Pull the trigger? Help a newbie out.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 829
Likes: 131
From: Spartanburg SC
42 years owning my 72. I'm like Alan, always take one last look before locking up the garage. I believe owning an old Corvette has gotten more enjoyable in the last five years. The interest in the C3 has really picked up around here. People are starting to appreciate the styling of these cars. The comments and conversations have really picked up. People really enjoy seeing cars of this era.
Last edited by mortgageguy; Sep 25, 2016 at 10:13 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,238
Likes: 288
From: ESCONDIDO CA
2025 C2 of the Year ('63 and '67) Finalist - Unmodified
C2 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Maybe one last comment-all these cars will cost money to keep them running and beautiful. I've found it much easier to bring out the wallet for a car that is a bit more valuable-like the chrome bumper cars than something I know will never return a bit of my time, effort, and investment. On the other hand when you make it yours and you love it, who cares what it's worth.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 96
From: Bowmanville Ontario
I have to admit. If I had the money, I would buy a 63, that was the year I was born. There is no way I could ever afford one unless I won the lottery.
Pick a style you like. Chrome bumper or not, flat window or, bubble window. Big block or small, Convertible or coup and look for that one car that speaks to you.
Then pick a price point, not point looking at a 69 when you can only afford a 74.
Keep in mind, unless you are spending 20K+, the car is going to need work. You may get lucky and find a gem, but in all likely hood you won't.
Another thing to keep in mind, until 1974 all the floor pans are fiberglass, after 74, they were metal...watch out for rust.
Surface rust is ok, rot is not.
Good luck.
Pick a style you like. Chrome bumper or not, flat window or, bubble window. Big block or small, Convertible or coup and look for that one car that speaks to you.
Then pick a price point, not point looking at a 69 when you can only afford a 74.
Keep in mind, unless you are spending 20K+, the car is going to need work. You may get lucky and find a gem, but in all likely hood you won't.
Another thing to keep in mind, until 1974 all the floor pans are fiberglass, after 74, they were metal...watch out for rust.
Surface rust is ok, rot is not.
Good luck.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 535
Likes: 87
From: SW Ohio
I have loved these cars for a long time now, owning classic Corvettes never gets old, 46 yrs now. Purchase a car you can drive & use now, you can do improvements as you go, that's what winter is for.
Join a local club so you can hang around others with similar interest.
Welcome & good luck.
Chuck
Join a local club so you can hang around others with similar interest.
Welcome & good luck.
Chuck
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 8
From: Newport WA
I bought my 1970 in July of this year. I waited until I found the right car. The right car for me was one that was already in about as perfect numbers matching condition as I wanted. I am a high school teacher, football and soccer coach. Although I know my way around mechanics fairly well, I am not blessed with enough spare time these days to spend weekends wrenching. After late football games on Fridays...film sessions on Sundays...there isn't a whole lot of time left.
I can drive the car anywhere when the weather is right...
I can drive the car anywhere when the weather is right...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
Its funny but the truth. Now that Im done with the body off restoration I did over 4 yrs on my 72, Im yearning for another project!
I keep finding things to improve my corvette, and I love driving it.
But I need a big project! That is the fun part about old cars, restoring, rebuilding, creating!
Am I bored with mine? Not a bit. Ready for a new challenge? Absolutely!
I keep finding things to improve my corvette, and I love driving it.
But I need a big project! That is the fun part about old cars, restoring, rebuilding, creating!
Am I bored with mine? Not a bit. Ready for a new challenge? Absolutely!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 62
From: West Kingston RI
Actually 76 was the first year for metal floor pans. My 75 is fiberglass as is all the 75s I looked at.
Last edited by 929nitro; Sep 28, 2016 at 03:37 PM.
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