I'm a new owner of a '75 coupe. Discovered the birdcage has issues, no real holes, but I wonder how good it is, and the car has been wet inside.... cleaned up, but still obvious when we started taking things apart.  It also appears the t-tops have leaked. The killer is that someone had already replaced door panels, and other interior parts at some point beforehand. I'm not sure what the frame has in store , surface rust for sure, but haven't been able to go over it with a fine tooth comb yet. I asked all the questions, poked around some, and ended up with this. I expected some work, but this is more than I ever dreamed I would face. The car doesn't run (engine disassembled with a cam problem), but hubby is a mechanic so I'm good there. We have good friend who is a fantastic paint and body guy, so I'm probably ok there. But the wind is out of my sails. I adore these cars, have wanted one since I was 6 yrs old. Perhaps love is blind, lol. The body is in super shape, couldn't ask for better. At this point I don't know what to do with it. My poor hubby sold his drag car for me to have this. I'm pretty darn sick. Thinking maybe parting it out?

Kimberly.
You're preaching to the choir here. I have a 79 with over 100k on it.  It needs a TON of work and still has a t-top leak issue.

C3s are the cars you love to hate.  If you have the time, money and energy to put into fixing up your 75, you should do it.  It is a labor of love, even though at times you'll hate it (as I do).  But think of it this way, if you to spend the time, money and energy to fix 'er up, you'll be that much more proud and happy to show it off when it's done.

If it is not beyond hope, and you can afford it... keep it.
Adam Wartell2009-03-17 07:31:15

We just had a customer with the same story.  We sold him a body tub with all the metal in good shape, and showed him where to disassemble and re weld.  For a capable welder, it is not a major project to replace the whole windshield frame. 

T-top weatherstrip is relatively cheap and easy to install, and the tops are adjustable to get a tight fit.

You can still have your dream.

Larry

Hi Kimberly, and welcome to the site. First of all let me say one of your best moves so far is checking us out. In here you will find a number of people who have been where you are, including me. When I bought my 71 I also was totally overwhelmed at the amount of work I had in store. I started saying to meself, " what the heck were you thinkin"? What you described is pretty much the same condition mine was in. I did get it at a fair price, so I could afford to put some $ into her. Well that was a couple years ago, and now I have it just the way I want it, and am very happy I chose this Vette. Sure, I could have waited to find one already done, but no way would I appreciate it as much as I do this one.

Patience, patience, patience. I bought my car with the thought that it would teach me patience. Although it was in relatively good shape when I bought it 5 years ago (only 74,000 miles on the odo), I knew that a 30+ year old car was going to need constant attention........and it hasn't let me down. Most things I cannot do in one weekend, so I go for weeks without being able to drive my favorite Vette. But, when I do get the chance to take her out again, it is that much sweeter knowing it is still operating because of effort I put into it. Hang in there - one day at a time, and before you know it, you'll be driving your dream. Good luck!

Thanks to all that have replied so far with encouragement.  We have gotten most of the interior out of the front with the exception of the seats. They won't move forward at all. I imagine the brackets are nicely rusted. I wanted to get it all out and make sure it's dry so we can do a damage assessment.  In case anyone is wondering, we paid 3500 for it. If posting pics would help, I can do that later today if it doesn't rain on me. (What size pic should I upload) Best I can tell by the VIN, it's an early '75, L48. Tranny is there and seems to be in good order. All the lenses, trim, etc is there. It does have a darn nice steering wheel! Looks like a replacement. Has the deluxe door panels. They are in good shape, not perfect, but good.  I want to say publicly that my husband is an angel, he is determined to fix this car, even if it takes him years and a thousand side jobs. He already works hard, and I still don't know if a can let him do that, but we'll see after we look over everything and have the body guy give his opinion on the birdcage and frame. 

This car ended up in your hands for a reason.
You should fix it. You will have a relationship with that car when your done that few have.
Those are my words of encouragement.

Did the settlers quit when they reached the Rockies? No.
Did Micheal Jordan stop at 5 championships? No.
Is this job going to be easy? No.

But you CAN do it!

Kimber, WELCOME ABOARD, You picked the right place to ask questions. ALL the wrenches on this team are #1. Do not get down hearted,time is the deciding factor. Just think, when you are done with it, you can drive it alot farther than a 1/4 mile, not as fast maybe, but time for miles of smiles. Keep us informed and remember it is a labor of love that we all enjoy. M-n-S

Welcome to C3VR, first of all, Kimberly!
If you have to ask, you're definitely in the right place!
Please do NOT get discouraged, or depressed. These cars are 30+ years old, and a LOT of them have been neglected. Most will have rust in the "birdcage", which includes the windersheild frame. No matter HOW bad it is, it CAN be repaired, depending on you financial situation. Some of us have spent several years getting our Sharks back in swimming condition...some are STILL working on them. It can get frustrating, and you may feel like giving up, but please DON'T!
If your "hubby" is mechanically inclined, he'll be able to determine if ya'll need any outside help with some areas of the car. Parts are not a problem....just about everything on a '75 is available.
The windershield header on my '74 has some rust along the upper, passenger side...and not just surface rust, either! I was really concerned about that when I first saw it...that was 12 years ago. It's still rusted to this day. I determined what was more important for me to do, and did it. The car is a National award winner....rust and all! I did everything on it with the exception of the paintwork, and spent WAAAY more money than it's really worth, but....it was worth it to me.
Hang in there, kiddo....it'll get better.
If ya ever need any questions answered, this site will be there....and some of us even know a thing or two....then again, some us are just really good liars!
Adams' Apple2009-03-17 10:34:20