Assessing rust condition on C3's...

[Don Becker #41636]

As some of you may know, I'm planning on getting my first C3/first vette in the next six months or so and I'm trying to do my homework first.

I have the C3 buyer's guide and a book on restoration/upgrade projects but because of the fact I live in Cincinnati, Ohio (aka, the armpit of America) I really need to be good at discerning rust conditions on a potential buy.

I feel I need to familiarize myself with the frame and other components. How they are supposed to go together and what looks right so I can tell what looks wrong.

Can someone suggest a 'Haynes-type' book that is out there that shows this? Although I felt the buyer's guide was a good buy, I felt that alot of the information on areas of potential wear was copied almost word for word for one year to the next (the book breaks down each year...)

Thanks,

-Don

[Harmon C.]

Re: Assessing rust condition on C3's...

Don I am a member of Queen City NCRS Chapter and live 200 miles from the meetings but you need to go to their meeting, join if you like the crowd and the things you learn. I think you can find someone to help you at a meeting as they were all looking for that first Corvette at some point in their life. Book learning is good but a friend to go with you to look at a Corvette is the only way to go for a first time buyer. If you go it alone you could get a deal or a dog and not know the difference. Lyle

[Don Becker #41636]

any general guides that cover 74 thru 77 ?

I don't know which year I'll be getting and there's more than one book for that span in vette history...

[Don Becker #41636]

Lyle you have mail... *NM*

[Chuck R.]

Re: Assessing rust condition on C3's...

Can't tell you if there is a "catch all" type book out there, but I'd bet not.

I CAN though speak to you regarding my experiences with my badly rusted 68 and it's hot spots.

This is where and what I would take a hard look at

Lower frame rails front to back including a good 1" up on each side

All lower portions of crossmembers and up a good 1" on each side

Kickups where they attach to the lower crossmember That pocket catches a ton of debris but is hard to see due to the trailing arms and shims.

Tapping all of these areas with a small peen type hammer "should" respond back with a slight but solid sound.

Windshield pillar lower corners and t-top header bars are prime water catchers.

Look at the windshield support and front door pillars up under the dash, if there is rusting, it should be quite obvious. You might want to remove the kick plates on each side so you can look into door pillar bases.

Check out the bottoms of the doors for rusting

The sills running under each sill plate is a bear to look at from anywhere but by peeking up by the fiberglass from underneath.

#2,3,and especially 4 body mounts on the body are prime candidates for rust out.

Lower core support mounts and the lower core support it's self.

While you under the car looking at the frame, also keep a weather eye out for such things as cracks around attached components, twists and dents in the frame.

Take a look at the ears on the differential that hold the spring leafs to the differential, they are know for cracking with age.

It's no book, but what the hey it's as long as one

Hope it helps you a little,

Chuck

[Greg L.]

Re: Assessing rust condition on C3's...

That's good info Chuck. One thing that I would like to add that is easy to spot is the the lower "B" pillar where it is welded to the sill plate
(#3 mount). If the fiberglass is being "pushed out" in this area you can bet that the bird cage in this area is also in need of repair.

[Roger Legge]

Re: Assessing rust condition on C3's...

I would like to mention that I believe it might be a good idea to spend some time flat on your back under a C3. Short of actually turning some wrenches, it would be a great way to learn about these cars. Front suspension, steering, rear suspension, frame layout, fuel tank, spare tire, etc. Even if you might not be able to arrange to get one off the ground, you can see and learn a lot from looking under the front, rear and sides. Books and this forum are great, but a real Vette, seen by your eyes and processed by your brain would, in my opinion, be a good addition to your Corvette education!

Roger

[Michael M.]

Re: Assessing rust condition on C3's...

I'd also add to look for corroded rivets on the hood surround support bar. The corrosions appears as "push-outs" on the top of the surround. I've got all the restoration books, and don't believe it is ever mentioned.

[Harmon C.]

Re: Assessing rust condition on C3's...

The rivets are not a problem from 73 and newer years as they glued the bar on without rivets. They sure show up on 72 and older sharks. Lyle

[Peter M.]

Re: Assessing rust condition on C3's...

From your description, I think I have that problem on my 71. How does that get fixed? Is there anyone who specialize in that type of repair on the East Coast?

Thanks

peter