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Hey everyone, you all helped me out a lot last time. Kept in touch with a few of you on guidance for a C3 for my dad and I. Went and saw this 1978 C3 today. Repainted in 2003 I think, few little fish eyes and rock chips, nothing out of the ordinary there. its a 350, auto, T top has a slight leak on the passenger side, the interior is in pretty good shape. I was advised on what to look out for (birdcage-top of the windshield, inside the A pillar area for rust, headlights being flush, etc.). This car is by no means perfect, but it is a driver. We went out for a spin and she runs fine. Even after a little while of driving it didnt over heat, and everything seemed pretty normal. Attached some photos of the car, and the underside, let me know what you guys think. Some of it is surface rust, some of it is a bit deeper. I understand I wont find a perfect C3, but any tips would be great. Dad and I are looking for a C3 he can driver on a Sunday, while we both work on it here and there.
Nothing that gives me concern...surface 'sitting' condensation type rust....the 1/2 Hp wire wheel is your friend. Not too entirely happy with the headers and the spark plug wires....
Enough rust that it’ll cause you headaches removing bolts and such, but doesn’t look terminal. Love the colour combination.
If the brakes don’t work well now, plan and budget to do the calipers and brake lines. I think you’ll have a very difficult time undoing those connections. Not the end of the world, just allow for it.
Last edited by CA-Legal-Vette; May 22, 2019 at 09:12 PM.
I guess my 1st question would be what's your purchase budget allowing for room for some repairs and maintenance that almost any almost 40 year old car is going to need?
Next what are you looking for in your Corvette? Do you want a 4 speed or automatic? What about A/C which this car does not have? You said the asking price on this car is 7.8K. I think if you could raise you budget some you could find a better car. Patience is virtue in the search. Taking your time and looking at several if not many possibilities will take time but it will be time well spent. Buy the best Corvette you can afford. You will save money in the long run. Many if not most Corvette owners take pride in their car. I don't see that the owner of this car does that. I'll leave it at that. Good luck with what ever you decide.
Hunt for a C3: round 2
