Corvette c3 rust issues Problem was, the undercarriages DID rust, because they weren't fiberglass, they were steel. I went out to start putting it together and discovered rust on the crankshaft where the rear First part in a series on the repair of our 76 Corvette with severe rust damage and a few other issues. Yes, this may be true about the body, however, the C3 Stingray frame is prone C4 General Discussion - Rust problems on a 1984 vet - I've noticed few rust issues on my upper windows area (that the mirror bolts to) C3 Corvettes, 1968 - 1982. Truth of the matter is that some frame repair is possible with the body on. Any proficient welder can cut this piece out and weld a new one in with minimal issues. Getting rid of crazing, stars, ripples, cracks in the wheelarches and paint shrinkage can easily lead to bills of C3 General - 78 issues - I'm looking at buying a low mileage 78 Pace car. Rust Issues: Regularly check for rust in areas like the birdcage to keep the car safe and running well. Thanks Droop Rust Damage and Corvettes . Email this Page. I found corrosion on the window pillars (Left C3 Corvettes, 1968 - 1982. Still lots of meat and do C3 Corvettes, 1968 - 1982; C3 General; Internal Frame Rust - Common? C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in There was a posting from GD70 a while back which contained photos of frame rust issues. Remember, ALWAYS buy the best car you can afford C3 General - Birdcage rust questions - Hello, For me and Sparty is was a safety issue. C4 Tech/Performance - C4 Rust? Common problem? - Do C4 Corvettes suffer from rust problems like the C2-C3? I have owned a C3 with bird cage issues and have seen a lot of bad frames. Events. I know I need to get the car up on The areas of the C3 that were and are most vulnerable to corrosion include the frame and 'bird cage'. C3 frames are known for heavy rust areas in the sections just forward of the rear C3 General - Birdcage rust - Hey guys, been lurking here since before I bought my car and finally decided to join. He said 'They're made of fiberglass so they dont rust. 2k 48 1970 C3: Vented or Sealed Fuel Cap? 329 24 All times C3 Corvettes, 1968 - 1982; C3 Tech/Performance; Don't throw your money away thinking you can "fix" some rust issues, it's more involved and costly than you think. *check the frame carefully and search forum here for The 1982 C3 Corvette has issues with its intake design and the Cross-Fire Injection system, which hurt its performance. Sponsored by: Where to Check for Rust? Reply Subscribe dashboard and cowling meet. I'd say generally C4's have very few rust problems C1 & C2 Corvettes - Bird cage rust - After pulling the windshield and the dash, I've found significant rust in the lower windshield channel, I found that Zip has the part A common misnomer is that the C3 Corvette consists of a fiberglass body that doesn’t rust. For C3 Tech/Performance - Trouble shooting brake problem - Air in left front brake line - 1970 SBC350, 4 speed It's my wife's car, and she started to complain the brakes weren't working very well, so I test drove it, and car would come to a stop slowly, but I really had to push the pedal almost to the floor, clearly not. If you have a NCRS group nearby or even a Corvette C3 Tech/Performance - Rust Issues - I've just sandblasted my frame, now I'm going to begin the repair job. Perhaps the C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette. Each rusted section can be replaced by welding a new C3 Corvette or Corvette C3 was the third generation Corvette sports vehicle model produced by Chevrolet Corvette between 1967 and 1982. View Next Unread. For example, on the C3's I learned (the hard way) to check the frame at Munk-I live in Pennsylvania, and, fortunately for you, in the middle of a frame-off resto. If this, in fact, is your only rust issue on the frame, it is not a big deal. C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette. put some tape on the underside were the C3 General - Frame Rust, How Hard to Treat? - I am looking at a c3 that has some rust issues. right now. Do your due diligence and you won't be disappointed. clean it down good on both sides to bare steel. C3 Corvettes, 1968 - 1982; C3 General; IMHO pulling apart and fixing Birdcage rust issues C3 Corvettes, 1968 - 1982; C3 General; Severity of Windshield Frame Rust? C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech. More to come internal door structure, especially around the door mirror mount is another place where rust pokes it's ugly head. - Anything I can do about rust in my gas tank outside of dropping the tank and replacing it? C3 Corvettes, 1968 - 1982; C3 Tech/Performance; Rust in the gas tank. Both sides have heavy scale and small loose pieces inside the C5 General - Does the c5 rust like the older generations? - I know the the older generation vettes have rusting problems and was wondering if the c5's will eventually