Hello all, I am new to the board but not to the car hobby. Or I should say I am getting back in the car hobby, I have decided it is time for another project car. I have always loved the look of the C3 Corvette so I would really like to get one of those. Since I an getting a project level car, I am looking for some tips on what to look for in these cars. I would like to get one that I can drive as I fix it, and do the major projects over the winter. I am in Connecticut so winter, and unfortunately rust is an issue. Anyway, here are some of my questions:

In terms of rust, where are the major trouble areasI should look at? I can weld so some won't scare me off(like floorboards), but I would like to avoid serious structural rebuilding if I can.

In the long run, I would like a manual car but I would buy an automatic and convert it if it was a good deal. I have heard it is a pretty straightforward swap, is that true? Also, what otions are out there for 5 speed swaps? I know the put them in some 80's GM cars, is it a doable swap or not worth it?

Where does the major money go on a car like this? Or better still, what one thing would turn you away from a project car? Like, you will deal with anything else but this one thing is too expensive?

Any other tips would be very welcome. I am just starting to read up about them now so if you have suspension or engine tips I would love to hear them. Oh yeah, I know the late 70's ones are low compression (I imagine I will get a 75-77 because they are relatively affordable and I like the look of the recessed window), can this be fixed with some aftermarket heads with smaller combustion chambers or is it more of a piston thing(probably both, right?)

 

Some good reading -

Go here --> www.corvettefaq.com

Click on the "Misc" link you'll find in the left column. Not the "Misc" that is a subsection of the "Engine" area, the one that is a section all its own.

Seek out the three links that begin with "Mechanic Inspection before buying C3...." about 2/3rds of the way down the page.

 

Welcome to the forum

usually in terms of rust it seems that the front birdcage recieves a lot of the damage. Make sure you find out where your car was initially sold and driven. If it was a cold weather location car you have to check the chassis more carefully, you'd be surprised what road salt can do to the underbody of a car.

The transmission I'm not really sure on, I know if you want a 5 speed I'm pretty sure you'll have to swap the tranny regardless. If your sticking with the same shift style tranny it's pretty straightforward, but as for converting to a manual for an automatic I'm not too sure on. I'd believe it would be a pain personally, but if you have the time and patience go for it.

It's true the late 70s to early 80s are pretty big dogs do to all the smog and pollution laws that came into effect around this time. If you opened them up they can be just as powerful as any other year vette, but if you want to keep the car street legal thats another story. Swapping out the heads and cam will up your compression and performance but the main constraint on the late 70's C3s was the exhaust in my opinion.


All in all these cars are fun to work with, and nothing feels better than having little kids give you the thumbs up when you drive past them .
Good luck and have fun.

 

just do your homework. i noticed lots of parts missing or replaced with different yrs. stuff. for example min e came w/ gauge cluster from an 80 or something as it had an oil temp where the clock goes. i mighta looked around more if i knew more, but i like turning wrenches anyway! lots of clones out there too, learn to read vin #s carry a vin book with you.

 

Wow that was a good link. That has EVERYTHING. I wanted the removeable rear window as well, I found an article on that too. In regards to emissions laws, in Connecticut if your car is 25 years or older, you are emissions exempt, so I am free to build a motor to my hearts content. I was definately going to do an exhaust, probably side pipes. Then I was thinking if I got a car with a good bottom end, maybe I could just slap some heads, a modern intake, and some mild performance cam on it and I would see some very significant performance. Back to rust, how about the frame, any typical trouble areas there to avoid? Also, I found an add for one that needs new bumper covers, is that the type of thing that is very expensive so I want to avoid it?

 

Wow, I have seen a lot of pro big block threads here! I would have thought that small block would be the way to go with a vette. Its a lot lighter but still makes really good HP, keeps weight off the front tires for handling and is still fast. Of course the big block has the torque. I don't know, maybe I am still in the traditional muscle car mind set. What do you think?

 

buy the best you can afford.

 

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