HELP!!! Where do I start?
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
HELP!!! Where do I start?
I'm about as much of a newbie to the Corvette world as you can be. I inherited a 1977 Corvette about 3 years ago from my Father-in-law. It was sitting in his garage for at least 3 years before I got it. I've finally made room in my garage, and my life, to start working on it. So... now what? I know that it was running at one point but I don't know why he stopped driving it. The interior is in pretty good shape. It doesn't appear as though it was or is now leaking fluids. The body needs some work for sure but not too much. I've been told by one brother in law it has a 406. The other one says it has a 350. Is there any way to tell? I know just enough about cars and engines to be dangerous. I'm no grease monkey but I can turn a wrench. So whre do I start???
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,947
Likes: 3,315
From: Omaha NE
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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'77s only came with 350's, and Chevy never built a factory 406.....
So unless your father-in-law was a hot-rodder.......
..
So unless your father-in-law was a hot-rodder.......
..
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Change the oil and drain/flush the cooling system. Drain the gas tank. Figure on having to rebuild the brakes if they have been sitting for 6 years. I recommend using the VB&P O-ring kit if you have stainless-lined calipers. If yours aren't lined exchange them for rebuilts at AutoZone or Advance and rebuild them with O-rings the next time they leak. Your brake master cylinder may need a rebuild also.
Grease all of the ball joint fittings and inspect all of the bushings for rot and cracks. If you are lucky you can get the car running and driving without having to do a major overhaul of the suspension.
The brakes are probably the most important thing to make sure to get working properly.
Buy an Assembly manual - referred to as the AIM and a service manual and you will be able to tackle or at least decide if you want to tackle any job on the car. Willcox has a nice AIM on CD that is searchable - a great feature. It can take a while to find what you are looking for in the paper version.
Post some pics of the car, especially the engine bay and underside and people can spot things that need looking into.
Rick B.
Grease all of the ball joint fittings and inspect all of the bushings for rot and cracks. If you are lucky you can get the car running and driving without having to do a major overhaul of the suspension.
The brakes are probably the most important thing to make sure to get working properly.
Buy an Assembly manual - referred to as the AIM and a service manual and you will be able to tackle or at least decide if you want to tackle any job on the car. Willcox has a nice AIM on CD that is searchable - a great feature. It can take a while to find what you are looking for in the paper version.
Post some pics of the car, especially the engine bay and underside and people can spot things that need looking into.
Rick B.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Okay so you think it'll be okay to turn it over with new fluids, gas, etc.? I was just under the car and it looks like the seal around the trans pan is leaking. I hadn't even considered the brake issues. Thanks for the tip on the manuals. I'll look to get those right away. I failed to mention he lived in a rural area of AZ. About the last mile or two to the house is dirt roads. I'm going to try to roll it out and pressure wash everything under the hood and then underneath. Then I'll post some pictures. Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,947
Likes: 3,315
From: Omaha NE
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
You'll also want to replace the rubber brake lines along with the calipers....
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
Those retailers are now selling calipers with el-cheapo Asian made castings.
If you go this route open *each* box and make sure they are giving you a real Delco-Moraine casting. It's a crapshoot.
-W
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 1
From: Clarksville Indiana
If you have not cranked it yet after sitting that long, pull the plugs and shoot a little oil in each cylinder and crank it a few times to lube up the cylinders, pistons, rings and pump the excess out then replace the plugs.