First Vette
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Cocoa Beach Florida
First Vette
I just got my first Vette!
It is a 76 Stingray. It is in "fair" condition. The engine is a rebuilt 350 that runs strong. The auto transmission shifts as it should. It has an aftermarket paint job of Silver with a black stripe on the hood. While not show quality paint, it is presentable.
The interrior looks like it is 32 years old, and needs to be re-done. The drivers side floor pan has a rust hole in it. No AC or Heat.
Other than that, things are in working order. The lights, blinkers, power windows etc. all work fine.
I bought it with the hope that my son and I can work on it together. We are very excitied to get started. Any advice on where to start and what to look for would be much appreciated.
I will be searching the archive and asking questions. I hope to see some of you guys on the road!
Rob
It is a 76 Stingray. It is in "fair" condition. The engine is a rebuilt 350 that runs strong. The auto transmission shifts as it should. It has an aftermarket paint job of Silver with a black stripe on the hood. While not show quality paint, it is presentable.
The interrior looks like it is 32 years old, and needs to be re-done. The drivers side floor pan has a rust hole in it. No AC or Heat.
Other than that, things are in working order. The lights, blinkers, power windows etc. all work fine.
I bought it with the hope that my son and I can work on it together. We are very excitied to get started. Any advice on where to start and what to look for would be much appreciated.
I will be searching the archive and asking questions. I hope to see some of you guys on the road!
Rob
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 707
Likes: 31
From: Pitman NJ
Welcome to the forum... you have come to the right place for questions.
If you intend on driving it while working on it, always start with safety items:
Brakes
Tires
Front and rear Suspension
Exhaust
The rust hole in the floor is of consern, because water got there from somewhere, usually the t-tops leaking. I would check the birdcage (windshield frame) for rust. Pull the carpet and the kick panels out and check for additional rust on the body mounts. I have friend who has the same problem with '77, and he has no other rust problems. However, I would still check to make sure before you dump a lot of money into the project only to find you have a rust bucket.
This forum LOVES pictures, so please post some of your ride. Also, fill out your profile so people know what part of the country/world you are posting from.
If you intend on driving it while working on it, always start with safety items:
Brakes
Tires
Front and rear Suspension
Exhaust
The rust hole in the floor is of consern, because water got there from somewhere, usually the t-tops leaking. I would check the birdcage (windshield frame) for rust. Pull the carpet and the kick panels out and check for additional rust on the body mounts. I have friend who has the same problem with '77, and he has no other rust problems. However, I would still check to make sure before you dump a lot of money into the project only to find you have a rust bucket.
This forum LOVES pictures, so please post some of your ride. Also, fill out your profile so people know what part of the country/world you are posting from.
Last edited by blk79nj; Sep 23, 2008 at 09:46 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 363
From: Lubbock Texas
Hey Rob,
Welcome to the forum and congrats on the new Vette.
Your question is one of the first that most of us ask when we get a new Vette and find this forum. I think the consensus is that you should first check the car over for safety. Verify brakes, steering components, wiring, etc. - anything that would make the car safer to drive. I would change all the fluids as soon as you get a chance which will also serve to help you get familiar with the car.
Then, some good advice that was given to me was to just drive the car for awhile and let it tell you what it needs. I did that and discovered a few things that were more important than what was on the list I was making.
Also, keep a look out for Bubba (look for improperly made repairs). You'll find his handy work everywhere.
Good luck with it. Show us some pics!
DC
Welcome to the forum and congrats on the new Vette.
Your question is one of the first that most of us ask when we get a new Vette and find this forum. I think the consensus is that you should first check the car over for safety. Verify brakes, steering components, wiring, etc. - anything that would make the car safer to drive. I would change all the fluids as soon as you get a chance which will also serve to help you get familiar with the car.
Then, some good advice that was given to me was to just drive the car for awhile and let it tell you what it needs. I did that and discovered a few things that were more important than what was on the list I was making.
Also, keep a look out for Bubba (look for improperly made repairs). You'll find his handy work everywhere.
Good luck with it. Show us some pics!
DC
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Orlando Florida
Welcome to the forum- there are a lot of knowledgeable and courteous people here. I, like a lot of others here have fully rebuilt their vettes and have just about seen it all. I started with the engine/transmission, then drivetrain (drive shafts, wheel spindles, wheel bearings), then rear end components (ring/pinion, posi units), then suspension (tie rods, steering joints, ball joints, control arm bushings), headlight system (vacuum), interior (gauges, electrics, seats, carpet), and finally paint. 
OK- NOW YOUR'E DEPRESSED...SORRY. I guess my point is that one, it depends on what kind of vette you want- original vs. modified...then what you want to use it for (mine is dual purpose: cruiser/occasional drag racing), then put a plan on paper. I agree with the others- drive it a bit and it will tell you what it needs. Then break up problems with the car into projects- gather parts needed- then set a mild timeline- and get your son involved in the planning process. Have fun with it and good luck-DDBS
OK- NOW YOUR'E DEPRESSED...SORRY. I guess my point is that one, it depends on what kind of vette you want- original vs. modified...then what you want to use it for (mine is dual purpose: cruiser/occasional drag racing), then put a plan on paper. I agree with the others- drive it a bit and it will tell you what it needs. Then break up problems with the car into projects- gather parts needed- then set a mild timeline- and get your son involved in the planning process. Have fun with it and good luck-DDBS
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
Brakes
Tires
Front and rear Suspension
Exhaust
The rust hole in the floor is of consern, because water got there from somewhere, usually the t-tops leaking. I would check the birdcage (windshield frame) for rust. Pull the carpet and the kick panels out and check for additional rust on the body mounts.
This forum LOVES pictures, so please post some of your ride. Also, fill out your profile so people know what part of the country/world you are posting from.
Tires
Front and rear Suspension
Exhaust
The rust hole in the floor is of consern, because water got there from somewhere, usually the t-tops leaking. I would check the birdcage (windshield frame) for rust. Pull the carpet and the kick panels out and check for additional rust on the body mounts.
This forum LOVES pictures, so please post some of your ride. Also, fill out your profile so people know what part of the country/world you are posting from.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From: Falls Church Virginia
Congats on the Vett best of luck all the guys in this tread are right. Just keep working on it with your son. B lots of fun but! Be lots of time and money. But its yours and the more you work on it the more you will get attached. If I can help let me know, thanks.
sgm2004
sgm2004
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Joined: Jan 2007
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Likes: 3,316
From: Omaha NE
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Welcome '76 brother. And enjoy all the fun ahead with your son next to you.....
Welcome '76 brother. And enjoy all the fun ahead with your son next to you...
..
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Cocoa Beach Florida
Thanks to all for your words of wisdom. I like the idea of driving it for a while and letting her tell me what she needs (kinda like the wife!).
I just retired from the Army and since now I am not traveling all over the world and have a garage of my own, I look forward the project.
I will post pics soon. Keep the rubber on the road and and the T-Tops off!!!!!!
I just retired from the Army and since now I am not traveling all over the world and have a garage of my own, I look forward the project.
I will post pics soon. Keep the rubber on the road and and the T-Tops off!!!!!!
