DngrZne

I was hoping you guys could give me some insight as to what to look for when I go to look at any C3s, as far as what are common problems, etc.

Thanks,
Chris

427V8

Look around the forum first, there are some fine machines for sale here...

Otherwise,
Look at the frame, right in front of the rear wheels.
Look at the car on a level spot and make sure it sits nice
Matching engine /trans /Diff numbers
Seat belts! ( damn expensive!)

Ganey

Chris

No real common problems except brake calipers leaking, many have already been replaced w/ the fix- SS sleeved calipers. Some may say vac. leaks- check headlight opening & wiper door opening. 68 has some unusual parts as first yr. & is similar mostly to 69. 70-72 are very similar.

PS 73 has some advantages that shouldn't be overlooked.

:cool:

Red69L68

Look around the windshield. They had a tendancy to leak. If you look through the windshield along the side pillars you might
see some rust along the windshield if it has been leaking.
Chuck W.
Red69L68

bhawk

Look for frame rust where the first poster suggested to look. They all rust there, some so bad you need to weld patch panels to frame.
Second, look for any evidence of brake caliper leaking. Ask if the calipers have been replaced with stainless steel sleeved ones. YOu'll end up there for sure, so hopefully they've already been done.
Third, I'd ask about rear wheel bearings. If they have not been done, read some posts here about them, as they can be expensive. Loose bearings can cause rotor run out, which pumps air into the brakes, and you have brake problems. If you test drive, and hear a squeek, squeek at very slow speed, good indicator that rotors are running out and pumping the caliper pistons a bit. Not good news.
Check the radiator closely, as an aluminum rad can run about a grand US, aftermarket repos cheaper, but still big bucks.
Other than that, I've owned my 70 small block for 25 years and love the hobby.

gearheadz

Make sure if you're really interested in a particular C3 that you PUT IT UP ON A LIFT and check out the frame for rust before closing the deal. You'll never get a good enough look underneath without the lift.

C3s are notorious for rust in the side rails, rear wheelwell kickup & trailing arms. The frame rusts from the inside out so you may need to use a pick or small screwdriver to reveal trouble spots. I haven't seen many without SOME internal and/or fairly significant surface rust. While almost any frame except the worst cases are fixable, I'd recommend staying away from those that are so bad you can perforate the metal by hand.

Mark


[Modified by mdsmith, 1:16 AM 1/16/2002]

427_Roadster

Real good advice from everyone here. I would just throw in check the passenger carpets for moisture/antifreeze. Could indicate that the heater core is shot. If you're looking at a car with AC, you'll need to take out most of the interior to replace the unit. If the car has shutoff valves on the heater hoses, make sure to run the engine with the valves open before checking. Not as major as the other checks listed here, but could be a deal breaker because of the PITA factor.
Good luck :cheers:
-Tom

Eric 96

You should look for MY CAR!!!! And bring a cashier's check for $19,000

Cajun99

Yeah, check out Eric's car!! It's gorgeous, clean and well kept. Runs terrific and sounds great too!! :cheers:

427V8

Also I would seriously look at a southern car. Everytime I go to California or other southern states I am amazed at how rust free the old cars are!
I mean I see mid '60's cars with paint on the frame! :eek:

Go south!

63Banshee

Try to hookup with someone in your area that has restored a c3 and take him/her with you to look at any cars you are interested in. Personally, I’d advise you to only consider restored cars or pampered survivors with less then 40K miles.

This is the route I took and I’m glad I did. I can’t imagine what this restoration would be costing me if I had to replace some of the parts that are known to need repair or replacing... like the frame, windshield pillars, headlight components, wiper door components, or glass.

terryrudy

If you goto http://www.corvettefaq.com in the MISC section there is a link to 3 articles on what to look for when buying a C3. good luck!
-terry

gearheadz

Just like up North, theres plenty of C3s with salt damaged frames in the South. Its just the source of the salt comes from the ocean instead of dump trucks!! :D

Mark