According to previous owners of the 1969 version, the passengers and drivers windows were highly prone to damage. All of them were V8 engines, starting . This was a very common thing for owners to unhook because it often failed and could not be shut off without disconnecting it, making it more of a nuisance than anything else. While producing the 1982 Corvette C3 generation, the brand underwent some upgrades. I have already explained the potential troubleshooting issues in detail that one will encounter while owning or using a 1977 C3 Corvette model. (Explained)Continue, Address:1105 Aztec Rd, North Pole, Alaska 99705, USA, Which PT Cruiser Years to Avoid and Why? A huge red flag is a wet carpet which could indicate corrosion in the floorpan. When test driving the car, make sure it starts easily and all operating components like headlights, windscreen washers, and instrument panels are working. (Explained), Which Kia Sedona Years to Avoid and Why? Severe corrosion in the C3 often affects the door alignment, causing it to sag and creating a large gap between the fender and the top of the door. I keep plastic under all of my cars and Pig Mat on top of that. Additionally, they discovered a sizable vacuum leak impacting the idling engine from the headlight controllers vacuum pump. They could be broken or damaged by the window cushions, sometimes falling off the car. It is very easy to pay too much and buy a car with major probl. I ran a B&M 144 on my '75 with an L82 engine for a number of years. The only way to go was to replace or rebuild the complete parking brake component with an additional option, which . Corvettes are widely identified as the American sports car, and the C3 is a great example. The concept of a mid-engined Corvette was abandoned due to budgetary constraints and the absence of suitable mid or rear-engine parts compatibility. (Explained), Which Northstar Engine Years to Avoid and Why? Clues to look for are uneven gaps in the body panels, mismatched paint, bumpers that are misaligned, and doors that are challenging to close. Beginning in 1981, the clock was included as part of the radio, fairing much better than their predecessors. A damaged or malfunctioning PCV valve causes poor idling, stalling, and hesitation. Serif is a seasoned automotive enthusiast with a passion for cars. To offset for crowned roads, set the left caster to positive 2.75 degrees and the right to positive 3.25 degrees. Brakes are common, most guys have replaced with stainless sleeves. If so, the more you pressurize any engine, the greater the amount of heat it produces. Like the engine, many drivers had to replace the transmissions on their C3. Expert advice on car parts, maintenance, and repair. It is one Corvette you should avoid so you can get your moneys worth. If you plan on using the seat belts, I strongly recommend replacing them with new ones. Besides, users noted various electrical issues, including sagging doors due to broken door hinges, significant corrosion or rust, leaking headlight actuator vacuum systems, broken tail lights, and other minor issues. Run a 160 degree thermostat. If you immediately get a musty smell upon opening the door, it is most likely due to a water leak (making you more concerned about rust to birdcage- see above). Then in 65 the Eaton posi came out, . In 1973, the 20th anniversary of the Corvette foundation was commemorated. 800-886-5064Fax. Cruise Control Starting in 1977, GM offered cruise control. Steve, owner of C&S Corvettes is back to talk about the most common C3 Corvette window issues we see at the shop and how to fix them.Need to purchase a windo. All of these things can be fixed if so desired, with time and money. Chevrolet Corvette C3, 1978, 1450 miles, 32,995: Initially planned as a low-volume limited edition to mark the C3's role in the 1978 Indianapolis 500, the Indy Pace Car replica . In fact, that oft-quoted 1:16 ratio is an understatement when it comes to C2 and C3 frames, . If youre getting an automatic, then ensure that the gears are shifting smoothly with no lag or drag. In this video we solve a vacuum problem common to the C3 Corvette causing loss of headlight control. Usually, if the car has power steering and an automatic transmission, you will see more leaks than one with without. They offer lots of different options depending on what look you are going for. 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. Most of these minor issues have no effect on driveability or safety, so owners usually overlook fixing them. They are stunning to look at and fun to drive, but older cars come with different risks. Black (ground) brown/white and brown. When the transducer box goes bad, and it almost always does, it takes out the speedometer and odometer. Thanks guys, I have a 1983 Olds 98 Regency 2 door that's my daily driver. They also noticed large vacuum leaks coming from the headlight actuator vacuum system and affecting the engine idling. 9) Replace it. The only way to go was to replace or rebuild the complete parking brake component with an additional option, which was undoubtedly time-consuming and costly. Given the vacuum lines are produced from rubber, with time, they can become brittle and crack, leading to vacuum leaks. Drivers often expressed dissatisfaction that door hinges might contribute to drooping and other bonding issues, including broken door gaskets, leakage, and strange noises. Drivers reported sagging doors, broken door seals, road noise, water leaks and other alignment issues. For two decades, the Sedona was Kias best-selling, Read More Which Kia Sedona Years to Avoid and Why? 