First Time Restoration
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
First Time Restoration
Greetings,
I purchased a 1977 Vette this weekend and I intend to refurbish it from the frame up. I do not intend to show it or compete it. I just want to bring it to a very nice driving car finish. I welcome advice on what manuals, parts catalogues, and referneces I should acquire before I start.
Also, I recognize that Carfax provides history based on the VIN but, only for newer than 1981 vehicles. Where can I find out about my 1977 car? The VIN is 1Z37LS410746.
I noticed that the title states that the car is a "CP" body style but, it has a T-top with two "sunglass type" roof panels. The car has chrome strips around the wheel wells. I have not seen that on other 77s. Is is aftermarket or did the car come with the chrome?
Thank you very much.
Scott (Newbi77)
I purchased a 1977 Vette this weekend and I intend to refurbish it from the frame up. I do not intend to show it or compete it. I just want to bring it to a very nice driving car finish. I welcome advice on what manuals, parts catalogues, and referneces I should acquire before I start.
Also, I recognize that Carfax provides history based on the VIN but, only for newer than 1981 vehicles. Where can I find out about my 1977 car? The VIN is 1Z37LS410746.
I noticed that the title states that the car is a "CP" body style but, it has a T-top with two "sunglass type" roof panels. The car has chrome strips around the wheel wells. I have not seen that on other 77s. Is is aftermarket or did the car come with the chrome?
Thank you very much.
Scott (Newbi77)
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 5
From: Minnesota
Welcome! You've come to the right place. I started out with pretty much the same objectives as you. Be careful though. What start out as seemingly minor jobs can quickly turn into major reconstruction. Changing my differential cover became a complete rear suspension and drivetrain overhaul.
I've got Haynes and Chiltons manuals as well as the AIM factory assembly guide. Honestly the manuals can be pretty poor for most jobs. I recommend checking here first:
http://www.corvettefaq.com/
After that you can search the archives here (since most problems are nothing unique) and if you still need answers lots of great people here are ready to answer.
Lots of good parts sources out there. Some are sponsors here and some are not.
Have fun and get that credit card smokin!
I've got Haynes and Chiltons manuals as well as the AIM factory assembly guide. Honestly the manuals can be pretty poor for most jobs. I recommend checking here first:
http://www.corvettefaq.com/
After that you can search the archives here (since most problems are nothing unique) and if you still need answers lots of great people here are ready to answer.
Lots of good parts sources out there. Some are sponsors here and some are not.
Have fun and get that credit card smokin!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 8,295
Likes: 30
From: one night in Bangkok you are never lonely
Originally Posted by wills670
welcome to the forum. i hope you have a good credit line.you are about to figure out why they call them money pits.
DITTO to That 
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Hi Scott -
Looks like you got yourself a fun project. CP would be a coupe (as opposed to a convertible which wasn't available anymore in 1977). I think the glass tops and chrome trim are aftermarket items. What would be really cool would be the 8-track offered that year!
Here are two interesting sites:
This one has a lot of facts about Vettes:
IDAVETTE
Here's a vendor that not only sells all the parts, but has good drawings on how Vettes are put together:
Corvettecentral
Looks like you got yourself a fun project. CP would be a coupe (as opposed to a convertible which wasn't available anymore in 1977). I think the glass tops and chrome trim are aftermarket items. What would be really cool would be the 8-track offered that year!
Here are two interesting sites:
This one has a lot of facts about Vettes:
IDAVETTE
Here's a vendor that not only sells all the parts, but has good drawings on how Vettes are put together:
Corvettecentral
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 3
From: Burlington WI
Welcome aboard !!
The Assembly Instruction Manual will give you insights on how things go together.
I also got the Corvette Shop Manual 1966-1982.
As everyone else has already said, there is a ton of information here and plenty of guys that have already dealt with your "NEW" dilema.
Enjoy your new ride.
Do a little at a time and you will be able to enjoy it.
Don't forget they were built for "driving".
I have put 6,000 miles on mine since March 24th and the longest it will have been down will be this next week while I install a new crate motor.
I also got the Corvette Shop Manual 1966-1982.
As everyone else has already said, there is a ton of information here and plenty of guys that have already dealt with your "NEW" dilema.
Enjoy your new ride.
Do a little at a time and you will be able to enjoy it.
Don't forget they were built for "driving".
I have put 6,000 miles on mine since March 24th and the longest it will have been down will be this next week while I install a new crate motor.