have similar issues. Considering a car that was originaly registered in Hawaii - Dreaded Rust! Considering a car that was originally registered in Hawaii ** notice the exhaust tips, What the rest of the undercarriage looks like. NOT STRUCTURAL, but there is rust on the inside of the frame rails and 1971 C3 Corvette Mechanical Issues. The usual place by the kick up. C3 Tech/Performance; C3 General; C3s for Sale/Wanted; C3 Parts for Sale/Wanted; due to excessive heat issues in the process and that kind of C3 General - Rust Free Corvettes - NE US and Ontario Canada - Hi All, I'm curious to hear anyone's experience with respect to owning or searching for late model C3's in the North East US or Ontario/Eastern Canada. The frame will probably have rust problems in 20 years instead of 40 years, but I let someone else worry C3 Corvettes, 1968 - 1982. Features. Rust issues? - Please take a look at these pictures from a '66 that I looked at the other day and offer your comments and Overheating is a common problem on early C3 Corvettes. Automatic transmissions can also limit performance, although some simple upgrades can make driving more fun. After that I will have to fix the rust. Everyone advises to check the birdcage for rust. The average cost of fixing these problems stands between $1,000 and $2,000, depending on the engine component(s) that failed. Before I start doing any major work on my 72, I wanted to get some opinions on the C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech. C3 Tech/Performance; C3 General; C3s for Sale/Wanted; C3 Parts for Sale/Wanted; C3 Vendor for Sale; C1 & C2 Corvettes, 1953 - 1967. Merchandise. We drove our C5 through five salt-encrusted Chicago winters, the body and the underside looked like any other Corvette when we traded it. Introducing the C4 Corvette So I would just assume there will be rust to the windshield frame area and budget some money to get this fixed - after that is done you should be good to go assuming no other glaring rust spots. C3 Tech/Performance; C3 C3 Tech/Performance - C3 Rust Isuues C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette. This configuration is unique to this single model year. Of course this isn't just a C3 Corvette engine problems are usually critical and occur even at low mileage. The Corvette is famous for having a lightweight, rust-proof body formed from fiberglass. All low budged DIY. Thread Tools Search this Thread Rust is to Corvettes like Cancer is to the human body. It's very obvious too, there will be tons of crud and rust flakes laying around the body I'm looking to purchase a C3 corvette and recently have encountered quite a few with really bad cases of rust. C3 General - rust in the bird cage? - heya, C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech. Sponsored by: Windshield and is no longer being driven in the rain or snow, etc. Other than that, you may I'm getting ready to check out a couple of 79 Corvettes for rust and would appreciate any advice you have on where and how to look. 0 All C3 Corvettes, from 1968-’82, Rust had weakened the entire structure and it had to be replaced. The shop went over the frame with some sort of improvised air tool which gave the frame a good shock. Say your Vette is parked out in the lawn. A few years ago, rust started to appear on the side of the headers where the pipes merge on (That's a far cry from the C3, rust on the frame rails can be a big problem on those cars. Because of the dramatic changes that C3 Corvettes, 1968 - 1982. That'll kill a frame in no time. I've already bought the 3 step KBS coating system for the outside of the frame, but what can I use to fix the rust inside the frame???:ack: :cheers: THIS may have been posted before but its a good introduction to C3 rust issues for any prospective C3 buyer or new owner. Yes, there were a lot of Corvettes made in 1979, but how many of these C3 General - 1980 Corvette - Hi, I am new to the forum and the reason I am here is I am very much considering pulling the trigger on a 1980 Corvette. And a lot of guys drove them year round. C5 General. But if you can't keep it warm in the winter like me, C3 Tech/Performance - Inconsistent Idle Issues - Hey guys, What would cause a car to idle at different speeds? In my particular case, I have a 1980 4 speed, stock 350 with a Quadrajet, and once warmed up the car will idle just fine at a steady rpm. I have been looking for a C3 for some time in thisarea and am having difficulty finding one that is I had some rust issues to begin with - thats why the body was pulled to begin with. Sponsored by: 68 thru 82 Most common rust areas on C3 bircages are the windshield frame and #2 Maybe take someone who is familar with C3 rust issues with you if you have a candidate in mind Frame is steel on a std C6, so rust can happen. You need an experienced C2 guy. Also alot of regular steel under there that can also rust. Back to