new to theC3
12-30-2012, 03:28 PM
#1
Heel & Toe
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Location: Fayetteville NC
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new to theC3
All I just became the proud owner of a 72 convertible. I have always wanted one but now that I have it I am a bit overwhelmed feeling. Never had a car with so many problems. I live near the Fayetteville NC area and would like a reputable mechanic to take on some mechanical work. Anyone know of one that can be trusted? Or a place I can find a few tips to fix it myself? I have a vacuum problem with the wipers, wiper cowl not working and the headlights are super slow. E brake, horn, doesn't work, and leaks from every where. Drives well though. thoughts and recommendations. RW
12-30-2012, 03:46 PM
#3
Team Owner
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Hi ricw,
NEW, OLD, convertible, Corvette!!! Wonderful!
ALL the items you list are very common problems on 68-72 cars and can be remedied, so don't despair!
I suggest you begin by buying the 72 GM ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTION MANUAL, (AIM), and the 72 GM CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL. These will be a BIG help to you as you get to know your car. There available from the larger venders on this site.... maybe check out ZIP Products.
Also, to help with the lights and wiper door I suggest you buy a Headlight/Wiper Trouble shooting Guide, and a small vacuum pump with a gauge like a Mity-vac. These will help you figure out what's going on with your car
Water leaks on 68-72 cars are very common and may indicate that some weather stripping needs to be replaced. Where are the leaks?
Good Luck as you get to know and enjoy your car.
Regards,
Alan
PS: We MUST have pictures of your new car!
NEW, OLD, convertible, Corvette!!! Wonderful!
ALL the items you list are very common problems on 68-72 cars and can be remedied, so don't despair!
I suggest you begin by buying the 72 GM ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTION MANUAL, (AIM), and the 72 GM CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL. These will be a BIG help to you as you get to know your car. There available from the larger venders on this site.... maybe check out ZIP Products.
Also, to help with the lights and wiper door I suggest you buy a Headlight/Wiper Trouble shooting Guide, and a small vacuum pump with a gauge like a Mity-vac. These will help you figure out what's going on with your car
Water leaks on 68-72 cars are very common and may indicate that some weather stripping needs to be replaced. Where are the leaks?
Good Luck as you get to know and enjoy your car.
Regards,
Alan
PS: We MUST have pictures of your new car!
12-30-2012, 07:20 PM
#4
Congrats.
I just joined the C3 Club this Year a little over a Month ago.
I have a C5 as well.
While my C5 has been problem free for over 10 Years, I know that a Car over 40 Years old should be expected to have problems from time to time. Mine is a 68.
I recommend getting something like a Chilton's Manual.
If you are not Mechanically inclined then definitely find a good Mechanic that is familiar with Classic Cars. I have a few friends that were into cars that I can count on for Help.
One thing for Sure, my limited time with my C3 before I put it away for the winter, I got more Thumbs up than I did in the 11 Years with my C5 and the Past Year with my Camaro 2SS/RS.
Like someone said before on this forum, a Chrome Bumper C3 trumps any Modern Muscle Car. Of course I think just about any Corvette is Great.
I just joined the C3 Club this Year a little over a Month ago.
I have a C5 as well.
While my C5 has been problem free for over 10 Years, I know that a Car over 40 Years old should be expected to have problems from time to time. Mine is a 68.
I recommend getting something like a Chilton's Manual.
If you are not Mechanically inclined then definitely find a good Mechanic that is familiar with Classic Cars. I have a few friends that were into cars that I can count on for Help.
One thing for Sure, my limited time with my C3 before I put it away for the winter, I got more Thumbs up than I did in the 11 Years with my C5 and the Past Year with my Camaro 2SS/RS.
Like someone said before on this forum, a Chrome Bumper C3 trumps any Modern Muscle Car. Of course I think just about any Corvette is Great.
Last edited by Kruegmeister; 12-30-2012 at 07:25 PM.
