01/10/2016 The good: This is the last of the chrome bumper Corvettes, and the first of the plastic bumper era. It runs and drives great. It is a 99 percent original and unrestored car. I am only the 3rd owner, the 2nd owner bought it used in 1974 so it hasn't been messed with buy a dozen owners like most cars this age. All of the numbers match. This car has virtually no rust in all the typical C3 problem areas, the birdcage and frame are solid making it an excellent candidate for restoration. The birdcage and frame have been coated with WK Seal-Out back coating to help prevent rust. The Vortec heads and cam give it a nice performance boost. It was completely stock when I got it. I added the wheels, exhaust and heads/cam. All the original parts I pulled off (wheels, heads, intake, etc) are included. It didn't have a front bumper skin when I got it, so it's a new reproduction part. The brakes had been rebuilt just before I got it. I replaced the u-joints on one of the half shafts, new joints for the other side and driveshaft are included but not installed. Garaged in the winter months.
The bad: The original paint is showing it's age. The driver's door and right rear corner of the body have cracks in them. But, that gives you the opportunity to fix them the right way. You won't have to deal with someone else's shoddy bodywork. The clock, oil pressure gauge, and radio don't work. I've checked the oil pressure at the engine and it's good, it just doesn't read at the gauge. It could use a new radiator, the original is looking pretty sad. The headlights don't lift up by themselves, the actuators need new seals. I have seals for them, but haven't had time to put them in yet.
All in all, it's a fun car. You can drive it as is as a cool patina'd Vette, or because it's so original it's a good candidate for restoration. |