1974 help!
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Cruising
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10
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1974 help!
I'm currently looking to buy a 1974 w/ 454 AUTO..I currently have a 2004 ( no its not for sale)..and I am on the learning curve with all the ins & outs of the older Vettes. So what should I be on the lookout for.??? As far as "trouble areas" The car has been garaged but has NOT run for three years..thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 93
From: Bellmore NY
If you can, get the car up on a lift and check out the frame like you would on any car, but focus on the area where the frame "kicks up" into the rear wheelwells, check the channel between the body and frame by the doors, and give the front end components a good look see.
Check out the windshield frame as best you can between the edges of the window frame on all sides as best as you can. See if you can remove the kickpanels inside to look at the area where the "birdcage" connects to the frame.
With regard to the motor itsself, check the numbers on it to make sure its the original motor [should have a portion of the vin on it], and the fifth digit of the vin should be a Z. If it is not walk away.
Outside of that check its function and fit of body panels like you would on any other car. Im sure there are a few things I missed, but this should give you a good headstart
Check out the windshield frame as best you can between the edges of the window frame on all sides as best as you can. See if you can remove the kickpanels inside to look at the area where the "birdcage" connects to the frame.
With regard to the motor itsself, check the numbers on it to make sure its the original motor [should have a portion of the vin on it], and the fifth digit of the vin should be a Z. If it is not walk away.
Outside of that check its function and fit of body panels like you would on any other car. Im sure there are a few things I missed, but this should give you a good headstart
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 0
If you can, get the car up on a lift and check out the frame like you would on any car, but focus on the area where the frame "kicks up" into the rear wheelwells, check the channel between the body and frame by the doors, and give the front end components a good look see.
Check out the windshield frame as best you can between the edges of the window frame on all sides as best as you can. See if you can remove the kickpanels inside to look at the area where the "birdcage" connects to the frame.
With regard to the motor itsself, check the numbers on it to make sure its the original motor [should have a portion of the vin on it], and the fifth digit of the vin should be a Z. If it is not walk away.
Outside of that check its function and fit of body panels like you would on any other car. Im sure there are a few things I missed, but this should give you a good headstart
Check out the windshield frame as best you can between the edges of the window frame on all sides as best as you can. See if you can remove the kickpanels inside to look at the area where the "birdcage" connects to the frame.
With regard to the motor itsself, check the numbers on it to make sure its the original motor [should have a portion of the vin on it], and the fifth digit of the vin should be a Z. If it is not walk away.
Outside of that check its function and fit of body panels like you would on any other car. Im sure there are a few things I missed, but this should give you a good headstart
There is a sticky on this board about that stuff
Just examine the frame best you can and pull those little panels off in the rear wheel wells to check out the mounting bolts to see if they are rusty. The guy selling it shouldn't have a problem it with, its only a couple bolts to take out to get that panel off.
Have fun with your 74, I love mine!
Miles
