I'm considering getting a 73-76. There's an L-82 auto nearby with a rebuilt SBC, 4 bolt main reportedly 365 ponies. Lots of work already done to it, including frame-off and repaint. From the pictures it needs seat covers, inner door panels, and the driver side window does not go up.

How much would the seats and panels cost? Where's the best place to get this stuff? Are there any tricks/ pitfalls to fixing the side glass? I will be checking the car this weekend, would like to go into the deal with some knowledge.

Thanks!

 

Ck. Willcox site on the left side column of this page. He has Forum specials. If you can do some general mechanical repair the windows are not normally too bad. The guys here have many thousands of years experience to help you. Post some pics. so we can see what you are looking at. Good Luck, mike...

 

Here is what I'm looking at- what do you think? A white interior really sears the eyeballs!

 

If the white panels are still in good shape and you don't care for the color, they can be dyed. That's probably how they got it white to begin with. I have only been on CF for a month, but I have noticed that many people here have used SEM interior dyes with great success.

I bet that white will wake you up when you open the doors!

 

The GLARE off the upper dash on a sunny day will take some getting used to, you see it very clearly in the windshield....

I had a white dash on a car decades ago in TEXAS I can guarantee the effect can be stunning....yes....

 

When I was a kid, I remember that my dad did that on a 59 Impala. He turned it into a jet black car with all white interior. I still blame him today for my poor eyesight.

 

wilcox is the place to start. i bought every available replacement part wall to wall for my 78 from them and they were great to work with and provided top quality parts. can't go wrong with them in my opinion.

 

You are probably looking at around $800 for the panels, and $300 for the seat covers.

You also would want to purchase an AIM (assembly instruction manual), and a service manual. They are a must have if you want to work on these cars.

At least with the door panels off, fixing the window should not be too difficult - but I would wait until you have AIM, and the service manual in hand. If it's power windows there is a spring in there that can take off some fingers if you aren't careful.

 

Be careful....the arms are spring loaded...if you remove the window moter - secure them with zip-ties or something first...

 

THANKS- I've grown quite attached to my fingers, and they've grown attached to me!

 

Gray seat shown is not a Corvette seat, I think. If there's a pair of those in there ask the PO what they came out of if you like them... covers will need to match the seats.

 

I'm reading your post and it appears that you are somewhat new to the corvettes (otherwise I assume you'd know already). Read up on here before you go about what to look for. There are some things especially the birdcage area that you need to know about and check. Hidden things that could be much more costly than the interior parts. Just be informed before hand.

You can also find searches on dyeing the interior. That white stands out so much because of the dark carpet and seats. As stated earlier, the seats aren't original. They can be used, changed out with originals or many other types of seats if you want to go back to leather.

I think willcox has the door panels for around $75 a side. Seats, look at ebay and you will get an idea of price. You can also go with seats from a later corvette depending on your tastes.

Try willcoxcorvette.com as a starting point to get you some prices. They are pretty reasonable and reliable. There are many other companies out there too. On the left side of the page are some links to some of the supporting vendors.

I'd look into the headlights unless they were left up on purpose. That could be a real pain to fix if you aren't familiar with them.


You are doing much better than me by checking here first. I bought first then found this site. I just got lucky.

 

Alright, now I have an idea what to look for to evaluate the birdcage. THANKS!!!

 

NOM + wrong interior? It USED to be an L82. Cars not worth much when its done. Be very careful, you will be in the red in a hurry, even if the frame is OK.

Is the blue correct?

 

Thanks for the sensible perspective. 1974-77's are selling for 6-8k on ebay in what appears to be the same condition i.e. running, but need some work. I especially like the engine upgrade, even if it is 300+ hp and not the claimed 365. I spoke to the owner, and he is asking half of what he's already sunk into it. My thought process is pretty simple at this point; Vette's are cool, can't afford a BB 68-73, therefore look for a 74-77 with a better engine and most of the work is done already. Of course, the discovery of anything major wrong after the purchase would blow my assumptions out of the water.

NOM aside, the 75's were a low point for power and the engines are worth little by themselves. I have no intention to restore it to its original state. But I hate throwing good money after bad.

Oh, the blue is NOT correct...

Who out there has a solid 68-73 BB or 4-spd car for less than 10?