Inspection checklist for buying a C2 or C3?

[Bill #36445]

Would anybody happen to have a checklist of things to check or look out for on an initial inspection of a Midyear or Pre-73 Mako? Im looking to purchase a classic Corvette but I'm not sure of all the areas that I should be aware of or the telltale signs that say "Stay Away". Your help, as always, would be greatly appreciated.

[Michael H.]

Re: Inspection checklist for buying a C2 or C3?

Hey Bill -

The single most common mistake people make is not getting the car up on lift and inspecting the frame and suspension. From underneath you can also get a good view of any major body repairs that have been done. If you e-mail me I can send you a checklist (mghaluska@aol.com), but the deal breakers are things like a bent frame or severely corroded kick-up area.

If there is someone in your Corvette Club or a technician familiar with Corvettes, pay the guy $100 and have him give you an assessment. Unless the car has been recently restored, you can almost bet that the suspension needs a complete rebuild. And if you're going to start replacing bushings, you may as well replace ball joints, tie-rod ends, bearings, u-joints, seals, etc since you have already paid to have the major components (control arms, trailing arms) removed. These repairs can easily run into $8,000 or more when all is said and done.

[Terry M.]

Re: Inspection checklist for buying a C2 or C3?

Not so far away is an on-line check list. THe explanation and original link were in the Winter 2004 edition of The Corvette Restorer. One of the benefits of NCRS membership.




Buying Your Next Corvette

[William C.]

Re: Inspection checklist for buying a C2 or C3?

The scoring sheets from the Judging system also can be used to provide a comprehensive checklist