1972 Questions
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Grand Haven Michigan
1972 Questions
I am new to this forum and also new to buying a vette.
I am looking at a 1972, the person I am buying it from has to do some repair to it before I can take it for a test drive. I was wondering, besides the 10 rules post, are there other things I should look at for this model year? Also any common problems with these I should be aware of?
Your help is appreciated!
I am looking at a 1972, the person I am buying it from has to do some repair to it before I can take it for a test drive. I was wondering, besides the 10 rules post, are there other things I should look at for this model year? Also any common problems with these I should be aware of?
Your help is appreciated!
Last edited by EngineerJay; May 20, 2011 at 09:40 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 8
From: Charlotte (Area) North Carolina
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14
NCM Sinkhole Donor
My first question would be what type of repair are we talking about? Engine? Body? What would make it unable to be test driven? Second there are the usual places to check... frame, birdcage etc. I know Vettebuyer will post a picture, but there is a book specifically for buying C3's. It is very helpful. Do you have pictures of the car? If so post them here, because a lot of members are so knowledgeable they can point out trouble spots for you. Welcome to the forum and good luck ,I hope its what you are looking for. 72's are awesome (I am biased though!) 
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
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From: Forked River NJ
The 72 does not have any thing that is much different from any other C3. You are looking at a 40 year old car so expect some problems if it has not been restored. If you are not familer with C3 cars take someone who is. There are a lot of minor things to look for that may not be obvious to the new C3 buyer.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 154
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From: Grand Haven Michigan
As far as the repair is concerned, He buys and sells corvettes and in early spring someone tried to break in and steal a couple, this one has some damage to the steering column and center dashboard area. He is going to repair it and give the car a tune up before he lets me take it for a test ride. I unfortunately forgot my camera when i went to look so I don't have any pictures.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 8
From: Charlotte (Area) North Carolina
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Just for my own curiosity is it a coupe or convertible? Small or big block? 4spd ,color? Thanks
some info on the 72
http://www.web-cars.com/corvette/1972.php
some info on the 72
http://www.web-cars.com/corvette/1972.php
Last edited by Ret.Horsecop13; May 13, 2011 at 11:21 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Grand Haven Michigan
It's a red coupe, automatic. Didn't get a chance to look to closely at the engine. Going to look at it a little more closely when its fixed and not in the storage building.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 23,419
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From: In limbo
St. Jude Donor '13-'15, '17 thru '22
If the car is still in its original configuration, you can tell what engine it has by looking at the hood. Of course, changing hoods was a common modification, so you can't take that as definitive.
Among Corvettes, '70-'72 were all essentially the same car.
'72 auto small block coupes look to be great buys right now.
Among Corvettes, '70-'72 were all essentially the same car.
'72 auto small block coupes look to be great buys right now.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 154
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From: Grand Haven Michigan
Its almost ready for a test drive now, but I remember to get the VIN number and the paint/trim codes now.
Vin is 1Z37K2S518493
Paint code is 945, trim is 421.
If i am right from my research the paint should be green with saddle interior, the car is red with black leather interior.
Vin is 1Z37K2S518493
Paint code is 945, trim is 421.
If i am right from my research the paint should be green with saddle interior, the car is red with black leather interior.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,201
Likes: 2
From: Frederick Md
WHO care what color the car was originally...
From the price posted on the windshield you know you are not buying a NCRS car anyway looks like a nice car to me...not too sure I like the height of the wiper door but the hood also looks open..
Bob G..
From the price posted on the windshield you know you are not buying a NCRS car anyway looks like a nice car to me...not too sure I like the height of the wiper door but the hood also looks open..
Bob G..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Grand Haven Michigan
They still have to put in the A/C, the wiper grill, and the air cleaner. The guy who is selling this to me is really concerned about his integrity and wants to make sure everything is working before he even sells it. So hopefully by monday everything is taken care of.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,245
Likes: 21
From: Abingdon MD
Sorry, Mr. Horsecop, I mean you no disrespect here, but that is just not quite accurate. It is very easy to be seduced and overpay for a red 72. Ask me how I know. Engineer Jay, I strongly recommend that you get some help in picking out your first C3 Corvette. As good an ASE mechanic as my brother is, there were some issues that went unnoticed when we checked out my 72 BB when purchasing in '05. Should this happen to you, you will live with these issues until your wallet is thin or your Visa balance is high.
These cars are 40 years old, and may have issues that only C3 experts can detect BEFORE you purchase. The key here is BEFORE you purchase. With the soft economy and $4 gas, there are tons of C3's out there from which to choose. A CF Member in your area would probably be willing to help you in your search. PM me if you wish to discuss this further, as I know a couple of very knowledgeable guys in the Mid Atlantic area that could be a big help to you.
Rickman