Thinking ahead to summer
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 0
Thinking ahead to summer
Ill probably only have the funds to tackel one of the major jobs I hav left on the car this summer, after that its just little "here and theres". I was wondering what should be done first? I was either going to redo the suspention and coat all I could of the frame with POR-15, or replace valves, valve springs, push rods, cam, and rockers, as far as I can tell, nothing has been touched extensivly from the previous owners
What do you guys think?
(exaust has changed to sidepipes since the last picture was taken)
Miles
What do you guys think?
(exaust has changed to sidepipes since the last picture was taken)
Miles
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
Yah , Allen is right, It looks like you need to do that expensive restoration route. You'll need to sell the house , kids, and all of lifes possessions to fill the money pit. Good Luck
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 1
From: Port Clinton Ohio
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
I think if the motor is running ok, I would do the suspension first. Only because of the safety factor. Those ball joints and tie rod ends are getting pretty old. It would give you a little extra piece of mind to have nice new ones in there when you are crusing around this summer.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 11,891
Likes: 3
From: Kansas City, MO ...I'd like to go fishing and catch a fishstick. That'd be convenient. - Mitch Hedberg
If you do the engine, you will end up wanting a new HEI distributor, intake, maybe a carb.......
Or you could redo the suspension, then end up buying an entire rebuild kit, springs, swaybars, have the trailing arms rebuilt......
If money is a factor, follow the cheaper path of "while am at it's"
Or you could redo the suspension, then end up buying an entire rebuild kit, springs, swaybars, have the trailing arms rebuilt......
If money is a factor, follow the cheaper path of "while am at it's"
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: San Diego California
Lose the Edelbrock sticker on the fan shroud. Seriously, if the suspension is totally shot and needs more than rust over paint, than do that for safety reasons so you dont lose the vette by wrapping it around a tree. But in the long run, after you've spent that money, the new engine will really put a smile on your face.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 0
I think if the motor is running ok, I would do the suspension first. Only because of the safety factor. Those ball joints and tie rod ends are getting pretty old. It would give you a little extra piece of mind to have nice new ones in there when you are crusing around this summer.
now the question is where should I start looking for new suspention kits?
Miles
TheCorvetteBen
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,987
Likes: 144
From: Van Alstyne, TX
If i was you, i would rebuild your suspension. Its always amazing to feel the difference in ride when you have al new bushings/shocks etc.
The front end is really more time than money. You could do what i did and buy a complete front suspension rebuild kit from Eckler's or any other Corvette Vendor. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that they come with the crappy chinese ball joints. You should replace those with some that wont wear out in 2,000 miles. (Like MOOG Ball joints)
The front end is really more time than money. You could do what i did and buy a complete front suspension rebuild kit from Eckler's or any other Corvette Vendor. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that they come with the crappy chinese ball joints. You should replace those with some that wont wear out in 2,000 miles. (Like MOOG Ball joints)
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Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 0
This is what Ive found, the only diffrence is the one in the mid-america magazine I have has an "ultimate street kit" and its 799 and it some with ACDelco preformer gas shocks a heavy duty steel rear spring and adjustable urathane strut rods,
other than replaceing bushings too Id say it has everything
but could someone explane why the "ultimate package" is cheaper even when it has the gas shocks?
Miles
other than replaceing bushings too Id say it has everything
but could someone explane why the "ultimate package" is cheaper even when it has the gas shocks?
Miles
TheCorvetteBen
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,987
Likes: 144
From: Van Alstyne, TX
Well you also have to consider if you want to keep your suspension stock or 'upgrade' to a better suspension in the front. For me the only option was to keep it stock because the difference was about $500, which i do not have
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 6
From: Sault Ste. Marie Ontario
I know this will come off sounding like your Dad, but if the car is running and driving well, why not save the money until you are finished school and working before you commit to these major tasks.
As many have stated, these two jobs can open the door to a lot of spending. If you start them now and run out of funds, the car is down for the summer.
As many have stated, these two jobs can open the door to a lot of spending. If you start them now and run out of funds, the car is down for the summer.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 0
I know this will come off sounding like your Dad, but if the car is running and driving well, why not save the money until you are finished school and working before you commit to these major tasks.
As many have stated, these two jobs can open the door to a lot of spending. If you start them now and run out of funds, the car is down for the summer.
As many have stated, these two jobs can open the door to a lot of spending. If you start them now and run out of funds, the car is down for the summer.
and it does need a rust resistand coat before things get too bad
Miles
TheCorvetteBen
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,987
Likes: 144
From: Van Alstyne, TX
Actually suspension, if you do all your own work, does not cost much.
As for school, get scholarships to pay for your school, and then your money you have you can put into the vette. Thats what i did
As for school, get scholarships to pay for your school, and then your money you have you can put into the vette. Thats what i did
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 0
Miles
TheCorvetteBen
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,987
Likes: 144
From: Van Alstyne, TX
well if nothing else, disassemble the front suspension yourself, get a shop to press the bushings into place and then reassemble your self. Just do as much as you can before sending the work to others
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 7
From: Peekskill NY
I think if the motor is running ok, I would do the suspension first. Only because of the safety factor. Those ball joints and tie rod ends are getting pretty old. It would give you a little extra piece of mind to have nice new ones in there when you are crusing around this summer.
If it's running well then do the suspension first.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota in the summer, Las Vegas in the winter
If you were my son I would advise you to get to know the local machine shop guys. They can help you with rebuilding your suspension. I never did suspension work before but last year I put in a VBP front system with lower A arms. This spring I will be doing the trailing arms, shafts, etc. in back and the upper A arms. When I run into a problem I just take it down to the local machine shop. Those guys have forgotten more about cars than I will ever know. They will even stop out to the house if I need them for a question or two. Car guys are some of the most generous people I have ever met. I'll bet there are some nearby that can be a great asset to you.
Pick your projects according to your budget, buy good tools, and ask around for assistance. It's certainly worth a try..........