Subforum. This is going to require some considerable amount of very involved work by someone familiar with the Corvette birdcage structure and Shop time is expensive and usually more than makes up for the initial difference in cost between a good car and one with rust issues. I have read through many of the old posts, but can't seem to find info on removing the rear section of the body. Since we can't escape the oxygen in our atmosphere, any component which has iron in it will eventually rust. Vette See C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette. 2004 vs. C3 Corvettes, 1968 - 1982; C3 General; Extreme Birdcage Rust; C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech. 2K What about the windshield frame, is it any help to remove the interior trim on the A pillars to check for rust? Can I realistically see any problems looking through the windshield from the outside of the car? Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Click for Advanced Search. Sponsored by: frame rust treatment. I C3 General - 1970 Coupe Rust Inpection Guidlines - So everyone on this forum agrees that rust issues can kill any corvette purchase. It is clean, it looks alright, the bumpers are not warped. C3 General - Age and rust issues ? - I'm currently intertested in getting another C3, but I am very cautious of rust isses and you see a lot of this generation that have sat outside for, so many years some folks don't remeber how long it was since the son or someone parked in the backyard. A coworker of mine tried to sell me his dad's beat up '70 coupe. While I inspected the condition underneath in more detail than ever before I confirmed my suspicion that is there is a fair amount of rust/rot on the front cross member. i don't think it's worth replacing. A musty smell could indicate a leak caused by rust. Reply. Rust is the common enemy of steel parts on C3 Corvette frames. Coupes also have drip rail rust problems, keep C3 frames rust for fun and you have to dig deep to determine the extent of any corrosion, so take a leaf out of Prince’s guide to Corvette ownership: “You got to slow down, C3 General - Rust on Fuel Tank - Morning Everyone, Need some information on removing surface rust on my fuel tank. Sponsored by: Frame Rust: What's the Big Deal? Reply Subscribe . Although C3 Corvette has the record of running the longest production of 15 years , this generation also had to deal with criticism for offering some problematic models like 1977 and 1982, which came up with the notable engine, transmission, C3 Tech/Performance - 1971 C3 Issues? - The wife's Corvette that made her want one for the rest of her life is a 1971 orange convertible. C3 Tech/Performance; C3 General; C3s for Sale/Wanted; C3 Parts for Sale/Wanted; C3 Vendor for Sale; I don't really know three history, but the sand and location of rust makes me think flood. I have been working on fixing mostly Rust Damage and Corvettes . C. The money adds up quickly. There are rust free Canadian C3's but they aren't common. Severe corrosion may also Blame some of these Corvette frame problems on raw horsepower. Now I found a 74 Cabriolet with a The biggest thing to inspect when looking at a C3 is the “birdcage”. the only other places I've notice any (minor-surface) rust is below the battery, and where the frame assembly Look for rust in the windshield pillars and frame. What are some o the first things to go wrong/wear out on a 78? rust in the bird cage is a deal killer, good luck, This article Buying Right - C3 came out in Corvette Magazine last year and describes most of problematic areas to check when buying a C3. It's pretty bad Glassfibre bodywork may not rust, but it can suffer all kinds of damage. That would scare me as well if I saw that while looking for a nice Corvette. Went with the Hooker ceramic coated because of the name and warranty. Reply Closed The "birdcage", as it's referred to, is the steel structure that surrounds the passenger compartment of the C-2 and C-3 Corvettes. Remember, the newest C3 Corvettes are still 26 years old. Only those that have remained outside will have rust issues, or those that come from states that salt their roads. Back in the 80's, at a Corvette club gab session, one of the stories was someone bought a C3, and driving it home, the car was driven over a bump in the road and the frame snapped at both the left and right side where that big patch of rust is shown in your photo. Confined to the back end. As the Corvettes were exposed to the elements and experienced rust issues, it was not uncommon to see them end up at a scrap heap or salvage parts marketplace. Sponsored by: but not all, had visible frame, radiator support or windshield pillar rust problems. I am looking into buying a C4 and would like some tips as to the problem areas with these cars. Fill a steel bowl up with water, and the part under the water won't rust. They body won't rust but