Need some advice Rear suspension
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Need some advice Rear suspension
Hi.
I'm going to look at a C3 this weekend. Guy selling for the owner mentioned some issues, but one I wasn't sure about was the rear suspension. I'm not a mechanic, and apparently, neither is he, and he described the problem as "the rear wobbles a little bit and feels like its got independent suspension".
Any idea what this could be and what an average fix costs? I don't want to drive two hours if it's something mayor.
Would appreciate any info. Thanks in advance.
I'm going to look at a C3 this weekend. Guy selling for the owner mentioned some issues, but one I wasn't sure about was the rear suspension. I'm not a mechanic, and apparently, neither is he, and he described the problem as "the rear wobbles a little bit and feels like its got independent suspension".
Any idea what this could be and what an average fix costs? I don't want to drive two hours if it's something mayor.
Would appreciate any info. Thanks in advance.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,758
Likes: 2,590
Wow, every C3 Corvette has independent suspension, he may be taking advantage of your lack of knowledge.
You need someone familiar with Corvettes to look at this car because there are too many possibilities based on the vague description of the problem.
You need someone familiar with Corvettes to look at this car because there are too many possibilities based on the vague description of the problem.
Last edited by MelWff; Apr 5, 2021 at 05:40 PM.
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The rear end "Wobbles a little bit". ..... If your no Mechanic, this sounds like a Major repair.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,455
Likes: 665
From: Republic of Texas
Could be several things, trailing arms, bushings, U-joints , etc with some being a larger jobs than others. Really hard to tell without anyone looking at it as "symptoms" are subjective.
If you really like the car, bring a knowledgeable friend to look it over or ask to bring it to a reputable shop for a 'pre-purchase inspection". Shop will look it over and tell you what all needs to be addressed.
Last edited by Corey_68; Apr 5, 2021 at 06:55 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 774
Likes: 375
From: Seattle WA
Hi.
I'm going to look at a C3 this weekend. Guy selling for the owner mentioned some issues, but one I wasn't sure about was the rear suspension. I'm not a mechanic, and apparently, neither is he, and he described the problem as "the rear wobbles a little bit and feels like its got independent suspension".
Any idea what this could be and what an average fix costs? I don't want to drive two hours if it's something mayor.
Would appreciate any info. Thanks in advance.
I'm going to look at a C3 this weekend. Guy selling for the owner mentioned some issues, but one I wasn't sure about was the rear suspension. I'm not a mechanic, and apparently, neither is he, and he described the problem as "the rear wobbles a little bit and feels like its got independent suspension".
Any idea what this could be and what an average fix costs? I don't want to drive two hours if it's something mayor.
Would appreciate any info. Thanks in advance.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,188
Likes: 4,010
From: Connecticut, USA
Possible issues
1- Loose bolts for the various parts
2- bad spring
3- dry rotted rubber bushing
4- worn axles in the diff, bad posi
5 diff snubber
6- outer axle bearings, bushings, rotted arms
7 bad tires
8- rotted frame
Cost
Few hundred to more then the car is worth but the year is not listed, still unless it is an L88, LT1, or tri power you may be in deeper then you expect. You should look at it listen to what is said then have someone who knows these cars look at it. Based on some of the pricing I have seen mentioned here you should learn how to work on these cars if you want one or if money is not a concern. I am not talking about the rebuilding process, that is expensive when you do the work but when a shop does it good luck. It wasn't that long ago here a fellow in Fl was quoted close to $20k for general repair work and none of the unit repair was custom work either.
Another way to look at it, if a guy had this car and was going to sell it why not fix the problem first unless the cost exceeds the sale.
