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Hello everyone,I am brand new here and brand new to the C3 world.
I am considering the linked car, I know the car has some issues but my goal is to purchase a project that looks good on the exterior and is rust free. I am not concerned about originality, drivetrain, or interior.
Does anyone know this car or see any major issues based on the photos? The dealer sent me pics behind the kick panels. Surface rust around the mounting bolt, no holes, but definitely there has been water behind there.
Thanks in advance, Wolfgang
Of course you have to see it in person. But my thoughts from the photos. The "universal fit" Vintage A/C might be a deal killer if nobody can sit in the seat comfortably, should have gone with the Corvette specific unit. The drivers seat bottom is really broken down, you should ask about the engine, is it going to be satisfactory for you? Where did the engine come from. An engine is a big investment when this car is already near the top of it's price range. Looks like a quick paint job, based on the amount of silver under the car and the black grilles and moldings. Paint is also a huge expense. The door gaps look decent, so the bird cage may not have any serious issues. I think it might be a good car at a much lower price.
Last edited by crazywelder; Mar 6, 2021 at 12:06 PM.
Thanks guys really appreciate the feedback, keep it coming
Easy Mike- seller says paint is mint, no documentation.
Eathquake- Driver, yea interior is tired, my goal is to gut interior anyway and go with red.
skb40466- agree price is high.
Last Triumph- that car would be perfect, except orange can't do. Looking to go red interior, so that means silver or white.
crazywelder- I never bought a car unseen, but this one is in south Florida, too far for me to checkout, so I have to depend on the dealer and maybe you guys. The engine is a vortec of some unknown vintage, i would pull the engine and go through it anyway.
I think it sounds to be priced too high for a base engine car with many non-original components. However...
Frame looks quite solid and clean.
And since you're not concerned with originality, I'll only offer what I see as missing:
Seat foam is available to rebuild the seat bottoms - I suspect the old foam is so powdered you feel the metal seat frame in your butt!
Missing the passenger lock ****.
Looks to be missing the driver t-top headliner.
Last edited by barkingrats; Mar 6, 2021 at 01:38 PM.
Whats with the grey part on the steering column, is there a cover missing from it? Given the amount of oxidation and surface rust I see under the hood this car looks like it has been in a high humidity or wet environment a lot, I would be looking carefully at the rear chassis kick ups for rust, you say the dealer gave you pictures of the area behind the kick panels and is ok? I always tap the A pillars with a rubber mallet if I get the chance to see if any rust flakes drop down ( not unknown for people to vacuum out this area before selling). Car seems to have had a paint job to boost value but little other work done recently, any receipts available?
Nice find!
WAY better car, MUCH cheaper!
OP's find is too much money and has lots of things that need to be fixed, plus nom and no documentation.
20-22k tops.
Too many nice C3s out there to drag this orphan home.
... this one is in south Florida, too far for me to checkout, so I have depend on the dealer
Dont depend on the dealer! I never believe a seller, they will tell you want you want to hear. We have nought many cars "sight unseen", have the car inspected by a third party that is familiar with Corvettes. Most important thing to check is the birdcage and frame for rust. I'd bet the car hasnt been in Florida it's entire life. Good luck...
Thanks guys for all that, yes I am treading lightly on this one in regards to the dealer.
I do have my heart set on silver with red interior and this looks like a good candidate to do an interior swap.
Both rear bumpers on this car have an abnormal upward tilt, is this an minor adjustment?
The greyish collar around the steering column, is that piece plastic?
Main frame looks solid - just surface rust.
Pass front caliper is wet - leaks are common.
Was originally a non-ac car, still has vent levers. AC unit does take up pass knee room.
Later model engine with center bolt valve covers.
Dealers can usually negotiate down quite a bit.
Itemize a list of what it would take to fix brakes, seat covers/foam etc and show him.
Check diff and trans for seal leaks to.
Would be a nice car for low 20s. Maybe mid.
Manual brake car, long pedal throw, takes some getting used to, need to use great brake pads to drop effort.
PS check for leaks.
Hi Wolfgang, I went through this process a couple of years ago and ended up buying a '71 Coupe sight unseen i.e. just reviewing pictures, so it can be done successfully. That is if you are dealing with a reputable dealer. The members here have given some important advice. The key is focusing on the most expensive items to repair or replace like a rusted birdcage or major engine/transmission repairs. From the photos the exterior looks like it is in pretty good shape for a 50 year old car, the under carriage, frame and suspension look pretty good with minimal rust. I agree with another member that said this car didn't always live in Florida. The car has had a number of mods including non-factory AC, valve covers and missing the ignition shielding but if you are looking for a project car this may be a decent one. As far as price? I'd start with Hagerty. Here is a link to the C3 buyers guide. Hagerty also has a car price evaluation tool based on condition, which is pretty darn good. https://www.hagerty.com/media/buying...-buyers-guide/
Anyway, based on my recent past experience as a '71 coupe buyer and using Hagerty's pricing tool, this Corvette priced way too high. It should be closer to $17 - $21k. Having said this, the unknown is the demand, how many other people are looking to buy this Corvette? How long has it been sitting on the lot? My advice is make this more than a one horse race. Dave D
I also think it is priced high, but most dealers are. Can you post the additional pics the dealer sent? Rust in the body mount behind the kick panels can mean a real problem in the windshield pillars and header.
Just to give a point of reference, I recently bought a ‘71 base coupe that the underside looks exactly like this, has a fresh crate motor, ac, ps, pb, side pipes, a nice 10 foot paint job, and a tired interior. I paid $15k.
Thanks guys for all the replies, I have decided to pass on this car and now pursuing another. Main reason for passing is the luggage rack. Other than that and the price, this car was right up my alley. The seller was very responsive with questions and provided photos as asked.
There was moderate rust behind the kick panels, but not enough to effect structure.
I noticed that you were willing to change out the interior because you wanted red.
The interior in my 73 is in near perfect condition, but I wanted to replace it all with new.
This can easily turn into a $5,000.00 bill, even doing all the work yourself.
If you just dye what is in the car it would be cheaper, but interior parts are expensive, so be aware of the added expense over and above the purchase price.
Your thoughts on this 71
no documentation.
