Looking at a 78 - Need Advice

[Norm B.]

Hi Folks,

Will be looking at a 78 next week with my son-in-law. He is looking for a reasonably inexpensive fun driver that does not need a lot of work. This car seems to fit the bill. It's an NOM automatic car, not Silver Anniversary trim, looks very clean from the pictures we were sent, and is being presented as in very good condition.

I am more familiar with C2's so was wondering if any of our C3 people out there could give me any hints or advice on what to watch out for specificallyon a 78.

Is there any easy way of judging the condition of the windshield pillars?

Do I look in the same ares in general for frame rust as I would on a C2?

Is there anything unique to the 78 that I should watch for?

Thanks in advance.

[Tom R.]

Re: Looking at a 78 - Need Advice

I am more familiar with C2's so was wondering if any of our C3 people out there could give me any hints or advice on what to watch out for specifically on a 78.

Is there any easy way of judging the condition of the windshield pillars?

Do I look in the same ares in general for frame rust as I would on a C2?

Is there anything unique to the 78 that I should watch for?

Norm

Sounds like you've got a base of experience to draw from and I would trust your judgement. C2 and C3 use same chassis. Look for leaks around windshield and rear window.

Major difference is emission control devices. Look to see if they've been removed which suggests other tinkering. Look for catalytic converter underneath passenger seat. Tendency is to add dual exhaust. In the engine compartment, an L82 will have the A.I.R. pump along with manifolds that plug into exhaust manifold. L48 was not equipped with this hardware. L82 had the dual snorkel air cleaner...L48 had single.

check to see if headlamps go up smoothly or you get a droopy eye. C3s use vacuum for operating headlamps. Droopy headlamps could be either vacuum leak or actuator/relay replacement.

If you really wish to get picky, see if the seatbelt warning buzzer works. Key on, door open buzzer should buzz. In 78 seat belt buzzer was wired to ignition key to offer operator a warning device in the event driver exited vehicle with key in ignition. Offers insight into electrical system and if its been maintained or tinkered with. A popular convenience item was the convenience group which included lights in the dome, under dash in each footwell and in the rear to view spare tire servicing. Should operate and remain on for 30 seconds after exit.

Those are a few I could think of off hand that is probably different from a C2 and offers some insights into operating condition. Good luck and let us know what you find.