Its braking wheel and brake pedal lever were often plagued with severe corrosion, affecting the functionality of the brakes adversely. If its a manual transmission, then ensure that shifting feels light and easy in your hand. Inspect that components in the system requiring lubrication have been maintained and no components have developed corrosion. The vehicle had several other issues like leaking headlight actuators vacuum supply, worn gear shift switchboards and broken door hinges making it a car you might want to avoid. I think the best advice is don't think of it as an investment. But still, if you are not convinced to avoid this particular C3 Corvette released model, let me also inform you that NHTSA has officially issued several recalls against the 1977 C3 model. One we found. Thanks guys, I have a 1983 Olds 98 Regency 2 door that's my daily driver. Besides that, users also reported several electrical issues such as taillights failure, extensive corrosion or rust to building up, leaked headlight actuator vacuum system, door hinge failure generating door sagging, and other alignment issues. Vetteaholic pretty much covered it.You either want a vette or you don't.Even the best looking vets have problems so treat it likeany car and decide if you really want it, then ask your self is it worth the price for what is right or wrong with it,If you answer yes then enjoy the good and the bad and make it your vette. I've swapped out the 307/200r for a '75 4 bolt 350/TH350, learned electrical trouble shooting in the Army. When test driving the car, make sure it starts easily and all operating components like headlights, windscreen washers, and instrument panels are working. Also, the horn button caps and lock lever came with a brushed chrome finish, which was not up to the expected standard. The material used on the rubber bumpers is prone to becoming brittle and cracking over time, a labor-intensive job to replace and color-match will be required. The C3 is at least 30 years old, so over the course of time the frames often rust. Do the trim codes on the drivers door post match the paintwork? They are high tech, with an interior that is aircraft inspired, and they are agile and fast. Most users reported engine starting difficulty even though it cranks like normal, lacked sufficient horsepower, power sputtering during acceleration, the vehicle tends to get shimmy and struggled due to emission-related problems. Headlight actuators can be a problem, there are now some good seals made that cure the problem without replacing the complete unit. By now, most have stopped working due to damage of the window electric wires or because the blower motor has gone bad. A forum community dedicated to Chevy Corvette owners and enthusiasts. Corvette fans adore rare variants like the L88 (only 216 produced) and ZL1 Corvette. A variety of transmissions were offered during third-generation Corvette production, including 3-speed and 4-speed manual transmission as well as 3-speed and 4-speed automatic transmission. With equal spring rates, the '63 chassis had a more balanced feel and would roll 18 percent less in a turn than the '62. The overheating has been commonly tied to replacing the stock radiator fan and fan shroud with an electric fan. Engine normally starts OK but . The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valves are essential for the C3s engine to perform as it helps the engine piston rings seal against the cylinder wall, causing a pressure drop in the crankcase. This helped bring the car closer to a 50/50 front-to- rear weight balance and lower the center of gravity. Finally, if you observe the window-rattling when the door is closed, have a professional inspect the window regulator mounting bracket and anti-rattle cushions. C3 Corvettes featured a new body and interior, but the chassis and engines were . In 1975, GM switched to an electronic tachometer, which worked off of a circuit board fixed to the back of the tachometer behind the dash. To offset for crowned roads, set the left caster to positive 2.75 degrees and the right to positive 3.25 degrees. Check the carpets are dry. The worst year for the Corvette C3 is 1969. See you in the next post! Chevrolet was particularly pleased with their new painting procedure. Test the clutch, and ensure if you are looking at a manual transmission vehicle it doesnt pop out of gear. Air Conditioning Long story short, it very rarely works. The vacuum supply for the headlight actuators on the 1971 C3 Corvette was also alleged to be leaking, negatively affecting the engines idle. (Explained), Which Nissan Sentra Years to Avoid and Why? 1968 C3 Corvette Electrical Issues. Among those automotive legends came the third generation Corvette, known as the C3 Corvette- one of the most iconic generations of them all. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is an intense 100-minute dash for the Corvette . The car was ok at cruise on a flat place but would not climb a mountain road (Monteagle, TN) except on the shoulder. The most common mechanical troubleshooting issues reported against this years C3 Corvette were engine overheating, improperly operating or damaged PCV valve, and PCV grommets not being sealed properly. This site is for Corvette C3 enthusiasts and has lots of information pertaining to Chevrolet Corvettes built between 1968 and 1982. According to previous owners of the 1969 version, the passengers and drivers windows were highly prone to damage. 1969 C3 Corvette. Also a good fast burn head is a lot better than any of those '70's stockers. By the final year of the C3 production only 4-speed automatic transmission was available. 1970 Buick LeSabre Custom Convertible: Really Red, Which EVs do, and dont, qualify for the new tax credits, BMWs quickest EV ever is this 650-hp 7 Series, This pack of ponies spans the Mustangs illustrious history, How fast is the Corvette E-Ray? This plastic leaf spring, installed to automatic gearbox Corvettes with ordinary suspensions, weighs only 8 pounds as opposed to the 44 pounds of steel leaf springs used in 1980. Why Is Tesla Better Than Other Electric Cars? Its no secret that Corvettes can be difficult cars to manage and run. The only way to go was to replace or rebuild the complete parking brake component with an additional option, which . It is one Corvette that cannot be forgotten in a hurry because of its great value and fun. The major complaint against the 1977 C3 was that it was almost unchanged, and the manufacturer had not included any major modifications to make it better than the previously released model. Clues to look for are uneven gaps in the body panels, mismatched paint, bumpers that are misaligned, and doors that are challenging to close. We built the car as a fun car for me and my partner to drive and promote the shop, but weve had some pretty serious offers to purchase it. They also described noises from windows made by anti-vibration pads and attached brackets for window adjusters that were cracked or broken. You may buy a fair condition 1982 C3 corvette coupe for $8000; however, a Concours condition 1968 Convertible L88 will fetch over $500,000. Since there are plenty of Corvette replacement parts out there, its a reasonable endeavor for the mechanically inclined. 