Five things a C3 Corvette owner should never do

[@idontknow2293]

I've had my 70 vette for 43 years. The first 5 years I went through almost everything. As I've gotten older I've tended to ignore some things because I'm older and don't get around so well. I'm 81 and still enjoy driving it to car shows. Thanks for the reminder to check things. 😅

[@fuse911]

Let me know when youre ready to sell it. Looking to buy one when i got enough money and willing to keep it till i die im 26. :)

[@idontknow2293]

@@fuse911 Sorry but my son gets it, and then I have two granddaughters waiting for it.

[@fuse911]

@@idontknow2293 haha no worries thats my plan also. Have a great day boss

[@Moe-p3n]

​@fuse911 I got a 81 Vette and can send you pictures

[@fuse911]

@@Moe-p3n sadly i live in California and the last thing i need is to smog a carburetor lol i like the 68-71 but they out of my budget so im more looking at the 72-75 they seem to be more my price range. Plus i heard those 80-82 vettes started having computers in them and theyre hard to find and no one makes them. I just want something simple and easy to fix

[@hanscramon9040]

The Corvette c3 is a piece of art on four wheels!!

[@daladirn5119]

Hell yea. My dream car. I'm actually looking forward to spending hours upon hours working on it, because I know I will have to. Hope parts will be available here in Europe.

[@hanscramon9040]

@@daladirn5119 - I wish you the best of luck with your project!

[@daladirn5119]

@@hanscramon9040 Ye... :D thanks, but first I need to get the money to buy it. And other things have priorities, since I just ended college :) Videos like these and mostly CorvetteBen will have to suffice for now :P

[@bains1491]

@@daladirn5119 my dad has a 79 and it’s a really fun car, best or luck

[@narmale]

@@daladirn5119 im early 30's and just bought a '76... gota say, it feels so much more like a car than new ones... and a young guy driving a C3? you get ALOT of looks lol!

[@rbwkn]

Man you are a lifesaver. Just bought my 1975 to suprise my grandparents bc they had one they regretted selling when i was a little girl. My mamaw is getting dementia but her eyes light up and she knows every detail of that car. One headlight is slow and ac is messed up so ill check my vacuum.

[@Harleyforever20]

What I really like about this video is how he gets to the point very quickly and doesn’t drag with unnecessary information.

[@digitalbrand2930]

Just bought a 1979 Corvette with 88,000 miles…white with red interior!

[@mypointofview6056]

Thanks, we C3 owners need all the advice we can get. Going to clean my my battery ground to the frame today, I have my car on stands.

[@aronbechiom565]

As a C3 owner for over 18 years.... you are 100% correct on these 5 things. Just lifted the car today...because of a rear bearing. Wheel moves 1/2 inch in all directions. Thanks for posting this video.

[@ironhorse1888]

I just bought my very first Corvette, a 1974 "T" Top. Thank you for your videos.

[@redmoon4694]

Lucky man! How’s it treating you?

[@ironhorse1888]

@@redmoon4694 Working on mechanical items now. Interior and paint is next. Bought 4 new tires for her this morning. 😁

[@redmoon4694]

@@ironhorse1888 good for you man. Can’t wait until my day comes 😁 enjoy it!

[@davidmccall4776]

Having owned a '79 Vette, my best advice would be to never sell yours, or to sell it and regret it, as I stupidly did! Happy motoring!

[@SuperTruck1]

First time Vette owner for C3...dude you are awesome for making this video!!! Ive been digging for every quirk I can find about these things. Crazy designs on these cars...and lots of weird knick knack issues too.

[@paulmoss7940]

That is a corvette ! They get more complicated as they get newer! But all of them are just cool.

[@Vettester_Videos]

As the original owner of my 1972 454 Big Block I appreciate your video's and how you present them. 🇺🇸🏁

[@russellboyd5262]

I have a 1977 corvette,my dream car.It always get attention wherever it goes.The road is full of c4 to c7.They never get a second look.I would take my c3 over any other generation,for sure.

