Can any forum member be so kind as to point a n00b towards any "telltale" signs that might suggest a car has been wrecked or otherwise seen a trip to the repair shop? Mind you, I'm far and away from being close to mechanically inclined

The CarFax and Service history, along with the dealership's word , indicates mine is a "clean" car. My visual and hands on inspection would support this claim as well.

But, when buying used, it's like your girl saying there was only one other guy and then she pulls some really "freaky" stuff in the bedroom

Of course, a full on inspection by a trusted mechanic is the only sure fire way to know...but then again, maybe one would rather not know if in their mind, the car is perfect!

I've been wiping my car down nightly with a microfiber towel (no car cover yet but the car is garaged).I can see AND feel grit in the paint, mostly on the hood. I've run my hands along the seams and visually inspected them and see no signs of overspray, even though I'd probably miss any if it was there.

I see a few bits (not really much at all) of what appears to be white plastic stuck in the mesh screens under the hood right below the windshield/wipers. To put my mind at ease, I think it's an old grocery bag sucked up on the highway and not some left over plastic that covered the car while it was being re-painted.

The car drives like a champ and I don't feel any signs of mis-alignment or engine problems. The only other thing I notice is the window trim along the rear window (Z06 FRC) is somewhat separated from the glass. Assumedly, this is natural for a four year old car (2003 Z06), black, driven in the hot Florida sun!

Just seeking some pointers from those in the know as I lovingly detail every inch of my new baby

She may never get to the doc's for a checkup...sometimes it's best not to know. After all, I like to get my freak on too

 

Put the car up on a lift and look underneath it.

 

also....Of course, a full on inspection by a trusted mechanic is the only sure fire way to know..is a great idea

 

The hood could have been damaged and replaced/repaired without any damage visible underneath. Often you can feel the roughness along the edges with your finger, but you indicate you've already checked that. It will help you if you clay bar the car to remove the roughness, then you won't be reminded when you wipe it. (I hope you're using a detail spray) After using the clay, you should be able to toss a rag on it and have it slide down the hood.

 

look for possible signs of overspray between pannels, and in odd corners.

Best tip is to lift up the carpet and check for water damage.

 

Best way would be to have a very competent body shop take a detailed look at the car. They can usually spot signs of any prior damage.

 

Another way to check is to look under the car and see if there is overspray on the bottom of the floor boards. Most shops are not used to fixing C5s and do not realize they need to mask the bottom of the car so overspray doesn't get on the bottom of the floorboards, etc. Doesn't make a difference on other cars since they are covered with dirt and undercoating.

Bill

 

I once knew a girl like that. She acted all innocent but then I searched her room and there were whips, chains, handcuffs AND other toys in her closet! Goes to show you never can tell...

 

Wiping with a microfiber towel without a detail spray will generate swirl marks. There are plenty of good and inexpensive detail sprays, but you can use a a splash of car wash mixed with water in a spray bottle in an emergency. Anything to lubricate the finish and keep dust trapped in the mf from doing more damage.

Use the clay. It is fast and easy then top with Zaino or whatever you select as lasting surface protection. Then use a matching detail spray for best results.

I admit, I still wipe down my Corvette several days a week. Its a vert and only takes a couple of minutes and I do take some abuse from the wife who is jealous.

I wouldn't worry too much about damage underneath since the car drives and handles well and looks straight, but it is certainly easy enough to pay someone to look, or jack it up and crawl underneath yourself.

 

As to all of the replies...Check!

I do plan to take it in, just trying to busy myself until I do. Thanks also for the detail spray suggestions, I was thinking the microfiber was good standalone. Now that I think about it, there is a spray that I use that came with the microfiber for my LCD

 

Take a look at the front inner fender wells. I believe the front fenders are orginally glued to the sub-frame. Some repair shops will screw the fenders back on at this point.

I learned this from experience. I am a first time Corvette owner, I think I got caught up in the excitement - Kinda like the good looking girl at 2:00 in the morning at the bar!! Once I got the car home and started looking at it closer I found some sheet metal screws that looked out of place, and a small run in the paint.

I was a little upset at first, for having the wool pulled over my eyes. But soon got over it, you must realize that most of the imperfections you find, nobody will ever know about.

As long as the car dos'nt have 2000 miles on it, its not a collector car. Just drive it.

 

Just quit worrying about it and enjoy it!

 

 

Use the clay bar and then just enjoy your nice ride.

 

Pics?

 

you kept her . right ?