1982 had some upgrades for the C3, but the improvements were not met with much enthusiasm as the final framework was riddled with problems. 7) Float level set very low. The rubber hoses and other parts of the headlight vacuum system are known to wear out, sometimes causing only one of the headlights to work while the other stays dormant. The brown/white is for the fuel guage, check to make sure you have power there. The front cross member, the framework around the doors, windshield pillars (bird vague) and just forward of the rear wheels are the most susceptible to rust. Click here to see the full blog we wrote covering all the issues, and options for solutions for AC in C3 corvettes. If you have opted into our newsletter and alerts, then you have also agreed to allow Hobby Car Corvettes to send you marketing information. Once youve decided which is the best for you, you should think about how confident you are performing the C3 Corvette. If you think about it, C3 Corvettes represent a great value for driving fun. Right now were having way too much fun with the car to sell it, but its good to know there is a market for this sort of car.. Seat Belts Here are some hard facts for you- These cars are 40+ years old. Now, let us look more closely at the C3 Corvette years-. Many people want to acquire the Chevrolet Corvette C3 as a classic car, loving its ease of driving with its power steering and power brakes. Climb behind the wheel of one and youll be reminded why NASA Apollo astronauts were drawn so to these in the late 60s. Most of these minor issues have no effect on driveability or safety, so owners usually overlook fixing them. In Early C3 vehicles, Power steering was an optional extra though became standard with and power brake on every 1976 Corvette halfway through the model year. The 1973 Corvette was equipped with a variety of engines, including a standard 350 cc (RPO L48) powertrain with 190 horsepower, an additional medium block (L82) with a maximum of 250 horsepower, and an extra big block (LS4) with 270 horsepower. With the car lifted, we tried to adjust the steering by turning the adjusting nut with the . The 1981 C3 was the best, evident in its large sales. Go to the tank neck and remove the rubber bladder, there are 3 wires ther. Car and Driver ran the '75 Corvette off against the ignoble Bricklin SV1 in its May 1975 issue and found Chevy's plastic car with the base 350 and three-speed automatic transmission took a brutal . Open up your favorite high-performance mail order catalog and youll find affordable suspension and brake upgrades, along with plenty of options for an aftermarket radio that bolts into the factory opening in the dash. Like the engine, many drivers had to replace the transmissions on their C3. Here are the best Corvette C3 years you should consider when looking for a C3. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. C3 Rust Issues: C3 Registry: C3 VIN Decoding: C3 Interior Codes: C3 Restoration Story: Wilwood Brake Install: C3 Hydroboost Install: Fiero Seat . You should also check for faulty light bulbs, brake light switches, and turn signal switches, as there are other reasons why the tail light and turn signal lights are not working right. While inside the vehicle check electricals are working, including air conditioning, AM/FM radio, windshield wipers, and the power window. Tried to bleed again with no success. Looking back at the corvette history, the C3 Corvette started life midway through the C2 production. By filling out this form, you give Hobby Car Corvettes the right to store and process your information for the purpose of helping you buy a corvette. Black (ground) brown/white and brown. C3 Corvette General Discussion. Reset valve and set aside. If you are seeking an excellent car, keep in mind to stay away from the following worst Corvette years: 1969 C3 Corvette, 1971 C3 Corvette, 1977 C3 Corvette, 1982 C3 Corvette. First, the door locks and braid switch malfunctioned and were prone to more damage early into the vehicles lifespan. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For a little more cash you can get yourself a four-speed to further enhance your driving experience. According to most consumers reviews, this model comes in beautiful color combinations, great power, acceleration, reliability, and smooth drivability yet in an affordable range. With corvettes, usually the first thing to go was the original paperwork. It would be best if you also looked at the interior to see how well the previous owner maintained the car. Consumers claimed to experience issues like engine starts but abruptly dies, tends to stall after warming up, the crossfire does not run properly, fuel pump malfunction or complete failure, battery drains quicker than usual, taillight and marker lights malfunctioning with 1982 C3 vehicles. What Are 2014 Ford F150 Transmission Problems? Thorough inspections of all the areas we mentioned above are an absolute must for anyone seriously considering a Corvette C3. Removed bench bled and reinstalled. Cruise Control Starting in 1977, GM offered cruise control. Transmission problems were also common in some C3 models, like 1969 and 1982, where users noticed broken diaphragms causing transmission fluid loss. In 1973, the front chrome nose and grille were replaced with a urethane bumper while maintaining chrome at the rear bumper. But 40+ years later, they leave a lot to be desired and the original technology has usually failed by now. This has been a problem since day one. You might have a relay that is going bad. Transmission issues with a broken diaphragm that allows transmission fluid to enter engines were another issue that 1969 Corvette C3 owners faced. Check inside the vehicle for the optional upgrades that may come with the car, such as headrests, the steering wheel condition, and whether the tilt-telescopic steering column is operational. As most classic car buffs have learned, the majority of old cars come with their own lists of little things that have stopped working or gone missing over the years. The time and mileage intervals for each of the maintenance items included on this page were established by General Motors with the introduction of the 1972 Chevy Corvette. 7) Check & adjust the fl oat level to factory specs. The best year Corvette C3 is 1981. As we mentioned above, the C3 Corvette came with a long production history and many diverse model variants made. For two decades, the Sedona was Kias best-selling, Read More Which Kia Sedona Years to Avoid and Why? Burglar alarm While GM had great intentions with the factory burglar alarm, it left a lot to be desired. Rust may be all around the chassis, some will be minor rust, some not so minor.

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