Buying your first vette here is the checklist
05-26-2005, 06:03 PM
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Member Since: Dec 2004
Location: Myrtle Beach SC
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
6 Posts
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Buying your first vette here is the checklist
Buying a Corvette
Buying your first Corvette can be a difficult task if you're not sure what to look for. You've heard all the terms, "matching numbers", "body-off restoration", "frame-off restoration" etc. but you're not sure what they mean. Our goal here is to provide you with a little bit of knowledge before you go into the Corvette buying world and to supply you with a handy check list of items that you may want to check out the Corvette that you're interested in purchasing. Depending on options, some of the items on the list, may or may not apply to the particular Vette that you're looking at. Hopefully, we've compiled a fairly broad enough array of items to look at that will cover just about all Corvette model years.
Below, are a few of those definitions defined and we've added the checklist for you to take a look at.
Matching-Numbers: By far, this is probably the most commonly used term you will ever see when it comes to buying a Corvette. Many owners claim that their Corvettes are matching numbers, but many owners fail to have a good understanding of what the term truly means. Most parts on a Corvette come with serial numbers and date codes. Often the serial number of the part will also contain the date code in which the part was manufactured. An example would be the engine code found on the Corvette's engine block. This code can identify the engine's origin and date of manufacture. The term, "matching numbers" implies that all parts on the car are numerically correct and the date of manufacture of those parts are correct for that Corvette. For example, if you're looking at a 1969 Corvette with a 427ci. engine and the engine stamp indicates that the engine was built in early 1968, or even late 1967, that Corvette cannot be called a "matching-numbers Corvette". As parts break and need replacement, many owners, purchase the parts they believe are correct for the car, when in fact, numerically, they may not be. If you're in the market for a "numbers matching" Corvette, and you're not familiar with identifying build codes and date codes, you should probably take someone along with you that is knowledgable in that area.
Body-Off Restoration: Simply refers to the fact that the Corvette was restored and the body was removed from the frame in order to conduct a thorough restoration.
Frame-Off Restoration: Although slightly misleading, this term is the same thing as the above "Body-Off Restoration".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Assessment
Model Year: ___________ Model: ___________________________ VIN: ________________________
1. Owner name: _________________________ Phone #: __________________
2. Exterior Color: _______________ Interior Color: ___________________
3. Mileage: ___________
4. Reason for selling the car? ________________________________________ _________________________
5. Documentation available? Window Sticker Build Sheet Protect-O-Plate None Miscellaneous:__________________________ ________________________________________ ______________
6. Are maintenance records available? Yes No
7. Who maintained the car and where?_______________________________
8. Are maintenance or upgrade receipts available? Yes No
9. How many previous owners have there been? _______
10. Can the former owners be contacted? Yes No
11. If so, what are their names and phone numbers?
________________________________________ ________________________________________ __
12. Is it currently registered? Yes No
13. Does it have a current inspection sticker? Yes No Will it pass state inspection? Yes No
14. Are there any modifications? Yes No List them:
________________________________________ ____________________________
15. If equipped with standard transmission, has the clutch ever been replaced? Yes No When? Where? What mileage?________________________________ ______________
