JP66

All,

Brand new to the group and new to ownership. It's been a dream since I was a boy to own a corvette and it's now a reality. Best part is that I was able to purchase from my wife's Grandfather and keep it in the family. It looks like I have months of posts to poor through and honestly am probably a little out of my league here. I've worked things like brakes, oil changes, spark plugs and even some strut replacement on my regular vehicles but am looking forward to learning so much more. The car has at least 3 owners and no original paperwork. Numbers on engine, alternator, carborator, exhaust manifold, valve covers all match or line up with vin. im a little worried about frame rust as I was able to poke a small hole in the frame in front of the rear wheel on the driver side. Need to get it up and off the ground but I've been tapping all around the frame and this appears to be the only problem area. I've been reading prior posts on frame rust. The car hasn't run for 30 years so I want to be careful about where to start. Not sure if the engine will turn over or not. I plan on reading through posts but wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions on game plans. I need to join a local group. I'll add some pics later and get more info on profile.

Thanks Richard

JP66

I guess I should have added it's a 66 small block, convertible. Base model

biggd

You're going to get the usual response, "this thread is worthless without pictures" but good luck with your new find.

Frankie the Fink

The frame rust is a problem and typically occurs just where you found it, at the rear 'kickups'.....you are in for some repairs and I wouldn't personally drive the car until those were completed......or the damage at least evaluated....

You first need to find out if the engine is frozen up or will turn.. Then a gooseneck camera from Harbor Freight is always nice to use as a bore scope to check down the plug holes for cylinder condition and down in the empty gas tank to look for rust...if all is well you prob should rebuild the carb, fill with fresh fuel and try to fire the car up with new plugs. If it runs on to the brakes....you're prob in for a total rebuild after 20 years. Get those done and a complete lube and you're in good shape. Prob a coolant flush/fill too.

The frame rust is serious business though compared to the rest of the tasks.

GUSTO14

Richard, congratulations and welcome to the Corvette Forum!

By all means take lots of pictures along the way. Especially before disassembling anything! Post what you're comfortable with, but all of those pictures will help immeasurably in identifying what you started with, and how to put things back together.

Many of us find the history of these cars as fascinating as the cars themselves. Old family pictures of the car can reveal as much about the car as good paperwork. Especially under the watchful eyes of some of out Forum members.

Good luck... GUSTO

OldKarz

You are ahead of many with the work you describe. These cars are really very simple for the most part, be we all hit the wall at times! Check out those rust issues. Enjoy and welcome!

Bluestripe67

Welcome to the CF. Great advice above. I'll add some thoughts. Tell us your general location please. We might have great help and resources nearby. Take notes as well as pics. Our memories arn't what they once were. Under what conditions was the car stored? Knowing that will help us at the begining. It may be helpful if you squirt some oil into each cylinder and let it sit a few days, it will make turning the engine over, easier. Turn it over by the front crank pulley if possible. Dennis

Mike Terry

JP66 Richard, welcome to the worlds greatest Corvette place to meet other Corvette people and to get Corvette information. I am sure you will be a good care taker of that 66 Corvette but one ting we need to see is pic of your car.

dahogan

Welcome to the midyear club, good luck.

Mikado463

Richard, welcome and yes follow the good advice given with respect to frame / safety first !

Geralds57

Welcome and congratulations!

ChattanoogaJSB

Welcome!

benton

Reeseb

Welcome and looking forward to the pics!

survivor66

It's great to see another 66 stay in the family! You seem to have similar skills as I did when buying my first Corvette from the original family member owner. Mine sat in a Midwest garage for 10 years collecting dust before I took ownership and decided to hand it over to a guy who really knew these cars. His advice was to make it safe to drive, which he did.

The weak link in safety for this year is the brakes - make sure they are rebuilt properly, especially the hydraulics. With a single reservoir master cylinder, it's imperative all perishable parts are replaced. One broken line while braking and you become a missile! Oh yeah, the emergency brake is worthless if that happens.

Enjoy the ride but safety first! Welcome to the forum; you'll find it addicting.

65BotaHam

Welcome!! You are in for loads of fun. I personally love tinkering with my 65 and it sounds like you have the bug as well. Nearly every part on your car can be purchased in brand new condition.