n00b '76
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: San Diego California
n00b '76
Greetings Gurus!
Im 24 in the Navy and I recently purchased the car Ive lusted after since I was 6. "A Stingray"
My budget has won me a 'project' car, a black 1976 vette (L48, Turbo 400) I should state that it is not my intention to 'restore' this car, I want it to be my car, not what some GM engeniers wanted to sell.
Also I will be doing most of the work on this car myself, Learning on the way.
Ive broken down the work I need to do to it into three phases;
Phase1: Safety and Engine restoration
Ive been lucky that, as an inexperianced car buyer and less of a mechanic that the previous owner was very good at fixing cars and kept the car running well. What needs to be done with it ( that I know of at this point) is
-The entire exhaust system has to be replaced.
-There is no A/C in the car.
the car originally came with A/C, it has the ***** in the control consle, but all the parts are mising (compressor, hoses, ext)
Any suggestions?
-The oil dipstick doesnt seem to be long enough... is this a major concern? How much oil does an L48 350 block with a stock oil pan take?5L?
-The oddomiter doesnt work! where do I start troble shooting this?
-Im replacing all belts and hoses
-Are there any safety, or maintanance Tips Y'all can give me?
Phase 2: Beautification
-The Interior needs ALOT of work
-New paint job
The paint is chipped in a couple of areas.
Phase 3: Performance!
-Im trying not to think of this one to much yet...
Although im thinking of a rally suspension, Ive read on some web site that some years actually came with a factory optional off road suspension! let me know if Im speaking blasphamy here.
-Also, I want manual! Can I put a modern tranny in my vette? would I be better off trying to find a replica or rebuilt '76?
Ive been reading this forum and I hope to someday have my C3 as good looking as the ones I see here!
Im 24 in the Navy and I recently purchased the car Ive lusted after since I was 6. "A Stingray"
My budget has won me a 'project' car, a black 1976 vette (L48, Turbo 400) I should state that it is not my intention to 'restore' this car, I want it to be my car, not what some GM engeniers wanted to sell.
Also I will be doing most of the work on this car myself, Learning on the way.
Ive broken down the work I need to do to it into three phases;
Phase1: Safety and Engine restoration
Ive been lucky that, as an inexperianced car buyer and less of a mechanic that the previous owner was very good at fixing cars and kept the car running well. What needs to be done with it ( that I know of at this point) is
-The entire exhaust system has to be replaced.
-There is no A/C in the car.
the car originally came with A/C, it has the ***** in the control consle, but all the parts are mising (compressor, hoses, ext)
Any suggestions?
-The oil dipstick doesnt seem to be long enough... is this a major concern? How much oil does an L48 350 block with a stock oil pan take?5L?
-The oddomiter doesnt work! where do I start troble shooting this?
-Im replacing all belts and hoses
-Are there any safety, or maintanance Tips Y'all can give me?
Phase 2: Beautification
-The Interior needs ALOT of work
-New paint job
The paint is chipped in a couple of areas.
Phase 3: Performance!
-Im trying not to think of this one to much yet...
Although im thinking of a rally suspension, Ive read on some web site that some years actually came with a factory optional off road suspension! let me know if Im speaking blasphamy here.
-Also, I want manual! Can I put a modern tranny in my vette? would I be better off trying to find a replica or rebuilt '76?
Ive been reading this forum and I hope to someday have my C3 as good looking as the ones I see here!
Last edited by Bartholomew Roberts; Aug 2, 2006 at 01:13 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
Likes: 7
From: Jennings LA
very easy to swap a late model trans in it. on the a/c it will be cheaper to go with one of the aftermarket complete kits for $1200, way cheaper than replacing all the factory parts. I went with hot rod air 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Welcome Aboard!
1. Brakes FIRST!
Everyone wants to get the engine running nice and then do a speed run around the neighborhood, scary to find out you don't have more Whoa than Go.
2. Cooling system, hoses, thermostat, WP, air dam, hood/radiator seals, fan etc, MANY threads on those items in here
3. Running gear/Drive train. U-joints, bushings, shocks...
4. Engine mods, leaks, shiny stuff
5. Paint, interior
1. Brakes FIRST!
Everyone wants to get the engine running nice and then do a speed run around the neighborhood, scary to find out you don't have more Whoa than Go.
2. Cooling system, hoses, thermostat, WP, air dam, hood/radiator seals, fan etc, MANY threads on those items in here
3. Running gear/Drive train. U-joints, bushings, shocks...
4. Engine mods, leaks, shiny stuff
5. Paint, interior
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Michael S. Palmer
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
Welcome to the forum and San Diego....I live in El Cajon...I agree with SIXFOOTER...
A friend is giving me a GM A/C compressor(I do not need it) but if application suits your vette,I'll PM you and you can have it..(will be a couple of days..)
A friend is giving me a GM A/C compressor(I do not need it) but if application suits your vette,I'll PM you and you can have it..(will be a couple of days..)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,456
Likes: 102
From: Piedmont Va
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13,'19-'20
Man, what I would do to be 24 again.... Welcome!
...Welcome and enjoy! I grew up gradeschool years in Pacific Beach..and go back every now and again for visits...what a great pace to own and drive a "Stingray"..
From the blue ridge mountains of GA originally.
Last edited by CheezMoe; Aug 2, 2006 at 12:07 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 832
Likes: 1
From: Breckenridge Colorado
Originally Posted by dosoctaves
Also a beautiful place to go home to. I live in Va at the foot of the Blueridge now and have for the last 30 years.
Just damaged my new paint job last week as a huge piece of metal flung up in the wheel well and cracked the paint from hitting the fiberglass soo hard.
Welcome to the forum and you will love your 76
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: yadkinville north carolina
welcome,i just joined this forum also , read it everday and i gotta say the people on here are fantatic and i doubt there will ever be a question you have that wont get answered by at least one of the gurus , i also was stationed in diego in the navy but diddnt have a vettte to drive out there but my 69 z-28 was good enough
