Newbie Intro
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 314
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Newbie Intro
Decided to register and join the forum. I've owned a '69 BB side exhaust coupe for five years and have had 6000 miles of fun driving. Unfortunately, the clutch recently broke so I finally decided to start that frame-on NCRS type restoration. The car is almost entirely original with 62K miles and full documentation (original window sticker and tank sticker still on tank) so I have a long way to go. Looking forward to posting for your advice as well as those hard to find parts.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 314
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,198
Likes: 4,287
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi FR,
Sounds like you're in for a lot of fun.
One reason to lift the body is because it's relatively easy and you can really get to 'stuff' then.
Regards,
Alan
Oh, also, they're so pretty with the body off!!
Sounds like you're in for a lot of fun.
One reason to lift the body is because it's relatively easy and you can really get to 'stuff' then.
Regards,
Alan
Oh, also, they're so pretty with the body off!!
Terrorizing Orange Cones
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,572
Likes: 17
From: Northern CO
Welcome Faster Rat. You're in for a real treat conducting any kind of C3 restoration.
As mentioned, we enjoy pictures of your progress; before and after so ask if the search function doesn't kick back a link on how to perform.
Oh and Alan: naked Corvettes are so sexy and you have some of the best titillating shots around. Car pr0n.
LOL.
As mentioned, we enjoy pictures of your progress; before and after so ask if the search function doesn't kick back a link on how to perform.
Oh and Alan: naked Corvettes are so sexy and you have some of the best titillating shots around. Car pr0n.
LOL.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 314
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Here are some pictures from about a year ago. The engine is out of the car and being rebuilt. Had a broken top ring on one piston, two bad lifters (one was stuck in the hole) and a leaking rear seal. Going to bore .020 over with new forged pistons and rings. Needs a new camshaft so looking at a mild Comp Cams Thumpr hydraulic flat tappet kit for that wumpity-wumpity sound thru new side exhaust pipes. The crank just needs polishing and the block is okay, so only the heads need to be shaved. The timing chain and gears, water pump, carb, alternator, starter and plug wires have already been replaced.
I'm lucky enough to live less than a mile from Dave Walters' shop. I have read where Dave is considered to be one of the top three NCRS judges in the country. He happens to own a '67 L88 coupe as well as a '68 L88 convertible, original engine and unrestored with 3700 original miles. Takes my breath away. He is providing guidance as well as restoration of various parts. I wouldn't dream of attempting this project without his help.
Hope nobody tells my wife that a blown clutch didn't need to cost this much. A frame-off restoration would mean the car would be in his shop and I really can't afford to pay somebody else to do all the dirty work. Besides, it wouldn't be near as much fun.
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I'm lucky enough to live less than a mile from Dave Walters' shop. I have read where Dave is considered to be one of the top three NCRS judges in the country. He happens to own a '67 L88 coupe as well as a '68 L88 convertible, original engine and unrestored with 3700 original miles. Takes my breath away. He is providing guidance as well as restoration of various parts. I wouldn't dream of attempting this project without his help.
Hope nobody tells my wife that a blown clutch didn't need to cost this much. A frame-off restoration would mean the car would be in his shop and I really can't afford to pay somebody else to do all the dirty work. Besides, it wouldn't be near as much fun.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Jump on in, the water's... well, it's full of sharks. 
Anyway, welcome to the CF. Just watch for those "while-I'm-at-its", which can put you over budget in a blink.
TSW
Anyway, welcome to the CF. Just watch for those "while-I'm-at-its", which can put you over budget in a blink.
TSW
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
wheres the Pictures
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19,357
Likes: 5,242
From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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Welcome aboard A 69 big block with side pipes is a very good thing 
Good luck with your frame off.
A 69 big block with side pipes is a very good thing Good luck with your frame off.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 314
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Thanks for all your posts, as well as compliments about the car. After reading thru many threads, I can see this forum has a lot of friendly, helpful people who love their cars. I got hooked on this corvette thing while attending an NCRS regional meet in Kissimmee, Florida six years ago. Felt right at home seeing all the grey hair. Surprising how many young people are into the hobby as well. Glad to be here.