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Please Review: Ten Rules For Buying Your First C3 Corvette
07-12-2008, 11:28 PM
#1
TheCorvetteBen
Thread Starter
Please Review: Ten Rules For Buying Your First C3 Corvette
I have decided to take down my post ...
Last edited by chstitans42; 01-12-2019 at 04:47 PM. Reason: Added suggestions/Restored the pics...edits/video
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07-13-2008, 12:08 AM
#3
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On number 9, the "casting numbers on the block" are not compared to the VIN. The casting number for example could be for an "010" block, which could be for a C3, or a truck. There is no VIN comparison, nor is anything necessarily corfirmed.
The stamp pad VIN derivative on the block is what is compared to the VIN to see if the numbers match. The stamp pad suffix will also tell you if the motor is correct for the car's application.
If I were writing the list, I wouldn't say "write down the VIN and trim tag info," either. I would say, "bring a Black Book with you and check the correctness of the VIN, trim tag vs colors and engine data."
It's a good list for beginners.
The stamp pad VIN derivative on the block is what is compared to the VIN to see if the numbers match. The stamp pad suffix will also tell you if the motor is correct for the car's application.
If I were writing the list, I wouldn't say "write down the VIN and trim tag info," either. I would say, "bring a Black Book with you and check the correctness of the VIN, trim tag vs colors and engine data."
It's a good list for beginners.
07-13-2008, 12:41 AM
#4
Melting Slicks
I'd be a little surprised if a seller of a corvette would allow you to stab the frame of his corvette and possibly put a hole in it. I know I'd probably grab you by the seat of your pants and throw you out of my garage. There are many gaps in the frame that you can slip a finger up into and feel for either a build up of rust flakes, or a very solid piece of steel.
I like #8, and I think a quick way to tell if bubba has visited your C3 is by looking at the engine compartment. Lots of vacuum plugs? Twist ties? Crusted on oil? I think its so simple to just pop the hood, and can pretty much gauge the "bubba"ness from what that compartment looks like.
Also, I think its very, very important to set one of the most important goals early: custom or all original. I think this will drastically affect #4.
Good write up, wish I had it 10 years ago.
I like #8, and I think a quick way to tell if bubba has visited your C3 is by looking at the engine compartment. Lots of vacuum plugs? Twist ties? Crusted on oil? I think its so simple to just pop the hood, and can pretty much gauge the "bubba"ness from what that compartment looks like.
Also, I think its very, very important to set one of the most important goals early: custom or all original. I think this will drastically affect #4.
Good write up, wish I had it 10 years ago.
07-13-2008, 06:40 AM
#6
Burning Brakes
No $hiat 
I like your checklist. Even if much of it should be common-sense stuff.
Wanna put a note on there about buying sight-unseen? People seem to do this and for some of us there's no choice, but you could help by suggesting which photos to ask for from the vendor to determine the condition of the car.
I like your checklist. Even if much of it should be common-sense stuff.
Wanna put a note on there about buying sight-unseen? People seem to do this and for some of us there's no choice, but you could help by suggesting which photos to ask for from the vendor to determine the condition of the car.
07-13-2008, 09:06 AM
#7
TheCorvetteBen
Thread Starter
On number 9, the "casting numbers on the block" are not compared to the VIN. The casting number for example could be for an "010" block, which could be for a C3, or a truck. There is no VIN comparison, nor is anything necessarily corfirmed.
The stamp pad VIN derivative on the block is what is compared to the VIN to see if the numbers match. The stamp pad suffix will also tell you if the motor is correct for the car's application.
If I were writing the list, I wouldn't say "write down the VIN and trim tag info," either. I would say, "bring a Black Book with you and check the correctness of the VIN, trim tag vs colors and engine data."
It's a good list for beginners.
The stamp pad VIN derivative on the block is what is compared to the VIN to see if the numbers match. The stamp pad suffix will also tell you if the motor is correct for the car's application.
If I were writing the list, I wouldn't say "write down the VIN and trim tag info," either. I would say, "bring a Black Book with you and check the correctness of the VIN, trim tag vs colors and engine data."
