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What year is this C3?

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Old Mar 26, 2011 | 12:41 AM
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Default What year is this C3?

I've fallen in love with a C3 and I'm worried it's been customized extensively. What can you guys tell me about it?

http://s871.photobucket.com/albums/ab277/Zeitreise2006/
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Old Mar 26, 2011 | 12:46 AM
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probably a 77 does the vin number start this way 1Z37(L or X)S4
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Old Mar 26, 2011 | 12:48 AM
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The Vega steering wheel suggests it used to be a 1976, "Extensively customized?" Ya think? There isn't anything left to the body.

Molded nose cap, missing meadlights, custom hood (looks like a tilt nose), Ford looking mirrors, completely molded glass rear clip, rear spoiler, rear letters, wide flares... Im done typing.

If you "suspected" this was modified, you probably could use some help looking for an unmolested car.
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Old Mar 26, 2011 | 01:51 AM
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Saw the steering wheel. My guess was also '76, but what do I know? I haven't owned a C3 in 20 years.
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Old Mar 26, 2011 | 02:37 AM
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Steering wheel was put on a earlier year look at the power window switch locations. Probably a 68 to73 car, but the year doesn't matter it's the combo of the best parts from all the c-3 years. Nice custom job I like it.
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Old Mar 26, 2011 | 05:59 AM
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Originally Posted by bstbrgr
Nice custom job I like it.
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Old Mar 26, 2011 | 08:43 AM
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Originally Posted by bstbrgr
Steering wheel was put on a earlier year look at the power window switch locations.
That is the location for power window switches for any 68-76 Corvette. They were moved to the console in 77.

I'm guessing that it started life as either a 72 or 73. The rear clip is clearly a 68-73. The front bumper is the 73-74 style, but it's actually part of a tilt nose. It appears to be a tilt nose that Ecklers use to sell (I have a friend who put that exact same tilt nose on a 68, 20+ years ago). The console has no fiber optic lenses in it, so I don't think it's a 71 or earlier Vette. The side fender louvers are 73-79 type.

The column is probably a tilt/tele out of a 76. It's doubtful that someone would go to the trouble of installing the dreaded "Vega" wheel, on an earlier column. The Vega wheel was also used on 77-79 Corvettes, but only with the straight column. The builder probably wanted a T & T column, and got a good deal on the 76.

The leather seat covers are in the 72-74 pattern.

My first guess would be a 73, second guess would be 72. Either one with a custom nose.
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Old Mar 26, 2011 | 09:24 AM
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Default wow. that's nice....

I was ready for another gaudy custom....and wasn't even going to look until a couple of folks said it was nice.
How much are they asking for it?
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Old Mar 26, 2011 | 09:24 AM
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QUESTION: What year is this C3???????

ANSWER: What ever year is stated on the title (providing it is titled).

I think all the other above posts have answered your secondary query.

Good luck with your purchase.


Stay in tune.....
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Old Mar 26, 2011 | 10:17 AM
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Hi,
I had to look too!
If what's making it go is as well thought out as what's been done to the outside... it's a pretty nice car for some people!
I guess the year really doesn't matter anymore.
Regards,
Alan
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Old Mar 26, 2011 | 10:49 AM
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Only way to be sure on that one, is to check the VIN.
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Old Mar 26, 2011 | 11:20 AM
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Leap Year.



Looks like a 76 to me. Steering column is 76 with tilt. Upholstery and other interior items look like 76.

77s without tilt used the same steering wheel, but the console and center cluster changed.


Last edited by Easy Mike; Mar 26, 2011 at 11:24 AM.
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Old Mar 26, 2011 | 11:41 AM
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My vote is 1973
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Old Mar 26, 2011 | 11:59 AM
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Mid/late 70's C3 (prior to 78) and it's not a '68 based off the doors and steering column
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Old Mar 26, 2011 | 12:25 PM
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with a 'hard tail'(early chrome bumper) and a 'soft nose'(later rubber bumper) its looking like a 73
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Old Mar 26, 2011 | 01:01 PM
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The rear bumper looks like a 68-73 design, and the side air vents look like the 73-79 design. the only commonality between the two is a 1973, so that is my guess.

kdf
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Old Mar 26, 2011 | 01:07 PM
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Whatever year it is, it looks damn nice!
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Old Mar 26, 2011 | 01:20 PM
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I'm thinking its a 76 ....only because I do not think one can install any other steering wheel on a 76 ...a 75 will not fit nor will a 77 etc...

But who really cares as its a nice looking and seems to be tastefully modified

Bob G.
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Old Mar 26, 2011 | 06:57 PM
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At least a '76,no "astro ventilation" vents on the rear deck (unless they were covered over). Window switches in the '76 position. Could be '77 also. It's not there but the '76 was the last year of the "Stingray" nameplate ...
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Old Mar 26, 2011 | 07:40 PM
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Not sure, but I like it!
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