What to look for b4 buying a midyear

srydve · 10-16-04, 04:32 PM

Hi! I'm a newbie hopping to soon own my first vette. I have found a '64 roadster I think may be the one, it's a long ways from where I am but I'm flying out in a few weeks to take a look. I've heard some horror stories and don't want end up with a bad car. This is not a numbers car, I'm looking for a solid weekend driver. I know to look for frame rust in front of the rear wheels and other basic car inspection stuff but was hoping the regulars on this forum could give me some pointers on other key things to check before plunking down the cash. Thanks, Dave

67HEAVEN · 10-16-04, 04:52 PM

srydve,

First of all, welcome to CAC. We're glad to have you.

What to look for? Birdcage....birdcage....birdcage rust. Look closely at as much of the cage as you can see, but particularly the area at the lower front of the doors. Also, a common problem area is the lower bottom corners of the windshield. See if the seller will let you remove the carpeted kickpads as they can hide a myriad of rust problems.

Evidence of recent use is good because these cars develop problems when left unused over extended periods.

Trailing arms, spindles, brakes, etc. are all common problems and can be difficult fixes for the do-it-youselfer.

I know others will give you their thoughts.

JonM · 10-16-04, 04:58 PM

I can't tell you about the midyear...but I just wanted to say welcome.

Something you should look for is the money to pay for it...

Montana · 10-17-04, 01:08 AM

Check the frame for rust. First look just in front of the rear tires where the frame kicks up, midyears are famous for rusting here. Get a magnetic guage to measure thickness of metal and check that frame! I would also get the car appraised by a knowledgable third party before I bought it. Just my two cents.. Welcome to CAC!

Montana · 10-17-04, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Montana

Check the frame for rust. First look just in front of the rear tires where the frame kicks up, midyears are famous for rusting here. Get a magnetic guage to measure thickness of metal and check that frame! I would also get the car appraised by a knowledgable third party before I bought it. Just my two cents.. Welcome to CAC!

Lets see, you already know that stuff (I should set my beer down when trying to read) Here's one.... Try adjusting the seat forward and back. Hopefully, the seat rails on that 64 won't be rusted away like mine were. A nice interior can hide a lot of work that needs to be done. Also, I always like to find a clean dry place to park it when they are hot to see what drips out.... Now, back to the beer!

maxphunn · 10-17-04, 06:50 PM

Welcome Dave

You might try unlatching and latching the convertible top at the windshield and watch for flex at the windshield pillars. Midyears are famous for leaking at the lower windshield corners. A rotten birdcage is a very expensive repair. Where in Canada are you?

Max

srydve · 10-18-04, 11:23 PM

Thanks to everyone who replied, this forum is a great resource. I guess the main three things to look for are rust, rust, and rust. Better to find it now then when it's too late. I believe I read somewhere that on some later cars it's possible to easily remove the intake vents to check for rust in the birdcadge area under the windhield, does anyone know if this is easy to do on a C2? Someone also mentioned getting a pro to have a look, does anyone know of anybody in the Rochester area of Minnesota? Thanks again, Dave (Surrey, B.C.)

JohnZ · 10-19-04, 06:55 PM

Try the North Central NCRS Chapter (www.northcentralncrs.org) - they may have a midyear-knowledgeable member in that area.

Tom65L76/96LT1 · 10-21-04, 02:54 PM

Dave Do you still need help in Rochester Minnesota,if so i may be able to be of assistance in some way,i live in Apple Valley Minnesota and am only 1 hour away plus i grew up in Rochester,i am by no means an expert but i have owned 2 mid-years,a 65 which i still have and a 66 which i sold (big mistake),if you would like to contact me my email address is Pologreen96vette@aol.com,i will be real happy to assit you in any way. Tom

Ol Blue · 10-21-04, 11:34 PM

Dave

Check the hood and headlight fit to help determine if there was previous damage from wreck. You also could look under the front and rear fenders to see if there are any bonding strips, (one piece front end repairs might not have them) and see if there are any holes in the bonding strips as signs of someone screwing on new body panels to hold them until bonding material sets up.

Lower radiator support might be rusted badly too.
Good luck
Ol Blue