I Disagree
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 3
From: Halifax, NS, Canada
I Disagree
Frequently I read statements that C3 owners make. For example "If you plan on driving a C3, plan on fixing it every day". I have to disagree on that one. In 1977, I bought my first Vette brand new and drove it 63K. In that time I replaced the plugs once, put a voltage regulator in the alternator and one set of tires. In 1999, I picked up my present 77 in California and drove it back to Nova Scotia. I have now put 10K more on the car. Lets see what have I had to replace? Well, one power steering hose that had chaffed through, put a kit in one brake caliper...total cost $75. Now let me see what my Ford Explorer has cost me...no I don't even want to think about it. Am I missing something here or am I just lucky...but as far as I am concerned I don't know any more dependable vehicle than the 77 Corvette that I now have.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,370
Likes: 0
From: Southwest Ranches FL
Re: I Disagree (noxqsz)
Ever since I installed the TPI, my 78 is as dependable, comfortable, and easy to drive as any new car. It was my wife's daily driver for the last few years. The new Tundra is getting more experience now though. :yesnod: http://ChristJesus.go.to
:yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod:
:yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 14
From: Tolar Texas
Re: I Disagree (Binnie77)
I drove my '80 for 5 years and other than routine maintenance I only had to replace one rear wheel bearing.
After that, I parked it for almost three years because it had become too TIRED overall.
I'm slowly working it back into shape again.
Other than the fiberglass body and unique (ie. pain in the butt) rear suspension, it is much like any other Chevrolet, . . . basically simple.
After that, I parked it for almost three years because it had become too TIRED overall.
I'm slowly working it back into shape again.
Other than the fiberglass body and unique (ie. pain in the butt) rear suspension, it is much like any other Chevrolet, . . . basically simple.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,209
Likes: 33
From: Texas-out west
Re: I Disagree (MIKER)
Wow Z-man, did you say 300K? I am truely impressed, you do what the car is made for - driving, cool wheels too. Love the maroon, don't see many that color. :cool: :blueangel:
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,040
Likes: 672
From: FL
Re: I Disagree (Binnie77)
Totally agree. Only major work I have had to do is replace one leaking caliper and some new rear wheel bearings (plus one trashed spindle). Everything else that I have done to the car is part of my own program to improvbe and enjoy the car the way I want it.
As for reliability, drove mine from WA to RI this summer (3000+ miles, 9 driving days, 19+ mpg). Only problem I had was a broken alternator plug that took $5 and 15 minutes to fix in parking lot of a parts store. No big deal.
Saw that thread on what tools to bring. I usually have a couple of screwdrivers, etc in the storage area but only because I am too lazy to put them away.
SBC, just oil them evry 3000 miles and keep driving.
As for reliability, drove mine from WA to RI this summer (3000+ miles, 9 driving days, 19+ mpg). Only problem I had was a broken alternator plug that took $5 and 15 minutes to fix in parking lot of a parts store. No big deal.
Saw that thread on what tools to bring. I usually have a couple of screwdrivers, etc in the storage area but only because I am too lazy to put them away.
SBC, just oil them evry 3000 miles and keep driving.
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 489
Likes: 0
From: beach fl
Re: I Disagree (SteveG75)
Agreed, most if not all the work I've done on my 77' is because I wanted to do it. I just want the car restored, because I plan to keep it for as long as I kept my previous classic, which was 22 yrs. It has never left me stranded or ever been on a hook for as long as I've owned it. That includes one trip of over 4,000 miles in the fall of 99'. Another of 2,200 in the fall of 00'. :yesnod:
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Re: I Disagree (71coupe)
Z-man - Do you have a stock 300 horse or 350 horse?
The rims you have are too cool :cool:
The rims you have are too cool :cool:
Pro
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
From: Camino CA
Re: I Disagree (Binnie77)
Well it all depends on who you buy the car from, if you get it from Bubba you will probably find something that needs fixing every time you drive it, but once you get it back in shape, Corvettes are very reliable.
Safety Car
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 4,445
Likes: 0
From: Mandeville, Louisiana
Re: I Disagree (Binnie77)
My '70 has been very reliable over the past 4 years of ownership. It now has 156,000 miles, and I just returned from Panama City Beach, Florida in it...it ran like a champ.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 774
Likes: 0
From: Palatine IL
Re: I Disagree (Binnie77)
It depends a lot on what condition the Vette was in when you purchase it. Some are in great shape and others need a bunch of work. Mine was in the middle and I have been slowly restoring/modifying it over time. That's why I bought it. I enjoy working on it and driving it. I also am very very picky about my Vette. I want it perfect so if something breaks I fix it. My other cars have stuff broken and it's been that way for a few years.
All I know is that it takes a lot of time to keep a 20 - 30 plus year car running and looking good! Most cars a recycled or junked after 10 - 15 years. Vettes live on forever because people like the ones on this forum love 'em! :cool:
All I know is that it takes a lot of time to keep a 20 - 30 plus year car running and looking good! Most cars a recycled or junked after 10 - 15 years. Vettes live on forever because people like the ones on this forum love 'em! :cool:
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 3
From: Surrey
Re: I Disagree (vettesite)
I've only had mine 6 months so aren't really in a position to comment much. But I have only had to work on it to fit parts that I wanted to fit, change the weatherstrip :crazy: clean up the interior & sort out that Bubba fellas work. The only real problem that I've had is the TCC lockup packing, up but that could be down to something I've done wrong or maybe another one of Bubbas little presents (still haven't fixed it yet). I've known plenty of new vehicles of all makes give more problems in the 1st 6 months than I've had in my 6 months with a 20 year old car.
Paul
Paul