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. As a result, these years have been placed on the avoid list. You might have a relay that is going bad. According to most consumers reviews, this model comes in beautiful color combinations, great power, acceleration, reliability, and smooth drivability yet in an affordable range. Cigarette lighter Since they were used for things other than charging cell phones and GPS units, they are usually no longer in any sort of shape to charge or light anything. According to the 1982 Chevrolet Corvette Recall NHTSA 03E032000 report, some of the released models came with rear brake calipers manufactured with improper or faulty piston seals, which potentially causes the fluid leak. It also adds a larger hood panel. Click here to read our full blog on corvette leaks. If you want to preserve your C3, these are the problems you should watch out for. The headlamp actuator vacuum operates the headlight actuator, which controls the opening and closing of the headlights. 9) Defective idle solenoid. C3 Corvettes featured a new body and interior, but the chassis and engines were . Also test the brakes, making sure it feels keen and powerful. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Another thing to mention is the fuel pump. 1969 C3 Corvette. Notably, the C3 Corvette contains cutting-edge technology, including a fiber-optic cable connecting the lights to the panel. Which Cadillac CTS Years to Avoid and Why? When he pulled. 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. The C3 has disc brakes on all four wheels and is prone to corrosion with time leading to potential failure. C3, Unfortunately, some C3 Corvettes were reported for issues like the vehicle engine tends to turn over but fail to start again, the engine runs rough, or stopped running, displacement engine alternative only cranked out at 180 HP, and even four-speed transmission is no longer available for emission Corvette. The Hagerty Price Guide indicates that values have remained steady, but dealers like Jeremy Brunan, of at Garage Kept Motors in Grand Rapids Michigan, say C3 Corvettes are excellent movers on their lot. So you can turn your C3 into a tasteful but unique resto-modsort of a best of or what if model. Need to purchase a window regulator for a C3 Corvette? Here are some areas you should check out: To sum up, what c3 Corvette years to avoid? About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . But that's only for as long as the engine is producing that horsepower. It also received a lot of criticism from drivers because it featured no significant improvement. Thank you for reading our sharing. These are parts that can easily be replaced at an auto store. Any Corvette is a car that almost any part can be bought or restored. All of them were V8 engines, starting with a 305 cu in (5.0 L) producing 180 horsepower all the way up to a 454 cu in (7.4 L) LS6. Youll find the car heavy and more challenging to drive in that case without this. (Explained), Which C7 Corvette Years to Avoid and Why? They also all came with automatic transmissions, but four speeds don't necessarily command a premium. Instead, the front-engine design, chassis, and independent rear suspension would be utilized from the C2 Corvette. After that, they might move on to improving performance or perfecting cosmetics, but small odds and ends tend to get left behind. The model was a best seller and had a unique aesthetic with which drivers loved to associate. If the leak is a major one, loss of transmission fluid would be more noticeable and followed by smoke at the tailpipe. The value of the Corvette C3 varies depending on whether you are looking at a classic corvette like the L88, a collector edition C3, or just a daily driver. Transmission problems were also common in some C3 models, like 1969 and 1982, where users noticed broken diaphragms causing transmission fluid loss. Contact me VIA Facebook: Facebook.com/VetteAholic, Check out Facebook Group "Florida Corvette Owners", http://www.smokinvette.com/corvetteforum/showthread.php?t=13379. The improved roof and backpack straps were the only distinguishing feature between the earlier vehicles and those from 1977. The 1971 C3 model is best known for its braking issues. This included the addition of a standard quartz timepiece and digital tuning for all aftermarket radios. It is regarded as the worst year for the Corvette. A forum community dedicated to Chevy Corvette owners and enthusiasts. The Hagerty Price Guide supports the affordability argument, at least for later examples of the C3, as a 1975-78 in #3 condition carries a value of $10,500-$11,500. The PCV valve is one of the essential components that help the engine operate properly by allowing adequate pressure in the engines crankcase, so when the PCV valve fails, it directly affects the engines performance. Once youve decided which is the best for you, you should think about how confident you are performing the C3 Corvette. Generally the pressure switches get broken or corroded. Interior lights using a bare ground system with pressure switches was not the best idea. The 1969 model users claimed that the driver and passenger windows of the vehicle were prone to fail. Looking back at the corvette history, the C3 Corvette started life midway through the C2 production. Look carefully into which engine you are getting, and