Question about a potential C3 Purchase
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Question about a potential C3 Purchase
Hello,
So, I went and checked out a 1971 Corvette yesterday that I'm very interested in purchasing. I took it for a short test drive and found that the car handled and drove very well, except I noticed a slight whine/whistle sound inside the cabin upon acceleration. It seemed to correspond with the RPM. I couldn't detect the noise outside when the engine was running.
I did some searching around here and saw that potentially it might have something to do with the wiring and the alternator? Or that there may not be enough oil in the car, but I was wondering if there were any other opinions about what this could be.
This is really the only apprehension I had about buying the car, so any advice would be highly appreciated. Thanks.
So, I went and checked out a 1971 Corvette yesterday that I'm very interested in purchasing. I took it for a short test drive and found that the car handled and drove very well, except I noticed a slight whine/whistle sound inside the cabin upon acceleration. It seemed to correspond with the RPM. I couldn't detect the noise outside when the engine was running.
I did some searching around here and saw that potentially it might have something to do with the wiring and the alternator? Or that there may not be enough oil in the car, but I was wondering if there were any other opinions about what this could be.
This is really the only apprehension I had about buying the car, so any advice would be highly appreciated. Thanks.
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It's a 4-speed, sorry. Are the pumps or the vacuum that you mentioned overly expensive/hard to repair without taking it in to a mechanic?
EDIT: I looked around for a replacement power steering pump and water pump and found that to be pretty reasonable. I'm not sure what I'd have to buy for a vacuum leak or a bad bearing, however.
What I'd still like to know though is this something I could buy a manual and take care of on a Saturday afternoon?
Thanks for your help.
EDIT: I looked around for a replacement power steering pump and water pump and found that to be pretty reasonable. I'm not sure what I'd have to buy for a vacuum leak or a bad bearing, however.
What I'd still like to know though is this something I could buy a manual and take care of on a Saturday afternoon?
Thanks for your help.
Last edited by Halorin; Oct 27, 2008 at 11:53 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: toronto ontario
i agree its hard to tell it could be anything. the best thing to do is to check if all the fluid levels are good ( radiator, transmission, motor oil, power steering if possible) then let the engine reach temp and see if the water pump is pumping, just listen to the engine and rev it a few times. make sure all accessories are turned on and off ( fan blower, air cond, radio, etc..)
on my 78 the fan makes a supercharger whine/whistle sound at some speeds, due to the spacing to the fan shrout. it could be nothing, just try to eliminate the source.
if the price is right take fix it later.
on my 78 the fan makes a supercharger whine/whistle sound at some speeds, due to the spacing to the fan shrout. it could be nothing, just try to eliminate the source.
if the price is right take fix it later.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Algonac Michigan
What I meant with my reply is this......The noise you refer to could be any one of a number of things. And replacing all the parts that MAY be causing this sound can get expensive.
You need to isolate the noise with a mechanics stethoscope and determine just where the problem lies. If you don't have a stethoscope you can use a wooden broom handle. Just put it to your ear and start probing around with the end of the wood. You'll get the hang of it and you should be able to I.D. the source of the noise. Then we can talk about what it will cost to fix.
Good luck
You need to isolate the noise with a mechanics stethoscope and determine just where the problem lies. If you don't have a stethoscope you can use a wooden broom handle. Just put it to your ear and start probing around with the end of the wood. You'll get the hang of it and you should be able to I.D. the source of the noise. Then we can talk about what it will cost to fix.
Good luck
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thanks for the advice. Another thing to factor in was that the car hadn't had a chance to reach its normal temperature, or at least I don't think it did. This all helps a lot.
Also, this would b my first car that I plan on working on myself for the most part. Is there a toolset that you guys recommend I buy? Thanks.
Also, this would b my first car that I plan on working on myself for the most part. Is there a toolset that you guys recommend I buy? Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Arkansas
Is this your first car (as in your 15-16-17 years old) or your older, already have a daily driver and want this as a toy to play with?
I would never use a C3 as a daily driver, there are better handling and safer cars out there.
These are meant to be driven....but I just don't think everyday.
But if this your first car (again, 16-17 years old) and you can afford to buy a 1971 Corvette, I would get something newer...like a C4 or C5 corvette that you can enjoy and not spend 99% of your time wrenching.
Age and what the sole purpose of the purchase plays a big factor here...
I would never use a C3 as a daily driver, there are better handling and safer cars out there.
These are meant to be driven....but I just don't think everyday.
But if this your first car (again, 16-17 years old) and you can afford to buy a 1971 Corvette, I would get something newer...like a C4 or C5 corvette that you can enjoy and not spend 99% of your time wrenching.
Age and what the sole purpose of the purchase plays a big factor here...
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Heh, this wouldn't be my first car. I'm actually 24 and just have always had a love for C3 Vettes. This would be my only car, but primarily I take the metro to work, and usually I'd take my girlfriend's car since we go into the city on the metro together.
