Tuna Joe

Hey guys,
Posted my introduction regarding my bartered 71' 454 corvette a month or so ago.
I'll be starting a thread on that car in the future, but this thread is regarding a 1970 LT1 that I can't seem to get off my mind.

When I picked up my 71' from my buddy's house, I was able to walk around his property while he was taking a phone call.
I stumbled across this corvette sitting under a Pepper tree half buried in the dirt/ organic matter.
When I opened the door, the first thing I looked at was the info tag by the shifter. I noticed it was a 370 HP LT1.
The body looked to be in ok shape. Interior in rough shape.
No engine or trans.
I asked my friend about the car and he said he received the car in a deal for another corvette he had bought and sold a few years ago. He said he really didn't want it, but the seller was adamant about it being sold along with the other car and that the seller wanted it off his property so he took it as a "parts car".
I asked him what his plans were for the car and he said nothing, that I could have it if I wanted.

My question is this car worth saving? Does it make financial sense to put it back together and make it a driver?
I hate to see it just sitting there rotting away. This is a California car and doesn't appear to have rust issues.
My buddy says it would not be cost effective to restore.
I could part the car out, but hate the idea of not trying to save it.

What does the CF brain trust say?

Tuna Joe

Sorry guys/gals
The 2 middle pics are of his 1970 Boss 302 and the other is of my 71' corvette that I got from him.

Tubbafatt

Looks fairly rough but but I don't think it's unsavable. Especially if there's very little rust and the body is solid. Even if it wouldnt be cost effective to do an original restoration, I think it would make a great hot rod project for someone.
And you say your buddy will just give it to you? What are you doing here, go get a trailer!!

Lobzila

Shifters in it but no transmission?
Price is right, go for it. Bet a lot of it will clean up. And while some of it is gone, a lot of it is still there.
I second it, go get the trailer. The car in SoCal? I will help you pull it home.

Tuna Joe

Interesting. My buddy said there was no transmission in it. But he did say there was a non matching number LT 1 in it he wanted.
Im sure if I offered some money for the car as it sits, he'd take it.

I have a car hauler, but have held off on pursuing the LT 1 for a few reasons.
The main reason being I've followed a few restore threads on this forum and see how they can take over your life and bank account.
I might feel different once I'm able to eventually drive my 71' around.
I did get the ol' 454 started a few weeks ago. First time running since 1979. I've ordered a rebuilt carb from Ecklers along with some items to tune up the motor.

Torqued Off

If you don't want it for free, I will take it.

Alan 71

Hi TJ,
I guess I'd ask you ….. IF this car wasn't an LT-! would you have any interest in taking it on as a project?
I ask because without the motor and transmission this car left St.Louis with it's really just another 70 Corvette coupe that needs a tremendous amount of work and a good bit of money before it will a car again.
It's been sitting under that tree for a reason.
Regards,
Alan

Don Rickles

Looks to me like it has a 5300 red line tach in it. Is that correct for a '70 LT 1? Is there any original documentation, that might help verify it?

There appears to be some salvageable parts remaining. If you have the space, why not.....

67 L79

An LT-1 will have a 6,500 RPM red line. You also need to check for a TI unit in the nose and look to see if there is a return line to the fuel tank (there shouldn't be one).

Dirty Dalton

First there was this:



Now there is this:



L79 is correct, but, like mine, the TI may have been junked. In any case there should be either the amplifier, or the mounting holes for it, up front on the left side. Alan, no doubt, has photos. If not I can provide, but it will be a bit before I can do so.

Ever the optimist, if you have the time and patience (not to mention $), go for it!

jnb5101

What's with the "454" hood?

brent319

I think that is the one that he bought from the same guy.

tokim

Offered for free..I'd take it in a second.
Plenty of time later to determine what route to take with it.
Good luck!

Tuna Joe

Hi Alan
I would not be as interested in saving it if it wasn't an LT1.
I'd still take it as a parts car though to sell.

Good catch on the tach. It does look like it red lines lower than it should.
And what's a TI line?

Alan 71

Hi TJ,
Eagle eye WB caught the tach.
The tach redline for 70 LT-! cars is 6500.
Regards,
Alan

Lindstrom

[QUOTE=Good catch on the tach. It does look like it red lines lower than it should. And what's a TI line?[/QUOTE]

In addition to the wrong tach, there appears to be A/C vents in the dash.

TI is Transistorized Ignition. Located driver side, in front of the wheel well, next to the radiator.

LT1 had a Holley carb, and only 1 fuel line. Easy to check behind the passenger side, rear wheel, attached to the frame. 2 lines means no-LT1.

Good luck ...

chstitans42

If this car is seriously a free corvette, I'm even amazed it is still at the current owners house! I bet 95% of us have never had the chance of getting a free Corvette and here you are wondering if it is "worth it" ITS FREE!!!!!!

Tuna Joe

I think you misunderstood me.
Not wondering if it's worth it for free.
I'm wondering if it's possible/feasible/worth the time and money invested to bring it back to a usable car.
I'd like to have it, but the truth is, unless I'm fully committed to fixing it why have a junk car sitting around? I do have the room (4 car garage on 3 acres).

slofut

Better off spending 6k on a driver, this one will consume you... imho

I could use the hood if it's not bubba'd up.

Alan 71

Hi TJ,
Philosophy 101.
I strongly believe that each of us that 'plays' with cars only has a certain number of serious restorations/rebuilds 'in us' before we say… 'enough'; sorta like cat's lives. (I'm not talking about having someone else do it.)
For that reason I think that anyone who undertakes a car like you picture better REALLY want to do THAT car because they're using up one of the car 'lives' AND a good bit of their enthusiasm, energy, and money!
Regards,
Alan