Sponsored by: Please help 1980 interior couresy lights don't . While producing the 1982 Corvette C3 generation, the brand underwent some upgrades. 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. For cooling, forget the expense of the aluminum radiator, run a good high density core in the stock radiator with a Stewart water pump and 160 degree thermostat. C3 Corvette Parts & Accessories #sponsored. So, take some time to research before purchasing the car. 135, When Porsche asked if a car could live forever. For two decades, the Sedona was Kias best-selling, Read More Which Kia Sedona Years to Avoid and Why? You can opt out at any time. (Explained), Which Audi Q5 Years To Avoid and Why? 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. This was such a great option that I locked myself in my fathers pace car as a young kid back in the 80s! The Hagerty Price Guide supports the affordability argument, at least for later examples of the C3, as a 197578 in #3 condition carries a value of $10,500$11,500. It had the best fuel efficiency and a more contemporary interior control panel. Generally the pressure switches get broken or corroded. It is one Corvette that cannot be forgotten in a hurry because of its great value and fun. 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. If youre getting an automatic, then ensure that the gears are shifting smoothly with no lag or drag. This years model users complained about several issues such as stretched parking brake cable and seizure of the parking brake shoes & levers due to excessive rust. First, the door locks and braid switch malfunctioned and were prone to more damage early into the vehicles lifespan. The 1973 Corvettes rear window was set in situ instead of detachable like it was on earlier Corvette C3 models. Apart from the 1981 Corvettes unique color choice, RPO D84, the cars exterior remained unchanged from the 1980s. 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. If the crankcase or valve covers are closed completely, the vehicle will suffer from leaks and extreme oil usage. Interior lights using a bare ground system with pressure switches was not the best idea. The C3 Corvette was first officially introduced to the public in 1968, and the model resembled the second-run Mako II concept car launched in 1965. There was also a new six-way motorized drivers seat that finally had a backward recline. Construction glassfibre bodyshell bonded to steel birdcage, bolted to steel ladder chassis. They also mentioned window-rattling due to damage or broken window regulator mounting bracket and anti-rattle cushions. We have often been able to sell well-maintained/restored examples above retail, and weve even sold a couple to other dealers at retail, and theyve sold them at a profit. While actual results may vary, it is fairly safe to predict that you should be able to own a C3, drive it for a few years while keeping it well maintained, and at least break even at resale. Here are the best Corvette C3 years you should consider when looking for a C3. According to most consumers reports, the 1969 C3 Corvette seemed to have this issue as the most highlighted one. The electric fan temperature switch is new and fan rotates when connected to 12 volt battery. The 1981 C3 Corvette got 4 consumer ratings out of 5, and 100% of users recommend this model. Watch as I give a basic description of the HEI ignition system, demonstrate how to locate the source of failure, and change the components out to get it back to running condition.#c3corvette #corvettehowto #vettesourceTo see more of the 1976 Orange Flame Corvette - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAM-V1w3acpjU5aHmobJuIOAIjkquL8uPTo see more of my Corvette How To Videos - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAM-V1w3acpivjkfJyWbE99E1FcOaXKys 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. Purchase the parts for this window fix. What Are 2014 Ford F150 Transmission Problems? 1977-1982 Corvette steering columns have several advantages over the 1968-1976 units, the most notorious being the overall length of the assembly. Starting in 2008, Audi began building a line, Read More Which Audi Q5 Years To Avoid and Why? Contact me VIA Facebook: Facebook.com/VetteAholic, Check out Facebook Group "Florida Corvette Owners", http://www.smokinvette.com/corvetteforum/showthread.php?t=13379. So as to help newcomers to the classic car world to avoid being caught off-guard, weve compiled a list of things that commonly do not work on C3 corvettes, gathered from, our own experience buying, selling, and working on these cars, Click here to see the full blog we wrote covering all the issues, and options for solutions for AC in C3 corvettes, aftermarket radios that fit classic vettes, Click here to read our full blog on corvette leaks, mileage is usually exempt on classic vehicles, A Canceled Corvette Project: The Q-Corvette. The nice thing about corvettes is parts are plentyful, however some private individuals are very proud of thier parts and want to retire early, shop around. Starting in 1978, the tachometer comes out through the front, so its very easy to replace the circuit board. For example, you could pick up a 1975 Corvette convertible, add a Chevy big-block crate engine (perhaps with a Tri-Power unit), factory side exhaust, and four-speed manual, and youd have a real ground pounder. