Looking At A 1981 - Need Some Advice Please?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 49
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Looking At A 1981 - Need Some Advice Please?
Folks
I am about to view a well cared for low mileage 1981 and have two questions please.
1) Is there anything specific on a 1981 issue wise that I should be looking for or should be aware of?
2) The car has had very little use (but is very well cared for) although it has stood for long periods, with maybe only a 1000 miles put on it in the last 10 years.
Can this cause issues anywhere and if so, what are the signs?
Thanks everyone.
I am about to view a well cared for low mileage 1981 and have two questions please.
1) Is there anything specific on a 1981 issue wise that I should be looking for or should be aware of?
2) The car has had very little use (but is very well cared for) although it has stood for long periods, with maybe only a 1000 miles put on it in the last 10 years.
Can this cause issues anywhere and if so, what are the signs?
Thanks everyone.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
they all sat for long periods of time. otherwise they would have 350k on them. belts, hoses, tires, brakes, T top seals... and that 81 has computer command controlled carb and ignition which is usually a PITA. usually replacing the carb and distributor with older style that don't require ecm inputs that never really worked well. none of this is deal breaker. if you can't deal with stuff like this get a C6. or an accord... frame and bird cage rust. body work and paint. those are the 2 biggest concerns.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 81
Likes: 47
From: California
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
It's 40 years plus, and been sitting. So you will have to replace the tires, cause they are probably at least 10 yrs old. I had a 79 which sat for awhile and needed to replace seat foam, carpet, carburettor rebuild, bulbs, vacuum hoses, and replace gaskets seals to stop leaks in engine, trans and dif. Expect this too: https://www.hobbycarcorvettes.net/cl...rking-options/
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,315
Likes: 697
If possible bring jack stands and floor jack to get it up in the air so you can look underneath. Even better if it's driveable and insured rent an hour of shop time that has a lift.
If you have a local Corvette club contact them to see if they have some one that would help with the inspection. In lieu of that a well regarded body/mechanic person to help with the inspection.
Good luck.
If you have a local Corvette club contact them to see if they have some one that would help with the inspection. In lieu of that a well regarded body/mechanic person to help with the inspection.
Good luck.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
roll down to post 107. read. especially rule 5. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ispreloading=1
