bigblock427

I started considering buying a '69 or '70 Vette a couple of weeks ago. I wasn't planning on buying one for another year or so. I thought I would start researching them now so when I became ready to buy I would be more knowledgeable about the specifics of what to look for when buying one.

Well yesterday a friend of mine who also has owned a few Vettes in his time told me about a nice 70 couple with a 454 and an automatic transmission. It sounds like a good sound car and a very reasonable price, and within 45 miles of my house. So I plan on looking at it tomorrow.

I am knowledgeable about newer Vettes and have daily drive them for the last 21 years. But I am not that knowledgeable about the specifics of what to look for when buying a 69 or 70.

I am looking for any suggestions. Thank you in advance for your suggestions.

I currently own a '14 Vette.

Faster Rat

If you want a 427, the last year was 1969. Beware of shiny new paint jobs when the rest of the car is worn out...especially if it is resale red. A rusted frame and/or birdcage is a deal breaker, at any price. Buy the best condition car that you can afford. Purchase dollars are half (or less) the cost of repair dollars.

Revi

Start here, https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html

kenba

Get someone that knows C-3'S to go with you.

vettebuyer6369

Along with properly checking for frame rust at the usual places, if you are paying for a numbers matching 454, have someone look at the engine pad that knows what they are looking at.

Mr D.

When looking to buy any C2/C3 Vette rust will be your primary concern. Don't let surface rust scare you away were talking "exfoliation corrosion" type rust.

bigblock427

Thanks.

I understand about the engines offered in each model year. The car I am looking at is red, but I am not certain about the condition of the paint since I have only heard of this car from a friend. I planned on checking for rust on the frame and birdcage. Is rust on the birdcage as common as previous generation?

Thanks. I will review this since I did not see that in my search.

That is always good advice. I have a friend of mine that has a late 70's C3, but he lives 3 or 4 hours away. But a phone call to him will help.

Revi

Some quick items to check are, the tach (should be 5600rpm redline for a LS-5), a rear sway bar, blocks instead of straps on the half shaft joints.
Having said that, all of the above could have been replaced or added to deceive.