[@crhoads4278]

Me too, I love my 77

[@dubmcbride5952]

Just don’t pull out in front of a C6 with that whopping 190 hp you have.

[@johnvalentine3456]

@@dubmcbride5952 190 hp net. Equivalent to about 260 hp gross, as per pre-1972 rating. Not terrible, and can be bumped up to 300 hp gross pretty easily with a few mods.

[@micksterboone4517]

Replace the rubber fuel lines, especially the ones in the engine compartment and carry a fire extinguisher just in case.

[@northerniltree]

Or carry marshmallows.

[@aronbechiom565]

As the saying goes... Own a Vette...better own a shop wet/dry vac, a battery charger,..and a fire extinguisher.

[@carstenwiese241]

Thank you for these five important advices. Number three already happened to my 1973 vette.

[@lilibethdoherty295]

Forty years ago I bought a 73 vette 4 speed t-top midnight blue with dark blue interior in 87 I found a half price 86 convertible c4 and was happy for about six months the c3 had raw power and no electronics the 86 did not make horsepower so I should have kept my 73!

[@fredbartfarkle9357]

Hey thanks from North Berwick Maine, I checked my ground wire and it was swollen corroded the size of my thumb, you saved me a tow job. Have a great day.

[@robertclymer6948]

Hi Fred! Is the ground a woven strap kind or cable with insulation? Thank you.

[@fredbartfarkle9357]

@@robertclymer6948 I believe num. 2 wire with insulation.

[@lesliekendall5668]

#6). In my C3....ALWAYS let a passenger know the switch on the door ISN'T for the window. Fast forward to someone who's unknowingly locked the doors, you get out, and the key lock is mush and you're locked out. THANK YOU for the tips!! I'll be taking mine in for that vacuum fix.

[@joeyr88]

Going to check that negative cable under the car now. Maybe I won't need the battery disconnect Everytime I park the car haha. Thanks man

[@brianjschumer]

Yup, same issue..

[@scottspitler1443]

Same for my 1978. I had to install a battery cutoff switch. Now I know what to check. Thank you!

[@tomwatson3580]

Don’t forget the positive cable, either. I had one go bad on my ‘69 and kept going through batteries even though the negative frame ground looked good. The telltale was the battery gauge that basically hardly moved at all. Once the new positive cable was installed that gauge was very lively!

[@lesliekendall5668]

Not to mention having a dome light that won't go out and still drains the battery with the bulb removed.

[@russellboyd5262]

PLEASE,More c3 videos for sure.thankyou.

[@AlanShirtsink]

Had a C3 years ago and this info is priceless

[@ninablackwelder9404]

Thanks for the tips. I made an impulse purchase of a C3 over the weekend. I need all the help I can get

[@ritablanchard8133]

I did a year and a half ago. Glad I’m not alone

[@csn583]

Rule #0: don't buy classics impulsively! Hope you got lucky!

[@e.fabian954]

I got two C3 Corvettes in a matter of 30 days ! Impulse buys on both!.. let me tell you the amount of attention you’re going to get is amazing. Sexiest curves on a car by far

[@gadsdonflag4289]

I've owned 6 or 7 C-3 Vettes over the years and didn't know several of the things you mentioned here....thanks for posting!

[@peterpowell9780]

Thanks Lyle I will do it. Regards Peter from Australia

[@johncarlson9999]

THANK YOU ... THANK YOU ... THANK YOU... had my 1980 since original. Not mech inclined. And your advice explains some problems that have mystified me and others for some time. Now I know what to do.

[@jimkowalski4764]

Lyle, Great info on the vette's. Proud owner of a C3 and C5.

[@TheTaxreliever]

Same here......best of both worlds.

