79 restoration project
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 74
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From: Virginia
79 restoration project
Hi,
Any advice on issues to look for on a 79 restoration project. The car has been repainted, but does not run. Any specific concerns on this model year I should be looking for?
Thanks,
Chrissi
Any advice on issues to look for on a 79 restoration project. The car has been repainted, but does not run. Any specific concerns on this model year I should be looking for?
Thanks,
Chrissi
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Same issues as any other Vette. Frame rust and birdcage rust. Good news is that frames for later model years are fairly inexpensive and readily available. If the original engine is missing the value of the car is lowered considerably, although the 79 isn't going to be worth much as a collectible for some time. It was the highest production number Vette of all the C3's AFAIK.
Rick B.
Rick B.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 11,119
Likes: 672
From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
Same issues as any other Vette. Frame rust and birdcage rust. Good news is that frames for later model years are fairly inexpensive and readily available. If the original engine is missing the value of the car is lowered considerably, although the 79 isn't going to be worth much as a collectible for some time. It was the highest production number Vette of all the C3's AFAIK.
Rick B.
Rick B.
also what do you want to do with your car? NCRS restoration of something less intensive? I restored my 79 back to a totally numbers matching L-48. I even got a 79 am/fm Delco radio, had it rebuild and installed it. If your not that interested in the **** aspects of corvette restoration then there's a lot of products to really improve your car. One thing i would recommend is changing out the brake system witha VB&P o ring calipers and hoses and if necessary finding an original correct numbered engine. I have a hollander corvette interchange manual I'd be willing to give you to help you in your restoration. It shows what parts a 79 corvette shares with other chevy 79 models.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,924
Likes: 6
the 79 is easier to find replacememnt parts for vs your 81.
(no computer in 79)
personally I like the rubber baby buggy bumpers better on the 78/79
But the underside is where I'd be. Usually a holey rusty exhaust is a good indicator the car has been neglected.
(no computer in 79)
personally I like the rubber baby buggy bumpers better on the 78/79
But the underside is where I'd be. Usually a holey rusty exhaust is a good indicator the car has been neglected.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
Chrissi, I was also wondering what happened to your other one? If you're talking about an L-82 car, the fan shroud is specific and not reproduced (I need one for mine). I can't think of anything specific to a 79 condition wise that would be any different than other years. Just be sure to look it over real well for rust in the frame and birdcage.
