Dads Car
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Rocklin California
Dads Car
I have posted up about getting my dads car. Well, it finally got here 2 weeks ago and it is a lot rougher than I thought. My father passed away in 1994 and since then the car has been garaged in Michigan. I thought of rebuilding it as a tribute to him. But once I saw the chassis, I don't know if is feasable or not. So, I am looking for someone in the Sacramento,CA area that could come take a look and let me know if I am wasting my time or what. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance,
Bubs
Thank you in advance,
Bubs
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,850
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Bubs,
Why not post some pictures here! I think that most people here will give you an honest answer and they will for sure help you in your project.
Willcox
Why not post some pictures here! I think that most people here will give you an honest answer and they will for sure help you in your project.
Willcox
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,246
Likes: 114
From: Watkins Glen NY
If I was in your shoes I would do it---even if it was rusted in half. At any cost.
My dad passed away in '80 when I was 10; I'd give anything to have an opportunity like that!
You've already had it shipped, and the car has made it this far.....go for it
My dad passed away in '80 when I was 10; I'd give anything to have an opportunity like that!
You've already had it shipped, and the car has made it this far.....go for it
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
I agree, go for it. My dad passed away in 2002 and I just bought his 72 corvette. It went from him to my brother when he passed, and now to me. There is nothing that I enjoy more than cruising down the road with the t-tops off and thinking about the old days when he was around. You can't put a price on that feeling. (My screen name is my dad's first, and middle name) 
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Rocklin California
Dads Car
You guys are absolutely right. I guess I was just a little concerned when I saw the chassis. You see, I have some mechanical skills but have never tackled a project like this. If it takes me 10 years, it will get done. I didn't want to get too long winded in my first post but this in not only for my dad, but also for my younger brother,Rob. When my dad passed away, the vette went to my Rob, since he lived next door to my dad. Rob drove it on and off for the next few years but it mostly sat in the garage, because it was "Dads" car. I 2004 Robs health went down hill so he couldn't work on the car. On Sept 20, 2008 I lost my brother to cancer. So you can see why I want to build this car and was just looking for someone in the area that could give me some guidance. But I will post pics as soon as I can. Thanks again for all the encouraging words.
Bubs
Bubs
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1
From: west babylon new york
take your time and don;t make any rash desisions you might regret later, if it sat for a few years a day or month or year woun;t make a big difference, try to budget a little money each week or month to apply to the car don;t be supprised what you can actually do until you try it friend will come out to help also when they see you are deturmend to finish it
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,577
Likes: 2
From: Long Island New York
I say go for it, make your Dad and Brother proud. Post some pics so we can see what your working with and you'll get all the advice and help we can give you right here, and welcome to the forum.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 914
Likes: 10
From: Brooklet Ga.
I have my grandfathers 65 Ford pickup that was passed to me from my Dad and I will restore it for my grandson. Do what you have to do to keep the Vette you will only appreciate it more every day.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Working on that car is a "journey" for you. Don't worry about getting it 'done'. When you are working on it, you will be thinking about Dad and Rob...and they will be with you the whole time. Just do it....
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Campbell, KY GA
I will just say I agree w/ everyone else. And post up some pics-though they've never helped me in particular (dont have a vette) I've seen the guys on this forum are just incredibly helpful to each other. Good luck w/ the project and keep us updated.
What type of restoration do you have in mind? Any particular plans?
What type of restoration do you have in mind? Any particular plans?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Rocklin California
It will definately be a driver. I don't understand building a car and leaving it in the garage. As for definate plans, I just want to make it the best car I can.
I really appreciate all the wonderfull responses. When it gets back on the road we will all have to get together and have a drink to all those who have inspired us.
I really appreciate all the wonderfull responses. When it gets back on the road we will all have to get together and have a drink to all those who have inspired us.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota in the summer, Las Vegas in the winter
You guys are absolutely right. I guess I was just a little concerned when I saw the chassis. You see, I have some mechanical skills but have never tackled a project like this. If it takes me 10 years, it will get done. I didn't want to get too long winded in my first post but this in not only for my dad, but also for my younger brother,Rob. When my dad passed away, the vette went to my Rob, since he lived next door to my dad. Rob drove it on and off for the next few years but it mostly sat in the garage, because it was "Dads" car. I 2004 Robs health went down hill so he couldn't work on the car. On Sept 20, 2008 I lost my brother to cancer. So you can see why I want to build this car and was just looking for someone in the area that could give me some guidance. But I will post pics as soon as I can. Thanks again for all the encouraging words.
Bubs
Bubs
Bubs,
Take your time and do what you can. I guarantee you that everyone here will be watching as you post pics. We'll help with suggestions. And to all of us you will be a hero.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 593
Likes: 28
From: Wakefield MA
What are the specs on the car?
Year / engine / trans / etc.
Start collecting parts and plan the build - you'll have a blast.
I lost my Dad in 1977 he was 48, I was 18 - he had a 1974 Laguna S3 at the time. I wish I had kept that car ....
Good luck Bubs!
Year / engine / trans / etc.
Start collecting parts and plan the build - you'll have a blast.
I lost my Dad in 1977 he was 48, I was 18 - he had a 1974 Laguna S3 at the time. I wish I had kept that car ....
Good luck Bubs!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Rocklin California
It's a 73 coupe, 350 (not original),auto. According to the trim tag it was sent from the plant in primer, which makes it kind of rare. I have tracked down the original owner in San Diego but he has no pictures. The car was a gold color when he purchase it with only 9 miles. We don't know what happened to the original motor but we are still looking for other previous owners. I will post pics asap. Thanks for all the encouraging comments and be ready for a lot of questions.
Bubs
Bubs
