1973 Corvette
Pro
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 729
Likes: 118
From: Kelowna British Columbia
Well where to start. Of course make sure the birdcage is OK. Lots of writeups on site but check for rust as this is where it goes.You can pull the kick panels and look at the mounts to see rust and up as well as inspection plates in rear wheel well. Look at frame for obvious signs of rusting. See if the lights go up and down. Check wipers, heater controls as they are all vacuum and troublesome. If you can see up behind lights there is a metal plate right across where hood joint is that also is a rust spot.
Then overall body condition making sure the door and hood gaps are equal. Weatherstripping usuall will cause water to leak inside so check all of it.
Then the motor and trans. You can check serial # and engine and trans #'s if you are looking for numbers matching. Does it run and shift.
Probably lots more but a start. Ensure all parts are there because costly to replace.
Then overall body condition making sure the door and hood gaps are equal. Weatherstripping usuall will cause water to leak inside so check all of it.
Then the motor and trans. You can check serial # and engine and trans #'s if you are looking for numbers matching. Does it run and shift.
Probably lots more but a start. Ensure all parts are there because costly to replace.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,170
Likes: 4,249
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Brian,
WELCOME!
And thinking about an old Corvette! Good!
You really need to describe, even generally, what type of car you're looking for.
For instance an original car or a modified car?
A coupe or a convertible?
A big block motor or a small block.
Something that's ready to drive or one that will take a little, or a lot, of work?
How will you use it?
Will you be maintaining it or will someone else?
BUDGET!?
Then besides giving you an idea what to be looking for in general (no rust, completeness, condition, etc., folks can give you some ideas of specific things to be on the look out for.
So, what are you thinking?
Regards,
Alan
WELCOME!
And thinking about an old Corvette! Good!
You really need to describe, even generally, what type of car you're looking for.
For instance an original car or a modified car?
A coupe or a convertible?
A big block motor or a small block.
Something that's ready to drive or one that will take a little, or a lot, of work?
How will you use it?
Will you be maintaining it or will someone else?
BUDGET!?
Then besides giving you an idea what to be looking for in general (no rust, completeness, condition, etc., folks can give you some ideas of specific things to be on the look out for.
So, what are you thinking?
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Apr 24, 2017 at 04:12 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,229
Likes: 39
From: Beautiful East Texas
For sure read the sticky at the top of the page about 10 rules.... I didn't and it cost me $$ and time to bring the car I purchased up to a decent standard. After two years of searching, I got impatient and bought one that I thought was "close enough"... and while I'm pretty happy with my 73 now, I've kicked myself numerous times over to he past three years for losing my patience and buying something other than I really wanted in the first place. Good luck. mardyn
Last edited by mardyn; Apr 24, 2017 at 10:50 PM. Reason: Spelling
