Hello, so I'm a long time old muscle car guy. I've had a 1969 Firebird, several old Jeep CJ's and I currently have a 1967 Chevy C-10 with a 350 and a Muncie 4 speed.

I've always had old Corvettes (pre-computer) as one of my dream cars. I just stumbled across one for sale about an hour from where I live. I have yet to call the owner, but I decided to join here and hopefully get some advice from Corvette experts not trying to sell me a car before seeing the car. I've got so much help from C-10 and Jeep forums over they years, that I think I would be stupid to make a jump like this without getting some advice from great people that love cars like I do.



Anyway, the car is a 1970 Stingray. Here is the only description I have from the ad: PRICE 29,900
1970 Corvette Stingray For Sale. T-tops, 4-speed, AC, Custom Paint, 45.6k original miles. Interior is original except for new front carpet. Additional photos can be made available upon request.

There are several pictures, and the car looks really clean, I'll attach one.

Before I call and go look at the car, I would really like to know what (with the limited info available) you think. I will, of course, find out as much as I can, and report back, but at this point I have no idea other than several nice looking pictures of the car. Hopefully, it's original, numbers matching with everything working, but I just can't say as yet.

Can you tell me things to look for when I check it out? Does the price seem ball-park fair?

Any advice appreciated. Just maybe, it will pan out, and I can join your community!

Thanx,

Dave

 

Treat it like any other used car. Check to make sure everything works. Take it for a ride if you can. Rust is the first thing I’d check for on the frame and around the base of windshield. On the frame check around the trailing arms where they connect to frame. Is there any dealer or factory documentation? Window sticker, protecto-plate, dealer invoice, owner history? And price seems a little high.

 

Welcome to the forum!

Here is a link to the sticky that tells you what to look for when buying a C3. The original post has been deleted, but if you look at reply #107 it will be there along with a link to a YouTube video describing the same thing.

 

there is a sticky about buying a c3.
here or c3 tech.
30k is possible but many things must be correct.
chrome bumpers add value, what engine and trans?
being new, welcome
takes about 10 posts from you to get ability to post pics, personal message,
couple things I can't remember.

could be a solid 30k car but, study study study.

 

I like the paint scheme - kinda Motion-'82 Collector's Edition fusion.

Just some quick observations:
The fender vents are the '67 style instead of the "egg crate" grilles for '70-'72.
Wheels ran from '73/'74 to '82.
Looks to also have a passenger side mirror which is not a factory configuration.

 

K Q Q L paint !!!

 

If you are seriously considering buying this car, have it inspected by a professional well versed in C-3s. Good luck. Jerry

 

70 is my favorite year! I owned a low mileage convertible and will always regret selling it. Most important is check for rust behind the kick panels. I think one side should do it and the passenger side is easier to get to. The seller will need to allow you to take a phillips screwdriver to remove the panel beneath the door, then the kick panel. Pretty simple and will reveal the door post which if clean will indicate a pretty clean birdcage. There could be more to it, but that is a great indicator.

If it's the 350hp engine it is really nice to have with AC. That's a well equipped 70.

The paint scheme is kinda cool but will detract form collector value. Not a problem if you like it. That price is not bad for a 350hp 4 speed with AC!. Not sure if it is as desirable with the base engine (which is still a 300hp and plenty of power).

I'll add that this is likely a cortez silver car with the added stripes which would have had to be done years ago. Not likely someone would do that in the past 20 years (just guessing). Especially if it was a fairly low mileage well kept car. If it has good owner history that's a bonus in my mind. I like it. Looks like you're in the southeast - check good for rust and go for it.

Good luck!

 

I like this look much better, sorry i'm just NOT an egg crate fan at all ! Thus limiting me to 68's, 9's & possibly, just a maybe 73, but would need to be a Top flight type low mile Big Block - T's or topless ( either might work ) !!!

 

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If it’s only an hour away my suggestion would be go take a look/inspection. Ask owner if you could Jake it up or use ramps so that you can take your own pics of what has been suggested here for you to key in on. Then come back here, post your pics for some better assessments and opinions. Looks nice but you need more.

 

Educate yourself on the birdcage. A rusted ‘cage is a make or break decision.

 

I you don't care for the stripes they may be vinyl so they can be removed.
I would see if there is a car club locally that may be a Corvette guy that could help.

 

Is the car advertised as original engine? You will check anyway, of course, but it will tell you how reasonable the asking price is.

Check the numbers and the bird cage / frame rust. Everything else is inconsequential in comparison.

 

Great idea, or a forum member here that might live close by & can assist.