1975 pre-purchase questions
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 705
Likes: 96
From: Ventura County CA
1975 pre-purchase questions
I'm looking at a '75 vert locally and as I am not totally familiar with c3's I had some questions.
How do I find the build sticker on the gas tank? How do I access it if is even there?
The trim plate is new and has the wrong paint code and is attached with screws???
I can't seem to find evidence of the original color. It there a best place to look?
Any suggestions on what else to be on the lookout for?
It would be a sweet match for my c5 vert if I do buy it.
How do I find the build sticker on the gas tank? How do I access it if is even there?
The trim plate is new and has the wrong paint code and is attached with screws???
I can't seem to find evidence of the original color. It there a best place to look?
Any suggestions on what else to be on the lookout for?
It would be a sweet match for my c5 vert if I do buy it.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
I'm looking at a '75 vert locally and as I am not totally familiar with c3's I had some questions.
How do I find the build sticker on the gas tank? How do I access it if is even there?
The trim plate is new and has the wrong paint code and is attached with screws???
I can't seem to find evidence of the original color. It there a best place to look?
Any suggestions on what else to be on the lookout for?
It would be a sweet match for my c5 vert if I do buy it.
How do I find the build sticker on the gas tank? How do I access it if is even there?
The trim plate is new and has the wrong paint code and is attached with screws???
I can't seem to find evidence of the original color. It there a best place to look?
Any suggestions on what else to be on the lookout for?
It would be a sweet match for my c5 vert if I do buy it.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
If the trim plate has been messed with and its for the wrong car, you have to start asking yourself why??? If this car is stolen, you get left holding the bag when it's discovered. The other cautions would be a salvage car or just one that was hacked together!
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 150
From: Forth Worth TX
You should read this and become much more knowledgeable with C3's in general before trying to buy one. It gets very expensive to "learn" after you have already purchased one.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html
If the tank sticker is still on the tank, the only way to access it is by dropping the tank.
If the Trim Tag is held on with screws, I would pass on this car.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html
If the tank sticker is still on the tank, the only way to access it is by dropping the tank.
If the Trim Tag is held on with screws, I would pass on this car.
Last edited by Revi; Jan 1, 2015 at 10:33 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,390
Likes: 315
From: Belmont Michigan
The only way you can "access" a tank sticker when you are looking at a car is if the owner hands it to you if it's already been removed- at least to get any info from it. As far as the paint color, see if the owner would remove one of the sill plates and look for old paint under that or the carpet. Plenty of Corvettes have had their trim plates removed and re-installed when they were painted, but it's a little strange that it wasn't riveted back on. That would make me check the VIN tag on the A-pillar pretty closely. Do you have any pics of the trim tag and the VIN?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Unless this car is priced exceptionally low and you understand it will always be under a cloud of suspicion, I'd walk away.
There's not much incentive to find the tank sticker for a later C3. The engine option is coded into the VIN and with a missing trim tag any intrinsic value for a 'rare' colour combination is gone. Most of the remaining options can be deduced by simple inspection.
There's not much incentive to find the tank sticker for a later C3. The engine option is coded into the VIN and with a missing trim tag any intrinsic value for a 'rare' colour combination is gone. Most of the remaining options can be deduced by simple inspection.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 705
Likes: 96
From: Ventura County CA
The vin is intact on the A pillar. The trim plate looks like it was made this morning. Overall the car look good. It is a repaint but it looks really good. I can't find evidence of any replacement panels and the frame is rust free.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
* Do you need an original unmodified car or can you be okay with an appropriately priced modified car?
* Is the car priced and represented as an original unmodified car?
* What does the seller say regarding the screws and trim tag discrepancies?
* Setting investment and resale value aside, if you can get a clean title, is there a price that would make this car a fun "used car" for you?
* Is the car priced and represented as an original unmodified car?
* What does the seller say regarding the screws and trim tag discrepancies?
* Setting investment and resale value aside, if you can get a clean title, is there a price that would make this car a fun "used car" for you?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 705
Likes: 96
From: Ventura County CA
* Do you need an original unmodified car or can you be okay with an appropriately priced modified car?
* Is the car priced and represented as an original unmodified car?
* What does the seller say regarding the screws and trim tag discrepancies?
* Setting investment and resale value aside, if you can get a clean title, is there a price that would make this car a fun "used car" for you?
* Is the car priced and represented as an original unmodified car?
* What does the seller say regarding the screws and trim tag discrepancies?
* Setting investment and resale value aside, if you can get a clean title, is there a price that would make this car a fun "used car" for you?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 140
From: Western New York
Where are you located that a '75 rubber bumper with 100,000 miles is selling for 12K? In my area, you can pick up the same for anywhere from 6-8k. With that trim tag, I'd spend a little more time searching for something a little more original. Happy New Year!
Duane
Duane
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Exactly my thoughts. A lot of money considering the trim plate.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 705
Likes: 96
From: Ventura County CA
Ok I thank all of you for your expertise. I will pass on this one. The reason I wanted opinions was something just did not sit right with me about the car. I looked over the suggested inspection points for the C3 at corvettefaq.com and noticed some of the missing items like the 4X10 pieces that cover the headlights when retracted.
I really wanted a 4speed in a C3 anyway. When I was growing up we always said "real hotrods have three pedals."
I really wanted a 4speed in a C3 anyway. When I was growing up we always said "real hotrods have three pedals."
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 705
Likes: 96
From: Ventura County CA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,390
Likes: 315
From: Belmont Michigan
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 705
Likes: 96
From: Ventura County CA
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 822
Likes: 82
From: Columbus OH
That was fast. They must be plentiful in your area. While you are up all night with your new toy, take some pictures and post them up for us to look at. Threads like this are worthless without pictures.
Have fun with that silly grin on your face.
Have fun with that silly grin on your face.