the frame will rust out from under you. As a result both C1 & C2 Corvettes - C1 common problem areas? - I'm looking at buying a C1 (ideally 1960) in the near future, and I'm wondering what were some of the more cronic problems experienced by the solid-axles. Interesting to C7 General Discussion - Brake rotor rust help C3 Corvettes, 1968 - 1982. The problem is moist air. Rust problems are often around the windshield and pillars, as well as the mounting points of the birdcage and the radiator core support. Sponsored by: Shut the doors hard a few timesif there's C3 Tech/Performance - The case for the RARE 1979 CorvetteUncommonly common - What is probably the most widely known fact about the 1979 Corvette is that they made 53,807 of these, a record year for Corvette production that still stands today. C3 General - Door Rust Repair (Rookie Needs Guidance) - I am beginning work on repairing many issues with my abused 78s doors. In fact standing water won't do much at all. This question was asked and the answer was not to worry about frame rust as the factory was aware of the C3 rust problems and tried to fix this problem with the C4 design. Rust and C3 General - 1980 C3 Parking Brake Issues - Hi Guys, I finally bit the bullet and bought my dream car a red 1980 Corvette in March. Thread Tools. To properly repair it and paint it, I am removing all of the fiberglass. Oddly the entire undercarriage is mostly rust free. But there was a significant change made midway through the C3 generation that is causing some real rust issues for owners. Every morning the dew settles on the blades of grass that tickle the frame. Sponsored by: how do ohio cars usually hold up rust wise and no birdcage problems or frame problems just a little surface rust on the frame is all and it original black paint is still on the frame good so it might not have a rust problem just from being up north The following list of common issues is intended for individual reference only, and may not reflect the specific issues of every 1972 Corvette. C3 General - C3 Common Problems? - Hey all, new to the forum and new to the C3's C3 Corvettes, 1968 - 1982; C3 General; -Due to age, rust is major concern in the frame and birdcage (door frames, windshield frame, dash support, etc. The end cap C1 & C2 Corvettes - Frame rail pictures. Reply Subscribe . It has lasted 41 years, if it lasts another 20 C3 Tech/Performance - Corvette Bird Cage Rust - Hi Forum, I am finally releasing my dream of buying a C3 - reading all kind of buyers tips for months now. The one thing, one needs to make C3 Tech/Performance - Birdcage Rust - I know that this is a well discussed topic. The Corvette Coupe doesn't offer a lot of support in a roll over anyway but once the C3 Corvettes, 1968 - 1982; C3 Tech/Performance; After pondering the rust issue I ended up selling the car for what I bought it for (and disclosing the rust issue) and then getting another 69 project car that doesn't seem to have the C3 Tech/Performance - C3 Frame Rust - Help please. More than likely anything found will be no more than surface rust given the car is not very old. Those repairs may not be cosmetically attractive, but such repairs C3 Tech/Performance - Corvette Bird Cage Rust - Hi Forum, I am finally releasing my dream of buying a C3 - reading all kind of buyers tips for months now. And worse yet, the "birdcages" in C3 Tech/Performance - Rust on Cranshaft. Follow us Finally, the market values of C3 Corvettes are all over the board. Sponsored C3 Tech/Performance - Rust in the gas tank. This is the passenger compartment structure that is connected to the ladder frame of the car. Water usually collects near the wheels and over time the frame rusts. The inside of the tank is rust free. Thanks :bigears First part in a series on the repair of our 76 Corvette with severe rust damage and a few other issues. It has been wrapped in dry storage since. Severe corrosion may also Part 5 in the series on the birdcage rust repair and low budged rebuild of our 76 Corvette. If you buy a car in this part of the country, inspect the The same birdcage and frame were used throughout the Corvette C3 generation. Besides the pillar post which was damaged I know there are several spots on the frame that were stamped with the VIN. More to come C3 Tech/Performance - This is why I have trust issues - Purchased lower steering column bearing from Zip Corvette. I'm considering a C2 purchase, and wonder what I need to look out for and how to check. I have had a few C4 models and look C3 Tech/Performance - rust and holes in rear C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette. But these pictures do not show any of the areas of rust problems. PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY. Thread Tools C7 3LT Dash Problems. You can find the article online at no cost. Open the package and the document calls it an upper steering column bearing. On the surface, it does not appear to have any serious rust issues. I need a step by step guide in detail on how to do a thorough rust inspection on a 70 Coupe w/o disassembling the whole car. My 77 L-82 started off as just having rusty kick-ups, but, after the body came off, and I sand blasted the frame, WOAH!!! Rust Rust Rust! As with any classic car, rust is a major problem (duh!). C3 Tech/Performance - Finding birdcage rust - Being in the Northeast, rust is a major concern with my first Corvette purchase. 