Picked up my 79 a few months ago and drove it into the garage. this is my first corvette and very happy to own it. I have questions about the right front fender damage. Replace the fender or is there a repair for this? (see photo) What about the trans tunnel? Looks like a lot of cutting for a manual install (it came as an auto). Otherwise, looks pretty solid...worn, but solid. Just looking to clean it up, make it safe and work on having a solid, clean corvette. what do you think?

 

Hi and welcome to the forum. You certainly have your work cut out for you.
The trans tunnel is done so not much you can do there. It will be out of sight anyway.
The fender can go two routes. Either find a donor fender portion to splice in, or replace the whole thing.
Good luck on your project.
Glenn

 

First of all...WELCOME TO THE FORUM!! Nice to have another Corvette enthusiast in our midst!

Looking at the car, and as you already pointed out, you definitely have a project on your hands. Not a bad thing by any means, and if you do the work yourself you will end up with something you look back on and take a great sense of pride in! For the trans swap, I can't help you out there, since I have never undergone that task before. I'm not sure, but I don't think you have to cut the tunnel to get a manual trans to fit. I'm sure that someone else will chime in with their 2 cents on that subject.

The fender, at least to me, looks like it will require some form of replacement, whether that be replacing the entire fender or sectioning in a portion of the damaged panel. It depends on how ambitious you are I guess, and your skill-set. I've replaced a quarter panel on my old 78 I had, and it was really pretty straight forward, but nothing like a car with panels that bolt on. If you don't feel up to the task, find a bodyshop that you feel confident in, and preferrably one that does a lot of fiberglass work. Fiberglass is pretty forgiving, if not itchy! If I can do it, anyone can do it!

Looking at the frame, it looks like the rust is limited to surface rust, and there are a number of products out there that you can spray on and it will eat the rust off. Maybe someone can suggest a specific brand that has worked for them in the past? Then a good frame paint would cover the bare metal and make it look as good as new.

My suggestions are just that....my own personal thoughts. There are some guys on the forum that are more into factory correct restorations, while others like me are just into making that car a nice looking driver. I personally don't have the time, resources, or tools to do a lot of in depth restoration stuff, but I'm certain that at least on this forum you will find guys willing to provide technical and moral support for whatever you decide. Just take your time, scour the forum, and enjoy your project! If I can help out in any way, just drop me a line. Take care, and again.....welcome!!

Trevor

 

Thanks for the quick reply.
Much like 77vettespecfor I will working on this in between deployments, so this is a long term project. Cant wait though, and I will keep everyone posted with new pics.
regards
Dave

 

Looks like a project! Keep at it.

Welcome to the forum.

 

Welcome to the forum from another Black and Tan '79

 

welcome to the forum, keep us posted with some pics along the way.

Jim

 

Good luck with the project! There will probably be a bunch of people who will chime in and tell ya to part it out, but, stick with it and it'll be something to be proud of.

 

may it give you less trouble than mine has given me

 

Congrats on your first Vette. Good luck with the rebuild.

 

first and foremost: thank you for your service

any help you need for the vette, you'll find it here!!!

 

Welcome aboard. Thanks for your service to our country . Break the project into small projects so it as not so overwhelming. Good luck and stay safe at home and abroad.