16. Has the car ever been in an accident or had bodywork done? Yes No Why?
________________________________________ _______________________________________
17. Has the car been kept garaged? Yes No
18. What have been the average driving conditions? (Sun only, rain, snow?) ________________________________________ _______________
19. Does the car need anything now? Yes No If so, what? ________________________________________ ___________
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Body Condition
1. Does the car sit level? Yes No
2. Check body panels for uniformity. Pass Fail
3. Check for body damage. Look at: Wheel wells, floor pan, rear hatch (pull up carpet), front and rear valance, fenders, quarter panels, uniform body molding. Check for paint over-spray in: headlights, gas door, door jams, fender skirts, engine compartment?. Is there evidence of body damage? Yes No
4. Is the paint oxidized Yes No Some oxidation
5. Has the car ever been repainted? Yes No
6. If so, why, by whom, and how long ago? ________________________________________ ______________
7. Does sides of the car appear aligned? Yes No
8. Are there any waves or stress cracks in the fiberglass? Yes No
9. Are there any dings or stone chips in the paint? Yes No
10. Are there any cracks or chips in the windshield or side and rear glass? Yes No
11. Do the doors open and close normally? Yes No
12. Do the doors and trunk lock and unlock correctly with the key? Yes No
13. Do the doors and trunk (if applicable) lock/unlock correctly with remote key FOB (if applicable)? Yes No
14. Does the rear hatch glass open properly? Yes No From inside? Yes No
15. Do the struts hold the rear hatch? Yes No
16. Does the hood release work? Yes No
17. Does the color match the trim tag color code? Yes No
18. Are there missing badges, or moldings? Yes No
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chassis & Suspension
1. Are the tires in good condition? Yes No Cracked or signs of dry rot? Yes No
2. Is tire wear uniform. Yes No
3. Are the wheels stock? Yes No What type of wheels? _______________
4. Are the wheels in good condition? Yes No
5. Are the brake rotors in good condition? (check for cracks or scarring) Yes No
6. Are there any wet spots under the car? Yes No
7. Are the rubber axle boots in good condition? Yes No
8. Inspect the tie rod ends and ball joints. Pass Fail
9. Inspect the shocks. Dry Wet If the shocks appear to be wet, they may be leaking and in need of repair.
10. Is the exhaust in good condition? Yes No
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interior Condition
1. Are all door, hatch, and top seals in good condition? Yes No
2. (If applicable) Is the ratchet wrench for the targa top there? Yes No
3. Are the seats clean? Yes No Torn or cracked? Yes No Worn? Yes No
4. Can you adjust the seats? Yes No
5. Is the carpet clean? Yes No Worn? Yes No
6. Can you adjust the mirrors? Yes No
7. Does the interior light work? Yes No Does it work with the doors? Yes No
8. Is the dash in good condition? Yes No
9. Is the center console in good condition? Yes No
10. Does the glove compartment door work properly? Yes No
11. Do the windshield wipers function properly? Yes No
12. Does the overall interior condition match the mileage? Yes No
13. If equipped, does the tilt wheel work properly? Yes No
14. If equipped does the alarm work? Yes No
15. Does the clock work? Yes No
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Engine Evaluation
1. What type of engine does it have? __________________________________
2. Is it original? Yes No
3. Is the oil clean? Yes No Dark or black colored oil indicates a change is necessary and may be indicative of past maintenance trends.
4. When was the last oil change? ______________ Overdue? Yes No
5. Check for a leaking oil pan gasket. Pass Fail
6. Check for a leaking front/rear main seal. Pass Fail
7. Check the master cylinder and slave cylinder for leakage. Pass Fail
8. Check all coolant lines for leakage. Pass Fail
9. Check the coolant in the reservoir. A brown frothy mixture in the reservoir usually indicates oil and water mixing in the oil filter/cooler housing. Pass Fail
10. Inspect the fuel lines going to the fuel rail for brittleness or cracking. Pass Fail
11. Inspect the plug wires for brittleness or cracking. Pass Fail
12. Inspect the brake fluid for color. Black colored brake fluid indicates a change is necessary. Pass Fail
13. Is the air filter clean? Pass Fail
14. Is the engine bay clean and neat? All hoses / wiring in correct place? Pass Fail
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Engine Operation
1. Does the car start properly? Yes No
2. The car should have a steady idle. Pass Fail
3. (If equipped) Check the ECM (computer)? Engine Codes recorded? Pass Fail
If so, what are the codes? __________________________________
4. Is the oil pressure normal? Pass Fail
5. Engine coolant temperature: Normal? Yes No High? Yes No Fluctuating? Yes No Fluctuating coolant temperature may be indicative of a necessary water pump replacement.