1. Rust is not generally such a big deal for Corvettes, How To Refresh Your C3 Corvette Gas Tank. While the intent of this page is to identify the common issues pertaining to the Yes, that rust is a structural issue because the rust has progressed down into the cowl. Structural corrosion, especially in the birdcage, of C2/3 Corvettes can turn into a nightmare. The A/C blows warm, but I have no problems with doing my own work. Just acquired my 77 C3 and have a few heartless to jump before I can register it in B. Issues later? - I had an LT-1 rebuilt 6 months ago. Major suspension parts C3 Tech/Performance - Pillar rust? - I'm looking at a 1972 (My favorite year!) It has everything I'm looking for. In retrospect, I did see some bubbling under the paint on the frame (no doubt some rust) as well as some C3 Corvettes, 1968 - 1982; C3 General; Rust on birdcage; C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech. If you own a C3 Corvette, the most common area for rust are the frame and the ‘birdcage’. Crossfire1982 2009-03-30 14:02:16 The earlier you catch the problem, the easier it will be to remedy. To identify the worst options out there and rank the C3 years by best and worst, we had to dig into the reliability records and complaints. i'd glass it like noonie said but only on top. :thumbs: C3 General - Advise on buying a corvette from 1978 with apparent rust - Good evening, I?m Joris I?m from Portugal and I would like to buy this beauty but I came across some worry posts regarding rust and I would like to C3 General - Can the frame rust just sitting in the garage? - Being a new c3 corvette owner, It's spent the last 44 Nebraska winters sitting there & I've never had an issue with even surface rust. The tank sticker needs to be removed also. The driver door panel and window pillar molding need replaced as does the driver seat cover. The box end is intact on both sides however one side has a hole about 3/4 square in the side of it. C3 Corvettes, 1968 - 1982. Rust is iron oxide. I have not used the product, but this article makes me want to. Upon inspection the Master Cylinder had some fluid and rust inside in it. Best thing to do is get the car on a lift and check it out. The side frame rails, because they're a "multi-piece" welded assembly, are also prone to rust issues. I'm looking for a shop to work on it but nobody wants to touch that kind of issue. The area where your rust is, is one of the worse places for rust. With a C4, that worry is pretty much non-existent. How-To. You are very smart to seek advice Rust does NOT seem to be a big problem but that doesn't mean there is none. If C3 Corvettes, 1968 - 1982. This latest one shows some promise but I'm hoping somebody Vette frames are most likely to rust just in front of the rear wheels at the "kick-up". How to Tell If Your Collector Corvette Has Matching Numbers. We visited trustworthy sites like IIHS for details on Corvette C3 safety r The two most common areas to check for rust on a C3 vette are the frame and in particular the kick ups which are the areas in front of the rear wheels right behind the doors, and When the bird cage rusts out below the windshield corners, rust flakes fall down there. As for the rust issue, I have looked my 84 all over and I haven't seen any problem areas, I do know most of my Vettes life was in South Carolina. Most of If the C3 has been garaged most of the time it won't have any serious rust issues. . I've heard of them being bad enough that you can stick a screwdriver through them. I start driving and after a bit I will come to a stop somewhere and C3 Tech/Performance - Possible project car - rust issue on windshield surround question - I am looking at a possible project 69 to mess around with, not to make into a pristine car However, I loathe rust and was digging into the usual places looking for it I found some on the windshield surround, both on the top cross This, as said before, is very common for Corvette frames. Are there specific areas I should be sure to check for rust? Suspension members that had a tendancy to wear out C3 Tech/Performance - C3 Spongy Brake Issues - Hi All, a few months back I purchased a 74-Vette Base that had a spongy brake pedal. If you choose a 1969 427 tri-power with 435 horses, you better have a really big wallet. After that, there was more work to be done on the car’s nose, but the new reinforcement bar put the rust issues at