[@francistirado7231]

Brotherman, love your video. I've owned a 1980 C0rvette for 30 years, I think you forgot one. Always pay close attention to the universal joints at the rear end. It you lose one connected to the differential ( and I have)this can cause catastrophic damage at high speed like a driveshaft behind the seat right where you are sitting, it did a lot of damage. came through the battery compartment

[@vacuumtube1954]

Good video Lyle. I used to have a 1982 Corvette. In the years I had it I had no issues to speak of. The only one I had was a plastic piece that broke in the heater/ac switch. I replaced it and it cost a whopping $14.00. I would really love to have a 1968-72 Corvette. I have a C5 at the moment. Thanks again and keep the videos coming.

[@mattphillips5713]

My son and I recently purchased 1978 L82 as a father-son project. We love the car and really do appreciate your videos. Thanks for making them.

[@kevinkinney5445]

I had an 81' 4 speed Cream with Chrome true spoke rims, 50s/60s TA Radials. Needed a ton of work but was worth it. I loved that car, wish I had it now.

[@SandJ-Adventures]

I've had my 1978 for 34 years, but only just seen your video! And I'm pleased to say that all the points you mentioned were not only relevant, but also I have checked and in some cases corrected an issue. The video was a good reminder to remain vigilant!

[@vbacon306]

Absolutely great stuff you hit 3 out of 5 of my issues saving me time and money I just acquired my C3 About a month ago

[@ekitching]

Good tip about securing down the t-tops. Back in 1995 (New Years Day) I was driving my '94 Camaro Z28 back home on the 101 from Oxnard and all of a sudden the passenger side top flew off across the fwy and thank God it didn't hit anyone, it was run over and destroyed. Man was that scary.

[@TonyGraziano-s3q]

Great Video on the C3 I just Purchased a 1977 Corvette (C3) Really APPRECIATE It!! Tony G

[@jennymead7726]

I have a 77 L82!

[@dougcoleburn1579]

When I was 16 and knew not much about cars my 69 Camaro front wheel bearing went out. Got so hot it melted into the front spindle!! Good advice on the ground. Windows are so neglected!! Thanks!

[@user-fz4nu6uj3e1]

This is great advice. Dad and I had a wheel bearing problem on our 1971 Stingray on a road trip from MI to FL. Finding a shop around Round Hill, VA was next to impossible (back in the late 80’s). Another no-no was driving in early winter conditions in Detroit. In sleet on I-696, I turned on the wipers; the louver came up and both wiper arms flew off the car. Not good.

[@bloodserpant]

Idk how I stumbled across this video. But very well spoken and presentation skills. You've had my attention throughout the video. Well done

[@csvette]

Thank you!

[@psychochicken9535]

I'm about to look at a C3 and I didn't know what to look for. Thanks for the help!!!

[@stever.747]

Thanks for the tips. I'm looking into a '78 now. I've had Mustangs, Camaros, a Trans-Am and a GTO. Vette is the only one I haven't owned yet. I'm anxious to get it but apprehensive too.... I know they can be expensive to keep up.

[@antonispetrou4472]

Thank God!!! Never had any of these!!! But thanks for these tips!!!!

[@TheMrJoeMac]

I have that loud noise from my rear. I had it checked from just a local mechanic and he said the car is just made to make noise like that because its just old. What you described is exactly how it sounds. I'll take it to the corvette shop and get it fixed correctly. Thank you.

[@BoudewijnvanHouten]

What are very valuable piece of intel about these Sting Rays! Well appreciated!

[@georgewettig1860]

Thank you Lyle my C3 is my life. You nailed it on all levels.

[@dabugman6415]

Fairly new C3 owner and I just learned lots, Thanks!!! I subscribed and will be watching to learn more.

[@Foreign_Royal]

From a C3 owner to another make sure you take it to someone who knows a lot and do your research on the mechanic!

