I know that no one can really answer these questions for me. But I have to organize a schedule of "To do's" on the Vette. I am asking in a post, as I may pick up some valuable advise on the "Things to do" list. I have purchased a very good Driver. If you haven't seen my two or three posts on here yet. I bought a '73 coupe last week. The engine is probably about the only department that doesn't need some attention. It was rebuilt 10 yrs ago, and has about 15,000 miles on it. Tires/Rims are great as well. I am dropping it off at Tech audio in Grand Haven, MI. (My home city) tomorrow morning for a new stereo system. One area I just can't do without is the jams when I'm driving. Big upgrade from the stock radio, which wasn't present at time of purchase anyway.
*Second gear has a bit of a grind when going from 1st down into 2nd. Clutch is fine. And 2nd gear is the only gear with an issue. And if I ease into 2nd there is virtually no grind. Gear out of sync? Major issue?
*Paint job. The paint on it right now is "Good" but it does need paint. The front bumper is toast. So, bumper and paint job is there. And, well...the rear chrome could use a refinish as well. Of all the tasks, this is going to be the most expensive.
*Well, maybe not. The interior, though in good condition, is Black carpet. While that might be fine if the rest of the interrior was as well, But nope. Saddle. So it looks odd to me. Probably more along the lines of...uck! Regular folks might not seem so offended. But it's a Vette. Not sure why it's black. But the previous owner was a stand up guy. And the owner before him was the second owner was also to be trusted. I have pulled up the carpet a bit in the floorboards and along trim, etc. to look for rust or deterioration(maybe to hide something), but nothing really that stands out. I actually plan to do that this winter.
*The other things are the nit picky things that are just there. The wiper panel was taken out(included with sale) and he put a new water temp guage there when engine was installed. Bezel itself is a bit ugly and doesn't really fit well to the floor console. Wires hanging down. Messy things to tape up. But these things are the fun things to do on a rainy day.
So I guess I'm just looking to see if there is thngs to look for or do, that I may be missing. I bought the car without having it inspected first. But there are no clinks or clanks when driving. two pumps on accelerator, and the car starts right up. Needs to be babied for a minute or so because of the bigger cam, but no issues (seemingly) there as well. Idles at 800 R's very nice. As stated above, the car shifts into every gear fine, except for the 2nd gear grind. And that isn't really severe yet, but is probably going to the transmission shop for a check up after I pick it up from the audio shop.
Pulls a bit to the right when going down the road. But has a real solid feel. PS, PB. So, I have a grocery list, but appears to be a standard list. I paid $6,800 for the car (cash) and the car is titled to me, and clean.
Any advise? Or like my gut tells me. Just do what I can....when I can. Please excuse me if this is a wasteful thread. But it's my first Vette, and want to do the right thing. This car is to be handed down to one of my Son's. So, it's a keeper, and don't plan on fixing it up to sell. Paul

 

I always say, safety first. Anything that affects safe driving needs to be done first. Brakes, suspension, drive train, and things like seat belts and gauges for monitoring what's going on under the hood.

Then, when it comes to the rest, I say most expensive first. Also, seasonal things need to be considered. Unless you have a good climate controlled shop to have it painted in, I suggest waiting until late summer and fall. Usually less humidity and still warm out.

Last, just do what you want. Maybe write all the little things down, put them in a jar, and once a project is complete draw something else from the jar and finish THAT. Then another, and so on.

 

as Durango said safety related items first.

Sounds like your Trans may need some work, if its going to cost much you may want to take the opportunity and just upgrade to a 5 speed.
probably pay for itself in fuel savings.

 

Check the brakes out first. It doesnt matter how fast you can go if you cant stop.

I agree with list of brakes, suspension, drive train, and then check on either the interior or the engine parts as you prefer.

kdf

 

Impact Collision in Kentwood (SE suburb of Grand Rapids). Many West Michigan Corvette owners are very happy with their work. They own Corvettes and seem to lavish extra attention on them and their picky owners. They can also check everything over for you and give you honest advice. Not cheap but you can get a low interest Credit Union loan easily enough. After the safety related issues it will be the best money you ever spent on a car.

 

When I picked up my '73 a couple of months ago, someone on the forum gave me the advice to just drive the car for awhile before making any fixit decisions. That turned out to be very good advice. I was chomping at the bit to install AC which my car doesn't have but after driving it for awhile I've discovered other more pressing issues.

The fuel pump was putting out too much pressure for the carb which had issues of its own. The vacuum advance was bad. While waiting on parts I discovered the engine has poor compression in a couple cylinders and low vacuum at idle and so will likely need some professional attention.

The guys who said safety are right on as well. While changing out the fuel pump, I discovered a rotting rubber fuel line between the fuel pump and carb and so I am currently in the process of building a new hard line.

And just today I discovered the transmission pan is leaking and will need a new gasket.

So, my Vette ended up creating the list of priorities for me. However, I will overrule it very soon as I too am in need of better tunes. And if we don't stop having 100+ degree days coupled with 40 MPH winds, AC will become a must have very soon.

Congrats on your new ride. Welcome to the forum.

DC

 

KEEP the original radio and wiring (ask them to disconnect and save it....NOT cut it off). You'll be glad you did in about 5 years.
_______________

Safety stuff first....brakes, steering, suspension, tires, seat belts.

Running gear next....tranny, U-joints, rear end, engine (as needed).

Accessories.....A/C, wipers, vacuum system, heater, RADIO.

Paint.

Interior.

 

I'd say rear spring. At least that's what I did first.




Got a few things I've got to get to this weekend too......

Get out now,, get out while you can!!!

welcome to the madness.....

 

My first project is the front suspension, which I am half way through. The strange thing is how you will find out what else you need/want to do along the way.

After pulling all of the accessories off to get to the suspension, I'm going to go ahead and replace the engine.

 

Safety definately! Steering, brakes, etc.... and that tranny (check the fluid). Good luck as it sounds like your about to open your very own can of worms. Don't worry it has happened to everyone just be patient. You Can Do It!

 

I agree with Safety first. I just had a stereo installed. The radio in it was a really cheap aftermarket head, and the only speaker that worked was the driver side dash. Nothing short of Pitiful. So I suppose my first project was a selfish one. But it's darn hard to drive without tunes. At least to me. Brakes are about ready for a "Look see." Noticed yesterday when I was coming up to stop sign that the little grind reared it's ugly head. A week after I bought it. Oh well. I have an Appt. with Tri-Cities Transmission next week. Then the brakes. They are still very strong. And the scrape I heard was the first. I may only drive two more times before get into the brakes.
Anyway, RunningMan, I decided to write down a list of "To do's" and Eeeeeks! that list get's long and expensive quick I put about everything I could think of on there. And unfortunately, my Uncle stopped by the other day, and had to mention that I should get serious about at least a "Frame on" Rest. I owe it to the car he says. It is a numbers matching car, so it is a thought. But it will be a looooong restoration. As I just don't have the ability to spend much more than 10 hours a week on her. That's ok though. Because I love the thought of spending a lot of time with this car.....alone....in the garage...together. Creepy? I know that it's not going to be a picnic all the time. But it's MY VETTE...in MY garage!

 

Safety first (although I need to take some of my own advice). As mentioned earlier the car will help you with priorities and hang on. I had a radiator leak that has been 5 months in the fixing. I still have my wife convinced that the engine and tranny had to come out to pull the radiator . Anyway good luck it must be a labor of love.
scott