Newbie Help

Fri 20 Nov 09 17:12

Newbie Help

Hi and thanks in advanced for any information or help that is provided.

I have always been interested in older cars, something a bit different, that is why 12 years ago I bought a Spitfire and restored it, therefore I do have nuts and bolts knowledge, however not about the C3's.

Attended the NEC show at the weekend, saw a fantastic C3 and thought, I want one of those and guess what? Yep, I am still trying to convince my wife that every garage needs one.

I dont have a massive budget and will require to sell my beloved spity. first question is: Does anyone recognise these cars or dealers? If so any information would be appreciated.

1. http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C46222/

2. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3303780...


Secondly, is there anyone in central Scotland who would be willing to let me see their C3 and part with as much knowledge as possible about buying the right one.

Again if any member has one for sale or knows of one for sale, then any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Michael

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Nuts and Bolts Rule

Fri 20 Nov 09 17:30

Re: Newbie Help

My geography is pretty crap but I do know there are a few members up in sunny Scotland, VetteG being one of them...how close to you they are Im not sure but you could search for him and find out.

Have no ideas about the traders...the 78 looks nice but not alot of info..
The newer 80 looks to be a driver quality but again more info is needed.

Good luck with your search.

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My new project www.mycorvette.co.uk
About to start restoration of www.pamsghia.co.uk
www.mycorvette.tk Now Sold.....

Fri 20 Nov 09 17:41

Re: Newbie Help

I'm sure if you browse the threads, you'll find all kinds of C3 advice.

Be prepared to spend well on a good one, though. Corvettes aren't that difficult to work on and around, and having a good background in car restoration and repairs will give you a head start, but it must be sound i.e. no accident damage (they're very exciting to drive on a wet day!!) or chassis rust.

Like any car, see how it drives and steers, look at panel gaps, check the wheelbase is equal on both sides. Be suspicious of the great paint job. Believe nothing of what you hear and half of what you see...

All the very best in your search...

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Sat 21 Nov 09 12:46

Hi there, the 78's the more desirable model, it looks good in the pics but I'd get more info on it and according to that I'd go look at it. It's a pretty major investment, so don't rush it!

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Johnny99

Sat 21 Nov 09 17:23

Re: Newbie Help

Curnie wrote (View Post):Hi and thanks in advanced for any information or help that is provided.

I have always been interested in older cars, something a bit different, that is why 12 years ago I bought a Spitfire and restored it, therefore I do have nuts and bolts knowledge, however not about the C3's.

Attended the NEC show at the weekend, saw a fantastic C3 and thought, I want one of those and guess what? Yep, I am still trying to convince my wife that every garage needs one.

I dont have a massive budget and will require to sell my beloved spity. first question is: Does anyone recognise these cars or dealers? If so any information would be appreciated.

1. http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C46222/

2. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3303780...


Secondly, is there anyone in central Scotland who would be willing to let me see their C3 and part with as much knowledge as possible about buying the right one.

Again if any member has one for sale or knows of one for sale, then any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Michael

Hi mate, iam not far from you, I have a 78 c3, I will PM you

cheers

dave

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Corvette 1978 - Custom built 383 sbc - Fuel injection/vortech supercharger coming soon!

Sat 21 Nov 09 17:54

Re: Newbie Help

Hi there I'm located in Edinburgh. As with most Corvettes if the paint is good they look good, however it means that you have to look inside and underneath for the problems. The fact that the headlightys dont work on the second one rings warning bells for me since that is not too difficult a fix and if he aint fixing them what other problems has he been ignoring?

give me a shout if you want more help

G

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1970 Small Block Coupe, 450hp Motor, March Pulleys, twin spall fans on aluminium radiator, Steeroids, Tremec T56 6 speed c/r box, Smart Struts, Sports Rotors, Hydroboost, Semi Coil over front suspension and alloy upper control arms, 18" Alloy Replica Rallye Wheels 8" front 9 1/2" rear with Pirelli Pzero's. www.graemeinglis.com

Sun 22 Nov 09 11:07

Both cars look OK from the info in the adverts, but as VetteG says, problems may only be visible from underneath.

Ask both sellers to provide photos of the underside of the car, particularly at the suspension pivot in front of the rear wheels which is a common rust trap on the chassis. I would also want photos of the accessible parts of the metal structure around the windscreen and either side of the footwells, but sellers may not be prepared to remove bits of trim to do this for you at this lower of the market.

The yellow one looks like good value but it would need an inspection. I think I'd want to be present for a fresh MOT (at your expense) to be happy that there were no hidden problems or potentially expensive advisories. The interior might be tired but it looks sound. The body panel gaps look consistent. It looks fairly original and unmolested. The headlight problem could be a disconnected hose or (more likely) a need for new seals in the actuators. Neither problem would be expensive to solve but if the owner hasn't got the time/inclination to solve it and it's a summer car with little demand for lights then I can imagine how they could be left unfixed.

It sounds like the owner of the yellow car just wants shot of it before the winter. Could be a bargain.

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Blue-with-white-stripes 1976 manual L82 since 1995
"A stiff upper lip is always well dressed when accompanied by mountains of torque and an indomitable will." -unsprung

Sun 22 Nov 09 11:28

Re: Newbie Help

The guy selling the yellow car IS a dealer - I don't know anyone who has bought from him, so no comments here - he IS known by some of the Essex yank trade - he has been around for many years - also owns/has owned some awesome cars. He is located on the A12 2/3 miles south of Colchester.

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'68 coupe - 4 speed - 3.08 - F41 - 'slightly warm' 489 cu in - 528 bhp @ 5850 rpm - 565 ft/lbs torque (766 Newton Metres) @ 3850 rpm - (225 bhp & 465 ft/lb Torque @ 2500 rpm)

Sun 22 Nov 09 15:23

Virtually every classic you buy generally needs some work, so allocate a bit of cash for unseen things that will inevitably come up. For the money, both these cars are pretty well priced. I myself and other C3 owners I know who have picked up trophies at shows,etc have 30,40,50 grand invested in their cars to make them look top notch, so don't expect a flawless car for a quarter of that money...

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Johnny99