C3 Rust Isuues
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 226
Likes: 6
From: NY
C3 Rust Isuues
It's been 18 years since I last owned my '77, I can't recall the condition of the frame. I'm thinking about buying another C3 and I've seen several threads here pertaining to frame and A pillar rust, is the frame and A pillar rot a real big issue with this generation? Is it something that should make me think twice about buying another one of these cars?, or is it something that is relatively easy to detect and move onto a better car if found in a car under consideration? I would really appreciate any input on this subject. Thanks in advance!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 198
From: Meriden CT
The frame rust is easy to spot. You'll have to have it on a lift or at least ramps. Use a light and a mirror and you can see just about eveything you need to make a judgement. Pay particular attention to the kickup area in front of the rear wheels. The birdcage can be inspected by removing some interior trim panels.
FWIW I bought my '79 in Connecticut (road salt) in 2001 with only surface rust on the frame and nothing wrong with the birdcage. A careful inspection will reveal any serious problems and really not take very long to do.
FWIW I bought my '79 in Connecticut (road salt) in 2001 with only surface rust on the frame and nothing wrong with the birdcage. A careful inspection will reveal any serious problems and really not take very long to do.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,315
Likes: 4,418
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi GRKL,
I believe there are MORE rust free cars out there than rust buckets. But, you have to know what to look for, and be ready to walk away before you fall in love and dream that you can save it.
I think rust is like ice-bergs in that what you see is almost always just an indication of what's hidden.
68-82s... still great cars for the $$$.
Regards,
Alan
I believe there are MORE rust free cars out there than rust buckets. But, you have to know what to look for, and be ready to walk away before you fall in love and dream that you can save it.
I think rust is like ice-bergs in that what you see is almost always just an indication of what's hidden.
68-82s... still great cars for the $$$.
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 226
Likes: 6
From: NY
Good Evening Folks! I decided to revive one of my old threads because I still have some questions on the topic. Even though I recently bought myself a near flawless, low mileage '96 LT4, I feel like I still need to fulfill my dream of having a big-block Vette. So I may be looking back at a '73-'74 w/ factory BB, or a later SB car (up to '79) to do a BB swap. My only problem is the issue with the rust that can occur w/ this generation. So, I need some advise; can a thorough PPI (pre-purchase inspection) by a professional that specializes in Vettes, generally find rust in a perspective buy, in particular in the bird-cage, the frame, of course, and lastly the floor pans on the later cars with the metal pans? Anyones help would be really appreciated. Sorry to all if I'm 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 273
From: Dunedin NZ.
Boy you are taking your time getting this car :-) Well the rusty ones will be even easier to spot now as they've had another seven years to deteriorate LOL. A competent specialist should be able to pick up any issues though but I would want want photo's to verify what was looked at. There are handy holes in the chassis that an endoscope can be poked in to check the inside of the main frame rails, this can pick up disguised patching of the frame.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 226
Likes: 6
From: NY
Boy you are taking your time getting this car :-) Well the rusty ones will be even easier to spot now as they've had another seven years to deteriorate LOL. A competent specialist should be able to pick up any issues though but I would want want photo's to verify what was looked at. There are handy holes in the chassis that an endoscope can be poked in to check the inside of the main frame rails, this can pick up disguised patching of the frame.
Thanks for the input, and the laugh
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,478
Likes: 254
From: Downers Grove Illinois
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,478
Likes: 254
From: Downers Grove Illinois
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 40
Pretty much do the research . Don't trust anybody .....go see for yourself.
If a car is from Yankee land originally .....Michigan , etc .....then it's going to have issues . Those states that use salt like crazy or countries for that matter is killer to old cars in particular.......and look they don't mind lying to you about the condition. It a way of life in the big city ...screw the other guy.
Find out where it was sold , where it has been ......
I would stay away from anything from the salt belt or north , unless your into welding and frame off total restorations. Those people are bad about dumping their rotting old cars off on unsuspecting buyers. Shine the paint and never disclose the rest of the car.
You should look for cars that have lived in drier climates such as AZ ,or Southern CA , NM , etc most of their lives.
Too many people on here have been screwed with buying salt belt cars .
Be very patient.
If a car is from Yankee land originally .....Michigan , etc .....then it's going to have issues . Those states that use salt like crazy or countries for that matter is killer to old cars in particular.......and look they don't mind lying to you about the condition. It a way of life in the big city ...screw the other guy.
Find out where it was sold , where it has been ......
I would stay away from anything from the salt belt or north , unless your into welding and frame off total restorations. Those people are bad about dumping their rotting old cars off on unsuspecting buyers. Shine the paint and never disclose the rest of the car.
You should look for cars that have lived in drier climates such as AZ ,or Southern CA , NM , etc most of their lives.
Too many people on here have been screwed with buying salt belt cars .
Be very patient.
Last edited by LS4 PILOT; Jan 29, 2015 at 10:34 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,744
Likes: 278
From: Akron OH
Pretty much do the research . Don't trust anybody .....go see for yourself.
If a car is from Yankee land originally .....Michigan , etc .....then it's going to have issues . Those states that use salt like crazy or countries for that matter is killer to old cars in particular.......and look they don't mind lying to you about the condition. It a way of life in the big city ...screw the other guy.
Find out where it was sold , where it has been ......
I would stay away from anything from the salt belt or north , unless your into welding and frame off total restorations. Those people are bad about dumping their rotting old cars off on unsuspecting buyers. Shine the paint and never disclose the rest of the car.
You should look for cars that have lived in drier climates such as AZ ,or Southern CA , NM , etc most of their lives.
Too many people on here have been screwed with buying salt belt cars .
Be very patient.
If a car is from Yankee land originally .....Michigan , etc .....then it's going to have issues . Those states that use salt like crazy or countries for that matter is killer to old cars in particular.......and look they don't mind lying to you about the condition. It a way of life in the big city ...screw the other guy.
Find out where it was sold , where it has been ......
I would stay away from anything from the salt belt or north , unless your into welding and frame off total restorations. Those people are bad about dumping their rotting old cars off on unsuspecting buyers. Shine the paint and never disclose the rest of the car.
You should look for cars that have lived in drier climates such as AZ ,or Southern CA , NM , etc most of their lives.
Too many people on here have been screwed with buying salt belt cars .
Be very patient.
I looked at a lot of C3s last year that spent the majority of their lives in the Great Lakes region. Most, but not all, had visible frame, radiator support or windshield pillar rust problems. If you buy a car in this part of the country, inspect the car very carefully for rust before you buy!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 226
Likes: 6
From: NY
Thanks for all the feedback! This is one of the reasons why I may hold off my C3 ideas for now. You know, married, kids = funds are limited. Not to mention the time it will take to find the right one. We'll see! How are these companies out there that do inspections on cars that are not local to you? Are there reputable ones that can be trusted to do a good thorough inspection? How much do one of these inspections usually cost? Thanks to all!
How are these companies out there that do inspections on cars that are not local to you? Are there reputable ones that can be trusted to do a good thorough inspection? How much do one of these inspections usually cost? Thanks to all!
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 707
Likes: 31
From: Pitman NJ
Thanks for all the feedback! This is one of the reasons why I may hold off my C3 ideas for now. You know, married, kids = funds are limited. Not to mention the time it will take to find the right one. We'll see! How are these companies out there that do inspections on cars that are not local to you? Are there reputable ones that can be trusted to do a good thorough inspection? How much do one of these inspections usually cost? Thanks to all!
How are these companies out there that do inspections on cars that are not local to you? Are there reputable ones that can be trusted to do a good thorough inspection? How much do one of these inspections usually cost? Thanks to all!