Newbie seeks help buying a C3
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Newbie seeks help buying a C3
I know pretty much nothing about cars. I am looking to buy a C3 '74 - 76' model. There is a dealer in Lansing, Michigan who has one I'm interested in. Is there a forum member in the Lansing, MI area who is knowledgeable enough to help accompany me to look at a Corvette? I have read some threads on what to look for, what to look out for, and so on. A lot of the items to look at on the car (mostly engine-wise) I could not identify if I had to. I really could use some help.
Thanks
Thanks
Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 745
Likes: 66
From: Hutto Texas
Welcome to club EContrary. First and foremost, pick up a Corvette Buyers Guide and read it cover to cover. Education and research are your best investments when it comes to C3's and any other classic car for that matter. I am sure a local forum member would be happy to go out with you to look at a car but you need to be prepared and know what to look for. Two sets of eyes are better than one but when both sets are trained your chances of finding a Vette you will be happy with goes up exponentially.
Read through the posts here on the forums as several people have posted up messages like yours. Things to look out for like bird cage rust, IRS issues, electronic and vacuum issues, and also what to look for on specific components like the engine, transmission are all around here. Keep us posted with your findings and good luck with your search.
Read through the posts here on the forums as several people have posted up messages like yours. Things to look out for like bird cage rust, IRS issues, electronic and vacuum issues, and also what to look for on specific components like the engine, transmission are all around here. Keep us posted with your findings and good luck with your search.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,052
Likes: 97
From: Southeast, Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
Welcome to club EContrary. First and foremost, pick up a Corvette Buyers Guide and read it cover to cover. Education and research are your best investments when it comes to C3's and any other classic car for that matter. I am sure a local forum member would be happy to go out with you to look at a car but you need to be prepared and know what to look for. Two sets of eyes are better than one but when both sets are trained your chances of finding a Vette you will be happy with goes up exponentially.
Read through the posts here on the forums as several people have posted up messages like yours. Things to look out for like bird cage rust, IRS issues, electronic and vacuum issues, and also what to look for on specific components like the engine, transmission are all around here. Keep us posted with your findings and good luck with your search.
Read through the posts here on the forums as several people have posted up messages like yours. Things to look out for like bird cage rust, IRS issues, electronic and vacuum issues, and also what to look for on specific components like the engine, transmission are all around here. Keep us posted with your findings and good luck with your search.
in addition i would suggest you also get an older copy (since you aren't looking for a C6 it doesn't matter) of the corvette black book. usually anything but the most current year can be had for $10 or less. it is a pocket reference on every year corvette from the beginning (1953) up to the year the book was published. it contains a wealth of information about the actual car you are looking at (numbers wise) and helps decode things like the paint and trim number on the tag. in my opinion, the 2 books go hand in hand. good luck in your quest.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,443
Likes: 326
From: Indy Indiana
newbies will inevitably overpay for a corvette unless they do their homework and know what the current prices are and what various condition factors for the car are.
also add to the consideration of a dealer with their markup. you can be sure they are wanting top dollar for a car they paid bottom dollar for. they couldn't stay in business any other way.
The easy way is to just go buy one and learn after the sale. The hard way is for you to study this forum for hours and to buy the books referenced and to hire a qualified inspector.
know your requirements.. it is OK to change your requirements as you learn, but it is not OK to blame the seller when the car does not meet your changed requirements.
also add to the consideration of a dealer with their markup. you can be sure they are wanting top dollar for a car they paid bottom dollar for. they couldn't stay in business any other way.
The easy way is to just go buy one and learn after the sale. The hard way is for you to study this forum for hours and to buy the books referenced and to hire a qualified inspector.
know your requirements.. it is OK to change your requirements as you learn, but it is not OK to blame the seller when the car does not meet your changed requirements.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 954
Likes: 2
From: San Jose CA
Expensive to own a C3 unless you are willing to work on it. Plus it helps to have some past mechanical experience. I say go for it if you are buying a "hobby" car. Don't do it if the C3 will be your every day driver.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
I have a copy of the Corvette Black Book. The book Corvette C3 Buyer's Guide: 1968-1982 by Richard Prince is out of print and used copies start at about $65. The book itself seems to be a collectors item. I can read up on the details, but what I really need is to find a local expert to help me check out a car in person.
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Any photos? 
congratulations!