I'm going with a friend of mine tomorrow to go check out a vette for him and was wondering what to check for. I know to take the black book along to see if its numbers matching like they say and to check for rust in the birdcage. Are there any other main things to check for on a quick checkover before taking it to a mechanic? Thanks in advance for all the help.

 

Oil underneath, stearing gear, brakes, radiator (open & look for rust, etc.), try and wiggle fan blade if it has play water pump could be going out, does tranny shift smooth, lights, accessories, fuel guage, oil guage, temp guage (run car and watch for over heating) if it has air conditioning let the car sit running with air on high while you hold a long conversation with the seller (stall tactic), after 30 or 40 minutes (if possible to stall him that long) check temp guage. Does weatherstrip need replacing? check under rear bumper and front clip for correct brackects bolts, etc, sometimes these things aren't properly replaced after removal plus it can give you an idea if car has been in an accident. Have seller drive car a couple blocks while you drive beind him (a couple car lenghts) and watch to see if car rides straight, if frame is bent or body is misaligned you should see it. Check under car again (take your time) look for anything that possibly needs replacement. If car needs some restoration go home and add up the cost of all the parts you can possibly think of that it may need plus the price of the car and you'll have an idea what it's really gonna cost you, then negotiate with the seller for lowest price. Don't be afraid to point out to seller the restoration expenses you will incur.

 

All the mechanical things can be repaired or replaced cheap compared to birdcage rust. Take the time to remove the kick panels and inspection covers in the rear wheel wells and look for rust. A rusted radiator frame is easy to spot, and might cause one to look further into the bird cage. Windshield frame rust is fairly easy to spot, but a clean looking frame doesn't mean there isn't problems down lower, especially the rocker channels. Check if the door hinge pillars move by exerting upwards pressure on the slightly open door. Movement would mean a very badly rusted bird cage, probably a good car to pass up.

 

What year? '76 (or '75) and on had metal floor pans that rust quickly. Ask me how I know!

 

Sorry, my vette is a 75; the one we are going to look at for him is an 80. Thanks for all your help so far guys.

 

If iit is an 80 it will have metal floor pans. Look underneath the car to make sure there aren't rust-throughs or Bubba patches. If there were leaks in the windshield frame due to rust or leaks in the T-tops water could have collected in the carpet and eaten away the floor pans. If possible, lift the carpet and look underneath.

Rick B.

 

My 78 doensn't have metal floor pans...

 

Look again! You can buy aftermarket metal replacement pans for '76-'82. These were stock from the factory once the cats were put on.

 

Thanks for all your help. He is picking up the car tomorrow. It was in amazing shape with only 31,000 original miles. No rust and tons of documentation. Thanks again for all your help.