| Often a buyer looking for a Corvette will make the | | | | the car today. The number of shims should be |
| mistake of buying a model that is in poor condition, | | | | relatively equal on both sides. Shims that are bunched |
| thinking that it would be less expensive to fix it up | | | | up on one side or the other indicates problems, such |
| than it would be to buy a model in better condition. | | | | as damaged suspension or even a bent cross |
| But working on Corvettes is an expensive prospect, | | | | member. If the shims indicate this type of problem, |
| and is more difficult than many other car models to | | | | be aware of how much the repairs could cost before |
| fix up at home. The parts are hard to find and | | | | purchasing the car. |
| expensive, and the logistics of repair require a very | | | | The outside inspection can indicate major problems to |
| specialized knowledge of that model year. For these | | | | a car, and a test drive can show further any damage |
| reasons, the best idea is to buy a working Corvette | | | | that a car may have. While driving, feel way the car |
| that already meets most of your needs and will not | | | | handles. If there are any abnormal noises coming |
| require significant work right away. | | | | from the car, that may indicate damage somewhere. |
| Buying a used Corvette that meets your needs | | | | Some Corvette models make a popping sound from |
| requires some visual inspecting to make sure the car | | | | the rear, which may indicate that the clutch is glazed |
| doesnt come with an unwanted trait- rust. The | | | | over. It is also important to see that the accessories |
| chassis of a Corvette is prone to rust and should be | | | | inside the car are in good condition. A radio, rearview |
| inspected thoroughly to make sure it is in good | | | | mirror, window controls, heat and air conditioning and |
| condition. This will mean getting under the car to see | | | | other inside parts can be expensive to replace. |
| the chassis and taking extra care to inspect its most | | | | More indications of a used Corvettes hidden problems |
| vulnerable areas. These include the area of the frame | | | | can be found with an inspection of the body of the |
| in front of the rear wheels, which may have either | | | | car. Most of the time when a fiberglass panel has |
| rust or road damage. Once the chassis has been | | | | been damaged, it is replaced, leaving little evidence of |
| inspected, spend a few moments looking over the | | | | the damage. But by inspecting the front bumper, you |
| front radiator support, as well as any other areas on | | | | may be able to tell if the car suffered a collision in |
| the car that are made of metal. | | | | the past. Look at the area of the bumper that |
| Rust isnt the only problem that a used Corvette | | | | attaches to the fiberglass. If that area has ripples in |
| faces. Buying a used car means not knowing the cars | | | | the paint, it was likely repaired from a head-on |
| past- a past that could include a major wreck. By | | | | collision or other major trauma. Collisions of this kind |
| taking a look at the A-Arm shims, you should be able | | | | can cause unseen damage to the cars suspension, |
| to tell if a past incident of damage is still affecting | | | | which can be costly to repair. |