. It will be costly to replace all the panels, trim, etc for a color change.
If you're not going for original and just want a daily driver, I wouldn't worry too much about original motor vs crate engine. Buy it and drive it... if you don't like the motor, you can always change it. As for getting 16 mpg or better... you'll need to go with a small block or even better, a modern powertrain like an LSx.
Here's a concrete example. Pick this car:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1975-...item41532f16c7
Let's say you get it for $4000. Add $4000 for body work and paint. Another $2000 for the missing parts (luggage rack, etc). Install the head unit, amp and speakers YOU want ($1000?). Drive it for a while, and accumulate the parts for an LSx swap. That will set you back another $5000 but you'll then have a fully rebuilt car, 20+ mpg, in the color you want.
Good luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
I second the "Corvette buyers guide" book. Excellent resource. Since you're just starting to look, here are some generalities:
The earlier years (71-72) will be more expensive as they are "chrome bumper" cars (front AND rear). The '73 is a "step-child" with chrome rear and "plastic" front. '74 to '76 (no chrome) are very similar - prices will be more affordable than a chrome bumper car. So #1 - you need to decide if you want to spend the extra money for chrome bumpers.
The problem areas on all these years will be rust damage in the corners of the windshield (birdcage) and # 2 body mount in the kick panels. BE CAREFUL! Another potential trouble area is the brake system.
You said specifically that you want a black interior. If you're absolutely set on that, you need to purchase the car that way. It will be costly to replace all the panels, trim, etc for a color change.
If you're not going for original and just want a daily driver, I wouldn't worry too much about original motor vs crate engine. Buy it and drive it... if you don't like the motor, you can always change it. As for getting 16 mpg or better... you'll need to go with a small block or even better, a modern powertrain like an LSx.
Here's a concrete example. Pick this car:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1975-...item41532f16c7
Let's say you get it for $4000. Add $4000 for body work and paint. Another $2000 for the missing parts (luggage rack, etc). Install the head unit, amp and speakers YOU want ($1000?). Drive it for a while, and accumulate the parts for an LSx swap. That will set you back another $5000 but you'll then have a fully rebuilt car, 20+ mpg, in the color you want.
Good luck!
The earlier years (71-72) will be more expensive as they are "chrome bumper" cars (front AND rear). The '73 is a "step-child" with chrome rear and "plastic" front. '74 to '76 (no chrome) are very similar - prices will be more affordable than a chrome bumper car. So #1 - you need to decide if you want to spend the extra money for chrome bumpers.
The problem areas on all these years will be rust damage in the corners of the windshield (birdcage) and # 2 body mount in the kick panels. BE CAREFUL! Another potential trouble area is the brake system.
You said specifically that you want a black interior. If you're absolutely set on that, you need to purchase the car that way. It will be costly to replace all the panels, trim, etc for a color change.
If you're not going for original and just want a daily driver, I wouldn't worry too much about original motor vs crate engine. Buy it and drive it... if you don't like the motor, you can always change it. As for getting 16 mpg or better... you'll need to go with a small block or even better, a modern powertrain like an LSx.
Here's a concrete example. Pick this car:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1975-...item41532f16c7
Let's say you get it for $4000. Add $4000 for body work and paint. Another $2000 for the missing parts (luggage rack, etc). Install the head unit, amp and speakers YOU want ($1000?). Drive it for a while, and accumulate the parts for an LSx swap. That will set you back another $5000 but you'll then have a fully rebuilt car, 20+ mpg, in the color you want.
Good luck!
I'm not familiar with the market for the rubber bumper C3's. Looked like the seller is looking for $5K? Was that a buy it now price?
If the buyer is up for a project this could work. I heard of a chrome bumper C3 selling at Carlisle this year for about $15K. I beleive it was a NOM hence the lower price.
I have to agree, beware of birdcage rust and frame rust. Either of them can be very expensive to repair.
