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This year, most sharks have appreciated up to 10 percent over last year. That's a good sign, unless you waited this this year to buy one! In addition to the obvious checks you'll perform on the body, frame, and major systems, here are some other things you might want to consider. Spend a few dollars on reference material. This minimal investment of time and expense will more than pay for it self later. One of the many good reference books is Alan Colvin's Corvettes By The Numbers 1955-1982, available at chevroletbythenumbers.com. Price: $35 plus shipping. Make sure panels line up and the paint matches. If not, dig deeper for evidence of an accident. Check the area around the door-latch mechanism. Paint blistering here can be a sign of rust. Check the analog gauges. If they're inoperative or in poor condition, be aware that they're expensive (and a pain) to replace. On 1973-1982 sharks, check out the emissions equipment. Not only should it function properly, but if you care about originality, make sure it's what was installed at the factory. Look for brake fluid on the inside of the tires and rims. It could be a sign of leaking disc-brake calipers. Check the carpet for damp areas that could indicate a leak. Check the operation of the vacuum-operated headlamps. A problem here could mean a simple $10 check-valve replacement - or a $100 actuator (on each side).
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