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I'm looking to purchase a C3 corvette and recently have encountered quite a few with really bad cases of rust. This latest one shows some promise but I'm hoping somebody with a little more experience may be able to help out.
The car doen't show any visible rust in an around the window frame, however if you feel on the inside of the window and a pillar there is some rust near the top 3 to 4 inches of both sides.
Both kick panels were removed and mounts look okay on both sides with minimal rust however about 4 to 5 inches above the mount on the drivers side there is a small hole developing.
I wasn't able to get this car on a hoist but I have a video (shaky, upside down and not the best quality) from the ground. If you have the time to view I would appreciate some advice.
I did notice some small flakes of rust when poking my fingers in the hole of the frame in some areas. The only spot of the frame that looked to have rust issues was just in front the left rear wheel. Visually it didn't look nearly as bad as other examples I've view recently but with that being said I don't want to get involved in a frame off restoration.
Typical rust for a 50 year old car that was driven and enjoyed. Good candidate for a body off restoration. If you don’t have the room or experience, I would pass. If you do, use that to your advantage and try to get a good deal. Happy hunting
Looks pretty thin and crispy at the ends of the frame rails at the front of the rear wheel kick ups. Classic C2-3 frame rot. Looks like a recent yellow respray on a rusty 70-72. Should be priced to allow for body off frame repairs.
You need to get it up on a lift. If the seller isn’t willing to allow, walk away. These are boxed frames so there can be more rust inside than what you can see. Take a blunt pick hammer and tap the full length of the bottom of the rails. Solid metal will result in a sharp sound, rusted metal will be dull.
Hey RPM82, welcome to the forum!! You'll find lots of helpful people on here. A few thoughts:
I watched the video and now have vertigo. Slow and steady, focusing on specific areas with a longer shot (or better yet, stills) will win the day.
Can't really tell how bad/good this one is from these shots. Agree that you want to get it on a lift and really check it out and post some clear pics.
There are a number of decent deals on C3s with good bones. I would recommend you start with good bones unless you are experienced and have the right tools and shop type area. While rust can be fixed, it's time consuming and can be very expensive. Start out with a car that won't get you discouraged. Mechanically C3s are 'pretty easy' to work on and parts are readily available (but can be somewhat expensive, depending on what it is).
Remember that it pretty much takes the same time and $ to rebuild/restore any C3 - so make sure what you purchase floats your boat for the long haul. Make a list of items that are important to you longer term and hunt for that C3. It might include items like chrome or rubber bumpers, engine type, trans type, color, options, etc. Make you a list and stick to it - you'll find what you want and it's fun to hunt them down.
Rely on people on this forum for help. Lots of very experienced people here who are willing to help.
Check the FS section of this forum, and consider a WTB with a list of items that are most important to you. For the most part, forum members who are selling on the forum know more about C3s and I believe are more likely to provide an honest description of the car.
Have fun!! You're searching for one of the (IMO) most beautiful designs ever.
Some help or advise for your next frame inspection on the ground. Use a large mirror, flashlight and camera to inspect the frame. Like this type I use to judge cars on the ground.
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.
Advice on Rust issues
Slow and steady, focusing on specific areas with a longer shot (or better yet, stills) will win the day.