It's a good list for beginners.
I'd be a little surprised if a seller of a corvette would allow you to stab the frame of his corvette and possibly put a hole in it. I know I'd probably grab you by the seat of your pants and throw you out of my garage. There are many gaps in the frame that you can slip a finger up into and feel for either a build up of rust flakes, or a very solid piece of steel.
I like #8, and I think a quick way to tell if bubba has visited your C3 is by looking at the engine compartment. Lots of vacuum plugs? Twist ties? Crusted on oil? I think its so simple to just pop the hood, and can pretty much gauge the "bubba"ness from what that compartment looks like.
Also, I think its very, very important to set one of the most important goals early: custom or all original. I think this will drastically affect #4.
Good write up, wish I had it 10 years ago.
I like #8, and I think a quick way to tell if bubba has visited your C3 is by looking at the engine compartment. Lots of vacuum plugs? Twist ties? Crusted on oil? I think its so simple to just pop the hood, and can pretty much gauge the "bubba"ness from what that compartment looks like.
Also, I think its very, very important to set one of the most important goals early: custom or all original. I think this will drastically affect #4.
Good write up, wish I had it 10 years ago.
No $hiat
I like your checklist. Even if much of it should be common-sense stuff.
Wanna put a note on there about buying sight-unseen? People seem to do this and for some of us there's no choice, but you could help by suggesting which photos to ask for from the vendor to determine the condition of the car.
I like your checklist. Even if much of it should be common-sense stuff.
Wanna put a note on there about buying sight-unseen? People seem to do this and for some of us there's no choice, but you could help by suggesting which photos to ask for from the vendor to determine the condition of the car.
Thanks for your input guys, keep it coming
07-13-2008, 09:17 AM
#8
Burning Brakes
Actually, what you've added wasn't what I was saying
I live in the UK. If I want to buy a Vette from the US then I would consider buying unseen. For some of us there's no economical alternative.
What I was suggesting you could add was something like:
"If you must buy a Corvette without seeing it in person, these are the photos you need to demand from the vendor to get an idea of the condition of the car..."
I live in the UK. If I want to buy a Vette from the US then I would consider buying unseen. For some of us there's no economical alternative.
What I was suggesting you could add was something like:
"If you must buy a Corvette without seeing it in person, these are the photos you need to demand from the vendor to get an idea of the condition of the car..."
07-13-2008, 11:59 AM
#10
Melting Slicks
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St. Jude Donor '09
I purchased my car sight unseen, I did however get a classic car loan and with a lien securement comes a free inspection and report where most of the above are checked. Once the loan company (hagerty) approved the car. I made my decision to purchase. It's everything and more than reported. So if you are unable to see a car you can use that option.
07-13-2008, 12:12 PM
#12
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I think the list is very good. The pictures are very scary. I think you could add a note that says a car could have problems less severe than what you show but should still be walked away from.
Regards,
Alan
Regards,
Alan
07-13-2008, 03:46 PM
#14
Melting Slicks
You might mention something about checking the date of tires even if they look good.
This thread: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...light=tire+age
made me realize the tires on my recently acquired '73 are actually 11 years old even though they look brand new.
Old tires shouldn't keep anyone from buying an otherwise sound Vette but it would let you know what needs to be added to the priority list of things to do.
DC
This thread: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...light=tire+age
made me realize the tires on my recently acquired '73 are actually 11 years old even though they look brand new.
Old tires shouldn't keep anyone from buying an otherwise sound Vette but it would let you know what needs to be added to the priority list of things to do.
DC
07-13-2008, 04:12 PM
#15
please r
Excellent post ! I wish I read that BEFORE I bought my corvette .
07-13-2008, 05:09 PM
#16
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Jan 2007
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Great Post!
You might want to explain a little about the trim tag. Where it is located and what it tells you. It's an easy way to tell if it is the original paint color and interior. Here is a pic you can use if you would like.
You might want to explain a little about the trim tag. Where it is located and what it tells you. It's an easy way to tell if it is the original paint color and interior. Here is a pic you can use if you would like.
