Mechanical Restoration Help Needed
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 111
Likes: 2
Mechanical Restoration Help Needed
Hey guys I have a 71 convertible, I know it is not a C1 or C2 but I am looking for help, with just over 100,000 miles on it the car is all original with the original paint in good condition. I want to get the engine, transmission, suspension, steering all the mechanical parts restored. I am looking to get done right but not looking for a concourse style restoration can anyone here give me some companies that do this? I am in the Midwest.
One idea I had was to contact Naber Brother Restoration but cannnot find anything on them.
Thanks
Mike
One idea I had was to contact Naber Brother Restoration but cannnot find anything on them.
Thanks
Mike
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Fairfax Virginia
Nabor's Brothers
Good luck and bring Fort Knox. They do great work but not cheap. Remember "The Last Stingray" movie. Did a fantastic job on Terry's ride but I believe you can do what you want but at a lot less coins. Have you considered doing the suspension work yourself and farming out the complicated stuff? Too bad you do not live in Northern VA. Used a great restorer (frame off) for a lot less than the Texas boys. This shop (TM Restorations Inc) does absolutely fantastic work at a whole lot less bucks.
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Keep Waving
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 111
Likes: 2
Good luck and bring Fort Knox. They do great work but not cheap. Remember "The Last Stingray" movie. Did a fantastic job on Terry's ride but I believe you can do what you want but at a lot less coins. Have you considered doing the suspension work yourself and farming out the complicated stuff? Too bad you do not live in Northern VA. Used a great restorer (frame off) for a lot less than the Texas boys. This shop (TM Restorations Inc) does absolutely fantastic work at a whole lot less bucks.
Keep Waving
Keep Waving
Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 372
From: Philadelphia PA
Sounds like a survivor...it's only original once...
I'm guessing you just want to make it safe for driving. If you take it to Nabers Bros., you may just want to tell them that. That you're not looking for a top flight restoration, but looking to freshen up those particular areas. Maybe they'll price it accordingly.
I'm guessing you just want to make it safe for driving. If you take it to Nabers Bros., you may just want to tell them that. That you're not looking for a top flight restoration, but looking to freshen up those particular areas. Maybe they'll price it accordingly.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 26,118
Likes: 1,874
From: Greenville, Indiana
All you are dealing with there is low tech stuff that ANY competent mechanic can work on. If you get a price from a Corvette restoration shop, do yourself a favor and price the work at your (competent) corner garage.
Another point, if that car appears to run, drive and sound in good working order, you might be better off financially and esthetically to leave it as is. Especially if future annual milage will be minimal. Transmissions/rear gears were easily good for 200K. Engines 100K-150K depending on frequency of routine service interval and severity of use.
Another point, if that car appears to run, drive and sound in good working order, you might be better off financially and esthetically to leave it as is. Especially if future annual milage will be minimal. Transmissions/rear gears were easily good for 200K. Engines 100K-150K depending on frequency of routine service interval and severity of use.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,236
Likes: 355
From: Albuquerque, NM
All you are dealing with there is low tech stuff that ANY competent mechanic can work on. If you get a price from a Corvette restoration shop, do yourself a favor and price the work at your (competent) corner garage.
Another point, if that car appears to run, drive and sound in good working order, you might be better off financially and esthetically to leave it as is. Especially if future annual milage will be minimal. Transmissions/rear gears were easily good for 200K. Engines 100K-150K depending on frequency of routine service interval and severity of use.
Another point, if that car appears to run, drive and sound in good working order, you might be better off financially and esthetically to leave it as is. Especially if future annual milage will be minimal. Transmissions/rear gears were easily good for 200K. Engines 100K-150K depending on frequency of routine service interval and severity of use.
Drive the car and do an evaluation of what work it needs. With over 100,000 miles, it's a safe bet that it could use some suspension work but the engine, transmission, and rear end may be okay for a while, especially if you won't be putting a lot of miles on it.Working on these cars isn't difficult. Any competant repair shop can do just about any work the car may need. Contact a local Corvette club and ask for who the members use to work on their cars. Also go to the "Events and Regional" section of this website and post a request for recommendations in the appropriate regional forum.
