jimmies63

Looking at buying an friend's partners 75. Untimely death forces sale. The car has been well maintained, but only driven the odd weekend the last 20 years. I am planning to look, if its close, buying, and then take it in a 500 mike night journey home across NY.

Any thoughts on what to check for on an occasionally used 75 before a long trip? Very familiar with C2 corvettes. Just hoping to pick up something new about C3's that will save me calling Hagerty!

dan1495

Besides the usual like belts, hoses and fluids be sure to check the age of the tires. A shredded tire can ruin your trip. And a body panel. Good luck, I hope it works out.

rcread

The only precaution you might take with a '75 that you wouldn't with a C2 is to bring along a spare HEI module.

jimmies63

R they easy to find like at Napa?

Mick71

Check for leaky brake calipers.

rcread

Yep. Any auto parts store should have them.

JimLentz

Make sure the frame looks solid.

Sluefoot

U said yer takin' the trip at NIGHT??
IF so, try to make sure the headlights are aimed right.....I took my '79 to work one morning when it was still dark (1st time out in the dark)...and the low beams were so far off I couldn't see a thing...had to use high beams, until cars came, then back to low beam and a real slow speed!
I went to adjust 'em the next day, and had to replace the adjusting pieces, they were all corroded/broke....so I couldn't have adjusted 'em on the road if I'd wanted to!!
Try to also make sure you've got no water leaks, and the water pump is working! Also the alternator is charging!

kdf1986

In that case, then you should also check that the headlights themselves will come up. This is operated on a vacuum system. There is a manual override switch under the steering column.

Check your windshield wipers also. If the car has not been driven much then the rubber on them may be old. If they fall apart then that will leave a long arc scratch in your windshield.

I am leaving the other mechanical items to other more educated posters here. Good luck on your trip.

kdf

gjohnson

Bring your AAA towing card!............ Kidding.As long as it was maintained you should be fine.

BKbroiler

I would check the weather forecast.

jimmies63

Thanks for all the tips. Everything checked out - charging, starting, running. Talked to the guy that had be servicing it. Confirmed the frame was solid and no hits. Front and rear bumpers were excellent. It was leaking oil around the pan. Leaking a little tranny fluid up near the rad. Lights all good. Interior above fair. But the brakes. Fluid was clean, but down about 1/4 in the reservoir. Road test pulled a tad to right and when I get the brakes, the car felt squirelly. Like grease on a pad. I figured for the leaking caliper mentioned above.

Decided to buy it and ship home. I am now a dual C3 owner. This one will be a fun driver with the sidepipes. Always wanted something with side pipes.

Doughan

Congrats and I think it's wise to ship it. I'm always leery of the real wheel bearings going out on these babies. So far no problems with mine but I only putter around town in it..