mid-year vettes

[A S.]

Fellow members: I am currently looking at C-2 Corvettes in order to purchase my first one.I have previously owned 4 Corvettes- 1962, 1973,1984, and 1998.Any tips or advice or other info. to assist in my decision would be welcome, especially in the technical realm. Some of my current concerns include: gauge operation, battery replacement, power glide transmission (leaks), headlight repair. One question concerning air cleaner- for the 327/300 h.p. engines, did all mid- years have a twin snorkel air cleaner or did GM change to a round unit of chrome about '65- some 300 hps have different ones. Thanks . Terry Schraner

[Don H.]

Re: mid-year vettes

Terry, Welcome to the discussion board. The twin snorkel air cleaner was standard on all 250 & 300 HP engines (1965), the 350 & 365 HP used a chrome one. If you do not have the knowledge, paying someone to do a pre-purchase inspection is always money well spent. You can usually find someone to do it through this board or a local NCRS Chapter. Good luck, Don H.

[Michael J.]

Re: mid-year vettes

Welcome, good to have a new member. Now that your direct questions have been answered by some experts, one thing you need to determine is are you interested in any particular year C2. They are really all different in some subtle and not so subtle ways, so there is much personal preference involved here, what things are most important to you in an old, classic car like this?

[Mike M.]

Re: mid-year vettes

there are quite a few midyear knowledgable members in the Mid-atlantic chapter of NCRS( i see you live in virginia). if the car is in the MAC region, you ought to be able to find a member who will check the car out for you. let me know where the car is located(Not specific town, just state's general area , and i can possibly recommend a member who may be able to help you). Mike

[Ed S.]

Re: mid-year vettes

Terry, Mike's & Don's advice is rock solid. I will be the first to admit that I am not a C2 expert but you tend to learn a lot over time and owning one certainly increases your knowledge base. Regarding "looking at a C2" ---- here is an approach to consider, after a candidate passes the 10 foot rule. First, give the VIN and Trim tag a cursory inspection - and then compare "numbers" that are easily viewable. I am not suggesting that this inspection be a forensic analysis, but something that would at least reveal obvious issues or at least raise questions if there are any to be raised. If no alarm bells go of then I strongly advise inspecting the frame rails next, just in front of the rear wheels, where the frame "kicks up". If there is serious rust there that to me would be a war stopper - just move on. Next, if it is a convertible, open each door and grab the top of the A pillar, and try to move it front to back - if you get motion you have a bird cage problem and that is expensive to repair - again, move on. If you get past those issues ok then after giving it a good look to determine if it something you are interested in, go find a qualified C2 expert that can inspect the car for you and give you an assessment of what condition the car is in and what is a fair price for the car - or at least a range. Hope this works out for you - and hope to see you at MAC events.

[James C.]

[Russ S.]

Re: mid-year vettes

66 and 67 300 HP did not use a snorkel air cleaner.

[Richard G.]

Re: mid-year vettes

If you find a NCRS car that has been through the inspection process and has the NCRS matching paper work you would be miles ahead of the game.
They typically miss very little and all the big items will be covered in the paper work. Including the all important operations check.

If you find a C2 that is interesting you, and it isn't a NCRS car, I would use the NCRS inspection paperwork as a guideline to do my own inspection. If you can get a member to help with the inspection even better. I assume you are looking for a mostly stock C2. Restored you will not find a finer looking for more fun Automobile to drive than the C2 series.
Best of luck
Rick

[James G.]

Re: mid-year vettes

ALL GREAT advice. DON HOOPER lives in Virginia now and always helps

[Don H.]

Re: mid-year vettes

Terry
drop a note if you need help with anything.

[Mike B.]

Re: mid-year vettes

Likewise Terry. I own a '65 and '66. I'd be more than happy to chat about these two model years. Drop me an email or PM. Mike

[A S.]

Re: mid-year vettes

Thanks for the Info. Don.

[A S.]

Re: mid-year vettes

Thanks Michael. I've located several within the U.S. and one in Canada. I'm focusing on power glide cars as I am tall and 4-speeds with standard wheel make shifting difficult ( I know I can put a smaller wheel on). Also prefer 327 / 300 h.p. engine. Most I have investigated are in the 64-66 range year. Other than that, I am not so particular. I do prefer a coupe over a roadster because of styling. Any further info you would like to offer would be welcome.

[Don H.]

Re: mid-year vettes

AT,
there is a beautiful 64 300hp PG coupe down in NC, belonging to a member. Mostly original, low miles. Well kept and documented. Could be exactly what you want. Email me.

[A S.]

Re: mid-year vettes

One car is in Arizona,( near Phoenix) one in Cal. ( near L.A.) and one in BC (Canada). I will prefer looking at any personally. Not sure of airline
travel availability from VA. because of current Corona V scare.It will be difficult to have one shipped W/O my personal insp. However, info. from an NCRS member would help in my decision. I have considered Inspectors reports but that may be inadequate.(risky). Thanks for the info. and offer, Mike, and feel free to offer any other suggestions. Terry S.