I am possibly buying a 1968 corvette PROJECT and was wondering what were some of the things that you guys missed when you bought your corvette or other cars? For example i have a 1976 corvette that when buying i never looked under the flour mates to see the holes in the carpet and surface rust on the floor pan; which later on caused problems down the road.

Also if anyone knows anything about the 68 that a should look for or be aware before buying it would be very appreciated.

Thanks,

Kevin

 

Besides the normal things, engine numbers (if that matters to you), rusted windshield posts and header, rust in the frame, rusted trailing arms and leaking brake calipers, 68's have many unique to 68 only parts.

As a first year model, many changes were made throughout the year and then further improvements were made for 69. Many of the 68 only parts cost conciderably more than the same part for a 69 or newer Vette. This applies to repro and used parts. Many of the 68 only parts aren't being made and have to be found used.


A short list of unique to 68 parts includes: grills, grill brackets, early headlight doors, core support, radiator shroud, wheels, wiper door actuator, wiper door and molding, steering column, dash, door panels, doors, door handles, door locks, parking brake console, coupe interior courtesy lamp lenses, seat belts and even the hinges used in the rear storage compartment doors (of which there are at lease 2 designs). There's more, but you get the idea. A heavily modified car or one that has a lot of missing or replaced original parts can be very difficult and expensive to return to original, if this is your intention. I realize that this can be said of many Corvettes, but a 69-72 in like condition can be restored easier and cheaper. Of course if your interested in a modified car, than this isn't as big of an issue, but should still be considered.

I'm not telling you to avoid the 68, just trying to help you be aware of what to look out for. Being in the parts business, I've dealt with many people who have found this out the hard way; AFTER buying a 68. Just like buying any car, educate yourself ahead of time, ask questions and if your not sure of yourself, get the help of someone more knowledgable to look at it with you. Your off to a good start by asking questions here.

Good luck,
Glenn

 

Only thing I missed when I bought the car was a leaking fuel tank.

No probs with 1/4 tank when I inspected and bought it, but a lot of perforations in tank above 1/2 full mark caused some concern after first full fill. New tank was put in and all OK.

As mentioned, all the exclusive to 68's parts are costlier.

I personally like the differences... especially the key in the centre of the dash and the lower height (no head restraint) bucket seats.

The big thing to look for is rust.... headaches!
Then check the body... fibreglass rework can be costly
Then worry about mechanicals (engine/trans/brakes etc) easily obtained
And then the cosmetics ..... appearance/finish/NCRS compliant etc

 

Biggest thing I missed was frame rust...but that is because someone glued a couple of pieces of tin over it, then painted it to look like the undercoating.



Got it fixed no problem, but it still pi$$ed me off

I also missed Bubba's "Antenna Retaining Gatorade Cap". But that one was just a good laugh!



I still got a good car, but "Let the Buyer Beware!"

 

Thanks, unfortunately it is has a 327 but that''''s double the horses I have now one my 1976 L48. He is selling it for 3,500 with all the parts.







I know it is going to be a project but i want to restore something that I know is perfect and reliable in every way. Also it is a great learning experience.

 

From your pictures I think someone gave up on that car for a reason. You say you want it to be perfect and reliable in every way. I'm not going to ask how thick your wallet is, I'm gong to ask how many wallets you have.
Do you realize what you're undertaking with this car? $3500.00 will be a very small fraction of the money you'll have in it when it's perfect in everyway.
Regards,
Alan

 

I think that if you look around,you can do better! It looks to me like you are getting somebody else's headache.

 

As we say on the Forum, "Run, Forrest, run!"

With the economy flat and getting toward the end of the good weather, I can't believe you can't do better either, even if your seller has all of the parts. That baby needs, in the words of Led Zeppelin, "A Whole Lotta Love!"

I see rust issues and ugly fender flares to start. I do not know the level of your experience and expertise, except that you have a 76 and are somewhat familiar w C3's.

Search the many threads over the years that discuss the parts that are unique to only 68's, for one. 68's also have less interior room due to the larger steering wheel and slightly wider door panels.

None of this is to discourage you from obtaining a 68, just this one!

Rickman

 

you must take very good inventory of all parts.
and you must know exactly what the parts are, and know if you have everything there.
I suggest find a local knowledgable Corvette guy, and take him with you.
I bought a project and was told everything was there, but failed to verify,
so I am still chasing parts down. 69VETT

 

for the same money i bought a complete numbers matching '68 with a clean frame and bird cage. the car had been through a frame off a few years ago and the guy had put the body back on and the drive train back in. the rest of the parts were pretty much in boxes so, yes, it is a project car and one that i would normally avoid since all the interior was removed. but for the price i thought it was worth a shot. the jury is still out on that one. however, looking at the pic you posted there is no comparison. having said all that...something i almost missed was the windshield frame. i nearly bought one '68 vette but upon second viewing i noticed the windshield frame was rusted out almost completely. i picked up on that concern on this website where someone had commented to watch out for that area. i put white paper on the floor board directly under the dash and tapped (pretty hard) on the outside of the windshield and noticed some rust flaking down on the paper then looked around the glass where it rests on the frame and noticed major rot in that area.