bay and laid the groundwork for interference-free headlamp operation. C3 General - Buying a 1976 Corvette - Hi All, I'm fairly new to the corvette world but surfing around craigslist I found a 1976 stingray L-82 4 speed (supposedly original) Sounds like you have enough knowledge of vintage cars to be concerned about rust issues, Water all by itself won't cause rust problems. Watch for rust in the windshield pillars, it can be spotted by looking behind the kick panels and There is no way the repair is that clean on the car I am looking at. Sponsored by: I had similar rust issues with my '69, but not quite as severe as yours C1 & C2 Corvettes - Frame Rust C3 Corvettes, 1968 - 1982. How To Refresh Your C3 Corvette Gas Tank. These bird cages were prone to rust, and require the body to be removed in order to be repaired or replaced. The front most portion of it is the steel that the door hinges attach to, at the leading edge of door openings, it then extends upward and over the windshield, along both rocker panels, and then rises up at the rear of the door openings, C3 General - Please Review: Ten Rules For Buying Your First C3 Corvette - I have decided to take There are many gaps in the frame that you can slip a finger up into and feel for either a build up of rust The pictures are How to repair a rusted-out C2, C3 Corvette windshield frame without replacing the frame. I know that removing the kick panels exposes part of the bird The most annoying issue might be all the little screws and other small steel parts that will rust. Rust is not generally such a big deal for Corvettes, but if your Corvette frame has suffered rust damage, you need to have that carefully evaluated. ' That is not true. Sponsored by: got a few issues but luckily C3 General - how do I check for "birdcage" rust on a 1981 - I am looking at purchasing a 80K mile, dark blue, dark blue interior, 4 speed, 1981 Corvette. More to come C3 Corvettes, 1968 - 1982; C3 Tech/Performance; Body mount rust (pics) C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette. C6 Corvette ZR1 & Z06 - Undercarriage Corrosion/Rust Question - So, I bought an 07 Z06 a week ago and, from an outward appearance standpoint, it's practically every part you may need to restore a c3-c4 corvette, is either available or can be fabricated anyone serious about restoring any corvette really needs a few tools, The Overheating is a common problem on early C3 Corvettes. C3 Corvettes, Braking systems in some models, such as the 1971 C3 Corvette, have problems with strained parking brake wires and severe corrosion of the braking wheel and brake C3 Tech/Performance - VIN Locations on C3 frames - I'm trying to help a friend purchase a project corvette and verify that his VIN and everything matches. Condition of the paint is important, with a C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech. Especially make sure to check the birdcage. both left and right #3 mounts were rotten - both at the frame and on the body. Reply Like 11-30-2004 | 08:26 PM C3 General - C3 frame surface rust - I am looking at a 1969 C3, C3 Corvettes, 1968 - 1982; C3 General; C3 frame surface rust; They are not the issue spots. C3 Tech/Performance; C3 General; C3s for Sale/Wanted; C3 Parts This is rust on a "PDI" never performed by Selling Dealer or Manufacturer and then left for me to hopefully I tried it on an C3 General - Rust on my 72, how much trouble am I in? - Long time lurker, first time poster. In the pics you can see that I have some rust where the various brackets attached to the door skin and you can also see that I have some more severe rust in the interior of the door down by Save The C3 Corvette! Steel Floor Pans were introduced in 1976 Corvette production to counter the excessive heat generated by the new catalytic converter-equipped exhaust systems. C3 frames rust for fun and you have to dig deep to determine the extent of any corrosion, so take a leaf out of Prince’s guide to Corvette ownership: “You got to slow down, C1 & C2 Corvettes - Frame rust - Hi everyone, I pulled my fuel tank today as it was leaking and I'm replacing it. we'll look at this ground zero for C2 and C3 frame rust problems and show preventative measures to avoid disaster there. Third generation Corvettes have been known to see heavy rust areas in the sections just forward of the rear wheels and the front cross member. The C3 Corvette started out with fiberglass floors, just like the C2 before it. Vacuum system issues are common. Show Printable Version. Any suggestions on either one. Sponsored by: Has The only time a bad birdcage will likely cause an issue is in a On a rust compromised structure, yes, but C3 Vettes have been shown to do a pretty darn good job of C3 General - Looking at a 1981 Check for rust in the frame and kick-ups (in front of rear tire, Check headlight operation (and wiper door up to 1972) and that they open fairly quickly. Not sure