[@craigthescott5074]

I had a 72 coup with side pipes and a modern 350 with fuel injection and a 5spd manual. The car was fun to drive and I drove it as a driver to work for 3 years but small things would brake down constantly and I couldn’t get the air conditioning to work reliably. Sold it for a C5 Z06 and there’s no comparison. The reliability difference and performance difference is night and day. The C3 was a great body style but mechanically it’s a challenge.

[@claudecauffman7627]

Thank you I am about to buy back my 1972

[@fleetwin1]

Great advice, wish I had a C3!

[@noelflores4389]

Thank you.

[@beastlydookie81]

Another one, check your u joints, especially on your half shafts. I had one grenade on me a couple months ago... diff rebuild, new axle stubs, new half shafts, rebuilt trailing arms, and fiberglass work from the freely spinning halfshaft busting into the battery box. Not fun. ~ $3000 and 3 months on jackstands in the garage.

[@jimcolton5269]

Beastly Dookie you should make steel tubes to put the rear axils into that move up and down with suspension. I did my 70 and it saved me

[@stephenr1999]

Great advice here people.

[@stephenmitchell3569]

Ouch! Glad you got fix!

[@Blu3499]

Awesome video I have a 1970 convertible and love it Just got a 2023 C8 My C3 runs great thanks to SS Performance my mechanics

[@sirsnappz5307]

The C3 is a crazy lil car it does have lil weird problems but that’s what gives her life!! My dad still got his 80 L82 it’s the car that taught me how to take care of a car!

[@Ivanslav1]

Great advice. I was on the highway at 70 mph when my left rear wheel bearing seized. I am lucky.

[@gerrymccarthy9568]

Thank you. Very informative. My 68, 327/350 is getting serviced very soon, I’ll tell my mechanic to look out for this.

[@jeffk8247]

Great advice just bought a 1979 Corvette loved the video

[@Ed-lb2sm]

Great Vid....currently doing a frame off resto on a 73 Big block vette....

[@erikb5100]

So am I! Ahaha Cortez Silver 454 auto on black, numbers car ✌️😁

[@jerryhawk8434]

Thank u lots I needed to hear this all if it

[@csvette]

You are most welcome!! Lyle

[@poeswanky4392]

That growling you were talking about at #5... My grandpa's (I inherited his 77) does this growling so I would drop it into neutral whenever I needed to stop. Thank you!!! Now I know what it is and I'm on it!!

[@nattersting976]

Thank you!

[@stephenmitchell3569]

My 78 C-3 upgrades twin ToroStorm supercharges on a 540 big block weighs 8 lbs less than 350 it replace. Trans and drive train upgrades for 1500 hp street car and carbon fiber dash with no a/c, radio, carpet, wipers, heater, lexan windows, added full roll cage, fuel cell, fire suppression system. Handles great and looking forward to 1/2 mile runs to see if the 200 mph club in the near future. Meanwhile driving to Kroger and parking in handicap parking with a parachute behind the handicap tag. Old car and old driver...what could possibly go wrong. E-85 with 5 miles to the gallon or burn 2 gallons in the 1/4 mile at only 14 lbs boost. What have I built is just fun and laughs. Just a car that is an old friend making me and others smile. Everyone build what you like and enjoy your self. Happiness is contagious! Like the video!😀🇺🇸

[@tomgun5637]

i have two c-3 vettes everything you talked about super good advice recommend to do everything you talked about on a regular basis thanks again and keep up the good info.

[@512bb]

That is superb advise that the newly Corvette owners should heed, & be appreciative of you're sound advise.

[@michaelstratton6701]

Good info, I can relate to all of these issues

[@shawnn5213]

C3 vettes are still some of the best. They don’t have all the electrical and computer garbage that today’s vette has

[@lylevaltz9307]

From Lyle to Lyle, thank you for this vid! Teenager looking for a classy old car and the C3's seem like a pretty wild deal, although maybe a little maintenance-needy. Still, would only be driving in the spring/summer/early fall.

[@jeepvette7723]

They are a money pit, and are their own animal compared to other GM cars. Unless you have the time and money to constantly sink into it, I would go another way.

