1980 Corvette
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
1980 Corvette
I am looking at buying a 1980 Corvette. I have been told that they are notorious for the frame to rot out. I was wondering how someone who has little to know experience with body work could tell. I also am wondering where are the spots that they tend to rot? I don't want to have to pay for costly repairs after spending so much on the car.
Thanks
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,503
Likes: 33
From: McGrady NC
St. Jude Donor '15-'16
Look at the frame rails where they kick up at the rear wheels and along the side rails under the doors and at the body mount areas. The windshield frame is another problematic area, but it is almost impossible to detect. My 1980 from NC has a great frame even after being driven regularly all its life.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,666
Likes: 1
From: Where it's always hot as Hell-South Louisiana.
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Remove the kick panels on each side (interior, foot well area) . This requires removing one phillips screw on each panel. If the seller doesn't like this idea- walk !
Inside the well area is body mount # 2 (left side) and mount # 6 pass. side. Use a flashlight to look inside the mount area. This is just ONE INDICATOR to rust issues. NORMALLY a neglected car left out in the rain for extended periods will show rust badly in this area. DO NOT USE THIS AS THE ONLY INDICATOR..... just one tool in your investigative tool box. The frame kick-ups are another indicator. The door hinge jamb area is another. Look at the top hinge and hinge base at the post pillar.....
Find the VIN tag- any rust on top of the VIN tag ? If so, there's more. I promise.
The seller should not object to putting the car on a lift.Bring a flashlight. Good luck.
Inside the well area is body mount # 2 (left side) and mount # 6 pass. side. Use a flashlight to look inside the mount area. This is just ONE INDICATOR to rust issues. NORMALLY a neglected car left out in the rain for extended periods will show rust badly in this area. DO NOT USE THIS AS THE ONLY INDICATOR..... just one tool in your investigative tool box. The frame kick-ups are another indicator. The door hinge jamb area is another. Look at the top hinge and hinge base at the post pillar.....
Find the VIN tag- any rust on top of the VIN tag ? If so, there's more. I promise.
The seller should not object to putting the car on a lift.Bring a flashlight. Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,201
Likes: 2
From: Frederick Md
The C2's frame were enclosed with no vent or drain holes they were much more prone to rusting then the c3's frame...
That said the windshield area ..the dogleg area directly in front of the rear wheels are the worst spots...the actual support below the hood between the 2 headlights has a tendency that allows the rivets used to rust and you may see a series of bumps on the fiberglass ..in this area..
Bottom line is that steel rusts..and corvettes have plenty of steel in them...
BobG.
That said the windshield area ..the dogleg area directly in front of the rear wheels are the worst spots...the actual support below the hood between the 2 headlights has a tendency that allows the rivets used to rust and you may see a series of bumps on the fiberglass ..in this area..
Bottom line is that steel rusts..and corvettes have plenty of steel in them...
BobG.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 264
Likes: 1
From: west central INDIANA
My 80 is rust free. It was sold new in New Jersey, then fould its way to Indiana. It all comes down to salty roads. Mine must have been put up in winters, just as I have the last 6 years. I did replace a somewhat rusty radiator support. That is common, the water gets in, and can`t get out. I drilled small holes in my new genuine GM support, hoping it drains. But then again, I don`t drive it in the rain. And have not been caught out in it yet. Good luck with your search, the 80-82s are 
Racer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 308
Likes: 4
From: Matthews North Carolina
When i replaced the carpet in my 80, i was expecting to see some rust issues. not so. I did hard scrub down the floorboard and spray on a rust repellent before i applied my new carpet. Love my 80. You can't touch the beauty of the 80-82 vette!!
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