I am a newbie here looking to buy my first vette. I found a 76 Stingray and was wanting to know if anybody can share their expertise on what I should be looking for......in other words, is there anything for that particular year and model that I should be wary about?

Seller states the engine was rebuilt (350), new disc brakes, muffler and rad fan. Was asking $7500.....I shot him an offer at $5000 and he's willing to let it go - strapped for cash.

 

Where do you live? If it is the Northeast, I would be worried about rust.

 

Also , does he have any supporting documents or receipts for the work he said was done? When you pull the oil dip stick, how does the oil look? Clear and full, or blackish and down a quart?

 

I lived way up northeast - Montreal, Canada so rust is always an issue and something we are constantly look out for first.
I will take your advice on the oil check and receipts, however, I was wondering if the 76 had a particular or common problem such as overheating, or suspension issues, frame weakspots, etc.

 

All the C3's (68-82) pretty much have the same issues when it comes to rust. The usual spots are the frame at the rear kickup and the windshield frame (birdcage). 76' sometimes gets a bad rap because it had the Vega style steering wheel (one year only). If you can take a few photo of the undercarriage and post them here, I'm sure others will add comments.

Gary

Here's a couple of web sites on buying a used Corvette. There is a ton of info on the web.

http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/D...uide2.html#The Stingrays From 1968 to 1982
http://www.qldcorvetteclub.com.au/tech/howtobuy.htm

 

Thank you very much for those links. They really have lots of important info for newbies such as myself and answered many questions.

 

Here is a copy of a post I just made for DoberDad regarding this topic...

Another very important thing to check before buying ANY C3 is to check for rust around the windshield frame. This can be a MAJOR job to repair and is easy to check. See if the owner will let you remove one or two pieces of trim around the interior of the windshield. You will need a Phillips screwdriver and a flashlight. Remove the piece across the top of the winshield, (inside the car, behind the sunvisors). Poke at the metal with a screwdriver, (don't hit the glass!), and make sure the metal is solid. Poke any rusted areas and see if the screwdriver goes through the metal, if it does you have rust problems. Remove both side trims and do the same. Remove the trim down by your feet where the vent is. Look inside the pillar at the bottom for a large bolt. This is one of the body mount bolts. See if there is a pile of rust flakes around that bolt. If there is, they likely fell from above where there is likely rust at the base of the windshield. If the owner will not let you check these areas, or if you do and you find substantial rust, I would walk away or take at least $2K off of the price.