C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

My first C3

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 2, 2012 | 10:55 PM
  #1  
BeansWorld's Avatar
BeansWorld
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 230
Likes: 4
From: Woodbridge VA
Default My first C3

Hi Vette fans,

I'm finally getting around to posting a bit about my first C3! I sold my 2006 Z06 last fall (in 30 minutes via this forum!) as I couldn't get rid of the C3 itch. Needless to say, I scratched it in a big way. I saw it advertised on eBay, flew out to Chicago and had it shipped back a day before Thanksgiving. PO owned it for the last 20+ years, frame-off restored and upgraded with the resto-mod components I was planning to add! Bonus is original components were included (rebuilt trans and shifter assembly, restored front suspension with PS pump, restored hard top, NOS trim rings and center caps, hood, AM radio, steering column (tilt/tele added), glass (original had some small scratches and PO was a perfectionist) etc etc. Two 2dx4lx4h crates full of original components! Included was original manual, protecto-plate, owner history (4-owner car), receipts etc. Tank sticker was disintegrated though he kept the pieces for CSI I assume :-)

Now in to the car - original 454 block bored .060 over, 398 hp at the rear wheels (via dyno). Trans built to exceed HP specs, rear end rebuilt, frame painted in por-15, VDP front and rear suspension, original calipers w/stainless sleeves painted red, drilled rotors, 17" cragar rims, Be-Cool radiator with dual electric fans, interior restored with all original components, underneath just as clean as the top. Painted in 1996 (hand-sanded and gel-coat with base-coat/clear coat in marlboro maroon). PO used enclosed trailer for all shows; only 5000 miles since total restoration. Had NOS for show, probably spent 1000 hours hand-bending every NOS line to the manifold. Washer fluid works, headlights work, wipers work, there was no stone unturned. So what do I do upon purchase? Drive the hell out of it. I can't help myself.

My knowledge on C3's is limited, and I haven't wrenched since I was 22 (when I was too poor to afford a mechanic's skill set). that said, this is the best hobby ever!! I'm currently adding a show-stopping stereo system (JL Audio HD900 with 13.5" sub in custom enclosure) with just a few personal components too make it mine.

Here's a few pics:







Let me know what you think! I'll post engine and interior pics soon.

Cheers to the C3 team!
Reply
Old Apr 2, 2012 | 11:02 PM
  #2  
Racer C3's Avatar
Racer C3
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 318
Likes: 9
From: Inkom, Idaho
Default

Spectacular! Congrats.
Reply
Old Apr 2, 2012 | 11:07 PM
  #3  
69VetteFla's Avatar
69VetteFla
Drifting
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,536
Likes: 1
From: Boca Raton FL
Default

Very nice - congrats!
Reply
Old Apr 2, 2012 | 11:12 PM
  #4  
rogman16's Avatar
rogman16
Drifting
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,868
Likes: 13
From: Mascoutah IL
Default

Beautiful car, congrats!! Ready to see more...

Rogman
Reply
Old Apr 2, 2012 | 11:23 PM
  #5  
larryg3's Avatar
larryg3
Drifting
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,992
Likes: 56
From: Antioch IL
Default

very nice!!! i cannot wait to see pics of the engine bay.
Reply
Old Apr 2, 2012 | 11:28 PM
  #6  
682XLR8's Avatar
682XLR8
Safety Car
Veteran: Army
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 20
From: Central Michigan
Default

Sharp!
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2012 | 12:49 AM
  #7  
briankeery's Avatar
briankeery
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

Sweeeeeeet Ride
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2012 | 10:03 AM
  #8  
Lupigiato's Avatar
Lupigiato
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,207
Likes: 26
From: Ocean County NJ
Default

That is one beautiful C3!!! Great find!!
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-4

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-5

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Apr 3, 2012 | 10:26 AM
  #9  
73Corvette's Avatar
73Corvette
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
Default

Originally Posted by BeansWorld
Hi Vette fans,


My knowledge on C3's is limited, and I haven't wrenched since I was 22 (when I was too poor to afford a mechanic's skill set). that said, this is the best hobby ever!! I'm currently adding a show-stopping stereo system (JL Audio HD900 with 13.5" sub in custom enclosure) with just a few personal components too make it mine.



Let me know what you think! I'll post engine and interior pics soon.

Cheers to the C3 team!
Congrats.......ya just gotta **** on em...mark your territory....
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2012 | 10:51 AM
  #10  
LS4 PILOT's Avatar
LS4 PILOT
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 40
Default

Very cool...BBC power

That car is begging for side pipes..
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2012 | 01:45 PM
  #11  
KevinG's Avatar
KevinG
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 862
Likes: 9
From: Communist party of MD
Default

Looks like you found a turnkey C3! nice...
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2012 | 07:37 PM
  #12  
dochorsepower's Avatar
dochorsepower
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 50
From: Laguna Niguel California
Default

Very, very cool! I followed some of your posts on the C6 forum. Welcome to the C3 club. There's just nothing in this world prettier than a C3 convertible.
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2012 | 07:38 PM
  #13  
dochorsepower's Avatar
dochorsepower
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 50
From: Laguna Niguel California
Default

By the way, put the damn top down and live!
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2012 | 08:22 AM
  #14  
capevettes's Avatar
capevettes
CF Community Team
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 90 Days
Active Streak: 120 Days
Conversation Starter
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19,353
Likes: 5,240
From: Cape Cod, Mass.
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
Default

Beautiful Vette Congratulations. When I read what you sold to get it I thought you might miss the horsepower but it sounds like you have plenty in this car to satisfy you. Now you have the horsepower and the classic looks.
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2012 | 09:14 AM
  #15  
Redwing01's Avatar
Redwing01
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 1
From: Belle River Ontario
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
Default

Beautiful Vette , Big time congrats!
Enjoy
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2012 | 09:50 AM
  #16  
AdamMeh's Avatar
AdamMeh
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
Default

Nice! A trailer queen turns into a road king. Very cool.

Enjoy!
Adam
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2012 | 10:03 AM
  #17  
garage-ghost's Avatar
garage-ghost
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 6
From: www.Z16.org North/West Pennsylvania
Default

Congratulations...Looks great!
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To My first C3





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:16 PM.

story-0
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-2
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE