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Problem areas in a 78?

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Old 03-22-2004, 05:19 PM
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vethead
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Default Problem areas in a 78?

I have a 78 Vette, and a buddy of mine was looking for one about that age. he asked me what the typical problem areas were for that year Vette. I couldn't really come up wiht any except droopy headlights, or leaky t-tops if the seals were bad. Can you guys thing of some things to look for? I have tried and only came up with the couple minor ones I just mentioned.

Old 03-22-2004, 05:25 PM
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Shark Racer
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Default Re: Problem areas in a 78? (vethead)

Frame rust around the rear wheels.

Leaky anything. Differential, trans, engine.

Bad wheel bearings are a possibility, especially if mileage is high.

Our brakes LOVE to leak. :D

-Steve
Old 03-22-2004, 05:33 PM
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Default Re: Problem areas in a 78? (Pacin'California)

Bad wheel bearings are a possibility, especially if mileage is high.


-Steve
Rear wheel bearings are what finally made me pull my Vette off the road for a complete rebuild. Not looking forward to doing those, or should I say, having to pay Van Steel to do. One of the few jobs I am not doing myself.


[Modified by vethead, 2:33 PM 3/22/2004]
Old 03-22-2004, 05:57 PM
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page62
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Default Re: Problem areas in a 78? (vethead)

Rust at the each top corner of the windshield frame. Can't see it...
Old 03-22-2004, 10:26 PM
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Default Re: Problem areas in a 78? (vethead)

Problem areas are not that much different from any year shark (except the added pollution crap and vacuum lines). A suggestion would be to read throught eh links below. Some here already mentioned some key things to look for, but there are many.

I always suggest (as do others) to buy the best you can afford, and have someone in the know to look at the car first.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/dpg/part1.htm http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/dpg/part2.htm http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/dpg/part3.htm


[Modified by 78Vette-SA, 10:26 PM 3/22/2004]
Old 03-23-2004, 12:19 AM
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KENS78SILVERANNIV
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Default Re: Problem areas in a 78? (vethead)

The biggest problem I have is.... finding the time to drive it.

:cool:
Old 03-23-2004, 01:20 AM
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Default Re: Problem areas in a 78? (vethead)

I concur with what has been said.
many problems are typical C3 problems.


[Modified by LesTalent, 1:22 AM 3/23/2004]
Old 03-23-2004, 04:13 AM
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Default Re: Problem areas in a 78? (KENS78SILVERANNIV)

The biggest problem I have is.... finding the time to drive it.

:cool:


VetHead:

I kind of like Ken's response! But also believe it is dependent on part of country, mileage and care over 25 years. You can find them rust-free but as pointed out...brakes and bearings will leak as much as overuse as underuse. These problems are fixable...rusty frames and windshield surrounds are fixable but troublesome. High-mileage cars will have more mechanical problems and that includes, starter, alternator, motor, compressor, etc.

but the bottom line is you get what you pay for and so examine closely. I come across low-mileage original cars but they tend to be pricey. If you enjoy working on them, you can shop around and get a deal that you can bring back to life and get much satisfaction. Good luck

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