Saying Hello
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Nesconset New York
Saying Hello
Hi everyone, i'm new to the corvette community. Im 23 years old from long island, and im have a 1978 vette that im looking to restore. The car was my fathers but he moved to florida and left it here. It hasnt moved since 1985 and been sitting in my garage since. Its not the 25th anny but its a nice T-Top yellow. It has I believe a 278 small block (might be wrong) and 411 gears. I know it needs new leaf springs but this is my first restoration and have no idea where to start. With a car sitting that long im assuming i need to replace a lot of other things on it too. This is going to be a fun project that i have been dreaming about all my life. This is my dream car. Well i'll try and document it and take pictures of it all the way through.
Well just wanted to pop into the community and say hi and share the excitement im having about this.
Well just wanted to pop into the community and say hi and share the excitement im having about this.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Welcome to the Forum.
a 278 would surprise me, never heard of one of those, even the california cars were 305's, its most likely a 350, good motor.
First thing to do is clean it up and post a lot pf pics in here, we can help you figure out how to get where you want to go.
Generally, look it over for rust dammage: Windshield frame, Birdcage, body mount pockets and frame, especially in front of the rear wheels.
Get yourself a Shop manual for that year and an AIM (Assembly Instruction Manual) and figure out what you want to do with it.
Look into the brakes, make sure all thats good to go, do that before thinking about the go fast parts, whoa is more important that Go.
a 278 would surprise me, never heard of one of those, even the california cars were 305's, its most likely a 350, good motor.
First thing to do is clean it up and post a lot pf pics in here, we can help you figure out how to get where you want to go.
Generally, look it over for rust dammage: Windshield frame, Birdcage, body mount pockets and frame, especially in front of the rear wheels.
Get yourself a Shop manual for that year and an AIM (Assembly Instruction Manual) and figure out what you want to do with it.
Look into the brakes, make sure all thats good to go, do that before thinking about the go fast parts, whoa is more important that Go.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
Welcome to the forum. Rarest of colors for that year only 1,243 made. Should be a 350. L48(175-185 hp) or L82( 220 hp). fifth digit in the VIN will tell you, "L" is L48 and "4" is L82. Try and post some pictures.
Jim
Jim
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Nesconset New York
thanks for the advice. I'll check the vin when i get home and find out some more. Ill take some pics too but im going to have to clean her up a little, so much dust probably wont even beable to see rust 
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
First off, Welcome to the forum!
As for the motor, it isn't a 305 as they were not in the Calif Vette until 1980 and that was it. They also only had 5hp less that the 1980 350.. I see you say you are in Long Island.. Well, YOU ARE IN LUCK!!!! We are a very close group here! Once again... WELCOME!!
As for the motor, it isn't a 305 as they were not in the Calif Vette until 1980 and that was it. They also only had 5hp less that the 1980 350.. I see you say you are in Long Island.. Well, YOU ARE IN LUCK!!!! We are a very close group here! Once again... WELCOME!!
Last edited by GDaina; Nov 8, 2006 at 06:56 AM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,447
Likes: 3
From: Syracuse NY
Originally Posted by clockwerk
Hi everyone, i'm new to the corvette community. Im 23 years old from long island, and im have a 1978 vette that im looking to restore. The car was my fathers but he moved to florida and left it here. It hasnt moved since 1985 and been sitting in my garage since. Its not the 25th anny but its a nice T-Top yellow. It has I believe a 278 small block (might be wrong) and 411 gears. I know it needs new leaf springs but this is my first restoration and have no idea where to start. With a car sitting that long im assuming i need to replace a lot of other things on it too. This is going to be a fun project that i have been dreaming about all my life. This is my dream car. Well i'll try and document it and take pictures of it all the way through.
Well just wanted to pop into the community and say hi and share the excitement im having about this.
Well just wanted to pop into the community and say hi and share the excitement im having about this.
Welcome aboard.
All the 78's are 25th anniversery editions just not pacecars, and with 4:11's I would like to know more about your motor.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,580
Likes: 1,850
From: LONG ISLAND
2025 C3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Ding Dong !!
DING DONG
CHIMING IN................
WELCOME fellow Long Islander...........all makes & models if you want to call it that, none the less still a great fun p-lace regardless, & your certain to get lots of help & info on what your looking for. Should you need any help with anything feel free to PM me. I have 2 68 big block verts one auto one stick, go to most of the local shows, & carlisle. I take lots of photos & post a few here as well. Regardless of what you read, there are a few good guys here willing to help a fellow vetter out !!
Good luck durring your project !!
ZIXXX PACKER
Last edited by GDaina; Nov 8, 2006 at 06:58 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,957
Likes: 0
From: Chico Ca
Originally Posted by 427SIXPACK
DING DONG
CHIMING IN................
WELCOME fellow Long Islander...........all makes & models if you want to call it that, none the less still a great fun p-lace regardless, & your certain to get lots of help & info on what your looking for. Should you need any help with anything feel free to PM me. I have 2 68 big block verts one auto one stick, go to most of the local shows, & carlisle. I take lots of photos & post a few here as well. Regardless of what you read, there are a few good guys here willing to help a fellow vetter out !!
Good luck durring your project !!
ZIXXX PACKER
Last edited by GDaina; Nov 8, 2006 at 07:01 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by clockwerk
...have a 1978 vette...Its not the 25th anny....
Your '78 is a 25th Anniversary Model -- all '78s are 25th Anniversary Models.
If your car has the optional Silver Anniversary paint (B2Z), it's two tone silver with red stripes, sport mirrors, and big wheels.
Welcome to the forum.
Remember C3 drivers WAVE.
