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Hi everyone. I have always loved C3's and am looking at getting my first C3. While looking at various cars here in SE Texas I have found numerous cars that look pretty good with frames that seem to have just minor surface rust but all have some rust on the thin piece of sheet metal at the top of the door jam. Is this something to be concerned about? The area that I am talking about is circled in the attached picture. Thanks for the help and I eagerly look forward to getting my first C3!
Kind of common to have some surface rust there. To tell if there is a problem, pour some water in the area where the fender meets the windshield. If you see water dripping on the floor boards, there more rust damage.
Kind of common to have some surface rust there. To tell if there is a problem, pour some water in the area where the fender meets the windshield. If you see water dripping on the floor boards, there more rust damage.
To make sure I'm thinking of the spot you're referring to, are you talking about the area right below the windshield where the wipers are mounted near the corner of the windshield?
Are you from the Beaumont or Houston area? There is a good Corvette Club down in Beaumont that might have someone in that is knowledgeable about C3s that might be able to assist you in your search. (Tri-City Corvette Club) There are also some clubs in the Houston area but I am not familiar with them. The regional forums can be very helpful in this regard. In the long run, getting some help or at least some information may pay dividends when making your first C3 purchase. The C3s have some "unique" features that can cause a lot of headaches, so the fewer of those that are present from the start, the better in the long run. These include the "birdcage" (rust on this is a deal killer), vacuum operated wiper doors, headlight doors, (these are present on early C3s) and in Southeast Texas, A/C is a must for most of us mortals. The original A/C is OK if it works, but is still leaves something to be desire with the heat and humidity down there.
This is not meant to discourage you, only to advise you to do your homework and if need be get some help. I love my C3, but they can be a PITA, especially if you discover how needy they are after you buy one.
I am from the Beaumont area originally and travel down there frequently, so maybe we will cross paths one day. Good luck on your search and happy hunting.
Last edited by crawfish333; Aug 13, 2019 at 05:13 PM.
Hello and welcome aboard! Surface rust does seem to be common in the area you’ve circled. Also check the body mounts behind the kick panels. See the picture below of a really clean, nearly rust free body mount on our ‘72 Coupe. Good luck. You’ve come to the best place for advice.
Last edited by Jstan2014; Aug 13, 2019 at 01:08 PM.
Welcome to Corvette Forum from Concord, NC. Great advice from Crawfish333. There is a staggering amount of Corvette knowledge and Corvette experience here in Corvette Forum and also local Corvette car clubs who are very willing to help you. Bottom line, don't feel like you have to go it alone. You want to make sure you are getting what you pay for. No one likes expensive surprises. Happy hunting!
New from Texas
