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I wonder how much of deformation is to be expected over years in a non-abused, accident-free C3. I'm trying to buy one here where I live (Europe) and a lot of them have poorly fitting body parts, as in the photo below (look at the joint between the driver's door and the lateral panel):
Are such things normal on C3 vettes, or should I suspect some accident-caused deformation there?
Last edited by David Guardado; May 18, 2021 at 10:59 AM.
That gap is a sign of the front clip settling usually associated with damage/rust in the core support (core support rust is a very common problem in a C3). It is normally an easy fix.
another thing to look for is the crash bars that are SUPPOSED to be inside the bumper cover. they frequently get tossed in the name of weight saving and ease of installing replacement bumper. but they also support the weight of the nose. if gone, the front of the nose is on these 2 little brackets that are mounted on the inner fenders that are bolted to the rad support. and any of the above can sag, crack, rust out, get egg shaped mount holes...
Last edited by derekderek; May 18, 2021 at 11:50 AM.
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Originally Posted by 4-vettes
And please keep in mind. The fit and finish of these cars was dismissal when they where new.
These are 45 year-old factory gaps with original paint.
I bought my '76 new & it's never been wrecked or driven in the winter. The frame is 100% rust free & the body mounts are still soft. At least my finish was better than the fit...
My '74 has the same big gap at the top of the fender. It has been hit once since I got the car, and who knows how many times before. Just pulled out the rusty core support this weekend along with the crusty radiator.
Body deformation - how much is it normal?
These are 45 year-old factory gaps with original paint.
