TexasMadMan

Haven't seen this one asked, but I have thought about it a few times.

Let me start by saying back 25-30 years ago, many people changed the rear bumper covers on pre '80 C3s to the newer "spoiler type" cover of the '80-82 Vettes. This was often times done after the car had been wrecked or hit in the rear.

With that said, if you found a wide body C6 conversion for sale somewhere, would you suspect or wonder if the reason for the body change might be due to a previous accident?

As we know, carfax doesn't always tell the whole story.

STALION

If it was due to an accident there are usually tell tale signs. Check to see if the hatch lines up. Open the hatch and look at the seem for any irregularities. Check underneath the car in the rear for any irregularities. Check the wheel wells for cracks in the fender well. I would also ask the owner for receipts and what shop did the install. If it was a shop call them up and ask about the car. It is also possible that nothing is wrong with the car. The owner may have wanted the look of the Z06 without the price tag! I'm looking to get a C6 this spring and one of the first mods I do is the rear fender's from the Z06. It's a relatively cheap mod and makes the car look that much better

Cheers.

YLOFEVR

It's only speculation at best. The widebody conversions on the C6 have certainly been a popular mod for any number of reasons, but trying to decipher what those reasons may have been after the fact would be mainly dependent upon the seller's disclosure. Generally speaking, for those vehicles which may have seen body damage and slipped through the cracks as far as the reporting procedure would be a very minor percentage at best. It would be like buying a previously owned engagement ring--hard to tell what the reasons for sale may be.

TexasMadMan

Thanks for your thoughts. I can see it being less of an issue if the car was brought from a private party. Buying from a dealer might persent problems when finding out the history of the car. Just think down the line after the car has changed hands a few times and most of the history is lost.

joe h

Widebody rear conversions are one of the most common cosmetic upgrades on the C6. I just did one, myself. No damage prior.

It may be something to consider in the back of your mind, but there's probably a very small percent chance that an accident is what initiated the upgrade.

Knob Jockey

If I were to sell my C6 with it's rear widebody mod (which I have no intention of ever doing) I would proudly display all the paperwork and disclose the source of the parts and the highly regarded Corvette shop that did the work.

I understand your concern in purchasing such a car that has changed hands several times.

The same rules apply to this as it would to any other used car purchase, modified or stock. If you don't trust the seller, walk away.

If you have access to a reliable Corvette specialist, have them examine the car. If there is frame damage or severely worn parts/etc., they should be able to easily spot the problems and advise you accordingly.

You can also take advantage of Forum Members in your area by posting on your Regional Forum for advice on trusted Dealers and experts/club members that would be more than willing to help you in your search.

Lastly, it's still very much a buyers market and there are many Vendors on this Forum that will deliver only a high quality product, and usually at a very competitive price.

Good Luck

davidtcpa

You can try to use the Forum as a source of information for the history of the car as well. As an example, I did a rear widebody conversion on my 07 convertible. Posted before and after pics, and even listed the original panels for sale (with no luck). Many Forum members do the same, and a chronological history of a car can be here for reference. the same holds true on the flip side. A Forum member may get into an accident, make posts, and then try and sell the car as never being in an accident . However, that can be found (if they post it) here as well. You will be extremely happy with the look of the widebody! I can tell you that am with mine.

RLSebring

If your concern is overwhelming you'd be far better off consciously just buying a coupe and doing the widebody yourself. The 1500.00 spent would likely allow you to sleep a lot better at night knowing the car hasn't been in an accident... Unless you purchase a used coupe that's been in an accident.

Marc V.

I did my widebody purely for looks.


But you run the risk of undisclosed accident damage any time you purchase a previously owned car.

I. myself would never buy a car that was previously modded.

TCW

Yes! I wouldn't buy it at any price!

Tom

Tally Ho

If the car in question was supercharged or turbocharged, then I would believe the wide body was done for traction and handling. My car is SC'd and I have the wide booty only.

PARANORMAL

I did mine just for looks, some say due to a "fender bender" in the parking lot they chose to do a widebody. Don't always believe what you read. Most people do a widebody for looks. Check the carfax and ask questions

davidtcpa

That's why I did mine also.