6. Is there valve chatter or excessive engine noise? Yes No
7. Is there excessive engine vibration at idle or revving? (can indicate bad motor mount). Yes No
8. With the engine running, listen for leaks at the exhaust manifolds and exhaust. Pass Fail
9. Does the heat work? Yes No
10. Does the AC work? Yes No Is the compressor quiet? Yes No
11. Does the AC / heater blow at each speed? Yes No
12. Does the radio work properly (tape and CD if applicable)? Yes No
13. If equipped, does the power antenna work? Yes No
14. If equipped, do the power windows and door locks work? Yes No
15. Does the defroster work properly? Yes No
16. Do all ***** / controls function correctly? Yes No
17. Do all of the gauges / dashboard lights work properly? Yes No
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Test Drive Evaluation
1. Does the parking brake work properly? Yes No
2. How does the brake pedal feel? Firm Soft
The following 3 questions assume manual transmission:
3. How does the clutch pedal feel? Firm Soft
4. Does the clutch operate in a smooth quiet manner? Yes No
5. Does the shifter seem tight? Yes No
6. Are there any squeaks / noises (specially over rough roads)? Yes No
7. Is the steering smooth and responsive? Yes No
8. When going straight is the wheel straight? Yes No Does the car drift to one side? Yes No
9. Brake with your hands off the wheel does the car stop straight? Yes No
10. At highway speeds does the car pull, or shake / shimmy? Yes No
11. Does the cruise control work properly? Yes No
12. Is there exceptional wind noise? Yes No
13. If equipped, does the ABS system function properly? Yes No
14. If equipped, does the Traction control system function properly? Yes No
15. If equipped, does the Selective Ride Control function properly? Yes No
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miscellaneous
1. Is the battery in good condition? Yes No
2. Do all lights / signals work correctly? Headlights?, (high and low beams), Yes No Brake lights: Yes No Parking/Side Marker Lights: Yes No Turn Signals: Yes No
Standard Equipment: ________________________________________ _______________________
________________________________________ _______________________
Optional Equipment: ________________________________________ ___________________________
________________________________________ ___________________________
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price / Value
Asking Price: _____________
Retail Value: _____________ Trade-In Value: _____________
Notes:
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
Buying your first Corvette can be a difficult task if you're not sure what to look for. You've heard all the terms, "matching numbers", "body-off restoration", "frame-off restoration" etc. but you're not sure what they mean. Our goal here is to provide you with a little bit of knowledge before you go into the Corvette buying world and to supply you with a handy check list of items that you may want to check out the Corvette that you're interested in purchasing. Depending on options, some of the items on the list, may or may not apply to the particular Vette that you're looking at. Hopefully, we've compiled a fairly broad enough array of items to look at that will cover just about all Corvette model years.
Below, are a few of those definitions defined and we've added the checklist for you to take a look at.
Matching-Numbers: By far, this is probably the most commonly used term you will ever see when it comes to buying a Corvette. Many owners claim that their Corvettes are matching numbers, but many owners fail to have a good understanding of what the term truly means. Most parts on a Corvette come with serial numbers and date codes. Often the serial number of the part will also contain the date code in which the part was manufactured. An example would be the engine code found on the Corvette's engine block. This code can identify the engine's origin and date of manufacture. The term, "matching numbers" implies that all parts on the car are numerically correct and the date of manufacture of those parts are correct for that Corvette. For example, if you're looking at a 1969 Corvette with a 427ci. engine and the engine stamp indicates that the engine was built in early 1968, or even late 1967, that Corvette cannot be called a "matching-numbers Corvette". As parts break and need replacement, many owners, purchase the parts they believe are correct for the car, when in fact, numerically, they may not be. If you're in the market for a "numbers matching" Corvette, and you're not familiar with identifying build codes and date codes, you should probably take someone along with you that is knowledgable in that area.
Body-Off Restoration: Simply refers to the fact that the Corvette was restored and the body was removed from the frame in order to conduct a thorough restoration.
Frame-Off Restoration: Although slightly misleading, this term is the same thing as the above "Body-Off Restoration".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Assessment
Model Year: ___________ Model: ___________________________ VIN: ________________________
1. Owner name: _________________________ Phone #: __________________
2. Exterior Color: _______________ Interior Color: ___________________
3. Mileage: ___________
4. Reason for selling the car? ________________________________________ _________________________
5. Documentation available? Window Sticker Build Sheet Protect-O-Plate None Miscellaneous:__________________________ ________________________________________ ______________
6. Are maintenance records available? Yes No
7. Who maintained the car and where?_______________________________
8. Are maintenance or upgrade receipts available? Yes No
9. How many previous owners have there been? _______
10. Can the former owners be contacted? Yes No
11. If so, what are their names and phone numbers?
________________________________________ ________________________________________ __
12. Is it currently registered? Yes No
13. Does it have a current inspection sticker? Yes No Will it pass state inspection? Yes No
14. Are there any modifications? Yes No List them:
________________________________________ ____________________________
15. If equipped with standard transmission, has the clutch ever been replaced? Yes No When? Where? What mileage?________________________________ ______________