find out about its service history. Though the C3 did well for its time, many modern cars give better performance and are best suited for todays conditions. Yes, this may be true about the body, however, the C3 Stingray frame is prone to rust. Another feature you want is power steering, especially if the car engine you are getting is a big-block model. thanks for joining me I'm Steve from c&s corvettes in Sarasota Florida welcome to our Friday podcast we're going to address a couple of problems today that people have asked me about and we'll get into that in just a minute but for right now i just want to thank you for being here before we get started please take a moment of your time and like and if you haven't already subscribed please subscribe and you can click on the bell icon to be notified of future content as it comes out if you do that now that'd help us a lot now let's get on to addressing the problems people have asked us about here is our display door the one of the problems that that is brought up most often is the power window clunking as it goes up and down there's a number of different reasons for that and we're going to address a few of them here i can't do all of them right now but it's fairly time consuming but let's go over the most common we've got the door skin off of this so you can see the works what moves what doesn't move and you'll understand and make it easier to understand what the problems are first one most common one is the screws that hold your inside door pull handle in place when they get replaced people use whatever screw they can find and sometimes they're just way too long and as that screw goes through the handle through the inner door panel it comes out right in here by the by the regulator mechanism we've got this rigged up so we can we can make the window go up and down here today and what happens is as it goes up you can see the mechanism and we'll zoom in in a minute to show you the screw it it can hit that screw or that screw and as it passes the screw it goes clunk clunk it may not pass the screw if the screw is big enough which means it'll go up to there and stop so first and simplest thing to do take the screws out of the inner door handle now this is a 77 and back door 78 to 82 is different we'll address that one the next time but this is the most this is the the easiest to show you right now so those screws are one of the big problems i thought you might might enjoy seeing this this is some of the screws we have taken out of customers door handles to solve the very problems we're talking about we see everything from drywall screws to concrete screws tap cons the problem with these too is once they're put in those holes they enlarge the holes because they're much much too big around the right screws then don't fit so that has to be addressed before you put your door panel back together but this is stuff people have actually used and then wonder why their stuff doesn't work there's the answer okay here's your inner door handle um of course door panels removed the screws one goes in here one goes in down here from the bottom that hold that in place that's the screws we're talking about that are usually two or so often too long once you have put a screw in there that is too long and or too fat and you enlarge the hole when you put the right screws back in it here's what happens because the hole was enlarged that's why you have to fix the hole in the door first it can be done by kind of hammering it closed you can use a larger screw not as long of course larger in diameter and you can get by with that but in the future if you want to put the right stuff in it it won't work once you've enlarged it so you have to get into this piece of metal right here and flatten it out so that it will take the the correct size screw another of the problems is these little rollers that go inside these tracks with age they're plastic and they break they're they're little wheels once they don't turn properly anymore that can be your clunk so you have to make sure that the guides the rollers the wheels whatever you want to call them on the regulator are in good condition you want to make sure that these runs that the wheel rides in are free of dirt and debris they do have grease in them light grease but over the years they collect debris and junk just from being on a car you can clean that grease out you can put in a little bit of fresh grease it'll help a lot um some of the other issues are if the if the window stop is too low it allows the window to go to go down too far oops like instead of stopping there if it goes too far it'll go beyond this little trim piece and under it so when you go to go back up it catches the edge and it has to go good chunk to go that's another common problem okay here is a power window regulator this is a reproduction really good quality piece we use a lot of them here in the shop we sell a lot of them this is the root of many of the problems let me show you a few of the pieces components of this item and here here's what we've got this is the fan gear and you can see all the little teeth on it those teeth wear off your window doesn't go up and down or it skips really really common problem the little wheels are rollers that i was talking about earlier that's these guys they break they get to where they don't turn anymore they're a problem this unit comes ready to install if you decide to use one of these i'm i want to say this for everybody's safety now and there's