Restoration Question
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Rockwall Texas
Restoration Question
I'm looking to restore a 82' I recently purchased ($2750), not necessary to have original equipment. I'm looking to use this as a daily driver not show. I have about zero knowledge about this subject and this car except what I have picked up here and there on these forums. I know for sure it needs a paintjob and a new interior (including all guages since someone stole the whole center bezel from the previous owner) The motor runs but definitely could use an overhaul or tuneup. Frame looks fine and the body has no damage. I see a little rust throughout the whole frame which I imagine is just it showing its age but I am unsure how deep it goes. Wheels are original and in good shape and tires are new. Would this project be easier to tackle myself and learn along the way, or are there any reputable corvette restoration companies that would take this on? And if so would be the damage? (IN $$$?) I'll try to get some pictures on here. I would appreciate any inputs...
V/R
Mikey
V/R
Mikey
Racer
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 397
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From: CORTLANDT MANOR NY
The first thing I would do is take it to a reputable mec hanic and have him check it all out. He will assess all the operating systems to make sure the car is safe to drive.
Have him do a tune up on the car and ask if you can watch and learn. Once you have a punch list of things that need to be done get a GM service manual as well as an Assembly Instruction Manual and read up on the repairs that are needed and see if you feel capable of trying to do them yourself. If not find a friend who can guide you or join a Corvette club and talk to members about how to do things.
Most of the fun of ownership of these cars is the satisfaction of getting your hands dirty and fixing them. Most of it is not brain surgery just disassembly replacement and reassembly. That is why those books are valuable.
If you are incapable of doing any of the repairs yourself sell or give the car away. The $2750 that you lose will only be a drop in the bucket compared to the money you will pay to keep this car running. There is a reason the car sold for $2750, it needs a lot of work.
Have him do a tune up on the car and ask if you can watch and learn. Once you have a punch list of things that need to be done get a GM service manual as well as an Assembly Instruction Manual and read up on the repairs that are needed and see if you feel capable of trying to do them yourself. If not find a friend who can guide you or join a Corvette club and talk to members about how to do things.
Most of the fun of ownership of these cars is the satisfaction of getting your hands dirty and fixing them. Most of it is not brain surgery just disassembly replacement and reassembly. That is why those books are valuable.
If you are incapable of doing any of the repairs yourself sell or give the car away. The $2750 that you lose will only be a drop in the bucket compared to the money you will pay to keep this car running. There is a reason the car sold for $2750, it needs a lot of work.
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 540
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St. Jude Donor '09, '24
[snip] If you are incapable of doing any of the repairs yourself sell or give the car away. The $2750 that you lose will only be a drop in the bucket compared to the money you will pay to keep this car running. There is a reason the car sold for $2750, it needs a lot of work.
Whatever money you first budget for your restoration by the time you are done it is usually a lot higher. 
An education costs money and the Corvettes learning curve cost is a lot higher then most cars, houstonvett
Whatever money you first budget for your restoration by the time you are done it is usually a lot higher. An education costs money and the Corvettes learning curve cost is a lot higher then most cars, houstonvett
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,776
Likes: 142
From: North of Atlanta GA
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by BUGGSY1970
The first thing I would do is take it to a reputable mec hanic and have him check it all out. He will assess all the operating systems to make sure the car is safe to drive.
Have him do a tune up on the car and ask if you can watch and learn. Once you have a punch list of things that need to be done get a GM service manual as well as an Assembly Instruction Manual and read up on the repairs that are needed and see if you feel capable of trying to do them yourself. If not find a friend who can guide you or join a Corvette club and talk to members about how to do things.
Most of the fun of ownership of these cars is the satisfaction of getting your hands dirty and fixing them. Most of it is not brain surgery just disassembly replacement and reassembly. That is why those books are valuable.
If you are incapable of doing any of the repairs yourself sell or give the car away. The $2750 that you lose will only be a drop in the bucket compared to the money you will pay to keep this car running. There is a reason the car sold for $2750, it needs a lot of work.
Have him do a tune up on the car and ask if you can watch and learn. Once you have a punch list of things that need to be done get a GM service manual as well as an Assembly Instruction Manual and read up on the repairs that are needed and see if you feel capable of trying to do them yourself. If not find a friend who can guide you or join a Corvette club and talk to members about how to do things.
Most of the fun of ownership of these cars is the satisfaction of getting your hands dirty and fixing them. Most of it is not brain surgery just disassembly replacement and reassembly. That is why those books are valuable.
If you are incapable of doing any of the repairs yourself sell or give the car away. The $2750 that you lose will only be a drop in the bucket compared to the money you will pay to keep this car running. There is a reason the car sold for $2750, it needs a lot of work.
If it's in $2750 condition you will spend another $8000 + restoring it (yourself) to reliable, fun to drive and proud to be seen in condition.
If you're lucky you'll spend less. I don't know if I'd rebuild the engine if it comes down to that, I'd get a crate engine and ditch the crossfire.
If you enjoy working on your own car then dive in, get the books as Buggsy said and look for deals on parts on ebay, don't buy the first thing you see, you gotta research ebay for the best price and quality, it takes time. I can probably answer a lot of questions for you during the restoration process but you can definitley find most answers here on the forum, there are guys here like "Twin_Turbo" that REALLY know their stuff.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 675
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From: Kinzers. PA
Im doing exacltly what you are, I was looking for 6 months for my first car till i ran into The 78 i bought. I got it home, and looked it over quick with my dad, tryed to get a rough estimate on what it needed. Then i just went to Cleaning. Its suprising how much dirt can get into your carpets n leather over 28 years.
Since im in school i cant work so much, and looking for good deals. I learned so far, It takes alot of time. But Right now i am trying to buy cheaper little parts first or what needs replaced first. Bassiclly the cheaper nessesities.
Also dont Buy one thing, if it needs something else to install it. Dont buy a new intake, if you PLAn on buyin a new carb to fit it. Because plans change and it can make you out money. I have a new camshaft, and lifters sitting in my closet Wiatin to install. But i need gastkets.
Anyways, Good luck with your project but if you find its to much work for you sell it, dont get to deep into a hole that you cant get out of.And like there saying If you think it will take 5k To restore most likely it will be 10k+. Its amazing what things you find wrong, after you fix one thing.
Since im in school i cant work so much, and looking for good deals. I learned so far, It takes alot of time. But Right now i am trying to buy cheaper little parts first or what needs replaced first. Bassiclly the cheaper nessesities.
Also dont Buy one thing, if it needs something else to install it. Dont buy a new intake, if you PLAn on buyin a new carb to fit it. Because plans change and it can make you out money. I have a new camshaft, and lifters sitting in my closet Wiatin to install. But i need gastkets.
Anyways, Good luck with your project but if you find its to much work for you sell it, dont get to deep into a hole that you cant get out of.And like there saying If you think it will take 5k To restore most likely it will be 10k+. Its amazing what things you find wrong, after you fix one thing.
