Today was big day...
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Member Since: Aug 2010
Location: San Diego CA
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Today was big day...
Made an early morning of my Wednesday and rolled the little one out of the garage and up to JD Corvette in Bellflower, CA for some body work... Tough to see her go for the next three to four weeks!
My checkbook is already cringing in fear and I haven't even gotten the estimate back.
#4
Instructor
Thread Starter
Member Since: Aug 2010
Location: San Diego CA
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Replaced the brakes / suspension since I got it, but recently have gotten stymied with the pending bodywork. Noticed some birdcage rust after gutting the interior and have decided to leave it to the pros. Working in a narrow 1 car apartment garage is a bit limiting as well, so they'll be taking care of replacing the fuel lines, body mounts, and core support for me as well.
Definitely can't wait to get mine back on the road! If I have anything left over after the body shop, tranny swap and engine build are next. I actually just spent last week in Redbank, NJ - how close is that to you? Next time I head out there, need to check out yours Chris!
#6
Instructor
Thread Starter
Member Since: Aug 2010
Location: San Diego CA
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Got the quote today; here's what I'm getting done for $8744.39.
New 72 front clip with 68-69 gills installed
Long L88 hood installed
Side marker lights filled
New core support installed
Windshield replaced
Body mounts replaced
Fuel lines replaced
Top / sides of frame cleaned and painted
Stripped parking brake frame mounts repaired
Luggage rack / antenna holes filled
Rear tail light panel replaced
Exhaust filler panel installed
Coils trimmed to drop front 2"
Front and rear alignment
Aluminum HVAC firewall block out plate
Birdcage rust repair
2-3 weeks and then I can decide on paint.
Seems pretty reasonable to me. Now I need to budget out $$$ for paint.
What do you guys think?
#7
Pro
sokoloka, please post back about the quality of work you received from J&D - I have considered them for some fiberglass work. There are few Corvette workshops around here - that's for sure!
It would be really appreciated.
Cheers
S.
It would be really appreciated.
Cheers
S.
#11
Instructor
Thread Starter
Member Since: Aug 2010
Location: San Diego CA
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#12
Burning Brakes
Besides Luvisi's shop, there's Coast Corvette in Anaheim (this is the shop that Sokoloka referred to right off of the 5 Fwy.), Corvette Mike in Anaheim, and McJack's in Santa Ana.
Last edited by VCuomo; 05-14-2011 at 06:42 PM.
#13
Burning Brakes
#14
Drifting
My 71 has been in the body shop Since March. Pretty much getting a frame on. Body has been media blasted. All chrome is getting re-chromed, rust on the birdcage being fixed and all bodywork has been almost completed. As you dig into these cars you never know what you may find. Already ordered new seat foam, covers, carpets and dash pad from Al Knoch along with new emblems, trim pieces etc. With a little luck may go in for prime by the end of next week. I'm going with the original Bridgehampton Blue.
#15
Burning Brakes
According to a friend of mine who's used him, Corvette Mike can be hit or miss, and he tends to be a little on the pricey side.
I've never used him, but Luvisi has a very good reputation (heck, even Chip Foose used him on a couple of Overhaulin' episodes).
There's also Family Classic Cars in San Juan Capistrano - I've never used them, but have attended a couple of their once-a-month car shows and talked to some of the guys who work there. They do not "specialize" in Corvettes, but instead specialize in sales, restoration, and repair of classic cars in general.
And yes, either Coast Corvette or Luvisi are the closest to Stanton.
Last edited by VCuomo; 05-15-2011 at 07:23 PM.
#16
Le Mans Master
http://yp.ocregister.com/automotive+...518p.home.html
#17
Pro
So, it looks like the same shops come up. I think it's worth taking a drive and chatting to them all when it comes to bodywork and/or other specialty pieces. Coast Corvette did my trailing arm rebuilds for me and they did a nice job. They also pressed all my bushings for me too but no body work. Had plenty of Corvettes in there (one being walnut shell blasted) and they're nice guys overall. I think an 'extensive' collection of Corvette parts is an understatement! That place is great to go for a wander, if Chuck lets you.
I'll be seeing Steve I think as I have heard nothing but good things - let's find out. I'll ask him about a black 1970 or a 1976 'vert and see what happens!
I'll be seeing Steve I think as I have heard nothing but good things - let's find out. I'll ask him about a black 1970 or a 1976 'vert and see what happens!
#18
Le Mans Master
Seems like a big project!
Be prepared to spend more and for it to take longer than estimated. My 70 has been in the shop since early January. It's still there, and not having as much work done as yours. The gentleman who bought the Vette wanted work done, some of which I recommended he do before the thousand mile trip from NY to Atlanta. As the shop dug into the repair, issues surfaced and added time & expenses to the job. See my thread "Update on my Vette" I've documented the work with pics so others can follow the progress.
Don't be in a rush, and have the work done properly. That's most important in the end.
Glenn
Be prepared to spend more and for it to take longer than estimated. My 70 has been in the shop since early January. It's still there, and not having as much work done as yours. The gentleman who bought the Vette wanted work done, some of which I recommended he do before the thousand mile trip from NY to Atlanta. As the shop dug into the repair, issues surfaced and added time & expenses to the job. See my thread "Update on my Vette" I've documented the work with pics so others can follow the progress.
Don't be in a rush, and have the work done properly. That's most important in the end.
Glenn
#19
Instructor
Thread Starter
Member Since: Aug 2010
Location: San Diego CA
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you for the kind words! I've been following your vette's progress with the rear end rebuild as I think my TA pockets might need some attention in the near future...
Got back from hunting in Argentina and swung by JD for a quick update:
Front clip is stripped! Birdcage rust is being assessed...
Old front clip next to the new "custom" one being put together.
Donor windshield frame from a 1977 they'll be cutting up for mine.
Fuel lines should be getting here this week and then the real work will begin! I took all the chrome windshield trim back with me to get stripped and powdercoated black for a more stealth look.
Finally took notice of the name of that second corvette shop on the 5 - Coast Corvette.
Can't wait for mine to be done!
#20
Instructor
Thread Starter
Member Since: Aug 2010
Location: San Diego CA
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Update - one week later:
Started digging into under the front clip and surprise; BIRDCAGE ROT.
Can't say I'm opposed to lightening up the car, but this might be a little too much:
After a little graft work with the donor 77 windshield frame:
My lil' one as she sits now waiting to have the body pulled:
While I was there, I asked to see some samples of their flares. They were kind enough to pop the flares on another 70-72 to help me visualize what options I might have:
I like the overall flare, but at the same time the bottom ends are too "square" for my taste if that makes any sense. If it's possible for them to round out the bottoms, I think flares might be the way to go.
What do you guys think?
Started digging into under the front clip and surprise; BIRDCAGE ROT.
Can't say I'm opposed to lightening up the car, but this might be a little too much:
After a little graft work with the donor 77 windshield frame:
My lil' one as she sits now waiting to have the body pulled:
While I was there, I asked to see some samples of their flares. They were kind enough to pop the flares on another 70-72 to help me visualize what options I might have:
I like the overall flare, but at the same time the bottom ends are too "square" for my taste if that makes any sense. If it's possible for them to round out the bottoms, I think flares might be the way to go.
What do you guys think?