16. Has the car ever been in an accident or had bodywork done? Yes No Why?
________________________________________ _______________________________________
17. Has the car been kept garaged? Yes No
18. What have been the average driving conditions? (Sun only, rain, snow?) ________________________________________ _______________
19. Does the car need anything now? Yes No If so, what? ________________________________________ ___________
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Body Condition
1. Does the car sit level? Yes No
2. Check body panels for uniformity. Pass Fail
3. Check for body damage. Look at: Wheel wells, floor pan, rear hatch (pull up carpet), front and rear valance, fenders, quarter panels, uniform body molding. Check for paint over-spray in: headlights, gas door, door jams, fender skirts, engine compartment?. Is there evidence of body damage? Yes No
4. Is the paint oxidized Yes No Some oxidation
5. Has the car ever been repainted? Yes No
6. If so, why, by whom, and how long ago? ________________________________________ ______________
7. Does sides of the car appear aligned? Yes No
8. Are there any waves or stress cracks in the fiberglass? Yes No
9. Are there any dings or stone chips in the paint? Yes No
10. Are there any cracks or chips in the windshield or side and rear glass? Yes No
11. Do the doors open and close normally? Yes No
12. Do the doors and trunk lock and unlock correctly with the key? Yes No
13. Do the doors and trunk (if applicable) lock/unlock correctly with remote key FOB (if applicable)? Yes No
14. Does the rear hatch glass open properly? Yes No From inside? Yes No
15. Do the struts hold the rear hatch? Yes No
16. Does the hood release work? Yes No
17. Does the color match the trim tag color code? Yes No
18. Are there missing badges, or moldings? Yes No
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chassis & Suspension
1. Are the tires in good condition? Yes No Cracked or signs of dry rot? Yes No
2. Is tire wear uniform. Yes No
3. Are the wheels stock? Yes No What type of wheels? _______________
4. Are the wheels in good condition? Yes No
5. Are the brake rotors in good condition? (check for cracks or scarring) Yes No
6. Are there any wet spots under the car? Yes No
7. Are the rubber axle boots in good condition? Yes No
8. Inspect the tie rod ends and ball joints. Pass Fail
9. Inspect the shocks. Dry Wet If the shocks appear to be wet, they may be leaking and in need of repair.
10. Is the exhaust in good condition? Yes No
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interior Condition
1. Are all door, hatch, and top seals in good condition? Yes No
2. (If applicable) Is the ratchet wrench for the targa top there? Yes No
3. Are the seats clean? Yes No Torn or cracked? Yes No Worn? Yes No
4. Can you adjust the seats? Yes No
5. Is the carpet clean? Yes No Worn? Yes No
6. Can you adjust the mirrors? Yes No
7. Does the interior light work? Yes No Does it work with the doors? Yes No
8. Is the dash in good condition? Yes No
9. Is the center console in good condition? Yes No
10. Does the glove compartment door work properly? Yes No
11. Do the windshield wipers function properly? Yes No
12. Does the overall interior condition match the mileage? Yes No
13. If equipped, does the tilt wheel work properly? Yes No
14. If equipped does the alarm work? Yes No
15. Does the clock work? Yes No
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Engine Evaluation
1. What type of engine does it have? __________________________________
2. Is it original? Yes No
3. Is the oil clean? Yes No Dark or black colored oil indicates a change is necessary and may be indicative of past maintenance trends.
4. When was the last oil change? ______________ Overdue? Yes No
5. Check for a leaking oil pan gasket. Pass Fail
6. Check for a leaking front/rear main seal. Pass Fail
7. Check the master cylinder and slave cylinder for leakage. Pass Fail
8. Check all coolant lines for leakage. Pass Fail
9. Check the coolant in the reservoir. A brown frothy mixture in the reservoir usually indicates oil and water mixing in the oil filter/cooler housing. Pass Fail
10. Inspect the fuel lines going to the fuel rail for brittleness or cracking. Pass Fail
11. Inspect the plug wires for brittleness or cracking. Pass Fail
12. Inspect the brake fluid for color. Black colored brake fluid indicates a change is necessary. Pass Fail
13. Is the air filter clean? Pass Fail
14. Is the engine bay clean and neat? All hoses / wiring in correct place? Pass Fail
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Engine Operation
1. Does the car start properly? Yes No
2. The car should have a steady idle. Pass Fail
3. (If equipped) Check the ECM (computer)? Engine Codes recorded? Pass Fail
If so, what are the codes? __________________________________
4. Is the oil pressure normal? Pass Fail
5. Engine coolant temperature: Normal? Yes No High? Yes No Fluctuating? Yes No Fluctuating coolant temperature may be indicative of a necessary water pump replacement.
