Re: Rusted windshield frame

[Charlie P.]

A rusty windshield frame is not a simple, easy or cheap fix- I would consider it a big concern. It is also unlikely that the car is in "very good shape" other than this one major issue. I'm guessing it needs more than TLC. In most cases, you get what you pay for, and there is a reason (or many) why a '78 Corvette is selling for less than $3000.

If you "don't know anything about Corvettes", this type of car is not the place to start, in my opinion. However, I don't think anyone can make a judgement for you without seeing a particular car-you need someone knowledgable to look at it with you. A price under $3000 is not that risky, though, as you could part it out in a worst case.

[Mike Cobine]

Re: Rusted windshield frame

As Mike said, if the windshield is rusted, then you had better check the chassis frame also very closely.

Check the picture in the link as the arrows point to typical rusted-out areas. Take a small hammer and tap lightly on the bottom of the frame. If it rings like a steel pipe, you are probably solid. If it gives a dull thud, you are rusted. If it pokes through, you are rusted out. Check SEVERAL spots. Just because it rings in one spot is not a sign for the whole frame, ONLY the spot you hit.

$3000 sounds great BUT --
- interior - figure $1000 to redo carpets and seats at least. If leather seats, you are looking at $600-$800 for seat covers alone.
- paint - do the search and you'll find $4000 is a typical number to have the car repainted.

Suddenly, if the car needs paint or interior, you have $8000 tied up. If the windshield is rusted out, you have front carpets no doubt that need replacing. And the price of that. (Don't know, but I'd guess you could hit $500 on it.)

- tires?
- engine needing rebuilt?

Charlie is right on the "just needs TLC" in that usually that means everyone is in sad shape.

Get someone who knows Corvettes to go look at it with you. Post where you are and most likely someone on here is around.

My advice on almost all '73 to '82 Corvettes for anyone not experienced in workign on them is to buy a nice running Corvette in the $10,000 - $12,000 range and DRIVE IT TODAY rather than buy one "cheap" at $3000-$5000 and end up putting another $6000 and 6 months in it to look like the one you could buy for $10,000 today and drive everywhere.




C2/C3 chassis rust areas - see picture

[Mike Cobine]

Re: Rusted windshield frame

As Mike said, if the windshield is rusted, then you had better check the chassis frame also very closely.

Check the picture in the link as the arrows point to typical rusted-out areas. Take a small hammer and tap lightly on the bottom of the frame. If it rings like a steel pipe, you are probably solid. If it gives a dull thud, you are rusted. If it pokes through, you are rusted out. Check SEVERAL spots. Just because it rings in one spot is not a sign for the whole frame, ONLY the spot you hit.

$3000 sounds great BUT --
- interior - figure $1000 to redo carpets and seats at least. If leather seats, you are looking at $600-$800 for seat covers alone.
- paint - do the search and you'll find $4000 is a typical number to have the car repainted.

Suddenly, if the car needs paint or interior, you have $8000 tied up. If the windshield is rusted out, you have front carpets no doubt that need replacing. And the price of that. (Don't know, but I'd guess you could hit $500 on it.)

- tires?
- engine needing rebuilt?

Charlie is right on the "just needs TLC" in that usually that means everyone is in sad shape.

Get someone who knows Corvettes to go look at it with you. Post where you are and most likely someone on here is around.

My advice on almost all '73 to '82 Corvettes for anyone not experienced in workign on them is to buy a nice running Corvette in the $10,000 - $12,000 range and DRIVE IT TODAY rather than buy one "cheap" at $3000-$5000 and end up putting another $6000 and 6 months in it to look like the one you could buy for $10,000 today and drive everywhere.




C2/C3 chassis rust areas - see picture