12-30-2012, 07:28 PM
#5
Drifting
the 1st year i had my 80 (bought Jan 30,2007) i wanted to drive it off a cliff, with me in it...lol
make a list of what it needs done...start with safety issues, then make it dependable...if you have the $ then make it pretty
i would not hesitate to get in my Batmobile & run to Florida right now...but you have to make the effort & spend the $ to make it happen
Pete.
Toronto,Canada
make a list of what it needs done...start with safety issues, then make it dependable...if you have the $ then make it pretty
i would not hesitate to get in my Batmobile & run to Florida right now...but you have to make the effort & spend the $ to make it happen
Pete.
Toronto,Canada
12-30-2012, 08:27 PM
#7
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Mar 2010
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Congrats on the new addition. C3's thrive on TLC. Your car's issues don't sound unusual for a car that old. At least it's running well. The rest is a piece of cake.
12-30-2012, 08:40 PM
#8
Race Director
Any classic car will have issues unless you pay for one that's been fully restored. They're a labor of love. Get to work and enjoy. 
12-31-2012, 12:34 AM
#10
Team Owner
Well, congrats on your purchase. And glad it's still in running condition. If you don't drive in the rain...or at night...and you don't get in situations where you need to hit the horn, you might just do fine for quite a while. 
Seriously, you should have guessed that you would have mechanical problems with a 40+ year-old car, unless the previous owner got it all done for you. But, I bet he/she didn't, if you got a decent deal on the car.
You have two or three choices about how to get your car "up to snuff":
1.) Spend a lot of money and farm out all the work to a repair shop. If you select a shop wisely, you will do much better financially and for the car's condition.
2.) Cajole some good 'buds', who are craker-jack 'Vette repair guys to help you (preferrably, for beer) AND teach you what they know in the process.
3.) Spend a lot of time researching Corvette history, Corvette books, car shows, etc. so that you become knowledgable about early C3's and can take on some of the easier work yourself. This is particularly valuable when you have a funtional problem that is due to a simple defect that can be easily rectified. There are MANY of these types of problems on old cars, and in this case KNOWLEDGE IS power...and can save you lots of money! When you can fix your own problem in 2 hours and for small parts or 'sundries' repair costs, that is at least $100 in labor that you didn't spend. With the TIME it takes to fix all the small problems in such a hobby car, this amounts to many thousands of dollars.
The latter method is the most difficult, if you don't presently have the knowledge or skills to do it. BUT, everyday car repair folks...and the workers on the Corvette factory assembly lines...weren't any more capable of doing this kind of work than you--before they were trained. If they can do it, you can. But, you have to dedicate the time and effort...and some money into some general purpose tools...in order to take this route.
Lastly: If you don't think any of the above routes is a viable way for you to go, you should think about whether you want to be a long-term owner of a C3--or any old car, for that matter. I sincerely wish you well and hope that you can find an approach that will work for you, financially and repair-wise. C3's are a very fun thing to own and drive. But it is easiest when you can do much of the work yourself, or if you have a LOT of money.
Seriously, you should have guessed that you would have mechanical problems with a 40+ year-old car, unless the previous owner got it all done for you. But, I bet he/she didn't, if you got a decent deal on the car.
You have two or three choices about how to get your car "up to snuff":
1.) Spend a lot of money and farm out all the work to a repair shop. If you select a shop wisely, you will do much better financially and for the car's condition.
2.) Cajole some good 'buds', who are craker-jack 'Vette repair guys to help you (preferrably, for beer
) AND teach you what they know in the process.3.) Spend a lot of time researching Corvette history, Corvette books, car shows, etc. so that you become knowledgable about early C3's and can take on some of the easier work yourself. This is particularly valuable when you have a funtional problem that is due to a simple defect that can be easily rectified. There are MANY of these types of problems on old cars, and in this case KNOWLEDGE IS power...and can save you lots of money! When you can fix your own problem in 2 hours and for small parts or 'sundries' repair costs, that is at least $100 in labor that you didn't spend. With the TIME it takes to fix all the small problems in such a hobby car, this amounts to many thousands of dollars.
