I have a 1980 vette that I've had for about 7 years. Six months after getting it I blew up the motor(oil pressure problem). So I pulled the engine and built a new one. Aluminum heads, .30 over, mild comp cam, etc. But in the process of putting it back together college got in the way, and it has sat in my garage until about six months ago. I know i didnt do everything right when I put it away. I'm sure the gas has been sitting in the tank. So I'm pretty sure the tank is junk, and upon trying to move it around we realized the rear left wheel is frozen. Here are what I'm looking to find out.

1. How much am I going to spend to get it running again. I'm looking at something I can drive on the weekends and maybe a road trip every other month.

2. Does anyone know a shop in the metro Boston area that would be a good fit?

3. What things should I be aware of with this project?

4. What is up with the wheel and what to do?

Since wanting to get my project back on the road I have scoured the internet and this forum has been very insightful and informative. I thank you in advance for any help you can provide

 

Your gas tank is probably fine. The later year tanks had a hard plastic liner so you should only have to drain the tank to get the old fuel out.

Your #1 question is hard to answer. Without seeing the car it's impossible to estimate how much $ it will take to make it roadworthy.

#2. There is a Corvette shop in Taunton that I know of but I have never dealt with them so I can't recommend them one way or the other. There is also Rowley Corvette, but again I have no personal experience. I'm sure there are other Boston area forum members who can recommend other shops.

#3 Depending on how and where you stored the car you need to look at the rust situation. If you live South of Boston I might be able to take a look at the car and give you a second opinion. My sons and I have stripped a 79 down to the bare frame so we have some experience in assessing rust issues.

#4 If you left the parking brake on the parking brake is almost certainly siezed. You can start by removing the brake caliper to see if the wheel frees up. If it doesn't, get some PB Blaster at AutoZone and spray it into the holes in the face of the rear brake disk. Stick a screwdriver into the disk vent holes and try to turn the disk back and forth. You may have to spray the PB in for a week or so but eventually the disk will start to turn.

Good luck. PM me if you need help.



Rick B.