1975 for a first vette?
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: detroit mi
1975 for a first vette?
Ok ive done a little searching on the web but havent found much about the 75, please excuse my newbie-ness. This is my first vette and i cant wait!
Whats up with the 1975s? Are there any pros/cons to getting this year as opposed to another? What are some problem area's to look for?
I found one with 102k miles, thats basically been sitting in storage for the past 6 years. The interior needs a lot of work but other than that it looks decent for a restoration project. And the price is very nice The windshield frame also has some rust on the upper section in front of the T Top, probably from a leaky seal i assume. Ive talked to a few guys i know and they said the 75 isnt a desirable model..but they might be talking out of their rear who knows ....i figured id post here to get some more opinions from the experts!
Thanks in advance
:cheers:
Whats up with the 1975s? Are there any pros/cons to getting this year as opposed to another? What are some problem area's to look for?
I found one with 102k miles, thats basically been sitting in storage for the past 6 years. The interior needs a lot of work but other than that it looks decent for a restoration project. And the price is very nice The windshield frame also has some rust on the upper section in front of the T Top, probably from a leaky seal i assume. Ive talked to a few guys i know and they said the 75 isnt a desirable model..but they might be talking out of their rear who knows ....i figured id post here to get some more opinions from the experts!
Thanks in advance
:cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
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From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
Re: 1975 for a first vette? (linuxrick)
Mine is a '76 .... and I have very few regrets! Mid-seventies were not the hot years and you need to do contstant tinkering to keep driving it. But WOW they are soooo much fun! :party:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,119
Likes: 213
From: Pittsburgh PA
Re: 1975 for a first vette? (linuxrick)
Welcome to the forum. 1975 was the first year for the catalytic converter, and it was probably the weakest stock vette in a while. However, if your state will let you, you could make it into a performer.
As with any C-3, make sure the frame is good. Look around the radiator support, and look up under the rear to see the condition of the rear frame rails. The frame joint right behind the door and in front of the rear tire is another indicator.
I'd shy away from a 75 that will take a lot of dough to make great, as you probably won't come close to getting your money out. A chrome bumper that needs the same amount of work may be a bit more, but you won't get crushed as bad in the end.
Let us know how it goes. Takes some pictures and post them here before you buy.
As with any C-3, make sure the frame is good. Look around the radiator support, and look up under the rear to see the condition of the rear frame rails. The frame joint right behind the door and in front of the rear tire is another indicator.
I'd shy away from a 75 that will take a lot of dough to make great, as you probably won't come close to getting your money out. A chrome bumper that needs the same amount of work may be a bit more, but you won't get crushed as bad in the end.
Let us know how it goes. Takes some pictures and post them here before you buy.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Connecticut
Re: 1975 for a first vette? (foundvettelifeisgood)
Everything foundvettelifeisgood said is good advice. I just want to add that if the car is solid, the low desirability to collectors keeps the prices down. You should be able to find a decent but needs some work 75 for $4-6K, I would think. All corvettes are fun, so don't worry about collectibility right now. Joe
Advanced
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 84
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From: Gulf Coast MS
Re: 1975 for a first vette? (linuxrick)
As stated mid 70s are not all that desirable, but then again you wont' pay too much for one either. My first was a 76. Man is it a blast to drive. With the tops off on a beautiful day ain't nothing like it. Just beware of rust in frame, that can get very expensive to fix. :seeya
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 236
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From: Spring Lake mi
Re: 1975 for a first vette? (linuxrick)
I have a 75 I just bought about a month ago just north of you in Saginaw. I was just looking for a C-3 and came across this one. The guy had everything done to it that I would have been looking to do (engine .30 over mild cam, intake, carb, heads, true dual exhaust, half shafts,u-joint's, clutch,trans, brakes) and he just got behind on other things had to many things on his plate he said. It's half stripped now but that's all i have to do it the paint everything else is good and ready to drive. So you have to way the factor of how good on a price is it and are you going to be dumping money into it and not enjoy it after your done-or could you have paid a more for a better all around car.Plus are you going to be doing the work yourself or paying somebody?
