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My first Corvette has arrived, 72 C3 w/454! In fact, this is my first car every that is not the A-->B car for the family; most impractical decision I have likely every made without a doubt. Typically, my wife has the newest vehicle and I drive the hand me down. Figured after reading on the forum for a while now, time to pony up and become a member. While I am super excited, I am already having to address issues that was hoping would have been squared away prior deliver. None the less, do know I did not buy a new car so this is to be expected. Just wanted to reach out and say HELLO, and say THANKS IN ADVANCE for the future advice as I am sure to have many question and hope to heavily rely on all your combined expertise.
Very nice! I know for myself that I was initially hesitant to purchase/drive such an older vehicle. But, I took the plunge, mainly as I just loved the look/feel of the C3. Now, after months of reading on CF, I really do have confidence that whatever problems arise, no matter how bizarre or improbable, someone has been there already. More importantly, someone will be there to help and lend an encouraging word. A rare thing these days!
Thanks everyone! @CW-C3-Op That is exactly where I am at, a bit nervous just having it on the road! Had some deer try to run out in front of me on my first drive...
My first Corvette has arrived, 72 C3 w/454! In fact, this is my first car every that is not the A-->B car for the family; most impractical decision I have likely every made without a doubt. Typically, my wife has the newest vehicle and I drive the hand me down. Figured after reading on the forum for a while now, time to pony up and become a member. While I am super excited, I am already having to address issues that was hoping would have been squared away prior deliver. None the less, do know I did not buy a new car so this is to be expected. Just wanted to reach out and say HELLO, and say THANKS IN ADVANCE for the future advice as I am sure to have many question and hope to heavily rely on all your combined expertise.
Beautiful 72!! Looks like she's been well cared for. You will enjoy it, and you have certainly exceeded your 'B' standing
Last edited by 76-Vetteman; Aug 2, 2021 at 05:42 PM.
Hate to report back bad news, but it was shorted lived : ( Had a long service list that the dealer failed to perform, to include replacing all the rubber, calipers, and a mess of other items. Once I was able to get it up on a rack, and had a mechanic take a look, it quickly became a very sad day. Not only did they find all the items not replaced, many other issue were starting to show after I put about 600miles on it (leaky all over). The dealer did apologies and offered to send money, or buy it back. Was a hard choice, but sent it back. Now I have the Vette bug, but am scared to stick with my dream of a C3. I did not mind turning wrenches when I was younger(not a mechanic...fix what breaks), but now I just want to enjoy cruising and polishing! Need a driver, don't have spare money for a toy. That being said I am completely floored at the lack of availability on a new Vette. Not that I really have the money to spend on one, but was trying to dream big. Have been eye balling a few lower mileage 2017s. Any thoughts on them? Well here is to hoping I will be back in the club soon, cheers!
Hate to report back bad news, but it was shorted lived : ( Had a long service list that the dealer failed to perform, to include replacing all the rubber, calipers, and a mess of other items. Once I was able to get it up on a rack, and had a mechanic take a look, it quickly became a very sad day. Not only did they find all the items not replaced, many other issue were starting to show after I put some miles on it (leaky all over). The dealer did apologies and offered to send money, or buy it back. Was a hard choice, but sent it back. Now I have the Vette bug, but am scared to stick with my dream of a C3. I did not mind turning wrenches when I was younger(not a mechanic...fix what breaks), but now I just want to enjoy cruising and polishing! Need a driver, don't have spare money for a toy. That being said I am completely floored at the lack of availability on a new Vette. Not that I really have the money to spend on one, but was trying to dream big. Have been eye balling a few lower mileage 2017s. Any thoughts on them? Well here is to hoping I will be back in the club soon, cheers!
Sorry that 72 didn't work out for you as that was a good looking car. What were the main issues that caused you to decide not to keep it and let the seller take it back? A 72 Vette is in all practical terms is a 50 year old used Chevy so some level of maintenance is going to be required to maintain the car in a drivable condition. Sometimes we just live with leaky depending on how much leaky we have and where the leaky is coming from. As for rubber sometimes people judge something as bad just because it has a crack when in fact it's just fine as-is.
These older Vette's are not turn key cars regardless of what some people think or say.
Sorry to hear you were disappointed.
That is a few light-years distance from a 72 to a 17. Are you just wanting a better ride? Reliability?
I have an 82 which is very driveable and is a decade younger than the the older chrome bumper cars, but is still a C3. 82’s are slower but have computer controlled fuel injection, four speed automatic transmissions with overdrive (good fuel economy), and with a fiberglass leaf spring will ride pretty comfortably. If you find a lower mileage one, you can still enjoy the C3 with a reasonably reliable car in $18-$22K range. My 82 is not for sale, but there are a lot of them out there. I would recommend at least driving one before you jump to C6’s and up.
Theres others out there ,, this is were pre inspection comes into play you really have to put the car up in the air to see the whole story
Theres plenty of cars out there,, theres a checklist on the site what to look for in a car it can really help in these situations
I also had a bad disappointment with my first C3 but everything worked out for the best. Got my money back and bought a great 71 LS5 from a member here so consider this only a temporary setback. You'll find another beauty soon enough.
As others have said I’m sorry it didn’t work out. There are decent ones out there - I’ve had my 72 LT-1 for 7 years and while not trouble free it hasn’t needed anything done that I wasn’t able to figure out. Eventually. I had a 2015 for about a year and while it was a fantastic car it didn’t seem all that special. It was fast and handled great but where I live you couldn’t really use much of its capabilities. I took the 72 out this morning and it’s just a great feeling when they are running well. I pulled up next to a brand new C8 at a stoplight and felt no pangs of jealousy.
Thanks everyone for the feedback and support. I did have it inspected(numbers and the works), and thus the lengthy service list (that did not get completed). I paid a premium(IMO), but that was with the understanding that it did not need any immediate work. Well, that is once the service list items were completed. I get that it will require upkeep and general TLC. Again, I do believe the sales manager when he said he was sorry, and does not know how this slipped through the cracks(he was out of the office). My inspector works with them often, and was also surprised. ANYHOW.... One day, thinking retirement, I will find myself another C2 or C3. IMO, they by far have the most attractive curves/lines, and who does not love chrome! Until then... Can anyone recommend a shop to perform a general inspection to/include computer diagnostics for modern Vettes, in/near Huntsville, AL.?
Sorry that 72 didn't work out for you as that was a good looking car. What were the main issues that caused you to decide not to keep it and let the seller take it back? A 72 Vette is in all practical terms is a 50 year old used Chevy so some level of maintenance is going to be required to maintain the car in a drivable condition. Sometimes we just live with leaky depending on how much leaky we have and where the leaky is coming from. As for rubber sometimes people judge something as bad just because it has a crack when in fact it's just fine as-is.
These older Vette's are not turn key cars regardless of what some people think or say.
Do agree, as I almost learned the hard-way! Maybe I dodged a bullet by the service list not being done... Hard to say, but definitely making effort to learn my lessons before my next purchase. One such as, make sure the inspector re-inspects the car prior to shipment if work is to be performed! Oh well live and learn.
Hello from AL
