First time buying and want to make sure I don’t end up with a total nightmare. I’m looking at an 81 with the following description: “The engine is completely rebuilt probable less then 200 miles on it. Power Windows work but passenger side is slow and will not go up all the way unless door is open. Bored .30 over (355) Power Locks do not work. New Flat-Top pistons Loose Rear Window Trim. New mild Melling MTC 1 Cam. All new bearings and oil pump. Runs Very Good. New Brakes and Rubber lines - Slotted Disks. Newer Paint. Glass T-Tops. All new weather striping and door seals. Kenwood Radio w/sub
Rebuilt Trailing Arms with new rear wheel. bearings. New A/C Evaporator and Accumulator, AC is nice and cold.”

I also received the following pictures. All seems good to me but I am sure I am overlooking something. I plan on doing minor repairs and mods myself while having major work done by mechanic who I have worked with for years. I will be taking it out about 4 times a week for an estimated average of 80 miles/week. So not a daily driver but also not a weekend. Any advice or opinions are appreciated.

 

Look on the last page, post #133-Ten Rule For Buying a Corvette:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...orvette-7.html

 

Especially #5. Just because it looks good outside, rust could be hiding.

 

I saw this one on the forums. As stated above, you cannot buy these cars (or any other car, imho) without a thorough in person inspection and good test drive. Rust and problems can be hidden easily. Take 45-60 minutes to inspect and be picky.

 

Hi astbird19, welcome to the forum! Lots of very helpful people on here. And congrats on choosing a C3 - they are beautiful cars!

Good advice above regarding the 10 rules, etc. Here are a couple of ideas/thoughts:
* We need more pics and details to really be able to help.
* Always be somewhat skeptical about 'just rebuilt'. By whom? Receipts? Etc. If it has really been rebuilt, that is good.
* Rust is not your friend, so be careful there. From the little I can see from your pics, the bit of frame rail I see looks good, but you really need to check the other areas pointed out in the rules.
* I could tell the trailing arms have been out. Rebuilt TAs are a good thing. And quite of bit of work so that's good.
* Trim plate definitely painted over. That's sloppy. What else might the POs been sloppy on? Not a show stopper at all, just a possible sign of care.
* The VIN tag looks really clean. It's different from the earlier C3s I'm used to dealing with so someone with more experience on the later C3s will need to comment there.
* Don't be in a hurry. This may be the car you want, but may not be. It's easy to get emotional about these C3s, but $ can add up fast. C3 prices are on the rise, but there are a lot of good cars out there.
* As you go thru the 'rules', take note of the things that have to be done, you may want to get to, and you can live with. Then add up the $ to get it where you want to see if it meets you financial goals. Note that if it needs paint and you can't do the paint work yourself, it can easily go over $10k for a decent paint job. Sweat labor can help you there, and the forum members can help you if/when you need it.

Have fun in your hunt, and keep us informed! Paul

 

Thanks everyone for the quality responses. I plan on having it inspected when I go to see it for the first time as well as test driving. Is it critical to get a specialized mechanic to inspect these or will I be fine with a reputable local one?

 

I would take one that has worked quite a bit on these cars and knows where to look for rust ie birdcage.

 

post 107 is better has the pics. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...orvette-6.html