Need some advice on c3 purchase
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Need some advice on c3 purchase
Hello,
Newbie here, I have been hanging around the forum for some time and I enjoy the forum discussions and have learned a lot.
I have stumbled across a 78 c3 that has been sitting in a garage covered up for the last 10-12 years. It is a one owner car with 60,000 miles, automatic, removable hardtop, black in color. I going to look at the car later on this week. What potential problem areas should I be on the look out for?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Daryl
Newbie here, I have been hanging around the forum for some time and I enjoy the forum discussions and have learned a lot.
I have stumbled across a 78 c3 that has been sitting in a garage covered up for the last 10-12 years. It is a one owner car with 60,000 miles, automatic, removable hardtop, black in color. I going to look at the car later on this week. What potential problem areas should I be on the look out for?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Daryl
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 15,161
Likes: 17
From: coffee
As with any car that has been sitting that long, you should anticipate anything rubber being shot (belts, hoses, suspension bushings) and the fuel will be bad, unless it was drained.
Deal breakers are rusty frame and birdcage (frame around passenger compartment).
Anything can be fixed, just a matter of how much time and resources you have.
Deal breakers are rusty frame and birdcage (frame around passenger compartment).
Anything can be fixed, just a matter of how much time and resources you have.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 476
Likes: 6
At present I am working on a 69 that sat for 24 years.Cheque all above.Be ready to spend between 4 to 8000 to get it back on the road if you do most of the work yourself,based on condition.If the selling price is good and you like a project it's your choice.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Thank you for your replies. I was wondering what the birdcage was as I have heard that term before but I didn't know exactly where it where it was located.
According to the owner the car was fine when he parked it but he just lost interest. I'm sure it will take a lot of time and money to get it up and running again. It is good to communicate with people that have experience working on this type of vehicle. I'm not afraid just have not worked on a Corvette before, I'm a Camaro guy and I have been down this road a few times.
Thanks again.
According to the owner the car was fine when he parked it but he just lost interest. I'm sure it will take a lot of time and money to get it up and running again. It is good to communicate with people that have experience working on this type of vehicle. I'm not afraid just have not worked on a Corvette before, I'm a Camaro guy and I have been down this road a few times.
Thanks again.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Prairie Village Kansas
This might be what your looking for...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-corvette.html
Good Luck!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-corvette.html
Good Luck!
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 331
From: Indy Indiana
be careful regarding the 'one owner' statement... I would ask for proof. is the guy selling it on the title and does the title show purchase date of 1978?
it has been parked for 10-12 years for a reason and you are not sure what a bird cage is..
Corvettes are wonderful and we need as many people in the hobby as we can.. but perhaps a rookie should be looking for something in much better condition... save the project for later when you know more about corvettes.
it has been parked for 10-12 years for a reason and you are not sure what a bird cage is..
Corvettes are wonderful and we need as many people in the hobby as we can.. but perhaps a rookie should be looking for something in much better condition... save the project for later when you know more about corvettes.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 4
From: Springfield VA
Also what price are they asking?
I rather buy one that has been running and taken care of then 1 sitting. But if the price is right, to cover all the stuff that will need to be done, and you have the skill to do most of the work yourself go for it.
I rather buy one that has been running and taken care of then 1 sitting. But if the price is right, to cover all the stuff that will need to be done, and you have the skill to do most of the work yourself go for it.
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Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Thanks everyone for the input. This is exactly what I was looking for to help me when I go to look at the car. The person that owns this car is not actively looking to sell it, I have a lawn service and this gentleman is one of my customers. I have seen this car in his garage all covered up and I finally got the opportunity to ask him about it. As we were talking he asked me if I would be interested in buying the car as he no longer was able to get in and out of it do to some health issues. He said he wanted to get 4k for the car. I was curious when he said removable hardtop because I knew that 1975 was the last year for convertibles. I can't wait to get the cover off and see what is really under there. Hopefully I will be able to get a close look at it this week and come back with some more info.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 987
Likes: 7
From: Surrey British Columbia
If the seller is being forthright and sincere and the car has indeed been sitting for 12 years, then 60,000 miles sounds reasonable. I'm always a bit cautious of people selling C3's when they claim that the car has 30-40 or 50 thousand original miles. C3 odomters rezero at 99,999 miles and many times the 60,000 original miles is in fact 160,000 road weary miles. A big difference.
When you check out the car, take lots of pictures and post them here. The guys can give you a better idea of the car's condition, it's milage, what works needs to be done and what price you should offer.
When you check out the car, take lots of pictures and post them here. The guys can give you a better idea of the car's condition, it's milage, what works needs to be done and what price you should offer.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 268
From: iowa city iowa
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C3 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
It sounds like you are in a good position. If the car is decent shape it could be good deal as long as you know what it will cost to bring it to what you want it to be. Whatever number you come up with to fix it up, add some more. Ask me how I know :-)
The fact that he is not actively working on selling it is the best part. Check it out and take pictures and get back to us. You have time. There are some guys here that are great at this stuff and they will be able to guide you a lot.
One thing though. BEFORE you go over there read the links about rust so you know where to look and take photos of that so the guys can give you better advice.
Good luck. I hope it works out for you and the car gets a good home.
The fact that he is not actively working on selling it is the best part. Check it out and take pictures and get back to us. You have time. There are some guys here that are great at this stuff and they will be able to guide you a lot.
One thing though. BEFORE you go over there read the links about rust so you know where to look and take photos of that so the guys can give you better advice.
Good luck. I hope it works out for you and the car gets a good home.