first drive - what to be looking for in a 1980

[Gazmic]

Hi all,
After more than half a lifetime I'm finally about to take my first Corvette test drive and hopefully buy it. A 1980.
Is there anything I should be looking out for?
Should I expect it to handle as well or better than the BF Falcon I usually drive, given the 27 year difference and the fact they are designed for different purposes? I'm just trying to get my head around what to expect without being too harsh on the Vette's age and characteristics.
It'll be a weekender, not a daily driver so a bit of a rough ride (stiff suspension) would be put up with.

[demonx]

Keep in mind (like you said) they are an old car, so don't expect them to drive like a modern vehicle.

Also, just because they are a fiberglass body doesn't mean they can't be full of rust, check the chassis, radiator support and all other metal areas. Try (if they'll let you) peeling back bits of the interior to see if theres any birdcage rust etc

Listen to the roof to see if it whistles, might need new rubbers - which will also mean it will leak in the wet.

Look to make sure the headlights pop up properly - sometimes there can be a small delay between one and the other, not a big issue, but if theres a huge delay, or if they smash up too quick it could be money.

Listen to the suspension when you drive, especially the rear end.

Check out the conversion and make sure is is safe/well and that it has been done properly.

Basicly, check everything that you would with a normal car.

[77CVT]

;51

It won't drive like your new Falcon!  In stock form they generally handle like a truck because most times no one has replaced anything in 27 years.

It's isn't hard to make them handle like they were meant to!

[Gazmic]

Thanks for the feedback - much appreciated
Gazza

[demonx]

Let us know how it goes.

Anything you are unsure of, don't be afraid to ask.

[69 DIRTY RAT]

Show us some pix if you can so we can help identify problems!