Greg1209

I’m now able to drive the 72 coupe on the roads now – plated and insured.

Here is what I started with:
• 1972 Stingray coupe
• Candy apple red (originally was white)
• zz3 crate engine 350
• Automatic
• Fairly well optioned with tilt/tel steering, PW, PB, A/C
• Gold coloured plating of the side vents, hood and trunk vents
• Rally wheels similarly gold coloured
• I was told the car spent most of its life in California and then the last couple of years or so in Texas (Corpus Christi area)
• Stereo - appears to be a professionally done system judging by the layout, wiring, fit and finish
Orion XTR 12" subs in a 3/4" Plexiglas enclosure (took up whole cubby behind seats)
• Orion amps - now these are engraved with "2 FAST AND SIR CHAMPS, 1972 STINGRAY 1994" - judging by the date stamps on the speakers I would guess the system was installed around 1994. That also fits with the engraving on the amps.

Some observations about the car – with due respect to the pimps out there; it was pimped out. Someone spent a bunch of money on the stereo setup, the paint job and the trim. The gold trim on the front, side, hood and rear grills was actually gold plate! In addition, the two Orion amps were plated!! It was in pretty rough shape and was peeling off on all the pieces. The gold on the door handles, locks and wheels was a gold paint of some sort. It actually stood up fairly well. I have not been successful in finding out anything about the 2 FAST AND SIR CHAMPS, 1972 STINGRAY 1994??

Here is what I started with:







I’ve had the car about 4 years and progressed pretty quick at the start but got distracted with some home reno’s – the plan was to get the engine rebuilt as it had a bent rod, remove the stereo, repair a couple of minor cracks in the fiberglass, prep the body for paint and then have it painted and do something with the steering (Steeroids is where I ended up)

I have finally accomplished all of this, but there are still things that need doing. Here is where it is at today:







The interior is generally in good condition but man - there is a lot of wires related to the stereo, updated security and remote door locks. Next up will be to tackle removing this and getting it back to stock condition. Additionally I want to replace all the suspension bushings, ball joints etc. That can wait until the fall. now I'll drive it.

The forum has been a huge help in getting to this point. In fact, I wouldn't have gotten this far without it.

Kind regards
Greg

Alan 71

Hi Greg,
Well Done!
When you get to heaven there'll be an extra star for you!!!
Regards,
Alan

Vibe COUPE!!!!!!!!!! in the background?

doorgunner

I would be happy if "what you started with is what I end up with"....(minus the cracked spots and gold plating)....LOL!
<<<<<<<<<<<< Look to the left.




Your car looks great......keep us updated.

Greg1209

Thanks guys - I only drove it a couple of times before starting down the road of renewal; to the shop and back to confirm the engine issue. The steering was really sloppy so rather than replace what was there I went with the Steeroids - makes a big difference in the steering.

Vibe coupe? The black car on the driveway is a 2009 Solstice GXP Coupe with a tune. That's fun to drive.

Greg

chucksingh

Great Job glad to see another C3 in the lower mainland.

HOOAH

Very nice facelift!!!! You have done real well with this machine!!

Terry

Redwing01

Looks awesome!
I just finished the Steeroids conversion on my 73 and I love it!
What do you think about it?
Great work.

Alan 71

Hi Greg,
Sorry, my brain froze up! I do know the difference between a Vibe and a Solstice.
Pretty special car sitting there.
I don't think I've ever seen one on the street. Maybe they weren't sold in the U.S.?
Regards,
Alan

kdf1986

Wow. what a before and after difference. I like the silver color you went to on this year.

kdf

Greg1209

Again, thank you. It's great to actually drive it!!

Alan, I sort of figured you would know the difference. I purchased that car new out of Seattle and imported into Canada. There was about 1266 (give or take) made and only about 75 +/- came into Canada. I've actually only ever seen one other on the street.

Redwing - I don't have a lot to compare to but for the tired steering when I got it. But, I do say it is pretty darn good even by today's standards. I would highly recommend it; easy installation for the most part - took a little bit of fiddling to get the joints "in phase". Other than that, it's bolt in. I haven't had it aligned to the suggested specs, just the toe set. I need to replace the control arm bushings before getting too carried away. Even with just that it drives excellent.

BTW - Another thanks to the forum - the rear end was groaning around slow corners; generally sounded tired and worn. Drained and replaced the differential fluid, GM friction modifier, a few figure 8's and problem seems solved

Greg

chazde3

I see quite a few Solstices in Michigan, but don't know if I have ever seen a coupe.

KYC4

Beautiful work and VERY inspiring, sir! Glad that she looks like she does. You have done a terrific job and she has a loving home.

Congrats,

Lee

chucksingh

Did you do the paint work yourself?

Greg1209

Chucksingh:
I did the stripping, body repairs and rough body work - all under the guidance of the painter. He took it and completed the body prep to his standards and then primed, painted it. Doing the initial work saved a significant amount of $$$. It was huge help to be able to tap into his experience.

Greg

chucksingh

Great job, I might have to get your painter to give me a quote when I'm ready, I'd like to do the stripping myself to save the $$$.

dochorsepower

Very nice! No need to say more.