So on average I'd say the corvette would see between 50-100 miles a week. So.. It would really be between weekend car and daily driver, moreso leaning towards weekend.
I understand how less than ideal having a C3 as a somewhat relied upon form of transportation, but it's just something I've always wanted to do. As far as safety, I don't know. I'd be safer than someone on a motorcycle at least. :P
I have a good friend of mine that knows his way around Corvettes. I'm looking to him for a lot of guidance and then ultimately I'd like to be able to handle the routine maitenance by myself.
So on average I'd say the corvette would see between 50-100 miles a week. So.. It would really be between weekend car and daily driver, moreso leaning towards weekend.
I understand how less than ideal having a C3 as a somewhat relied upon form of transportation, but it's just something I've always wanted to do. As far as safety, I don't know. I'd be safer than someone on a motorcycle at least. :P
I have a good friend of mine that knows his way around Corvettes. I'm looking to him for a lot of guidance and then ultimately I'd like to be able to handle the routine maitenance by myself.
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Instructor
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Not hijacking the thread, BUT, daily driving a C3 is just awesome in my book. Im 19 years old, got the car when i was 16, only things ive had to replace would be-water pump,thermostat,carbueretor,oil pan, oh and a rear spindle but lets not get into that.
Dude if you love these cars and really want it then get it. How often do u hear stories from old timers about "The one that got away"??? ALL THE TIME.
Oh and to answer your question all the things u mentioned are EASY to replace if u can turn a wrench and have a little patience.
The only down side is having a corvette and having a girlfriend is hard to manage. EVERY girl u pass will be staring at you and that will **** her off, at least it pisses mine off! lol
Dude if you love these cars and really want it then get it. How often do u hear stories from old timers about "The one that got away"??? ALL THE TIME.
Oh and to answer your question all the things u mentioned are EASY to replace if u can turn a wrench and have a little patience.
The only down side is having a corvette and having a girlfriend is hard to manage. EVERY girl u pass will be staring at you and that will **** her off, at least it pisses mine off! lol
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
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From: Orange Park Florida
NO excuses why a Shark can't be a DDriver, except for rust....
and even THAT can be fixed....I DD my '72 for over 15 years now....rarely it's not out at least ONCE, just for grins....
IF you can find a decent enough garage, as you progress in the hobby, you can fix anything on the car.....even a accident....heaven forbid....with new ones, not so much so....
I am a resto-rodder....so my '72 is updated with many modern goodies, and redone MY way....course being a '72 it's pretty safe from MOST enviro/safety mavens....but that depends on your state....
I see you mention METRO for transportation, it's the subway in Wash Dc area....if that is where you are, I suggest you check your local laws on inspections/etc.....as my knowledge is severely dated by now....
and even THAT can be fixed....I DD my '72 for over 15 years now....rarely it's not out at least ONCE, just for grins....
IF you can find a decent enough garage, as you progress in the hobby, you can fix anything on the car.....even a accident....heaven forbid....with new ones, not so much so....
I am a resto-rodder....so my '72 is updated with many modern goodies, and redone MY way....course being a '72 it's pretty safe from MOST enviro/safety mavens....but that depends on your state....
I see you mention METRO for transportation, it's the subway in Wash Dc area....if that is where you are, I suggest you check your local laws on inspections/etc.....as my knowledge is severely dated by now....
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: The reason time exists is so everything doesn't happen at once
thanks for the advice. Another thing to factor in was that the car hadn't had a chance to reach its normal temperature, or at least I don't think it did. This all helps a lot.
Also, this would b my first car that I plan on working on myself for the most part. Is there a toolset that you guys recommend I buy? Thanks.
Also, this would b my first car that I plan on working on myself for the most part. Is there a toolset that you guys recommend I buy? Thanks.
There's no reason a well maintained C3 can't be used as a daily driver, most of them started out life that way.
As for tools, the 71 was built before the switch over to metric so a good set of mechanics hand tools from Sears in SAE sizes for about $100 should get you started. As you do more work and require specialized tools just pick them up as you need them.
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Thanks for the information, Mrvette and Jrzvette!
I had planned on picking up the assembly manual for the Corvette as a coffee table reader, and I'll head over to Sears and snag that toolset you recommended.
I have to sell my current car before I can buy the Corvette I checked out, but I'll keep you guys posted on when I take her home.
EDIT:
Oh, and I do live in Northern Virginia and I take the metro into DC. I work 6:30-3, and I almost feel bad for people in my neighborhood when I turn my Corvette on at 5:45 in the morning.
I had planned on picking up the assembly manual for the Corvette as a coffee table reader, and I'll head over to Sears and snag that toolset you recommended.
I have to sell my current car before I can buy the Corvette I checked out, but I'll keep you guys posted on when I take her home.
EDIT:
Oh, and I do live in Northern Virginia and I take the metro into DC. I work 6:30-3, and I almost feel bad for people in my neighborhood when I turn my Corvette on at 5:45 in the morning.