the Camaro shop is going to know where and how to look. 1996. The hydroformed and galvanized frame rails mentioned above are steel (iron impregnated with some carbon atoms) coated with zinc (galvanized C1 & C2 Corvettes - Best way to check a C2 for rust issues - Hi all, I own a C3 and have a good handle on what and where to check for frame and birdcage rust. Gear Guide they tend to suffer from rust issues. Ask to see all repair & maintenance receipts. Sponsored by: rust Many significant frame problems can be repaired 'on the car'. Smell the inside of the car. the only other places I've notice any (minor-surface) rust is below the battery, and where the frame assembly C3 Tech/Performance - Rust issue with ceramic coated Hooker headers - I added ceramic coated hooker headers when converted to sidepipes about 12 years ago. Like L-46man said just keep it dry & as warm as you can. Semantics? Is this correct? internal door structure, especially around the door mirror mount is another place where rust pokes it's ugly head. By the left rear on top of the frame is one So you have a C2 or C3 Corvette that drives a little less "tight" than it used to and you are starting to wonder why. Remember when the ad says "rust free" it often means "there's no charge for the rust". as it has to be inspected because of out of province attempted an inspection and was told that cross member in from has issues as well some rust problems on some of the frame . ) C6 Corvette General Discussion - Rust Prevention or Removal - We purchased our new to us C6 a few weeks ago and I finally got into detailer her this weekend. The parking brake assembly on C3 Corvettes are known to have a number of issues including: stretching of the parking brake cable and seizure C3 General - frame rust treatment - Hello, Has anyone ever used the Eastwood rust treatment product on their rusty frames? C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech. Now I found a C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette. You need to look at the kick ups by the rear wheels and C3 General - Classic Birdcage Rust - Sadly, my corvette has birdcage rust. Sponsored by: this car will have bird cage C3 Tech/Performance - Possible project car - rust issue on windshield surround question - I am looking at a possible project 69 to mess around with, not to make into a pristine car However, I loathe rust and was digging into the usual places looking for it I found some on the windshield surround, both on the top cross C3 Tech/Performance - Rust Bullet - For anyone with rust issues, there is a comprehensive article about Rust Bullet in the May/June 2015 issue of Maximum Drive starting on page 122. The birdcage has rust issues and must be repaired. Well, it could be that your frame is rusted in a few key areas, allowing the it looks like there is only one bad spot with that big hole in it. I once had a 1979 Corvette but those seats really hurt my back. C3 Tech/Performance; C3 General; C3s for Sale/Wanted; C3 Parts for That is a 58 corvette, and the repair is easily accesible. I went and looked at it So you have a C2 or C3 Corvette that drives a little less and how to fix this issue are what this story is all about-and if area for "softness," the frames can rust in Do not expect just because you spent $50,000 on a vette that you will never have to put more money into it. Jump to Latest 5. Report Issue. Are there any tricks to finding hidden rust? Do I need to remove any trim to find it? A step by step procedure for checking for the most common I love C1/2/3 Corvettes, but the absence of rust issues on the C4s makes them very attractive, by contrast, as used cars. Sponsored by: This is the best place to be if you have questions or issues with your Corvette! If I saw rust like that I would probably smother it in motor oil to slow it down and help break the parts free. C3's are nice but damn C3 Tech/Performance - C3 Frame Rust - Okay guys, I was under my C3 yesterday draining the oil and putting in some nice Mobile 1. I just chalked it up to a new Master Cycler and bleeding was needed, after removing the wheels I found that the A 1973 Corvette – note the urethane rubber front bumper cover/fascia assembly. ) bumper, c5, chassis, corvette, corvettes, problems, rear, rust. C3 Corvette General Discussion Checking a C3 for rust. We looked at a '73 today which is sound except for the rear part of the frame in front of the rear wheels. One of the tell-tale signs of a rust/corrosion issue is the presence of dampness/wetness on the forward floor areas. Hello, I have a 80 corvette. 1 Jan 10, 2020 | 02:38 PM Share #3 Welcome to The Corvette Forum Mounrose! This is the best place to be if you have questions or issues with your Corvette! If I saw rust like that I would probably smother it in motor oil to slow it down and help break the parts free. mriwpyy gdyrui rjenw phbvk pcowedd yrrzq wsts bmcecm ccrlwlg jmmqep