Potential problems to look for

[Mark Zappy]

I would like to buy a 68-78 corvette. Are there specific problems I should be looking for in any given year? Thanks for your help and expertise.

[Jim T.]

Re: Potential problems to look for

Straight and solid fames. Corvettes driven on salted roads may have unrepairable frame damage.

[Mike E.]

Re: Potential problems to look for

Check out the windshield frame very carefully. If the glass has been replaced, it's often given an opportunity for moisture to gather and eat metal. This fix is not as expensive as replacing an entire frame, but still not cheap or easily done.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Potential problems to look for

Buy the best one you can afford.
Buy the most original one you can afford and think you can maintain. Then keep it original.
Buy the one that exactly fits your description. They made a bazillion of this body style, so don't settle for what you don't want. Keep looking until you find it. If you want green with a tan interior, then don't buy red with black interior.
Crappy repaints and Bubba handiwork are all too common. If you see it, move on. In addition, the interiors do not hold up as well as the midyears, and can be expensive to replace.

Don't be afraid to let us know where you are located so someone familiar with the year of the car can look at it for you.

That's what I can think of off the top of my head. Good luck!

Patrick

[David Z.]

Re: Potential problems to look for

Having owned a 68 and 70, both had water leaking into the front of the passenger compartment. This was due to hidden debris that was built up around the air vent which re-directed the water drainage.

[Dave F.]

Re: Potential problems to look for

Be suspicious if you see even only a small amount of rust on frame, as there are almost countless places on C3's where non-visible rust awaits the optimist. If the frame is bad enough to need replacing, then you can count on sill reinforcements and various brackets needing attention as well. Getting one in this condition for free may not be cheap enough for some. Not an impossible task, just time consuming and expensive. Plus one heck of a way to get to know your car.