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Hi there. I'm looking to buy my first ever Corvette. I'm looking at C3 and am confused about a couple of things. I have only seen it online, and by the "Vega" steering wheel it has I would say it's a 1976 as I understand this was the only year it has that wheel. But on the rear deck it has the vents that I also understand were eliminated in 1976.
Could a 76 have those rear vents? Maybe a very early 1976 build?
I'm still waiting for the owner to get back to me with the sixth digit of the VIN. My concern is this might be 1976 with a rear end from a 1975 from a major accident at some point.
'75 has the fake rear deck grills and fiberglass floor pan
this one has a custom paint stripe but you get the idea
this is an early '76, no rear deck grills. 14k mile car, has steel floor pans (some of 'em like to rust)
The "Vega" wheel wasn't the only Corvette with that steering wheel, You could get it on a '77 w/ non tilt. What does the VIN /title say the car is ? And yes, it may have possibly been wrecked/rebuilt sometime in the last 40+ yrs, a lot of 'em were. If the car was wrecked way back when/ is fixed and priced properly, runs out 100%, same way with the paint and no rust frame whats the big deal? Do your due diligence or take a guy that knows the cars w/ you. Just don't overspend on it.
I'm just wanting something that's original. Price is right just like to know what I'm buying. It's a 1975 with the Vega wheel and the smaller corvette on the back
Here's a picture from the rear. It also has the aluminum wheels that weren't available in 1975. Looks like a mixture of a 75 & 76.
If the history comes back without any major accidents I'll probably grab it. I'm in Canada and Summer is short.
Considering no Corvettes were painted black in 75/76, there goes the originality. Looks like a red dash/black seats, also non original. '76+ Corvette Script on that bumper cover (that get replaced all the time)+ taco exhaust. Lotsa dust, maybe not a bad thing but check calipers for leaks on this garage dweller....and the list goes on. Is that a paint gouge on the rear 1/4? Not talkin' you out of it but it's surely not an original car.
Where are the rest of the pics?
I think I need to lower my expectations on the originality part....just nothing around in my area. Not a scratch that's just a reflection of the overhead light.
Here's a couple more pictures it's all I've got. I'll be going to see it tomorrow:
The upside is it is a no A/C car, bring your camera w/ you and post back. Has a tilt wheel on it. See if that L side floor is wet ! Check frame for rust, looks nice in the pics, owner put a new hood pad on it, looks like good meat on the tires, check the dates on 'em.
He said he's had it 10 years and driven it 6x. Pretty sure it's been in this garage the whole time.
Thanks for all of the tips. If I bring it home I'll clean it up good and post some good pics.
Saw the car today. Runs and drives good but there is a rust hole in the rear driver side corner of the lower frame. How serious is this? would this be one to avoid because of this?
Saw the car today. Runs and drives good but there is a rust hole in the rear driver side corner of the lower frame. How serious is this? would this be one to avoid because of this?
Right I’m sure there’s going to be more I can’t see. Not sure if it’s possible to find anything without rust in these Northern climates but I guess I’ll keep looking.
1975/1976 Model Question
