69 Corvette
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: Lawrence KS
69 Corvette
This is my first time buying a car made before the 90's and in looking at this vette i'm considering, there's 2 very interesting things i see, first of all, the rear tires are only 225's that seems kind of low for a car with 350hp, whys it like that? And second the suspension seem to be rock hard. Also is there anything else I should know about this car before I buy it? I'm going to take it for a test run next week and probably buy it then.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,453
Likes: 665
From: Republic of Texas
Re: 69 Corvette (Montezumas_Viper)
This is my first time buying a car made before the 90's and in looking at this vette i'm considering, there's 2 very interesting things i see, first of all, the rear tires are only 225's that seems kind of low for a car with 350hp, whys it like that?
Welcome to the forum :cheers:
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,080
Likes: 565
From: Allen TX
Re: 69 Corvette (Montezumas_Viper)
Realize that back when the car was made, they didn't have nearly the tire technology we have today. A 225mm wide rear tire for a stock 15x8 wheel isn't abnormal. You can always upgrade that. I did. :D Do not let tires make or break a potential purchase.
As far as suspension goes, you get a lot more vibration and feel up through the steering wheel and chassis of these older cars compared to newer ones. Doesn't mean anything is wrong, necessarily. You should be able to tell by getting under it if the suspension parts have been replaced.
As Pat said, make _sure_ the car is rust-free...or very close to it. If there is any rust, make sure its just surface rust. Many cars have this and its not a big deal. Shoot, oxidation, surface rust can occur if something just sits for awhile. But, if the frame is pitted with rust, then run away. It could be swiss-cheese.
What is the rest of the condition of the car that you can tell so far?
As far as suspension goes, you get a lot more vibration and feel up through the steering wheel and chassis of these older cars compared to newer ones. Doesn't mean anything is wrong, necessarily. You should be able to tell by getting under it if the suspension parts have been replaced.
As Pat said, make _sure_ the car is rust-free...or very close to it. If there is any rust, make sure its just surface rust. Many cars have this and its not a big deal. Shoot, oxidation, surface rust can occur if something just sits for awhile. But, if the frame is pitted with rust, then run away. It could be swiss-cheese.
What is the rest of the condition of the car that you can tell so far?
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,080
Likes: 565
From: Allen TX
Re: 69 Corvette (Montezumas_Viper)
won't oversized tires screw up the handleing tho?
I bought some 17" wheels and put 245/45-17s on the front and 285/40-17s on the back. Looks great, and improved handling. The suspension has been completely rebuilt within the last 3-4 years though, so its in really good shape.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: Lawrence KS
Re: 69 Corvette (WA 2 FST)
Well the interior has been redone and the paint is a little chiped (which he said he would fix) arround were the rack on the back was taken off, other then that the paints glossy and the car looks great.
Just out of curiousity which one do you like better your Z06 or your Stringray
[Modified by Montezumas_Viper, 5:02 AM 2/24/2003]
Just out of curiousity which one do you like better your Z06 or your Stringray
[Modified by Montezumas_Viper, 5:02 AM 2/24/2003]
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,080
Likes: 565
From: Allen TX
Re: 69 Corvette (Montezumas_Viper)
Just out of curiousity which one do you like better your Z06 or your Stringray
[Modified by Montezumas_Viper, 5:02 AM 2/24/2003]
[Modified by Montezumas_Viper, 5:02 AM 2/24/2003]
If I had to sell one, it would be the roadster b/c it is just not as practical. The Z06 is put together better (and it SHOULD be). But again, this isn't a rip on the '69. Obviously it has a LOT more personality being as old as it is, in the great condition its in.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
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