Hello all, I'm a new guy on the forum and thought I'd give some background.

I'm one of the guys who bought a 70 coupe before I knew enough about them and what to avoid. I've had it for 4 years and have only driven it about 100 miles. I ended up with a rotten frame, bad T/A's, brakes, fuel system, suspension bushings, etc. etc. etc.
So rather than give up on the spot, I decided to make lemonade!!!

So I've been busy over the last 4 years reading, learning and doing the majority of the repair/replacement myself. I only farmed out the frame repair so far.

Here's where I'm at to date on a budget, which is why it's taking so long.
Pulled body and had frame repaired, POR-15'ed the frame
Replaced fuel lines (but not brake lines ) and replace the body on the frame.

I learned to rebuild the rear T/A's, replaced the rear spring, poly bushings, KYB Gas-A-Just shocks, inspected diff and stub axles and installed new u-joints. Also rebuilt the rear calipers and e-brake and used braided SS flex lines and SS T/A lines.

The engine and transmission are in good condition, so I've added headers (hooker comp), intake (Performer RPM), carb (670 street avenger) and an igniter II module. I decided to build my own exhaust using 2 1/2 mandrel bent tubing from Jegs, with Flowmaster mufflers.

Currently I'm rebuilding the front suspension, new springs, swaybar, poly bushings, calipers. I'm also going to attempt a rebuild of the steering valve and ram.

The gas tank is on the garage floor and will be cleaned and re-installed because it was full of junk that was causing a loss of fuel pressure when the strainer became clogged..

The interior is in need of almost everything, but that'll come later.

The body is in decent condition, but I found that the front clip is not original and the inner fenders are cracked up pretty bad in spots. Might be easier to fix than replace, but I think the idiot that installed the front clip didn't know what he was doing, the fit is really poor around the edge of the hood and windshield area. I also have to replace the top corners and center of the windshield frame as they are pretty rusty. The remainder of the cage is in good condition. And, of course, it needs new weatherstripping.

Sorry for the long read, but if it helps anyone looking to buy a C3, it's worth it, right?

Oh, BTW, I'm a computer programmer not a mechanic. Just a stupid gearhead making the best of a bad purchase......

Dino

 

Hang in there..you will really appreciate it when it's done...I built two cars(not vettes) many years ago...money was tight...even painted them...did better on 2nd one...
Seized engine on first...(dial indicator cockpit issue)

 

I was planning on stripping the paint and doing my own bodywork to get it in primer, then having a local guy I know shooting the color, but that's way down the road at this point. I'm just hoping I can get it on the road this summer for more that a trip to the gas station...

Dino