C2 Purchase, Opinions
the most important areas to spend your time looking at were. Or what would an overview of your routine be when looking over a car, (most important to you)when time could be limited.
Thanks in advance
Todd
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the most important areas to spend your time looking at were. Or what would an overview of your routine be when looking over a car, (most important to you)when time could be limited.
Thanks in advance
Todd -
Re: C2 Purchase, Opinions
Todd, I noticed that you are from Michigan but have not joined the Michigan Chapter.
The Michigan Chapter has a great deal of knowledge when it comes to C2's.
The question you ask has a long list of answers. Depending on what you would plan to do with the car you may need to look at a few items or look at every part on the car. Meaning, will it just be a driver or do you plan for Flight Judging and beyond?
Joining the Michigan Chapter and speaking with a knowledge member(s) will certainly help. You could probably talk a few of them to look at the car with you for the price of a lunch....
Good Luck
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Re: C2 Purchase, Opinions
Having been through this a few times before I got my first C2, here are some things people suggested for me:
Look for a leak history: Inspect the inside firewall area behind the dash, look for signs of rust/water stains from leaking windshield areas. Same for the rear area of a 'vert or coupe. And under the doors, and under carpet if possible. Also, consider where/how long this car has been driven around.
Look for a collision history: Know how to look for fiberglas replacement parts and patches. Look for excessive shims put into front end A arm area right and left, look at symmetry of shims. Inspect tires for uneven wear.
Drive the car: Look for excessive vibration, rattles, noise, etc. How well does it shift?, noise? And notice cold start/warm start, running at idle, accelerator response, exhaust for smoke, etc. Inspect for oil and/or tranny/diff. fluid leaks and look for discoloration from long time leaks.
In other words, like with any used car, beware of problems before you buy.
And the best advice, as above, get some expert help from NCRS people. Good luck!Big Tanks In the High Mountains of New MexicoComment
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Re: C2 Purchase, Opinions
I should have added, that a high quality driver is what I was thinking. A car that will be driven on a nice day, and nice enough for a local weekend show.
A car that has good (bones).Comment
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Re: C2 Purchase, Opinions
Todd my first Corvette was a used C2, a 1964. Bought it in San Diego in 1968 from a car lot. Way before NCRS and did not know about birdcage rust. My 1964 must of been a CA Corvette since new it had no rust issues. As posted enlisting some C2 owners to examine your purchase prospect is well worth the expense.Comment
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Re: C2 Purchase, Opinions
Todd,
I'd be more concerned with the frame than the birdcage, especially where the rear kickup begins. Take an ice pick, small flat blade screwdriver, or pen knife and poke the frame. If the frame is painted, look for depressions from corrosion or scale and poke those. If you're not sure if what you are finding is bad or not, take some pictures and post them here.
PaulComment
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Re: C2 Purchase, Opinions
+1, I just saw a '64 frame-off job going on, and the hatch cover over the right side body/frame bolt assembly (front edge of the rear wheel well) had come loose and had been leaking for many years in a wet/salty environment. The frame around that area, and the bolt were so corroded you could hardly tell there was ever a bolt and nut there.Big Tanks In the High Mountains of New MexicoComment
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Re: C2 Purchase, Opinions
Michael, similar experience. Just looked at a 65 vert during a body off. The entire birdcage around the windshield was essentially gone. You could have pulled it off the car with your bare hands. The front header bar on the convertible top frame was also gone, no way to save it.
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Re: C2 Purchase, Opinions
Todd. IMO the trim tag and VIN tag would be the first things to look at because the car can be a gorgeous driver that runs well and all the options you want and come with two sets of wheels and have a fake vin or trim tag and you're sunk! After checking the tags go through all the items listed in the replies. Without a good vin and trim tag you will have more headaches than you want when you go to sell the car and/or register it. Just my two cents. Be careful! And good luck with your search. AraComment
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Re: C2 Purchase, Opinions
todd, good advice, hire someone that knows what to look for.....could save you a big headache.Comment
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Re: C2 Purchase, Opinions
As the owner of several C2's...Check the rear frame very carefully for Rust...If the body has not been removed and there is rust on the frame,check around the floors and doors for water intrusion...Check door fit....the car will speak for itself....Also bring another person(one with some vette smarts) to eyeball a few things....If you can get the car on lift you will be better off....Fixing a frame or birdcage will be major $$$$$....Comment
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Re: C2 Purchase, Opinions
Todd, can't tell if you're from the metro area, but there is one local shop I'd highly recommend, all good points above, but you need to hone in on what you're looking for, for example, if its 67, extra caution on the big blocks, and there are now more that left the factory, frame changes on earlier C2 and combo 63 64 cars abound in SE MI.Comment
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Re: C2 Purchase, Opinions
All good advice and I want to reiterate Harrys point. .......... Educate yourself.
Many of the NCRS members available to you locally and Nationally have 40 - 50 years experience.
We/They will help you find a Corvette with basic integrities like original VIN & Trim tags.
my .02And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
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Re: C2 Purchase, Opinions
Thanks for the replies, they have giving me a better understanding of what to look for. And I appreciate the help.
I thought about taking a day trip to ProTeam just to take a look a few different cars in one place. kind of a field trip.
ToddComment
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