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Hi everyone, aspiring C3 owner from DC. Hoping to draw on the expertise of folk on the forum to help me know what to look out for and to ask as I hunt down my first Corvette. Many thanks in advance!
Biggest gottcha for these cars seems to be rust issues of the chassis and what's known as the birdcage (the metal frame forming the car's interior seating compartment).
Be sure to thoroughly check for signs of rust.
Other problems are unwelcome surprises left behind by previous owners and/or BUBBA "mechanics"
Are you looking for a project car or one that is ready to drive? Prices will vary accordingly
Last edited by nwav8tor; May 29, 2026 at 01:35 AM.
Hello VDC,
Welcome!!!
Thinking about a new old 68-82 Corvette...NICE.
Lots of changes during those years.
Spend a bit of time learning about them and which years you might be interested in owning!!!!
Now the fun begins!!!
Regards,
Alan
The people on here have years of experience and will give you a straight up answer. We have all asked some questions at times that we thought were a little on the stupid side but it's better to ask that question and get an answer than not, Then have to deal with more issues later. if someone gives you a short smart assed answer just move to the next one. as mentioned above have things checked out. and before you buy anything take the kick panels off and check for rust where the birdcage attaches to the frame. Good luck with finding what you are looking.
Thanks for the very warm welcome and the already extremely helpful advice!
I'm looking for a solid driver that's not in concours condition, but is structurally and mechanically sound - or can be without a crazy amount of work. I'm one of those people that loves the '73 combo of chrome rear bumper, polyurethane front, even if it does mean I'll have to take on some of the emissions measures that were added.
I've actually found a possible car between Cleveland and Pittsburgh. It's still too far to drive on spec and so I'dwelcome any recommendations of NCRS members or other folk in that area that might be willing to do a paid pre-purchase inspection. The seller isn't a Corvette specialist and was very supportive of getting a third-party expert in, which I thought was a good sign. They sent some photos and a video, but I've already learned that someone will need to get the kick panels off, etc. to really get to the bottom of what state the car is in.
Hello VDC,
You might want to contact Forum member .....Tooch1.
He's a VERY serious 73 person.
I'd think he can give you some guidance on just how to proceed.
Because you're quite a new member you might not be able to send him a private message yet.
You can also try an e-mail.
Regards......
Hello VDC,
You might want to contact Forum member .....Tooch1.
He's a VERY serious 73 person.
I'd think he can give you some guidance on just how to proceed.
Because you're quite a new member you might not be able to send him a private message yet.
You can also try an e-mail.
Regards......
Welcome aboard. Unless you're in a hurry a good thing to do would be to drive up to Carlisle in August for the big Corvette event. It was a regular thing for me when I lived in the DC area. They may even have tech sessions that would help your search. It's only a short drive from DC to Carlisle and you'll be glad you did it. You'll need a whole weekend to see everything. https://carlislepafairgrounds.com/pr...s-at-carlisle/
Last edited by 70L46Conv4Sp; May 31, 2026 at 12:15 AM.
New member in DC
