Hey guys...I think this is my first post here, but I've been reading since I got my 75 Stingray about 2 weeks ago. I'm in MD and 19, so I MUST pass MD inspection to be insured( ). Anyway, paid my $$$ to get it inspected and here is the list of reasons it failed.

No Mufflers
No Battery Hold Down
Hole Under Battery(in the fiberglass, what a to inspect that closely)
No Back-Up Lights
One Taillight/BrakeLight/Turn Signal out(I fixed it!! Went out on the way over :(
Power Steering Leak @ Pump
Power Assist Valve is Shot
Lower Control Arm Bushings(shot, missing I dunno)
Both Rear Rotors are Shot

I need a daily driver and I figured I could get Historic Insurance and drive no problem and just have a bad Vette and still an Incredible vehicle, nope. Anyway, having already spent more than what I'll earn this summer, can I fix this beast or should I put it on E-bay and hope to get my money back? Anyone who knows HOW to fix these things and can explain it/do it for a case of beer is more than welcome to post their advice or come visit me + my White Witch in Southern Maryland =) just post or e-mail. hehe. Seriously tho, ANY help is appreciated, even posted.

Scot

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you spent more than you will make all summer and you want a daily driver. Plan on spending what you will make for the next year at least to make it one. I use mine daily, weather permiting, but I have 2 trucks, a blazer, and a Harley for backup.

The inspection people must really be particular in Md. We don't have an inspection for ins in Illinois, but we do for exhaust emmisions Sometimes I think we need one with some of the junkers running around. All I can say is to fix what you can, and hope that it passes next time. Maybe you can take it to another ins station.
About your problems, Inst the mufflers, I don't think there is a hold down on any corvette battery, and I think the hole is a drain. I might be wrong! The back up light switch might be out of adjustment, or bad, should be an easy fix. on the power steering pump, one time I had an old car that had a leaky power steering cylinder, and I bought some power steering stop leak, and it did the job. As far as the power steering assist, there are a lot of vette's without power steering, I can't see why they got you on that. On the steering linkage, replace the bushings... The rotors might be a bigger problem though. They aren't cheap. Good luck, I think you need it....
Go buy some parts and a case of beer, and get one of your buddies over for a BBQ, and a lot of the defects might get fixed. Ration the beer though..




|UPDATED|6/9/2002 12:12:38 PM|/UPDATED|

Ouch! We don't have an inspection system here in Minnesota either (used to have emissions check for vehicles 5 years old and older but "The Gov" killed that!). Sounds like you got an inspector that was having a bad day as well (or maybe was jealous of your new ride!). What kind of timeframe do you have to make the repairs? If its relatively short you're going to have a fairly goodsized balance on your credit card. Otherwise, prioritize the fixes to make the car safe to drive (brakes, exhaust, lights) and get to the others as you can. I'd suggest adding an AIM (Assembly Instruction Manual) and either Chilton's or Haynes repair manuals to your library as they'll help you figure out how to tackle most of your fixes.

|QUOTE|Paragon75Ray said: No Mufflers|/QUOTE| I don't think you have a choice other than to install a pair if you want to pass the inspection. Check as many parts places/catalogs as you can for the best price. Should be an easy job to hang them though.

|QUOTE|Paragon75Ray said: No Battery Hold Down|/QUOTE| There should be a clamp-type hold-down that grabs a lip around the lower edge of the battery. At least that's what's in mine.

|QUOTE|Paragon75Ray said: Hole Under Battery(in the fiberglass, what a to inspect that closely)|/QUOTE| Does one of the battery cables go through that hole? If so there should be a grommet type deal that the cable passes through and plugs the hole completely. Can't have any nasty gases coming up from below.

|QUOTE|Paragon75Ray said: No Back-Up Lights|/QUOTE| Mine quit working after I installed a new clutch. I think I forgot to plug in the wire while reassembling things. But should be easy for you to fix also.

|QUOTE|Paragon75Ray said: One Taillight/BrakeLight/Turn Signal out(I fixed it!! Went out on the way over :(|/QUOTE| You're an expert now. Guess you'll have to fix it again. (Sorry - that didn't mean to be a smartalec reply)

|QUOTE|Paragon75Ray said:
Power Steering Leak @ Pump
Power Assist Valve is Shot|/QUOTE| Can't help you there. Mine has the ol' tried and true "Strong Arm" steering option (no power assist).

