1975 Convertible

[Robert D.]

After much thought, I am considering the purchase of a ' 75 convertible. I have always owned C-1'S and C-2'S and this would be new to me. Any particular things to look out for on these cars and any options to look for ? Thanks in advance for the help.

Bob Dance

[Jim T.]

Re: 1975 Convertible

Owning a 75 and later Corvette you might miss the point replacement and adjustment since it has HEI. Also no mechanical tack components to replace. However the centrifical advance still requires attention.

[Garry Barnes]

Re: 1975 Convertible

Jim, you might want to consider both the '74 and or'75. The '74 doesn't have the catalytic converter and still has the more desirable dual exhaust. Virtually everything else is the same with the exception that the '75 is considered more collectable because of it being the last convertable. If you have an engine choice in mind I would opt for the L82 which is a rarer find with a 4 speed. You also have the big block in '74 which is coming into it's own in value. I had a fully restored '74 with the base engine 350 and PG and it was a great car to drive. You will probably pay more for the '75 than the '74. If you go with the base engine 350 I believe the '74 has a higher horse power rating by 20 to 30hp if I remember correctly. Both seem to have issues with the front and rear bumpers, so I would suggest that you get one already restored unless you are handy with fitting these things.
Garry

[Bill E.]

Re: 1975 Convertible

Gary, your right, the prevailing wisdom seems to be that the '75 convertible is more collectible than the '74 and hence will cost more. Probably due in part to comments in Michael Antonick's Corvette Buyer's Guide. Interesting thing seems to be happening however, as of now, the '74's are a little more pricey than the'75's. You can see this on e-bay and in the Gold Book and NADA price guides.

I bought a restored '74 convertible in 2003 and found the prices for the 74's and 75's about the same. As always, condition was the main factor. Many of the cars on the market are just "used cars" that have not been properly cared for. When (if) the prices get up to C1 and C2 range people might start to take better care of them.

Gary, I think you would enjoy either the '74 or '75, in the rarefied world of today's corvette prices these cars are a lot of fun for the buck. I really enjoy my '74, it's great to drive, parts are easy to come by, and nothing on the road looks like a Stingray. Good luck, Bill

[Bill E.]

Re: 1975 Convertible

Oops, I meant that last paragraph for Bob. Bill

[Garry Barnes]

Re: 1975 Convertible

OOOPS...I also meant it for Bob! Having a good day are we??????????

[Bill E.]

Re: 1975 Convertible

Gary, I'm an old f**t, with frequent senior monemts, what your excuse? BILL

[Raymond W.]

Re: 1975 Convertible

Bob,

I thought this would have been a done deal for you by now? The only experience I can speak to is that from the person (Pete) who completed the restoration on my '74 LS4 Coupe. "It's a beautiful thing to drive a big block, but it's another story to work on one". It's the only Corvette that I've ever worked on, and in doing so, I can attest to Pete's comments about how the whole car is very tight to work on. He now has a '65 or "66 small block convertible...

Good luck...go for it...I'll look for it up in Meridan.

Regards,
Ray

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 1975 Convertible

I have a 75 convertible that I am enjoying. Look for rust around the windshield frame, and on the frame kick up . Mine has been completely "desmogged", and the engine built to roughly 350/350 specs. Runs and drives great. If we ever have to comply with smog inspection laws in this area, I'll have to scramble a bit clean up the exhaust, but I don't see that happening any time soon. 4 speed cars are hard to find. I looked quite a bit to find one with 4 speed and a/c.

[Garry Barnes]

Re: 1975 Convertible

Mine are pre-senior moments.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1975 Convertible

Garry hope you don't have a PG in your 74, the M40 turbo 400 was the 74 model year automatic, a three speed automatic.

[Robert D.]

1975 Convertible

As always, thanks for the information. The car I am looking at is a L82-4spd with no air. Just have pictures now, but may look at it next week.
Bob

[Garry Barnes]

Re: 1975 Convertible

Jim, I used the PG as a generic term. You are correct though, the Turbo 400 is what it had. Unfortunately, I don't have either the tranny or the car anymore. Another one of those "should have kept" cars. It was Millie red on Silver. An unusual color combo.
Garry

[Mike M.]

Re: 1975 Convertible

Bob,
Is the car dark red with a black interior, black vinyl covered hardtop and black softop? If so get back to me, I was the second owner of a '75 L-82, four-speed, no A/C car in those colors. Sold it in 1990 to a speciality dealer in NC. Wish I still had it or knew where it is. There is a lot of engine mods to that car that cannot be told by outside appearances. With the mods, the 3:55 rear and the wide ratio four speed, that thing was king of the stop light drags.
I still have some parts that came off of it.
Mike

[Randy S.]

Re: 1975 Convertible

Bob,
We had a 75 for 18 years until our daughter turned 16. A few comments; first year of single exhaust and catalyic converter which may have been discarded so depending on your state's emission requirements beware. Rear flex bumper was unique with "pockets" for the corvette letters so may be a "tell" for rear end damage.

Randy