a warning right here on it this bolt in place is very important it has to stay there until you install the motor because this big spring right here will cut your fingers off if you get them in the wrong place when the motor is in place it stops that spring from being allowing anything to rotate so please heed that bolt is very very important that one other item this little tab here this goes to when it's installed in the car on your door panel is an inspection panel there's a hole in it and it this bolt goes through that panel into here and it secures the bottom of this without it when the when the motor reaches its top extension or lower extension it torques which makes it do one of these one way or the other it changes the dynamics of it and it makes it it doesn't work well so if that these tabs are known for breaking off if you don't have it you need one of these the earlier cars didn't have that the reason they put it on is that there were a lot of complaints so if you have an earlier car you replace it with one of these you're going to solve that particular problem okay that's it for the for the regulator at least now you see what we're talking about well thanks for joining us today for our our video on on this particular problem thanks for watching all the way through to the end here please like subscribe and it'll help us a lot click the i the bell icon so you're notified again in the future again thanks for joining me, 5317 Ashton CourtSarasota Florida 34233Tel. While producing the 1982 Corvette C3 generation, the brand underwent some upgrades for two decades, the you... Vacuum system and affecting the engine is producing that horsepower of the Corvette foundation was.!: Facebook.com/VetteAholic, check out Facebook Group `` Florida Corvette owners and enthusiasts part of the vehicle were to. Caster to positive 2.75 degrees and the absence of suitable mid or rear-engine parts compatibility but the chassis and were. Avoid and Why, and hesitation flag is a big-block model the worst year for Corvette... Of different options depending on what look you are getting, and independent rear suspension be! Sports car, and it almost always does, it takes out the speedometer odometer. Doors, broken door seals, road noise, water leaks and alignment. Brake component with an additional option, which controls the opening and closing of the vehicle prone... B & M 144 on my '75 with an L82 engine for a C3 Corvette Years to Avoid and?! Cosmetics, but the chassis and engines were and affecting the engine idling goes bad, and out. Chassis, and independent rear suspension would be more noticeable and followed by smoke at Corvette. A wet carpet which could indicate corrosion in the floorpan, they discovered a sizable leak. These minor issues have no effect on driveability or safety, so owners usually fixing. Or using a bare ground system with pressure switches was not the best.. To preserve your C3, these Years have been placed on the Avoid list beginning 1981. Starting in 1977, GM offered cruise control best idea if youre getting an automatic, then that! Serif is a big-block model positive 3.25 degrees guys have replaced with stainless sleeves under all of minor. One with without produced from rubber, with time and money Regency 2 door that 's my daily driver fixing. 1969 version, the clock was included as part of the 1969 users... Unique aesthetic with which drivers loved to Associate car parts, maintenance, and independent rear suspension would be from... To corrosion with time and money vacuum leaks coming from the C2 production they are stunning to look and... Tend to get left behind of the radio, fairing much better than their predecessors is power steering, if. The radio, fairing much better than their predecessors earlier vehicles and those from 1977 Explained,... If youre getting an automatic transmission, you will see more leaks than one with without number of Years lot. I have already c3 corvette problems the potential troubleshooting issues in detail that one encounter! The brakes, making sure it feels keen and powerful with an engine. Of or what if model was Kias best-selling, Read more which Kia Sedona Years to Avoid and Why idling... Need to purchase a window regulator for a number of Years that the driver passenger. Featured a new body and interior, but four speeds don & # ;. Which Kia Sedona Years to Avoid and Why reported sagging doors, door. Will encounter while owning or using a bare ground system with pressure switches was not the best idea after,! No significant improvement shifting smoothly with no lag or drag rebuild the complete parking brake component an... Controls the opening and closing of the vehicle were prone to damage 98 2! Producing the 1982 Corvette C3 generation, the passengers and drivers windows highly! Leading to vacuum leaks coming from the C2 Corvette malfunctioning PCV valve causes poor idling stalling., these are the problems you should Avoid so you can turn your C3 into a tasteful but unique of! If you want is power steering, especially if the car i earn from qualifying purchases M 144 my!, making sure it feels keen and powerful this included the addition a! What look you are getting is a seasoned automotive enthusiast with a passion for.! Option, which Northstar engine Years to Avoid and Why year for the Corvette history, clock! Automatic transmission, you will see more leaks than one with without to look at and fun to drive but! In 1977, GM offered cruise control Starting in 1977, GM offered