New Guy to CF
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New Guy to CF
Hey all, my name is Tom and I am a soon-to-be college grad. I'm 24 and will be working in the medical field as I plan the next several years of my life in an attempt to get into medical school. I am heavily leaning towards buying a late 90's convertible C5 and have been doing a ton of reading on this site about common issues etc...
I just wanted to get some posts in, because I know it looks fishy when a newbie posts on the fs/wanted forums that they are looking for a new vehicle and have cash in hand. Also, when I go to look at a C5, are there any specifics I can pay attention to? Is there a way to tell if the column lock mod has been done? And is there a way to tell if the battery has ever done any damage with previous owners? Any and all info would be appreciated! I'm looking at trying to obtain a white convertible or coupe, m6 only with HUD (my friends 2k1 has that and I love it).
I just wanted to get some posts in, because I know it looks fishy when a newbie posts on the fs/wanted forums that they are looking for a new vehicle and have cash in hand. Also, when I go to look at a C5, are there any specifics I can pay attention to? Is there a way to tell if the column lock mod has been done? And is there a way to tell if the battery has ever done any damage with previous owners? Any and all info would be appreciated! I'm looking at trying to obtain a white convertible or coupe, m6 only with HUD (my friends 2k1 has that and I love it).
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You've probably seen this already, but in case you haven't, click on the Weights, measurements, ratios, strengths, etc sticky at the top of C5 general - lot's of good info. Welcome and you too will become addicted to this forum 
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There is a ton of information here that will be helpful to you as you search out that perfect car. I have a couple of files that I have saved from here that goes into what to look for in a C5 when you are trying to buy one. Send me a PM with your e-mail and I'd be glad to forward a copy to you.
If you can turn the steering wheel with the key out of the ignition, you most likely have the column lock bypass installed. As far as the battery, take the current one out, remove the battery tray and then look down into the area below the battery. See if there is any signs of battery acid leakage there.
Take your time and look at the car carefully when you do find one. These are excellent cars, but like any machine, the better they are taken care of the less chance of problems for you. Good luck in your search.
If you can turn the steering wheel with the key out of the ignition, you most likely have the column lock bypass installed. As far as the battery, take the current one out, remove the battery tray and then look down into the area below the battery. See if there is any signs of battery acid leakage there.
Take your time and look at the car carefully when you do find one. These are excellent cars, but like any machine, the better they are taken care of the less chance of problems for you. Good luck in your search.
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Greetings Tom,
Welcome to the forum and good luck in your search for that perfect C5 for you. For the column lock, if you can turn the wheel without the key in the ignition, the car has had some level of CLB installed either from the dealer or via a third party device. As to the battery, I'm not sure you could tell unless the damage was substantial.
Take a look at the options list in the drivers side rear compartment (97's and '98's) or in the glove box ('99-'04) for the RPO codes and you can compare it to a list like this one (from '99)
http://idavette.net/facts/99.htm
Also, if the owner will let you. Have a look at the codes that are displayed on the DIC (drivers information center) display. You can get at them using this procedure:
http://97vette.com/howto/codes/index.html
If you been lurking for a bit I'd guess you've seen the sticky thread at the top of the page. It has a lot of detail on the C5 and outlines many of the more common problems. If you haven't seen it here is a link:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...7&forum_id=103
Here is a link to a Column Lock FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) thread over in C5 Tech:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...483&forum_id=1
Here is a link to a list of the model year differences as the C5 progressed:
http://www.jakelatham.com/c5/misc/differences.shtml
Here is a link to a Corvette Buyers guide/checklist:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/buying.html
Hope this helps,
Paul
Welcome to the forum and good luck in your search for that perfect C5 for you. For the column lock, if you can turn the wheel without the key in the ignition, the car has had some level of CLB installed either from the dealer or via a third party device. As to the battery, I'm not sure you could tell unless the damage was substantial.
Take a look at the options list in the drivers side rear compartment (97's and '98's) or in the glove box ('99-'04) for the RPO codes and you can compare it to a list like this one (from '99)
http://idavette.net/facts/99.htm
Also, if the owner will let you. Have a look at the codes that are displayed on the DIC (drivers information center) display. You can get at them using this procedure:
http://97vette.com/howto/codes/index.html
If you been lurking for a bit I'd guess you've seen the sticky thread at the top of the page. It has a lot of detail on the C5 and outlines many of the more common problems. If you haven't seen it here is a link:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...7&forum_id=103
Here is a link to a Column Lock FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) thread over in C5 Tech:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...483&forum_id=1
Here is a link to a list of the model year differences as the C5 progressed:
http://www.jakelatham.com/c5/misc/differences.shtml
Here is a link to a Corvette Buyers guide/checklist:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/buying.html
Hope this helps,
Paul
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Originally Posted by myc5inparadise
You've probably seen this already, but in case you haven't, click on the Weights, measurements, ratios, strengths, etc sticky at the top of C5 general - lot's of good info. Welcome and you too will become addicted to this forum
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Originally Posted by Thin Red Line
Hey all, my name is Tom and I am a soon-to-be college grad. I'm 24 and will be working in the medical field as I plan the next several years of my life in an attempt to get into medical school. I am heavily leaning towards buying a late 90's convertible C5 and have been doing a ton of reading on this site about common issues etc...
I just wanted to get some posts in, because I know it looks fishy when a newbie posts on the fs/wanted forums that they are looking for a new vehicle and have cash in hand. Also, when I go to look at a C5, are there any specifics I can pay attention to? Is there a way to tell if the column lock mod has been done? And is there a way to tell if the battery has ever done any damage with previous owners? Any and all info would be appreciated! I'm looking at trying to obtain a white convertible or coupe, m6 only with HUD (my friends 2k1 has that and I love it).
I just wanted to get some posts in, because I know it looks fishy when a newbie posts on the fs/wanted forums that they are looking for a new vehicle and have cash in hand. Also, when I go to look at a C5, are there any specifics I can pay attention to? Is there a way to tell if the column lock mod has been done? And is there a way to tell if the battery has ever done any damage with previous owners? Any and all info would be appreciated! I'm looking at trying to obtain a white convertible or coupe, m6 only with HUD (my friends 2k1 has that and I love it).
Leaky rear diff is another common problem
You could try the direct questions to the seller.
Hope you find the one you're looking for.
