69 Corvette Inspection Results
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 22
Likes: 1
69 Corvette Inspection Results
Hello Forum Members - I am relatively new to the corvette world, and am finally shopping for my first C3. I just had an out of state car inspected and was hoping to get some insight into some issues that were highlighted. I'm looking for a solid driver quality car but a couple of things jumped out at me and I don't know enough to determine if they are show stoppers (Pictures Attached). In addition to the typical vacuum, gauge issues, the big items included:
1. The driver side footwell/firewall appears to have cracked, and then poorly patched. Is this repair job as bad as it looks? If it's a common problem, is there a repair kit made for this?
2. There appears to be more than just surface rust on the frame. Based on the picture is this typical of the age or something I should be more concerned with?
3. The bushing on the sway bars, control arms and rear braces appear rotted. How expensive is it to replace these?
Thanks for any guidance you can provide to a novice!
Matt
1. The driver side footwell/firewall appears to have cracked, and then poorly patched. Is this repair job as bad as it looks? If it's a common problem, is there a repair kit made for this?
2. There appears to be more than just surface rust on the frame. Based on the picture is this typical of the age or something I should be more concerned with?
3. The bushing on the sway bars, control arms and rear braces appear rotted. How expensive is it to replace these?
Thanks for any guidance you can provide to a novice!
Matt
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 993
Likes: 44
From: Jefferson Hills PA
I have 3 69's and am very familiar with the issues you have. Let me start by saying the frame is definitely a major issue from what I see in the pictures. Not that it can't be fixed but I think you need to look for further rust issues. Depending on your skill level and how much you plan on doing yourself it can be repaired. The fiberglass issue can be repaired fairly easily but it looks as though it took a pretty good hit. Further inspection for other damage would be a good idea. The bushing is an inexpensive repair though. I think a more thorough inspection is needed to see if there are other issues. But, still all fixable things depending on your skill level and budget.
Ned
Ned
Last edited by NMT1957; Apr 24, 2017 at 07:13 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
I get the impression you're looking for a car you can drive and do minor repairs/fixes to on your own schedule.
In that case this is not the car for you. This car needs major frame repair ASAP. The body needs to come off the frame for this.
In that case this is not the car for you. This car needs major frame repair ASAP. The body needs to come off the frame for this.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
This car looks like it is only for someone who has the skills ,equipment , and space to completely restore it and it is probably over your head with your limitations in these areas . The body definitely needs to come off to rebuild the frame properly and there could be birdcage problems also. I would suggest that you keep looking for something that has a good structure . Maybe you can find something that only needs general repairs that you can do while you drive and enjoy it. The right car is out there waiting for you . Be patient and make the right choice. 
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 22
Likes: 1
Thanks to everyone for the responses! Since this will be my first classic and I have a lot to learn, I am looking for a solid cruiser that doesn't require significant upfront work / restoration. Doesn't look like this will be the one!
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All above correct advise.
Please keep looking.
Marshal
Please keep looking.
Marshal
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,235
Likes: 4,326
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Matt,
Welcome!
First Posts!
AND looking for an old Corvette! Nice!
That second photo shows a very rusty frame.
There's no reason to knowingly get involved with a car that is that rusty.
A rusty car can break your spirit, your wallet, and your heart.
There's a nice car out there waiting for you to find it!
Regards,
Alan
Welcome!
First Posts!
AND looking for an old Corvette! Nice!
That second photo shows a very rusty frame.
There's no reason to knowingly get involved with a car that is that rusty.
A rusty car can break your spirit, your wallet, and your heart.
There's a nice car out there waiting for you to find it!
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Apr 25, 2017 at 07:46 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 861
Likes: 9
From: Summerville SC
The visible rust on the frame is probably just a sampling of many rust issues that exsist.
If I were looking at this car, & saw the frame in picture two, my inspection would be over, keep looking.
If I were looking at this car, & saw the frame in picture two, my inspection would be over, keep looking.