I'll be in the market soon for a C3 74-82. What problems should I look out for?

:steering:

 

There are a couple of nice ones listed in the "For Sale" Section of this forum. You will want to check for the ususal things specially frame rust behind the rear wheels and around the windshield
Good Luck

 

Look no further. I have my 74 convertible for sale and she is more than just a "good looker". Solid frame, mostly original for 14k firm.
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jimbrogan/index.htm

Jim

 

Welcome :seeya , I like that name. No matter how many you have you still "Want-A-Vette". :yesnod: :lol:

Word of advice, take some time to find a vette that suits you. What class best suits your needs?

Cruzin on the weekends?
Street and Dragstrip?
Daily Driver?

What drive train and suspension you have majorly effects the enjoyability of your vette, choose wisely.

Then when you find a few candidates you can worry about looking for the problem areas.

I agree with the above, the forum is a great place to buy and sell vettes. :yesnod:

 

That's a loaded question.

What things are you willing to put up with? Cosmetics? Things not working that don't impact driveability or safety? How about a non-functional clock? How about headlights that don't go up? How about windows that don't roll down, or back up? How about non-functional A/C?

What things are you capable of doing yourself? Front wheel bearings, engine tuning, minor suspension work, electrical?

My advice - get the Black Book, the Corvette Buyer's Guide, and maybe subscribe to Corvette Fever. Look at lots of cars, go to shows, etc. Find a new friend that's owned a Corvette and has worked on it that you can trust to go to for advice.

If you were me, I'd say look out for rust on the frame, especially in the kick-up area in front of the rear wheel. Look for evidence of prior body damage, look at the underneath of the fiberglass inside the wheel wells. Look for evidence of electrical problems, non-standard wiring, non-functioning or finicky electrical accessories.

Realizing that you're looking at a 25-30 year-old car, I'd say to not sweat the stuff that would normally wear - brake pads and rotors, u-joints, tires, bushings, ball joints and tie-rods, springs, bearings, interior components. Considering that some of this stuff can be DIY and fun at the same time, I wouldn't place a lot of emphasis on condition in these areas. It's one thing to replace the rotors, it's a completely different thing to replace a rusty frame.

Good luck in your search.

 

Sorry,
My main concern was (major) structural problems that involved the frame, suspension, and body. I wouldn't have the resources to handle such problems currently. I have found there are plenty of resources to assist with cosmetics, paint, interior, and engine. I was hoping to find something around 5 or 6 grand that doesn't require extensive rework.

 

Thank you,

That is just the advice I was looking for. Is there a trick to finding these problem or is it easy to see? I would hate to spend a lot of money on a Vette and find out later the frame is beyond repair.

 

Sweet Vette,

but a little out of my price range. I'm looking to spend 5-6 grand. You know, start slow and work my way up.

 

Thanks for the advice. I'll take my time and choose wisely.

P.S. I'll have to upgrade my user name when I purchase a Vette. Perhaps "Gotta-A-Vette" :lol:

 

Read through the articles here on mechanics inspection and others.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/listing.asp?group=6