if all goes well after MANY many years of wanting a vette i may be getting a nice 1974 vette. need some info on things to look for as to make sure im not getting a total turd. car is in great shape with all original interior wich is worn a lil but all there. bodys in excellent shape, supposed original 350 motor with auto trans, needs a few lil things here and there. just need some help as what to look for that could be a run away from it sign. any help will be greatly appreicated.

 

See the sticky at the top of this forum. This is very important info to anybody considering buying a C3 Corvette.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-corvette.html

I own a '74 as well. If you have pics or a link to an ad, that would be helpful, because the sharp eyeballs here, can pick out a lot, just from the pictures. Also, the interior being worn is something to consider, because the interior peices, like the rest of the car, are Corvette parts. Before you buy a Corvette, know that the parts can be a lot more expensive, than what you'd expect for Camaro or Chevelle parts.

And know this: they always need something! The 1974 is now forty years old and if it has the original power steering, it likely leaks and will have to be rebuilt replaced. Ditto for the front suspension and possibly the rear suspension, though you can take your time and do it in little chunks, as you can afford it.

Finally, the C3 Corvettes can be very tough cars to work on. I have a shop and we've had a variety of Chevy products in there, including vintage Camaro's, Chevelles, Short and Wide pickups and of course Corvettes. The Corvettes are by far, the most difficult to work on, especially the interior!

There's a certain kind of person that can own a C3 and it's not because they can, it's because they want to. They're willing to deal with all the problems and money that they'll have to throw at the car. You're much better off, buying a restored Corvette, as experienced guys here will tell you, because the owner, usually has more into the car, then the car is worth.

If you still want a C3 at this point, well, at least you'll know what you're getting into. Don't buy it, unless you have it inspected by a competent mechanic, who's highly experienced with these cars and works for either a muscle car restoration business or a shop that's strictly into Corvettes. Another inspection option, is to bring somebody, who is highly knowledgeable about these cars. Not doing so, can be a very expensive and frustrating lesson, that won't be soon forgotten.

 

Ture dat!

 

Are you familiar with these cars (C3s)? If not, it would be helpful to take someone with you who knows what to look for.

 

Yep, everything Regis said is right on the money.

There is nothing normal about buying a C3...I have a 74 as well, and can tell you that it was an emotional purchase for me and I didn't buy a turd by any means, but I paid ALOT more than I should have. I didn't find this forum until after I had purchased the car, so you are in a much better position than I was. Soak up all that you can here before you go look, and don't buy it immediately...there are LOTS of C3s out there. You can and will find the perfect car if you are patient.

Good luck. Let us know how it turns out.

John