Good luck
Good luck
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,844
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From: Pearland TX
St. Jude Contributor
Re: 1975 for a first vette? (linuxrick)
Storage for any car is not a good thing unless it is done right. Was the car just set up for the last 6 years? Did the owner start it every couple of months? Did they put preservatives in the gas tank? If it was just totally neglected for that time you might as well expect things that rotted or ready to fail when you bring it back to life. If you expect to completely redo things, then figure that in on what you are willing to pay for the vette you are talking about. I own a vette that was stored for 12-13 years. I would never buy one again unless I asked more questions up front as I have replaced just about everything.
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Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2
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From: detroit mi
Re: 1975 for a first vette?
Wow thanks for all the great advice, i will take a look at the frame for sure!.
I have a feeling it was just parked in a storage faciliity, the owner was getting up in age and didnt drive it at all, it just sat and im sure the gas is bad, hopefully the motor is ok...if not time for an overhaul :D
I will be doing all the work myself, im not a professional mechanic but ive worked on cars all my life, mostly GM too, just never a vette. Im pretty confident i can do what it might need, well within reason anyway :smash:
I will post some pictures and let you all know what i find out!
This is a Great board!
I have a feeling it was just parked in a storage faciliity, the owner was getting up in age and didnt drive it at all, it just sat and im sure the gas is bad, hopefully the motor is ok...if not time for an overhaul :D
I will be doing all the work myself, im not a professional mechanic but ive worked on cars all my life, mostly GM too, just never a vette. Im pretty confident i can do what it might need, well within reason anyway :smash:
I will post some pictures and let you all know what i find out!
This is a Great board!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 1
From: Boxford Mass
Re: 1975 for a first vette? (linuxrick)
Shop around. Get a feel for prices before you pull the trigger. IMHO, the most important aspect should be a clean and straight body with nice paint. Good paint jobs and body work is very expensive of these cars.
You really have to shop around and get a feel for what you like. My first vette was a 74 coupe. Cool car, strong motor, but not soon after I really wanted a convertible.
75 is a cool year too, you should get an awesome car for a great price. Don't settle for less.
You really have to shop around and get a feel for what you like. My first vette was a 74 coupe. Cool car, strong motor, but not soon after I really wanted a convertible.
75 is a cool year too, you should get an awesome car for a great price. Don't settle for less.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 16,483
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From: The Only Corvette in Gila Bend, Az.
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: 1975 for a first vette? (linuxrick)
Sounds like your on your way to ownership.... Good Luck :thumbs:
And welcome to the Corvette Forum. :party:
And welcome to the Corvette Forum. :party:
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
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From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Re: 1975 for a first vette? (linuxrick)
... I will be doing all the work myself, im not a professional mechanic but ive worked on cars all my life, mostly GM too, just never a vette. Im pretty confident i can do what it might need, well within reason anyway :smash:
I will post some pictures and let you all know what i find out!
This is a Great board!
I will post some pictures and let you all know what i find out!
This is a Great board!
75 is a great yr. to modify. Remember they are trying to improve each year so 75 is good for someone who likes the 68 design as opposed to the 78 design.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 78
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From: Palm City Fl
Re: 1975 for a first vette? (linuxrick)
IMO, All the rubber bumper cars were :cool: . The base for HP gains are cheap and easy. They don't handle too bad and can be made to stick like glue. Great choice!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,609
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From: Behind the wheel of a large automobile
Re: 1975 for a first vette? (REDSHARKONBOYDS)
You'll never be the fastest vette but if you buy that '75 you've got a good chance of being the slowest ..... I know ...... I've got one. Dollar for dollar, if you're carefull you can buy a lot of fun for the money with a soft bumpered C3.
Welcome to the forum......
Welcome to the forum......