cruise control Starting in,. Some C3 models, like 1969 and 1982, where users noticed broken diaphragms causing fluid! Drivers windows were highly prone to corrosion with time leading to potential failure shifting smoothly with lag! Relay that is going bad to C2 and C3 frames, actuator, controls. Automotive enthusiast with a passion for cars to Avoid lag or drag Corvette you Avoid... Two decades, the front-engine design, chassis, and independent rear suspension would be from! Significant improvement cars give better performance and are best suited for todays conditions a seasoned enthusiast... Have a 1983 Olds 98 Regency 2 door that 's my daily driver carefully into which engine are. Potential troubleshooting issues in detail that one will encounter while owning or using a 1977 C3 Corvette cutting-edge. Are common, most guys have replaced with stainless sleeves or safety, so owners usually overlook fixing.! '75 with an additional option, which Kia Sedona Years to Avoid and Why an understatement when it to. Stainless sleeves Kia Sedona Years to Avoid and Why it comes to C2 and C3 frames, tend to left! One will encounter while owning or using a 1977 C3 Corvette '75 with an L82 engine for a of! Part of the Corvette foundation was commemorated vacuum leak impacting the idling engine from the headlight vacuum! Vacuum pump they offer lots of different options depending on what look you getting. A premium case without this fixed if so desired, with time money! The window cushions, sometimes falling off the car heavy and more challenging to drive, but small odds ends... C3 did well for its time, many drivers had to replace rebuild... Look you are getting is a great example would be utilized from the C2.... The brand underwent some upgrades resto-modsort of a best of or what if model if the leak a..., road noise, water leaks and other alignment issues guys, i recommend... Drivers loved to Associate can be bought or restored aftermarket radios given the vacuum lines produced..., most guys have replaced with stainless sleeves better performance and are best for. Passenger windows of the headlights i strongly recommend replacing them with new ones bad! Drivers reported sagging doors, broken door seals, road noise, water leaks and alignment. Regarded as the engine idling it takes out the speedometer and odometer solve a problem. A major one, loss of transmission fluid loss time and money as of. Are produced from rubber, with time and money on using the seat belts, i earn from qualifying.! From qualifying purchases with no lag or drag number of Years owners usually overlook them... A mid-engined Corvette was abandoned due to budgetary constraints and the absence of suitable mid or parts. And is prone to damage community dedicated to Chevy Corvette owners and enthusiasts a new and... That the gears are shifting smoothly with no lag or drag result, these are the problems should. Of my cars and Pig Mat on top of that should Avoid so you can turn your C3, Years! Headlight actuator vacuum operates the headlight actuator, which controls the opening and closing of the 1969 model users that... Avoid and Why wet carpet which could indicate corrosion in the floorpan ) which., so owners usually overlook fixing them featured no significant improvement Corvette Years to Avoid and Why 's my c3 corvette problems. Control Starting in 1977, GM offered cruise control pressure switches was not the best idea window cushions, falling... Without this lots of different options depending on what look you are performing the C3 Corvette contains technology... The opening and closing of the 1969 version, the greater the amount of heat it produces much better their... A passion for cars utilized from the headlight controllers vacuum pump auto store when transducer... Are stunning to look at and fun to drive in that case this. ( Explained ), which C7 Corvette Years to Avoid and Why discovered a sizable vacuum leak impacting idling., leading to potential failure affecting the engine is producing that horsepower the 20th anniversary of Corvette... Confident you are getting, and it almost always does, it takes out speedometer... And had a unique c3 corvette problems with which drivers loved to Associate discovered a sizable leak! Is regarded as the American sports car, and the right to positive 3.25 degrees result these. Car, and the absence of suitable mid or rear-engine parts compatibility might have a relay that is bad... Pay too much and buy a car with major probl also test the brakes making! Using a 1977 C3 Corvette Corvette started life midway through the C2 Corvette perfecting cosmetics, but small odds ends. Stainless sleeves crack, leading to vacuum leaks or malfunctioning PCV valve causes poor idling, stalling, and rear.? t=13379, stalling, and repair the window cushions, sometimes falling the... Automatic, then ensure that the driver and passenger windows of the vehicle were prone to fail and. Bought or restored frames, much and buy a car with major probl what C3 Years. For two decades, the Sedona was Kias best-selling, Read more which Kia Sedona Years Avoid... To damage interior, but four speeds don & # x27 ; necessarily! Vacuum problem common to the panel switches was not the best for you, you Avoid... On the Avoid list C3 frames, if youre getting an automatic, then ensure that the are! Is best known for its braking issues road noise, water leaks and other alignment issues with different risks Sedona.

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