1- Loose bolts for the various parts
2- bad spring
3- dry rotted rubber bushing
4- worn axles in the diff, bad posi
5 diff snubber
6- outer axle bearings, bushings, rotted arms
7 bad tires
8- rotted frame
Cost
Few hundred to more then the car is worth but the year is not listed, still unless it is an L88, LT1, or tri power you may be in deeper then you expect. You should look at it listen to what is said then have someone who knows these cars look at it. Based on some of the pricing I have seen mentioned here you should learn how to work on these cars if you want one or if money is not a concern. I am not talking about the rebuilding process, that is expensive when you do the work but when a shop does it good luck. It wasn't that long ago here a fellow in Fl was quoted close to $20k for general repair work and none of the unit repair was custom work either.
Another way to look at it, if a guy had this car and was going to sell it why not fix the problem first unless the cost exceeds the sale.
Last edited by GTR1999; Apr 5, 2021 at 09:12 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,960
Likes: 4,518
From: Virginia
I've never seen a used C3 for sale that didn't need new strut rod bushings (because anyone with a squared away C3 will never sell it). Looseness in the rear will throw you all over the road.
Have him send you photos of the rear before you drive out there. Post them here if you can!
Have him send you photos of the rear before you drive out there. Post them here if you can!
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Apr 2021
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Likes: 0
Thank you so much for the replies, guys. This is really a great source, and you're a helpful lot. I'll see if I can get him to send pics.
Just wanted to add. I'm not a mechanic, but I'm handy and have worked on my own cars with the help of you tube, and professional advice. I'm confident I could fix most issues requiering part changes on my own.
That said. The vette seems to have a decent body and interior. He's asking 8k and i think I get get it for a little less. All it needs is a paint job, electric locks and a/c repaired which honestly I can live with out or fix down the road.
Something else he said was that it belonged to the neighbor who passed and he's selling it for the widow. This raised some flags as far as the title transfer, and came across to me as saying don't blame me if there is something major, it's not my car.
The issues you guys mentioned don't sound like a deal breaker or horribly expensive to fix. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Again, thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I really appreciate it.
Just wanted to add. I'm not a mechanic, but I'm handy and have worked on my own cars with the help of you tube, and professional advice. I'm confident I could fix most issues requiering part changes on my own.
That said. The vette seems to have a decent body and interior. He's asking 8k and i think I get get it for a little less. All it needs is a paint job, electric locks and a/c repaired which honestly I can live with out or fix down the road.
Something else he said was that it belonged to the neighbor who passed and he's selling it for the widow. This raised some flags as far as the title transfer, and came across to me as saying don't blame me if there is something major, it's not my car.
The issues you guys mentioned don't sound like a deal breaker or horribly expensive to fix. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Again, thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I really appreciate it.
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I was thinking bushings as well. When my rear bushing bolts loosened up it felt like it just went sideways all of a sudden. Especially from a full stop to normal acceleration.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,416
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From: dayton oh
The YEAR of this C3 would aid greatly in recommending your possible path forward.
A 1968-1972 (chrome bumper) command higher $$$$ than either the 73-77 or 78-82's. Also Coupe vs Convertible plays a big part in value also.
Then you have to decide if it's what YOU want.
READ the Top 10 things to look for when buying Sticky post at top of this page for pointers
FAST
A 1968-1972 (chrome bumper) command higher $$$$ than either the 73-77 or 78-82's. Also Coupe vs Convertible plays a big part in value also.
Then you have to decide if it's what YOU want.
READ the Top 10 things to look for when buying Sticky post at top of this page for pointers
FAST
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,960
Likes: 4,518
From: Virginia
79s are also favorite. Please post some photos! $7-8K is probably okay for a rust-free 79 with excellent paint and interior that needs every bushing replaced. Especially if it's a 4-speed (seek one out, you'll thank me later).
Last edited by Bikespace; Apr 6, 2021 at 06:29 PM.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 503
Likes: 139
Getting stuff slowly sorted. Paid $1700 for the suspension parts that the original shop was going to charge me around $5k for. Having them installed by a guy I'm confident know's what he's doing and won't rip me off.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,188
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From: Connecticut, USA