Buying a C3
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There are lots of threads telling you what to check out; but you need to evaluate what you want first--do you want a fix-r-up, a running vehicle ready to go, pure stock, slightly modified, power train, tranny, etc. as well as how much time and money you want to put into the car.
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4,767 Posts
You definitely want to check the "birdcage" (windsheild frame and t-top crossbrace) for rust. Depending on the year, you will also want to check floorboards for rust. Other than that, the typical used car check should suffice. Look underneath at the frame, bushings, brackets and such. You are going to want to drive it and check out the brakes. C3's are notorious for having leaking calipers. Make sure the headlights go up and down with no problem. Check the HVAC functions. Ask about the fuel gauge and whether or not it works. Check to see if the clock is working(replacements are expensive).
Other than that, Anniecorvette makes a very good point. It is all about what you are looking for. Are you mechanically inclined? Are you looking for something to work on in the garage on weekends? Are you just looking for something to get in and drive right away? What is your price range? That could be a huge factor in what quality of car you get.
Good Luck:cheers:
Other than that, Anniecorvette makes a very good point. It is all about what you are looking for. Are you mechanically inclined? Are you looking for something to work on in the garage on weekends? Are you just looking for something to get in and drive right away? What is your price range? That could be a huge factor in what quality of car you get.
Good Luck:cheers:
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9,336 Posts
this question is a little too broad for us to help much. You looking for chrome bumpers? Big block? Numbers matching? So many questions!
There are a lot of sellers out there that don't know what they're talking about, so it's important to go in very well informed. It's good you're getting some background, but we need to narrow the search a bit!
There are a lot of sellers out there that don't know what they're talking about, so it's important to go in very well informed. It's good you're getting some background, but we need to narrow the search a bit!
sry about being somewhat board; i am extremely mechanically and sheetmetal inclined. I have restored a 66 mustang from death ( sorry i like a little bit of both Ford and Chevy) lol
but im lookin for a late model C3 maybe a 78 0r 79? that runs. i just want something in pretty good condiiton i dont care if i have to redo the interior or not. i want something mechanically sound. I also want to know about removing all emissions and the cat since there is none of that here in miami, florida.. im pretty sure i covered most things. other than that ask on!:cheers:
but im lookin for a late model C3 maybe a 78 0r 79? that runs. i just want something in pretty good condiiton i dont care if i have to redo the interior or not. i want something mechanically sound. I also want to know about removing all emissions and the cat since there is none of that here in miami, florida.. im pretty sure i covered most things. other than that ask on!:cheers:
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551 Posts
The '79 has the most stock horse power of the '75 to '82 C3 post emmisions control era. I was searching for anything in that range but the '79 I bought just happened to ride the best of all the others I looked at. I found the biggest problems during my search with that group of Corvettes was sagging suspension. Everyone of them had a leaking oil pan, valve covers and the power steering control arm valve (all not a big deal to fix).sry about being somewhat board; i am extremely mechanically and sheetmetal inclined. I have restored a 66 mustang from death ( sorry i like a little bit of both Ford and Chevy) lol
Clock most likely won't be working, you'll probably find a half ass attempt at a new stereo system, and some of the vac hoses may be leaky.
As far as the emmsions stuff I "forgot" to put back on the heat riser, EFE, Thermac heat supply, and A.I.R. pump and tubes....The beads somehow fell out of the cat too....:devil:
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The 1980 L-82 was rated at 230 HP compared to the 1979 L-82's rating of 225 HP. Still, nothing to gloat about. :cheers:
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