Hey guys. I'm thinking about buying a 1967 small block coupe, preferably with a four speed and factory air. I need to know what problem areas to look for, and any other words of wisdom. What is the best way to determine the condition of the bird cage on this model car? Also, has anyone ever dealt with American Sportscar center in Atlanta http://www.buyavette.net/buy.html Thanks
welcome! I purchased a 66 BB coupe from American Street Machines http//www.americanstreetmachines.com They are located in small town called Lilburn just 30-40 miles NE of Atlanta. They usually have 30-40 nice mid-years that are well displayed. Straight shooters with no bull. Gauranteed to buy back car in same condition for same price whenever I wanted to change. That won't be anytime soon. Somebody will chime in on all the exact areas to look for.
Hey guys. I'm thinking about buying a 1967 small block coupe, preferably with a four speed and factory air. I need to know what problem areas to look for, and any other words of wisdom. What is the best way to determine the condition of the bird cage on this model car? Also, has anyone ever dealt with American Sportscar center in Atlanta http://www.buyavette.net/buy.html Thanks
Inspect:
The frame for rust, especially in the rear kick-ups in front of the rear wheel and frame repairs,
The body for damage, fit, poor repairs, and bonding strips,
Paint type, age and condition,
The overall mechanical condition,
The overall correctness of the car(i.e., numbers, missing or incorrect parts),
For correct finishes on all underhood surfaces,
Interior for signs of mold or water intrusion,
Condition of door panels, seats and dash,
Overall condition of wiring, firewall insulation and duct work under the dash,
Condition of the birdcage, http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1427645
I'm sure others will chime in on areas of concern. Odds are you won't find a perfect one, so just don't pay the price for one.
as for the birdcage, if you are inspecting a possible car for purchase, I think you should be allowed to pull the kick panels, or, easier still, pull the glove-box (you wiz off like 5 perimeter screws and four on the two bottom hinges) and look at the windshield bottom sill where it meets the pillar coming down. You can also poke your face up underneath the driver's side, and, using a flashlight, get a fairly good look up there on that side too.
There is SO much to inspect for, some of it depends on your desires. Daily driver, modified show car, correct restoration and this is in addition to all the known problem areas. There are MANY excellent books and videos available and you should investigate as many as you can. I'll reccomend a video put out by a Corvette shop in business for 35 years, it was very helpful to me as I began to research Mid-years. www.bairs.com is the web address, pnone 1-800-421-9644. They have a video titled "1963-82 100 point check-up video" for $29.95. You can also purchase the Pocket Spec Guide 1953-1972 from them.
Ther are many books and videos, another excellent one from the NCRS is by Noland Adams on buying a Corvette. Try him at solidaxle.org
Before you buy you need all the knowledge you can obtain, if this is all new to you I'd strongly reccomend having the car inspected by a knowledgeable person. Since you'll be spending $35-100,000 you should join the NCRS for $35.00 and find out where the local chapters are and make contact. Many here belittle the NCRS, it's a great resource in my opinion.
I suggest a third party inspection by someone that knows Midyears. Once you own one, work on it, etc...then you REALLY learn about them. Also, go to local cruise-ins, carshows, etc...ask the owners of midyears to tell you what/where to look for on them. Most are eager to talk about them and help educate others about them.
I think someone, from CA ? Bought a solid axle (58 ?) from them recently.
There is SO much to inspect for, some of it depends on your desires. Daily driver, modified show car, correct restoration and this is in addition to all the known problem areas. There are MANY excellent books and videos available and you should investigate as many as you can. I'll reccomend a video put out by a Corvette shop in business for 35 years, it was very helpful to me as I began to research Mid-years. www.bairs.com is the web address, pnone 1-800-421-9644. They have a video titled "1963-82 100 point check-up video" for $29.95. You can also purchase the Pocket Spec Guide 1953-1972 from them.
Ther are many books and videos, another excellent one from the NCRS is by Noland Adams on buying a Corvette. Try him at solidaxle.org
Before you buy you need all the knowledge you can obtain, if this is all new to you I'd strongly reccomend having the car inspected by a knowledgeable person. Since you'll be spending $35-100,000 you should join the NCRS for $35.00 and find out where the local chapters are and make contact. Many here belittle the NCRS, it's a great resource in my opinion.
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