I am having an issue with my 1972 Corvette Coupe. It makes a sound in the rear and one of the wheels has some play. One person told me it was a wheel bearing and the second said it was both wheel bearings and rear end. The noise actually seems louder when you let up on the gas and coast. It seems quieter on acceleration. Can anyone recommend a good mechanic who knows how to diagnose and repair C3 Corvettes and who is also honest? Thank you.

I don't know of any in RI, there is one Rt 44 in Taunton, MA by the name of Corvettes and Classics (been there forever). I have gone over the years to buy parts and pick their brains, but I do know of a few guys that have had C3s repaired there without any problems.

This description definitely sounds like a differential problem. You may of course also have wheel bearing noises, but the above description fits a gear noise to a "T".
Can't help with locating a dependable tech in your area, but perhaps others will also respond with more options, along with Dennis'.



|UPDATED|4/29/2013 9:43:59 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Wow nice site even has labor quote on it under service, rear end rebuild $575.00 plus parts.

I know of them and the previous owner of my car went there a few times. They are known for doing quality work, but they do get top dollar. I am trying to find someone somewhat reasonable who can work on these cars. There has to be someone out there........ 

Be careful, you know the old saying...... You get what you pay for.

I hear you, but I need to hear from at least one other reputable source what my car really  needs. It's difficult when one person says one trailing arm needs to be replaced and another says both are bad and there is something wrong with the differential too. Anyone else know of anyone in the nearby Mass or RI area?

Look, if they haven't been replaced by a reputable shop in the past few years, the odds are you would just be postponing the inevitable if you only do one trailing arm. If one is bad, the other can't be long behind. Besides, do you want to take it apart twice? I know it seems like a lot, but if it were me (and it was, a few years ago) I would bite the bullet and get the whole mess done at one time! Also get the adjuster bolt and shims replaced as yours are probably rusted into one piece, preventing you from getting a proper alignment. Just my 2 cents worth!