What are some common drawbacks or "achillies heel" of the 68 - 72 Corvettes?

Question

This is my favorite model because of the front bumper. I've heard where the control arm bolts to the frame is a common rust area but what else can you add to the list of things to look for?

Answer 1

I personally hate the lack of interior space. the  "wasp waist" is a huge drawback to me. also, with a big block, the cooling system is inadequate at best.

Answer 2

crappy engines and everything else??

Answer 3

the age, parts are most likely hard to find.

Answer 4

Of the people I know that have those years of cars, there is no one or two specific problem that can be related to their cars.  Rust happens to all cars.

Age is the most debilitating aspect of the car.  Especially if maintenance has not been done or has been done improperly on the car.  Everything wears out, even if it doesn't get used.  So a car that has been sitting may need just as much attention as one that has been driven more often. One problem I have seen, is that the suspension gets neglected, and those are the parts that break first.

As for parts, there are multiple vendors that sell parts for the cars.

Even if you have the car inspected before you buy it, you will surely run into surprises during your ownership of the car.

Answer 5

It doesn't matter cuz if you are lucky enough to get your hands on preferably a 69 corvette in good condition you are going to make bank off of the car.

Answer 6

Besides rust in the frame rails, the biggest problem with corvettes is cracked fiberglass and improperly done body work. If you are looking to buy one, watch out for cars that are painted lighter colors like white or silver. If it's not the original color and sometimes even if it is the lighter colors are often used by sellers to cover up bad body work.

You have excellent taste in cars, I love those old steel bumper Vettes. My uncle had 2 of them when I was a kid, a red 68 and a blue '69. Both were roadsters with 427/4spd drive trains.