Help purchasing first C3 Corvette
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
Help purchasing first C3 Corvette
Hi All,
I'm looking to purchase a C3 and would like any suggestions regarding what years/models/etc. are "best" or "worst" as well as key things to check when purchasing.
Thank you in advance,
-Marty
I'm looking to purchase a C3 and would like any suggestions regarding what years/models/etc. are "best" or "worst" as well as key things to check when purchasing.
Thank you in advance,
-Marty
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,280
Likes: 0
From: colorado springs CO
Re: Help purchasing first C3 Corvette (-Marty)
for a comprehesive checklist and "buying" manual goto http://www.corvettefaq.com so we all dont repeat the same stuff here :lol: :lol: :lol:
as for the best years???
IMHO the best years would be the metal bumper vettes 68-72... then 73 had half and half.....
the cheapest for a daily driver would be a 76-77 and have the least value....
id get a 68-72 if i were you!!
but it depends what you are planning to use it for.
as for the best years???
IMHO the best years would be the metal bumper vettes 68-72... then 73 had half and half.....
the cheapest for a daily driver would be a 76-77 and have the least value....
id get a 68-72 if i were you!!
but it depends what you are planning to use it for.
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 12
Re: Help purchasing first C3 Corvette (-Marty)
DON'T! You'll get addicted!!! :lol:
seriously...to sum it up, every year is a good one but you can distinctivly seperate them in 2 groups..
'73 and lower
'74 and higher
the first group is the one that'll cost the most cause of those fancy chrome bumpers (Go figure :rolleyes: ) and the other group is the more affordable one but the engines do less power than the older C3s cause of the emmission hardware which is in most cases already removed to let the beast roar.
I cannot comment on which year is best in the older ones but I would say that in the younger ones, the '80 is the best. Reasons are that its the last one w/o computer and it has the best looking front bumper.
seriously...to sum it up, every year is a good one but you can distinctivly seperate them in 2 groups..
'73 and lower
'74 and higher
the first group is the one that'll cost the most cause of those fancy chrome bumpers (Go figure :rolleyes: ) and the other group is the more affordable one but the engines do less power than the older C3s cause of the emmission hardware which is in most cases already removed to let the beast roar.
I cannot comment on which year is best in the older ones but I would say that in the younger ones, the '80 is the best. Reasons are that its the last one w/o computer and it has the best looking front bumper.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: Reston VA
Re: Help purchasing first C3 Corvette (-Marty)
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?d...&pf%5Fid=31950
Check out this book. You should not even consider buying a C3 without reading it front to back several times. As for best years, worst years it is all about personal preference and what you want to do with the vehicle. Are you a collector, a restorer, a hot rodder, a racer, a guy wanting chicks. What you want out of your vette should drive your decision. But be clear about your goals upfront and read everything. It will save you big in time, and money.
Kinda like my grandpa used to say a good wine is one you like to drink.
Check out this book. You should not even consider buying a C3 without reading it front to back several times. As for best years, worst years it is all about personal preference and what you want to do with the vehicle. Are you a collector, a restorer, a hot rodder, a racer, a guy wanting chicks. What you want out of your vette should drive your decision. But be clear about your goals upfront and read everything. It will save you big in time, and money.
Kinda like my grandpa used to say a good wine is one you like to drink.
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 12
Re: Help purchasing first C3 Corvette (ScubaJKD)
Why should he not consider buying a vette w/o reading that book? I didn't...should I go sell my vette?? Well actually I did...but I bought that book after buying the car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: Reston VA
Re: Help purchasing first C3 Corvette (Lohkay)
NO Lohkay you should not go and sell your vette. But I appreciate your sarcasm. By the nature of his question he is obviously looking for alot more information so he can make an informed decision. I strongly recommended that Marty read this book or anything else he can get his hands. This will he;p him get off on the right foot of corvette ownership. I am sure you can agree that the book provides some very helpfull information for the novice and the advanced C3 enthusiast, and is not a bad place to start. :smash:
Racer
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: new mexico
Re: Help purchasing first C3 Corvette (-Marty)
Above all else buy the best you can afford. If the sellers name is Bubba run away fast. No kidding. Make sure you look for an unmolseted Vette. It will cost you alot less in the long run. Take it from a guy who is Unbubbaizing his vette!! I would look for at least 2 or more months. Get to know what to look for. This is the best time of year to buy, at least where it's cold. Good luck, by the way you already found the best deal with all these guys on the forum. If it weren't for them I maynot have bought mine. They have already fixed everything that could go wrong with one.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,281
Likes: 6
From: NC USA
Re: Help purchasing first C3 Corvette (-Marty)
Go to:
http://www.corvettefaq.com
and read the 3-part 'Mechanical Inspection Before Buying a C3' series and 'Tricks of the Trade' under the 'misc' topic. Don't forget to bookmark the site because you will need it again!
As for the year, IMHO the 69BBs are the best but I'm a little biased!
[Modified by Marks69BB, 5:30 PM 12/10/2001]
http://www.corvettefaq.com
and read the 3-part 'Mechanical Inspection Before Buying a C3' series and 'Tricks of the Trade' under the 'misc' topic. Don't forget to bookmark the site because you will need it again!
As for the year, IMHO the 69BBs are the best but I'm a little biased!
[Modified by Marks69BB, 5:30 PM 12/10/2001]
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,635
Likes: 0
From: Union Ontario
Re: Help purchasing first C3 Corvette (76 Red)
I tell this to everyone buying a vette.
Check the FRAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the frame just infront of the rear wheels is horrible for rust. It is invisible to the naked eye, bring a sharp screwdriver when you go to look at a vette and check this spot for rust.
This is how mine looked this spring.... Mind you I have had the car for 11 years so its my own fault I let it get so bad..
It took me two weeks to get this fixed-----temporarily
Check the FRAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the frame just infront of the rear wheels is horrible for rust. It is invisible to the naked eye, bring a sharp screwdriver when you go to look at a vette and check this spot for rust.
This is how mine looked this spring.... Mind you I have had the car for 11 years so its my own fault I let it get so bad..
It took me two weeks to get this fixed-----temporarily
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 6
From: 68 427 4.11s Roadster
Re: Help purchasing first C3 Corvette (MikeC)
The best is a '68
The worst is a '68
I thought the '79 was the cheapest.
The options that the car has I think has alot to do with it. I was lucky and found an all manual rag top- with power windows! Speaking of which aren't the later models luxureated? Meaning they have alot of those fangled things in them.
The worst is a '68
I thought the '79 was the cheapest.
The options that the car has I think has alot to do with it. I was lucky and found an all manual rag top- with power windows! Speaking of which aren't the later models luxureated? Meaning they have alot of those fangled things in them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,280
Likes: 0
From: colorado springs CO
Re: Help purchasing first C3 Corvette (76 Red)
Hey what was that cheap crack on the 76-77 :boxing
Mine has not been cheap at all. :lol: Actually it has been pretty expensive. :lol:
Bob
Mine has not been cheap at all. :lol: Actually it has been pretty expensive. :lol:
Bob
:lol: :lol:
take it from somone who knows!!
76-77 are the lowest value years.... (we all know that..)
makes a good daily driver!!
:cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,280
Likes: 0
From: colorado springs CO
Re: Help purchasing first C3 Corvette (daily_driver)
i think u misunderstood the term "cheapest" ...
it means "lowest value"/...
not lowest to repair and fix..
:boxing :boxing :boxing
it means "lowest value"/...
not lowest to repair and fix..
:boxing :boxing :boxing