[@larrybrown9279]

@@jeepvette7723 I agree somewhat, I have a 75 c3 and it's in average to good shape, currently replacing A arm bushings. But those are maintenance items and a 75 is going to cost maintenance money constantly, if you drive it enough.

[@joshuagilmore5878]

@@jeepvette7723 gonna have to agree with you, I just had to replace my whole front clip over a fender bender as well as the whole power steering assembly. not to mention if an idiot got to it like mine you are going to have alot of problems. my wiring and whole vacuum system is messed up (to the point I just removed the headlights and the blender doors) as well as someone cut the air conditioning lines and now the whole system needs replaced.

[@paulreyes5810]

My 79 white is fr sale green int new 350 new cat in california 14000.

[@Madara946]

Gunna address my vacuum problem now lol my headlights haven’t been popping up at all

[@beastlydookie81]

Might not be a vacuum issue, could be the actuators going bad. These headlight systems are a little tricky

[@wyattoneable]

Great series Lyle. You're pretty brave giving out your phone number. But I've used it and I appreciated the help. (Putting Seafoam in my C5 fuel tank = no more fuel gauge issues so far)

[@mikethompson2007]

They will be back, that's actually a band aid fix

[@GunGuy258]

Thank you for this. We just bought a C3 and now I know the problem with the headlights.

[@ReservedForFutureUse]

One of the first things I did after I bought my C3 is rip out all the headlight vacuum stuff and install firebird headlight door motors instead. All my hoses and valves were dry rotted and the cam I have barely makes manafold vacuum at idle anyway.

[@gtuttle4]

What year model of Firebird did you use? I never heard that!

[@buzzedalldrink9131]

cool video thank you!! just subscribed! solved t top issue I never drive with them on!!!

[@iSleepDoc]

Thanks a million

[@kregscott6750]

Thanks for the good advice.

[@jaydenyoung4476]

omg imagine not latching your tops

[@robertclymer6948]

As John Wayne always used to say: "you can't fix stupid." lol

[@dr_sam_x3981]

I just got one last night and im loving it

[@josephissa72]

Thanks for the video! This is some really helpful information for both me and my dad to keep in mind.

[@mikeshaw8199]

Thank you sir. Good advice.

[@superprettyko]

Thank you for the 5 tips. Love my 80 Corvette. Yes rear wheel bearing sounds are nothing to let go. I did - I GOT LUCKY. the pass rear tire flopped in, did not rip the fender off, just flopped in and locked up at 70 MPH. Lots of smoke. Flat bed, to get repaired. Just stay on top of all little noises, the noise is telling you something. .

[@randolphduke]

daaaaa Bears! Beat the Packers! 👍🏻

[@gaj9080]

Lyle is very informative about corvettes

[@MerrickYouman]

I owned a 79 L82 4-speed with air from 83 to about 92 i lived in the snow belt so the frame had surface rust That was my daily car, even in the winter if i kept it, it would have needed a complete refresh. Nobody thought it was worth keeplng back then. So, i sold it. Story number 2 : i was driving my cousins 1966 427/390 in 1980. I was in the country, driving home from college when I felt something clunking in the right rear wheel. Suddenly, the car just stopped. That rear wheel was sitting in the wheel well at a 45 degree angle! Yep, the bearing broke. I never new about that before Expensive!

[@chriszasada9756]

Awesome post, just bought a 76 and will be going over it soon.

[@csvette]

Congrats!!! Lyle

[@frankpavan3044]

Lyle, amazing advice not many I am sure are aware of. Thanks

[@colehara]

Best thing to do with that ground wire is to replace it with a longer one that runs up to the engine and bolts to the block near the starter. Then run a ground strap from the block to the frame.

[@robertclymer6948]

Hi guys! Concerning the ground "cable" very good to know. I would also run the woven strap kind from engine block to frame. Also, never get into the habit of closing the doors using the glass windows, On Any Car.

