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Hello to all! I'm a new member on the Forum and new to Corvette ownership. I did some research and have some automotive knowledge. Started looking a few months ago for an unmolested, honest car. Something parts were available for. Something I could drive without guilt and something that didn't break the bank. I ended up finding a 1975 convertible. Silver with dark red leather and white soft top. Matching hardtop. L48, auto, tilt/tele, PS, PB, PW, AC. 112,000 miles. I know that people hate on the 75 but I think it's beautiful and also think there is no such thing as a bad Corvette. It is a slug as we all know but I was not looking to go fast. Looking for sharp and classy. Knowing I was going to buy a 50 year old car, I figured some repairs into the budget. They always need something-even when they're done, they're not done.
The good:
matching motor and transmission
unhit body with 1 nice repaint (7.75-8/10) over original
nice original interior (8-8.5/10) but I think the carpet was replaced
nice original top
very nice birdcage and frame
largely original except the usual suspects (exhaust, radiator, fuel pump, plugs, wires, belts, hoses and the like)
many date codes and parts are correct
The bad:
zero paperwork
rear main seal leak
missing smog pump and associated hardware
missing convertible top bow release mechanism
heater core has been bypassed
some other minor stuff
I took it to a good friend's shop who is also a Corvette expert/enthusiast and when he and his 2 mechanics put it up in the air, they were amazed how good and solid it was. Aside from having to replace the 16 year old tires (a shame since they had about 85-90% tread left-testament to how little this car was driven since they were put on), a couple of bushings, the lower radiator hose and all systems (O/L/F, radiator flush, rear end service, brake flush) and should be good to go. Should. We all know that something can always come up but fingers crossed. After safety addressed, can work on other stuff. I didn't realize when I bought it how rare it was. I know rarity does not equate to value but I think they only made a couple hundred at most in this color combo. That said, and knowing this car will never be worth any money, my plan is to drive it and enjoy it and keep it maintained as close to original as possible for the next caretaker as I want it to be around long after I am gone. Thanks for reading my post and I'm so glad to be here!
That's a GREAT plan (to just drive it and enjoy for what it is) ...looks like a real nice car. I personally like the 75 convertibles, a LOT!! I can see a lot of fun trips in your future!!
Really nice car and color combo. Love the Deluxe Oxblood Interior! Notice the NCRS sticker on the windshield, did you get from a member? Wish you many miles of smiles with it.
Tooch
Per some of the to-do's, make a list and knock them down one at a time per order of importance to you. .... the rear main seal is replaceable. It's work, but there's a special tool for two-piece seals. You should be able to come up with smog hardware, maybe even from a seller on this site in the classified section. Or maybe Ebay too. Same with the convertible release.
The heater core bypass... there again, you or a knowledgeable service guy can replace the heater core. It's a lot of work, but doable. How much do you need it is the question? I guess if you go up into the mountains you do.
Probably start with the rear main leak. Thoroughly degrease the area & make sure it's not leaking out the back of the intake manifold, valve covers, or out the distributor mount, and/or a bad oil pressure sending unit. Any of those can drizzle down & fool guys that it's actually a rear main leak. At least cross those possibilities off the list. Your mechanic buddy probably suggested those things.
How is the steering? The steering on C3's is an Oft-put-off (neglected) component. If it seems 'loose' and not responsive is often a:
1) Out-of-spec steering box. There's a top/bottom bearing which can wear and all the adjusting in the world of the top screw won't help. Or the lower bronze bushing can develop a little 'play' in it...from age and use. The steering boxes aren't particularly long-lasting, and a good rebuild can make a world of difference. Maybe the previous owner did that already?? 's a guy on this forum who specializes in rebuilding steering boxes. (If you determine your car could use it)
2) A loose/old and egged-out flexible coupler (AKA Rag-joint). Easy to replace
3) Worn stud on the power steering control valve. That is rebuildable. More work..depends on your mechanical ability.
4) Other: Worn bushings, Idler arm, other steering/suspension parts.
Just throwing it out there. A lot of new C3 owners often complain about loose steering. Owners spend hours and thousands of $$ on engine work, but put a steering box off forever...
Hey Mark-
When I bought it, first thing to address was safety. When I took it to my guy, I said I wanted brakes, suspension and steering looked at first. Everything, amazingly, checked out except tires-which I already knew about. No leaks or play and have never felt as if anything was wrong. Nor did he. I think it is very possible it has been restored/repaired at some point. Although I got no paperwork on the car, it seems to have been well maintained by its previous owners. So, I'm driving this sucker and will take care of anything if it comes up. Thanks for taking the time to message me. I greatly appreciate your (and everyone on the Forum's) advice.
New C3 owner