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, racing, restoration, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! The interior features were famously durable however areas prone to wear include the drivers and passenger seats, cracking in the center stack, and dashboard (due to prolonged sunlight exposure or significant changes in temperature). I've swapped out the 307/200r for a '75 4 bolt 350/TH350, learned electrical trouble shooting in the Army. Some C3 Corvettes will allow positive 3.25 degrees while others may allow another 0.25 degree. The windows were also prone to early damage. Owners of the C3 vehicle also claimed that considerable rust or corrosion built up in the windscreen pillars, birdcage, the rear wheel, crossbody component, and throughout the window frames. This means the grease gets hard and gummy and does not allow the doors to lock or unlock. Also test the brakes, making sure it feels keen and powerful. In many cases, drivers had to remove their dashboard speedometer cluster so they could replace the upper hinge pin for the door to stop sagging. Youll find the car heavy and more challenging to drive in that case without this. Keep the resto-modification tasteful and you have a subtly modified car that, while unique, is easily desirable to others when it comes time to resell. December 10, 2021. C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette. Its braking wheel and brake pedal lever were often plagued with severe corrosion, affecting the functionality of the brakes adversely. How much horsepower are you looking for? All of them were V8 engines, starting . Need to purchase a window regulator for a C3 Corvette? 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. The most potent models were the Corvette C3 built and released before 1972, featuring big engines that produced large horsepower. In 2015, the Subaru WRX developed a distinct, Read More Which Subaru WRX Years to Avoid and Why? If you seek a vehicle for everyday use, you may want to explore other options. The C3 is at least 30 years old, so over the course of time the frames often rust. 1971 C3 Corvette. Not only does this kill the cruise control, but usually led to corvettes being driven without turning miles for years before anyone would either bypass the box with a longer single speedometer cable or go through the hassle to replace the transducer. The concept of a mid-engined Corvette was abandoned due to budgetary constraints and the absence of suitable mid or rear-engine parts compatibility. Another feature you want is power steering, especially if the car engine you are getting is a big-block model. C3 Corvette Forums. Blow from the start of the rear line back. Are you talking about a supercharger? Many owners have expressed their dissatisfaction with particular model years after filing many complaints about them. 1977 C3 Corvette. Little back story unsure if it has anything to do with the issue. There are also plenty of owners who somehow lost the door keys over the years. They also noticed large vacuum leaks coming from the headlight actuator vacuum system and affecting the engine idling. 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. Reset valve and set aside. Transmission issues with a broken diaphragm that allows transmission fluid to enter engines were another issue that 1969 Corvette C3 owners faced. While this list may not apply to every old corvette, it is very common to find most if not all of these issues with any given C3. Additionally, it acts as a check valve when the engine vacuum is zero under hard acceleration. Required fields are marked *. Sign up for the latest automotive news and videosin short, everything for people who love cars. Thanks guys, I have a 1983 Olds 98 Regency 2 door that's my daily driver. 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. Why Is Tesla Better Than Other Electric Cars? Now, let us look more closely at the C3 Corvette years-. The idea is to maximize positive caster. We dropped in a warmed-up 350 V-8 and topped it with factory aluminum valve covers and a functional cowl-induction dual-snorkel air cleaner and backed it with a Tremec five-speed manual. Duntov and Mitchell based their mid-engine design on the Mako Shark concept. If you think about it, C3 Corvettes represent a great value for driving fun. After that, the spare tire and possibly the spare tire carrier were done away with to reduce weight and noise. Many 1969. 2848 Views 10 Replies 10 Participants Last post by AGVI . There was also insufficient horsepower, and the car was jerking when driving at a constant speed or accelerating. Though the C3 did well for its time, many modern cars give better performance and are best suited for todays conditions. They also described noises from windows made by anti-vibration pads and attached brackets for window adjusters that were cracked or broken. Another thing to mention is the fuel pump. Click here to read our full blog on corvette leaks. 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