[@frankp2206]

Great info big guy

[@OldielocksNmo50]

Interesting..had my 82 nearly 40 yrs.. never been drove in the rain. Rained on at car shows.. never leaked..but I will check my neg cable next time I chg oil.. good idea, never thought of that. Everything works except antenna motor, gonna make it manual. Motor being close to exhaust gets hot, so ez fix. Under hood is chromed or polished, still run the dual injectors but without the airbox, rigged up dual air cleaners for better flow. I put on a cowl cover which I advise..looks good and keeps crap out..I also added louvers on the rear glass and taillights. Plumbing to the headlights are s/s and housings are chromed..nice blue 1/665 color. Polished wheels including slots. No rattles, solid.. mirror tops. The 82 is the only C3 after 1972 to have the 72 LT-1 engine. It's just detuned and has sm injectors to pass CA emissions. There is an intake available with larger runners and larger injectors available if one wants to keep the crossfire. Those heads will easily accept flow of 850.. Be like running with 4bbls instead of 2 two bbls. It drives a lot better than the early C3's..but obviously the C5 and C6's are different animals. C3 not going anywhere. It will eventually wind up with my son and then my granddaughter. But have been thinking about a C6..I like them too.

[@tomfaltash9634]

Love you’re vlog You certainly know about corvette

[@aboutmyfathersbusiness8324]

That window also hits when the door bushings have turned to copper paper. I replaced them and no more hit. Rear bearings need a special grease gun tool to lube them. You have to remove the axle and place the tool on the inner spindle. I lube my every 30K

[@truebetold65]

Thanks sir.. so much 👍

[@lawrenceobin7162]

Great tips. Would love a jacking tips video. Too many c3 cars with dented engine crossmembers.

[@jackmaclaine]

Great video!

[@epasternak4206]

They aren't complicated cars at all, very easy, do your own work and buy all the manuals. Simple. My 75 is awesome! I am a mechanic and enjoy every second of work on it along with all other cool cars, for me it's easy. Labor of love and passion.

[@Jay-iy1tl]

Great info

[@Jerry-yb7po]

You gave a very intelligent presentation

[@Jay-iy1tl]

Thanks

[@ericravnasgard2710]

Great info for me, new C3 owner today✌🏁

[@morkthebuilder9943]

Brilliant video 👍

[@dreemeagle]

outstanding; you need to remind people how the C3 chassis dates back to the 1930s so the bodies flex like gymnasts til they crack and they squat and porpoise under acceleration..and have the aerodynamics of an F4 Phantom;

[@BUSTER.BRATAMUS]

great tips

[@Gen-XTex]

Great info. I just subscribed! 👍

[@CharmingHostilities]

1. Never put your T-tops on the car without latching them down. 00:42 2. Do not ignore vacuum issues. 1:22 3. Keep your windows properly adjusted 2:40 4. Negative battery connection on frame corrodes. 4:11 5. Don't ignore wheel bearing noise. 5:00 And now you don't have to listen to someone ramble on for 7+ minutes. You're welcome.

[@audiokyle]

C3 owner. subscribed now, keep it up!

[@marcinbartniak4198]

Gear video Lyle. A random question though, where did you get the cast model of the red C3 behind you from? Thanks.

[@corvettefever360]

If it's diecast, it's a UT or Unique Toys, & is what Auto Art originally came from. They are hard to find, & can cost a decent amount depending upon where the market is. I was an avid 1/18th scale diecast model collector, & had over 1000 Corvettes. Some extremely rare ones too. But to some unfortunate circumstances in my life, I had to sell them. It kills me because I had an amazing collection, some that I could never ever get again.

[@gmzx3]

Another common issue these cars have is rusting in the brake caliper bores. I replaced all 4 calipers in my '76 as the pedal was mushy and leaked brake fluid. I used stainless steel bore calipers to avoid doing them again.