C3 drive shaft
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 127
Likes: 15
From: Dallas Texas
C3 drive shaft
Hello everybody, I am looking to replace the Driveshaft on my 72 Corvette as it is heavily pitted and not really restorable. The question I have for the group today is if I buy a driveshaft from a 78 Corvette that’s in amazing shape. Will that work on my car? 72 LT1, four speed.
thank you in advance for all the insight
thank you in advance for all the insight
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Is this 78 also a 4 speed car?
Why not just call Bairs Corvettes and get a new one that you know will fit?
Why not just call Bairs Corvettes and get a new one that you know will fit?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,228
Likes: 7,825
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Oh, and according to Bairs. Yes if the 78 your looking at is a 4 speed car, then yes you could use this used part. If on the other hand this 78 is a automatic car. Well, that's a different part.
You do realise a brand new quality shaft with brand new U joints is just not an expensive part. Why the used part route?
You do realise a brand new quality shaft with brand new U joints is just not an expensive part. Why the used part route?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 127
Likes: 15
From: Dallas Texas
Thank you
Thank you for the feedback and advice. If the 78 driveshaft will work on a 72 and it’s a four speed. It’s in amazing shape where all I need to do is a little bit of cleanup. I was looking at the cost versus buying a new driveshaft. Also, do you have a source for rear differential housing. Once again, mine is heavily pitted and not restorable. I found one person on eBay and it’s $1800.
I will give Bairs Corvette a call today. Thanks a bunch for your help ,
I will give Bairs Corvette a call today. Thanks a bunch for your help ,
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
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From: US-PNW
Just some thoughts...
I can possibly see a steel driveshaft getting significant rust, but the cast iron differential case is a different story. Cast iron is less reactive than steel. Do you know that the case just had an "as cast" surface and will always appear somewhat rough and "pitted"?
Has the car sat in water? If the driveshaft and differential are so heavily pitted and un-restorable, what do the trailing arms and frame look like? What do you think the cause of this level of corrosion is? Maybe @GTR1999 has seen other instances like this?
I can possibly see a steel driveshaft getting significant rust, but the cast iron differential case is a different story. Cast iron is less reactive than steel. Do you know that the case just had an "as cast" surface and will always appear somewhat rough and "pitted"?
Has the car sat in water? If the driveshaft and differential are so heavily pitted and un-restorable, what do the trailing arms and frame look like? What do you think the cause of this level of corrosion is? Maybe @GTR1999 has seen other instances like this?
