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You can do what I did, impulse buy I’m enjoying trying to fix as much as I can and I’m a total noob. It’s like a boat, if you can’t afford maybe don’t hop in but I will say driving these around is fun with all the attention you get.
Like others said, check for rust and evidence of Bubba.
I'm 6 months into my ownership. Once the thrill of ownership wears off, you're stuck with a 50 year old car. If you have to fiance the car, you can't afford it. Every time you park it, 3 things break. If you can't fix it yourself, you can't afford this car. Thankfully you have access to the world's best tech support forum. Buy the best Vette you can afford, you'll save way more money in the end and enjoy the car right away.
Friday nights, she goes up on the jackstand for new parts. Sunday afternoon she comes down and hits the road. Something breaks and Im posting here Sunday night. Monday morning, Im ordering parts..... repeat, repeat, repeat
Being a long time C3 Corvette owner. I couldn't disagree more with the statement above. The Corvette build quality is not much different than other cars of that era. But a number of things are different. Sometimes very different. So those not used to them get frustrated very quickly.
My car was always extremely reliable. Giving me very few troubles the first 30 or so years. That's actually pretty darn good for a 70's car.
but the last 15 years I have repaired or rebuilt just about every part of the car. I do not find this upsetting. It's old! It was never designed to last this long.
That said. If I had to pay someone every time something needed repair. I just couldn't have it.
c’mon 4 vette’s there is no comparison with other 70’s cars .. These cars were slapped together and I don’t need to go through a whole list of things .. they were the first American sport cars built so that people could afford them and it showed. From water pouring into cabin to riveted rotors to eliminate runout. The list is endless. Do I enjoy these cars ? Yes I do but do I convince myself they were built like other 60’s and 70’s cars absolutely not .
I’m looking to buy a new ‘69-‘79 corvette. I’m kind of new to this and was wondering if any of you had tips for buying or something to look out for (like if there’s a common issue with these cars or something you’ve learned). I’m sure this thread already exists, but I couldn’t find it. I appreciate all contributions. Thanks!
I have a great C3 for sale for you. All the mechanical restoration and work already done, just requires any normal maintenance as you enjoy cruising around. Turn the key and drive.
To me, working on a Corvette is like Zen and the art of Corvette maintenance. And that's one of the key words -- Maintenance. A lot of Corvettes have "Deferred Maintenance" ...meaning too many wear items haven't been replaced over the years. I think what others are saying, is be selective and find one which HAS had many wear items restored/replaced/inspected. Than you are likely to have fewer issues to deal with.
OTOH.... there's no better way to learn than by doing. And if you like learning about cars/maintenance/resoration...then there's nothing wrong with a solid (key word there) project as long as you know what you're getting into.
Go drive a few and see what you think. The seating arrangement is very different. If it doesn't suit you, I would suggest considering a mid to late 70's Trans Am, or even one of the newer (revival) pony-cars.
The 82 Corvettes, although not in your year range, are going to most likely ride smoother, and be the best drivers due to being lighter, fiberglass rear leaf spring, EFI (as long as it's running right), and the OD transmission. Just the OD transmission almost makes an 82 worth consideration. If you like the looks of the shovel-nose-vettes.
everyone says if you can’t fix it yourself than bring it to a corvette specialist . I don’t hear anyone saying bring your Camaro the a Camaro specialist. Isn’t that telling you something !!
everyone says if you can’t fix it yourself than bring it to a corvette specialist . I don’t hear anyone saying bring your Camaro the a Camaro specialist. Isn’t that telling you something !!
I am hoping to buy a Corvette later this year. Always wanted one and since I am 71 if I don't get one now I never will. Like the c3's, but since I can't work on cars much everything I read says stay away. Can't afford a c7 or c2 and everything I read about the C5&6's is about everything that goes wrong with them. I like the c3's a lot more, but know I should not buy one. So it is buy a C5 or 6 just to get a corvette or not buy one at all. I should have paid the high insurance in the 70's and bought one then. Thank you for being honest on here about the C3.
I am hoping to buy a Corvette later this year. Always wanted one and since I am 71 if I don't get one now I never will. Like the c3's, but since I can't work on cars much everything I read says stay away. Can't afford a c7 or c2 and everything I read about the C5&6's is about everything that goes wrong with them. I like the c3's a lot more, but know I should not buy one. So it is buy a C5 or 6 just to get a corvette or not buy one at all. I should have paid the high insurance in the 70's and bought one then. Thank you for being honest on here about the C3.
be patient and look for someone that is underwater on there corvette , or someone that has put much more money into the car than what’s it’s worth . Probably 90% of vette owners fall into this category.
Pricing on these cars is pretty soft right now. I went to a weekly car show here yesterday and saw two C3's for sale, both in pristine condition. One was a '77 asking $16K and the other a 71 asking $30K. The owners were quite flexible on price. The '71 was 4 speed car with magnificent paint and interior. The 77 was an auto car, new paint and interior.
I recently bought this one owner '75 coupe with PW, PB,PS, AC, and 42K original miles, Original paint, runs and drives perfectly. Drove it 100 miles Friday without a glitch. Have been replacing belts, hoses and doing major servicing. Only big need is the leaking TH400 transmission, which works just fine but has a major leak that needs attention.
Get the best car you can afford.
Thank you. Zanny 1 if it is ok I might contact you when I m ready because I am in Bullhead and would like to find a Az car, no taxes. I thought without all the electronics in the car it would be easier to work on.
Last edited by love corvettes; Feb 3, 2025 at 02:12 AM.
I’m enjoying trying to fix as much as I can and I’m a total noob. It’s like a boat, if you can’t afford maybe don’t hop in but I will say driving these around is fun with all the attention you get.