6. Is there valve chatter or excessive engine noise? Yes No
7. Is there excessive engine vibration at idle or revving? (can indicate bad motor mount). Yes No
8. With the engine running, listen for leaks at the exhaust manifolds and exhaust. Pass Fail
9. Does the heat work? Yes No
10. Does the AC work? Yes No Is the compressor quiet? Yes No
11. Does the AC / heater blow at each speed? Yes No
12. Does the radio work properly (tape and CD if applicable)? Yes No
13. If equipped, does the power antenna work? Yes No
14. If equipped, do the power windows and door locks work? Yes No
15. Does the defroster work properly? Yes No
16. Do all ***** / controls function correctly? Yes No
17. Do all of the gauges / dashboard lights work properly? Yes No
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Test Drive Evaluation
1. Does the parking brake work properly? Yes No
2. How does the brake pedal feel? Firm Soft
The following 3 questions assume manual transmission:
3. How does the clutch pedal feel? Firm Soft
4. Does the clutch operate in a smooth quiet manner? Yes No
5. Does the shifter seem tight? Yes No
6. Are there any squeaks / noises (specially over rough roads)? Yes No
7. Is the steering smooth and responsive? Yes No
8. When going straight is the wheel straight? Yes No Does the car drift to one side? Yes No
9. Brake with your hands off the wheel does the car stop straight? Yes No
10. At highway speeds does the car pull, or shake / shimmy? Yes No
11. Does the cruise control work properly? Yes No
12. Is there exceptional wind noise? Yes No
13. If equipped, does the ABS system function properly? Yes No
14. If equipped, does the Traction control system function properly? Yes No
15. If equipped, does the Selective Ride Control function properly? Yes No
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miscellaneous
1. Is the battery in good condition? Yes No
2. Do all lights / signals work correctly? Headlights?, (high and low beams), Yes No Brake lights: Yes No Parking/Side Marker Lights: Yes No Turn Signals: Yes No
Standard Equipment: ________________________________________ _______________________
________________________________________ _______________________
Optional Equipment: ________________________________________ ___________________________
________________________________________ ___________________________
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price / Value
Asking Price: _____________
Retail Value: _____________ Trade-In Value: _____________
Notes:
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
Last edited by Redeasysport; 05-26-2005 at 10:06 PM.
05-27-2005, 11:20 PM
#6
Race Director
Member Since: Aug 2003
Location: San Jose Pat Tillman - American Hero
Posts: 11,043
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
I remember that - it used to be on a site (no longer existing, IIRC) that was something along the lines of "C4corvette.com" or "C4Vette.com". Anyway, I had it when I was shopping for my car - printed it out, don't know why I never saved it to disc - but when I went back to find it for a fellow member, it was gone... Go figure.
Thanks for reposting it!
Thanks for reposting it!
06-20-2005, 06:49 PM
#11
Race Director
Member Since: Feb 2003
Location: Everyday you must choose between the pain of discipline and the pain of regret. Fredericktown, OH
Posts: 18,484
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Originally Posted by Redeasysport
ttt
Can you TTT your own thread without it being in a for sale section?
11-28-2017, 10:13 PM
#17
Team Owner
Depending on how mechanical you are, I'd consider getting a professional to do an inspection since they have a hoist and I don't carry a pocket hoist. Also make sure they do a compression and leakdown test. Do not forget to scan for any hidden codes in case the seller pulls the bulb. Ask me how I know. Believe the seller is scum and life is easier.
11-29-2017, 06:58 AM
#18
Depending on how mechanical you are, I'd consider getting a professional to do an inspection since they have a hoist and I don't carry a pocket hoist. Also make sure they do a compression and leakdown test. Do not forget to scan for any hidden codes in case the seller pulls the bulb. Ask me how I know. Believe the seller is scum and life is easier.