|QUOTE|Paragon75Ray said: Lower Control Arm Bushings(shot, missing I dunno)|/QUOTE| Again should be a somewhat easy fix. Shop the parts places again.

|QUOTE|Paragon75Ray said: Both Rear Rotors are Shot|/QUOTE| Not much you can do but replace 'em. I had to replace my front rotors shortly after buying mine, wasn't ready for that expense at the time but wanted to be able to stop when I had to. You can do this yourself as well, just make sure to bleed the brake lines in the proper sequence (Chilton's or Haynes repair manuals Chapter 9 details it).

BTW - welcome to the site Scot...!!! And welcome to the wonderful world of Corvette ownership. They may chewup a fair amount of your disposable income, but they're a lot of fun.

|UPDATED|6/6/2002 11:07:38 PM|/UPDATED|

Read Jim's reply closely. Above all, don't panic. Go get your self an AIM ( assemble instruction manual ) for your year Vette. Look through it and make sure you are actually missing stuff from the car. If you are handy at all with tools, the rest wont be too bad. Get a set of the cheapest mufflers you can cause you are gonna want to replace them later with something having less restrictions. Spend 10 or 12 bucks for a cheap multi-meter that you can use to check wiring and switches. I think the rear rotors are around $99.00 each. If you put on new rotors, you want to put on new pads also. I seem to remember some company selling sets of 2 rotors either front or rear on e-bay for either $129 or $189 for the set. Please don't hold me to that price...go check it out.
Good luck !!! Keep an open mind, it can only get worse!

First off, welcome to C3VR. Next, everything you failed for sounds like it can be fixed easily so I wouldn't worry about that. The only thing I'd worry about is that if you're struggling for money it could be difficult, because even when you get your list of things fixed other parts seem to decide to just quit working sometimes. For instance, my vette was running fine then all of a sudden all my brake fluid was laying on my driveway now I have to rebuild my front calipers. Owning a C3 can be very expensive. I'd definitely get a cheap set of mufflers for now just to pass and the battery clamp can probably be purchased from http://www.zip-corvette.com/ or www.ecklers.com. They've been my main parts supplier when I do things myself. Both have been very reliable for me. I'd try and do most of the work yourself because paying a mechanic is pretty expensive. Have some friends help you out and have a good time. You'll be glad you have a Vette. Good Luck.

I've forgotten exactly where it is, but I started a thread with links of parts places, etc. which was being added to by other folks. That should give you a head start on chasing down parts. And like Glenn said, don't panic. You'll get there and have the satisfaction of knowing that you're the one who is responsible for keeping an American classic on the road and enjoyed by everyone who sees it pass by...!!!


Jim O.

Hey guys, Thanx for all the helpful information. For a few days there I was seriously considering just selling my White Witch(like the drug, only more addicting and more expensive!). I think I might be able to pull this off, thanx to your support and advice. Rose and Glenn esp =)

I checked at the local PepBoys and they want 104$ per Rotor...is that at all reasonable?
and how about 79$ per muffler(yes, the guy before made it a true dual system )
I forget the rest of the prices, but those were the two that seemed pretty high to me..

I got a Corvette Manual for 68-82 Vettes off Barnes and Noble, so hopefully that will help me out some Chpt 9 Right?

Scot

Scot,
I am thinking this is your first Vette. You should have gotten a couple sets of instructions with it. The first tells you all about how to really appreciate driving your Vette, how and when to do the "wave" to other Vettes. Ya know just general fun things about your purchase. The second set of paperwork pretty much describes how to file for Chapter 11 ( bankruptcy ) and is pretty much geared to how to keep your new ( used ) ride on the road. No one ever said that a C3 is inexpensive to keep in great shape but there are a whole lotta people out there who say it is well worth skipping a meal or two !!! This is a hobby and the only hobby that is not expensive is the one named "couch potato" but even that catches up with you when the couch wears out.
Scot, it is gonna be a true adventure for you and one you will remember for the rest of your life. Enjoy it to the fullest.

Glenn,

Thank you dude, the car's been causing me a lot of headaches and might sell, but with the support of everyone here I think I may just keep the White Witch

Scot