The latter method is the most difficult, if you don't presently have the knowledge or skills to do it. BUT, everyday car repair folks...and the workers on the Corvette factory assembly lines...weren't any more capable of doing this kind of work than you--before they were trained. If they can do it, you can. But, you have to dedicate the time and effort...and some money into some general purpose tools...in order to take this route.
Lastly: If you don't think any of the above routes is a viable way for you to go, you should think about whether you want to be a long-term owner of a C3--or any old car, for that matter. I sincerely wish you well and hope that you can find an approach that will work for you, financially and repair-wise. C3's are a very fun thing to own and drive. But it is easiest when you can do much of the work yourself, or if you have a LOT of money.
Last edited by 7T1vette; 12-31-2012 at 12:37 AM.
12-31-2012, 06:20 PM
#11
Burning Brakes
Regardless of the problems you are having now, resulting in mild buyers remorse, you have the best package to "get stuck with". Steel bumper convertible...no matter what, is going to be ok!
As suggested above, learn as much as you can, and farm out to the best person when necessary.
I dont know what your previous mechanical experience is, but just remember, its all just nuts and bolts. I will admit, Ive put together a few cars over the years, drove them daily, raced em, broke em etc. Getting a C3 was like learning a different language with all the "special" aspects of this car.
At the end of the day, when you run into a problem, ask here first. There will always be at least one person that can get you through your situation.
As suggested above, learn as much as you can, and farm out to the best person when necessary.
I dont know what your previous mechanical experience is, but just remember, its all just nuts and bolts. I will admit, Ive put together a few cars over the years, drove them daily, raced em, broke em etc. Getting a C3 was like learning a different language with all the "special" aspects of this car.
At the end of the day, when you run into a problem, ask here first. There will always be at least one person that can get you through your situation.
12-31-2012, 06:46 PM
#12
Melting Slicks
Welcome! Once you have your car up and running you will have to make it to one of the Charlotte cars and coffee mornings. Great turn out and lots of Corvette enthusiasts! Post some pictures! 
12-31-2012, 07:07 PM
#13
Safety Car
Member Since: Sep 1999
Location: AnyTown NJ
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Alan 71 and 71vette have given you the best advise...the only thing I would add is to see if there is a corvette club or NCRS (National Corvette Restores Society) chapter near you and join (www.ncrs.org). Their experience/knowledge is invaluable.
Best of luck with your new ride.
Best of luck with your new ride.
12-31-2012, 07:07 PM
#14
1972 convertible
If you are going to repair your car yourself I recommend the 1972 Chevrolet Service Manual. Have the 1970 and 1971 Chevrolet Service Manuals for my original owner 1970 and have found them very helpful for over 40 years.
Your horn not working could be easy to fix if it is in the horn contact assembly that you can view when the piece in the center of your steering wheel is removed.
Your horn not working could be easy to fix if it is in the horn contact assembly that you can view when the piece in the center of your steering wheel is removed.
12-31-2012, 07:25 PM
#15
Team Owner
Most owners would agree that the Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual and the AIM (Corvette factory Assembly Instruction Manual) for your model year are the most important reference materials a C3 owner can get. There are many others that are of additional help. But, for a DIY-owner, you must have at least those two manuals, if you want to remain sane.
12-31-2012, 09:43 PM
#16
Heel & Toe
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Hey thanks all. I have been reading a lot about the C3 just have to pull the tools out and see what damage I can do to repair it. I will hang a few pics in the garage when I get a chance. In the mean time I won't drive in the rain or get in a position in which I need to honk the horn. Sure is great listening to the pipes ring rolling down 95 today though...SWEET.
12-31-2012, 11:20 PM
#18
Melting Slicks
Welcome to the crazy! Just stay on your meds and you'll be fine.
Just drive into any shop in Fayetteville and ask for Bubba. If he comes out leave! :-)
Just drive into any shop in Fayetteville and ask for Bubba. If he comes out leave! :-)
01-02-2013, 08:59 PM
#19
Heel & Toe
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01-02-2013, 09:06 PM
#20
Melting Slicks
Nice looking car! Any of these projects can be overwhelming if you try to bite off too much at once. Break it down into small easy projects and you'll be surprised how much you can do on your own.