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Glomonac (01-21-2017)
07-13-2008, 09:40 PM
#17
Instructor
I would add (from personal experience), "NEVER buy the first Corvette you ever look at." It's an emotional decision at that point and will lead you to some very skeptical decision making.
I'm gonna spend the rest of my life making Sasha what she should have been when I bought her. Oh well, could be worse. I could be driving and repairing a Mustang II!?!?!
I'm gonna spend the rest of my life making Sasha what she should have been when I bought her. Oh well, could be worse. I could be driving and repairing a Mustang II!?!?!
07-14-2008, 12:17 AM
#18
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A couple more things:
-I wouldn't say ALWAYS replace the suspension. That's like saying you or your mechanic isn't smart enough to figure out if the springs are new. MOST times they need a suspension. Most often you assume you will need suspension work... but if the last few C2s and C3s I sold had the new owners replacing the suspension just because they ALWAYS do, they would have wasted thousands of dollars. I know this list is for the very newest of beginners, but this is too basic.
-I taught the "How to Buy Corvettes" class at Bloomington Gold for years and years. At the end, I always said, regardless of your expertise level in buying cars, whether it was your first or your 50th, ALWAYS bring someone with you.
The rookie desperately needs a mechanically-inclined or more importantly, a Corvette-experienced eye to tell them what they are looking at. The pro still needs to have a "second set of eyes" to pick up on stuff the buyer just might miss. Corvettes buyers are emotional animals, and quite often that split window gleaming in the sun just right or that perfect favorite color paint refects just right.... enough for you to miss the spliced section in the frame rail. Trust me... I've been buying Corvettes since the 70's and I always try to have another set of eyes with me whether its a proven Corvette friend or just a trusted ally like my wife who is smart enough to remind me, "don't get too excited just 'cause it's black."
-I wouldn't say ALWAYS replace the suspension. That's like saying you or your mechanic isn't smart enough to figure out if the springs are new. MOST times they need a suspension. Most often you assume you will need suspension work... but if the last few C2s and C3s I sold had the new owners replacing the suspension just because they ALWAYS do, they would have wasted thousands of dollars. I know this list is for the very newest of beginners, but this is too basic.
-I taught the "How to Buy Corvettes" class at Bloomington Gold for years and years. At the end, I always said, regardless of your expertise level in buying cars, whether it was your first or your 50th, ALWAYS bring someone with you.
The rookie desperately needs a mechanically-inclined or more importantly, a Corvette-experienced eye to tell them what they are looking at. The pro still needs to have a "second set of eyes" to pick up on stuff the buyer just might miss. Corvettes buyers are emotional animals, and quite often that split window gleaming in the sun just right or that perfect favorite color paint refects just right.... enough for you to miss the spliced section in the frame rail. Trust me... I've been buying Corvettes since the 70's and I always try to have another set of eyes with me whether its a proven Corvette friend or just a trusted ally like my wife who is smart enough to remind me, "don't get too excited just 'cause it's black."
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LastBigBlock (04-08-2016)
07-15-2008, 08:55 AM
#19
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It's all in here.
07-15-2008, 09:15 AM
#20
Drifting
Oh do you make me feel lucky! My car rocks and I had no idea until AFTER purchase of all the little things you make mention of as to what can eat your lunch and make you cry with these things. Luckily I'm solid.
If I had it to do over again I'd def want your guide!
You just forgot to mention one thing that most folks almost always do (if you mentioned and I just didn't read then I apologize),,,,
LEAVE YOUR EMOTIONS AT HOME! Don't go looking a buying on feeling (which is hard). Be objective 'cause there's lots of the C3s out there and always another pretty one around the corner,
just my two cents!
If I had it to do over again I'd def want your guide!
You just forgot to mention one thing that most folks almost always do (if you mentioned and I just didn't read then I apologize),,,,
LEAVE YOUR EMOTIONS AT HOME! Don't go looking a buying on feeling (which is hard). Be objective 'cause there's lots of the C3s out there and always another pretty one around the corner,
just my two cents!
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BobM1980RedCorvette (03-26-2017)
