General Question
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 14
From: Mobile Alabama
There is not really a good answer to your question. After this many years, many things that are a problem with one car may be no problem with yours. It would also depend on the mileage/use in the past, maintenance, and storage. Check the sticky on what to look for before you buy - it should list a number of things to check.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
Biggest problem with the '74 C3 (or any other year C3) is the owner having the good sense to be PROACTIVE with the maintenance done on the car. Sorry...but that IS the biggest problem with having an older vehicle.
Fix it right...and keep it fixed. (Just like with the new cars...)
Fix it right...and keep it fixed. (Just like with the new cars...)
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
...General Question...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 822
Likes: 82
From: Columbus OH
My father-in-law always taught me: No matter what, make sure you can always stop! Then make it go, and then go faster!
To make it stop, go thru the brake system. Old leaky brake calipers and hoses should always be checked and you should have a firm brake pedal. Are these "major" problems? No. They can easily be checked and replaced with some basic tools.
To make it stop, go thru the brake system. Old leaky brake calipers and hoses should always be checked and you should have a firm brake pedal. Are these "major" problems? No. They can easily be checked and replaced with some basic tools.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
Chevy V8 engines and 1960's/70's cars in general were very reliable. And, if the operating systems are brought back to fairly good condition, these old cars are still very reliable. Parts are readily available and documentation on how to repair and maintain these cars can be found almost everywhere on this planet.
The only other thing one needs is the desire to buy one and bring it back to life.
The only other thing one needs is the desire to buy one and bring it back to life.
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 51
From: Wichita Kansas
Common problems in a C3 are rust issues in the cage, body mouts and frame. All C3's have rear wheel bearing and vacume headligjht concerns if not maintained properly. Other than that its like any other car to me. Maintain it, drive it and enjoy. As problems occure you will find a related experiance and solution on here.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 476
Likes: 37
From: Lynnwood WA
The first major problem I faced was finding a shop that I could trust to do the things I could not or did not want to do my self. I started asking the local exhaust and brake shops who they turn to for help with older cars. They all sent me to the same trans shop run by an ex GM mechanic and his son. They know their stuff and do any job I ask, do it correctly for a fair price. They also know I want to do as much of the work I can myself and are always there when I have a question or need guidance. They are a lot like this forum but in three dimensions and dirtier. Four blocks from my home! No fancy shop full of people trying to BS their way into your wallet. Just blue collars, dirty hands, and heads full of years of knowledge. I bet there is a place like this in every city. Find it. Sorry to be so long winded but I was just thinking today what a relief it is to have that, someone's got my back feeling.