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Got a line on a C3

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Old Nov 15, 2004 | 07:38 PM
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Default Got a line on a C3

A man that I did soom work for has a 77 vette for sale he asking $4,200.00 for it what do I need to look hard at?
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Old Nov 15, 2004 | 07:53 PM
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Originally Posted by I BE a fiero
A man that I did soom work for has a 77 vette for sale he asking $4,200.00 for it what do I need to look hard at?
You need to look at everything, remember this is a 30 year old car and even a vette rusts big time. I would suggest you take it to a trusted mechanic or a vette pro in your area. The most expensive vette you will ever own is a rotten one. Many time it is best and much cheaper in the long run if you buy a good running vette.
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Old Nov 15, 2004 | 08:14 PM
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Frame Rails!!!! Look at rear rails that kick up over the rear wheels.
Look at the winshield frame for rust
Look at the Rad Craddle.. for rust
Look at the seat pockets...

Bottom line Rust Rust Rust...

Just see if everything is structurely sound... Bring a Screwdriver and poke at that thing. LOL
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Old Nov 15, 2004 | 08:20 PM
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Originally Posted by 73-Vette-454
You need to look at everything, remember this is a 30 year old car and even a vette rusts big time. I would suggest you take it to a trusted mechanic or a vette pro in your area. The most expensive vette you will ever own is a rotten one. Many time it is best and much cheaper in the long run if you buy a good running vette.
thx
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Old Nov 15, 2004 | 08:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Augustus
Frame Rails!!!! Look at rear rails that kick up over the rear wheels.
Look at the winshield frame for rust
Look at the Rad Craddle.. for rust
Look at the seat pockets...

Bottom line Rust Rust Rust...

Just see if everything is structurely sound... Bring a Screwdriver and poke at that thing. LOL
thx
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Old Nov 15, 2004 | 08:21 PM
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Look everywhere for excessive rust. The windshield frame and the frame kickups in front of the rear wheels are 2 very common problem areas. Rusty floors from various Corvette leaky spots seem to come up qiute a bit on this forum. The radiator support and vacuum can in front of the radiator as well. The rear suspension should not have bent strut rods. Check all brake components for leaks, as this is common, too. if the power steering is not leaking, it is probably out of fluid. The list of things to look for is huge, but I would not expect much for the asking price you quoted. Stick around the forum for a while and you will get a sense of what to look for and about how much to spend.
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Old Nov 15, 2004 | 08:22 PM
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I second what has been said. Leaking brakes are also common but if the car is driveable then they are probably ok.
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Old Nov 15, 2004 | 08:36 PM
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Don't buy the first one you find. Take your time and look around. That is part of the fun!
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Old Nov 16, 2004 | 01:55 AM
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Originally Posted by I BE a fiero
A man that I did soom work for has a 77 vette for sale he asking $4,200.00 for it what do I need to look hard at?
Keep in mind that the 1974 through the 1979 corvettes are the least valuable at the moment. Excluding the 1975 convertable, (the last year of the convertable), Common rust points include just in front of the rear wheels.Feel inder the car for the frame rail, take a long strong screw driver and poke it hard in the sugested places. If red flakes fall out you inspect closer. Another good Idea is to carry a white towel with you throw it down on the front carpeting as close to the fire wall as possible and delicatly feel shake gently bump the dash bottoms and boxes under the dash, works best on the drivers side of a C3, flakes will fall. Take a flashlight with you.
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Old Nov 16, 2004 | 07:31 AM
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I love my '77 -- got lucky and got a great deal --- other than the rust checks mentioned above:

don't under estimate the price of replacement parts --- I am all but finished with a total interior redo ----- I buy, sell, swap, and trade parts (ebay has been good to me), but it still cost a chunk of change.

Add to that a new motor, trans, and/or paint job and you may well end up with a very expensive Vette --- which in itself isn't a bad deal --- you should just be aware going it.

good luck --- once you work out any bugs you'll love it
Ronnie
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