1980 C3 Mods
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
Ahhh, so what you are looking for is stuff like this: The rocker panel beneath the door on 1980 'vettes is made of stainless steel, and is painted black. if you strip it and have it polished, it adds a little bling to the car. Is this more the sort of thing you had in mind?
Scott
Scott
Other thoughts I had was maybe having an a illuminating panel that lights up and says corvette when you open the door, like on the new Corvettes and Mustangs.
Or something like this for the front fender vent. (this is for a new corvette, but the idea intrigued me and was hoping to find something that was similar to see if I would like it.)
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...2005-2010.html
Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 632
Likes: 38
From: Roseville CA
Hey Guys,
I am curious of those who have done mods for this year of corvette. And you ideas for mods. I would like to see my options and start planning.
I don't really want to change the body, but I will entertain ideas for additions. Like a special kind of badge, additional lights, changing exhaust location, chrome accents, etc.
Also, doing things like push start buttons, or HIDs for this year. Whatever the case my be. Lets get creative. Tell me what you have done / would like to do / have seen.
Thanks.
I am curious of those who have done mods for this year of corvette. And you ideas for mods. I would like to see my options and start planning.
I don't really want to change the body, but I will entertain ideas for additions. Like a special kind of badge, additional lights, changing exhaust location, chrome accents, etc.
Also, doing things like push start buttons, or HIDs for this year. Whatever the case my be. Lets get creative. Tell me what you have done / would like to do / have seen.
Thanks.
Garage door opener in place of ashtray.
Muffler delete. You don't need them when you have that large stock cat that acts like a muffler. Here's a video of what it sounds like with a California legal ZZ4 motor.
Kenwood KIV-BT900 Digital Media Receiver - Bluetooth/USB and Ipod connections, internal memory/HD Radio Receiver/Remote control.
Bluetooth Mic above Tach.
USB/Ipod connections in glove box.
Remote control mounted on parking brake with black Velcro.
Quartz clock conversion.
Clifford alarm system - remote to unlock/lock doors and set alarm.
Metra power antenna.
See my site for more info.
Last edited by Yellow1980; Sep 22, 2011 at 09:11 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 987
Likes: 7
From: Surrey British Columbia
I'm presently restoring an '80 and bling is not on my radar. When I was 20 years old I bought a brand new 1980 Corvette. I remember the things I loved about the car, but I also remember the things that I wish I could have changed. Now's my chance. What I'm changing are things that will improve the ride and performance. But I am making two subtle mods to the instrumentation. I've replaced the 85 mph speedo with a refurbished unit from a '79 (140 mph) and I'm replacing the clock with an oil temp gauge - a la 1982.
I want to get "Collector's Plates" for my car so my modifications have to be era correct or too difficult for the register's office to recognize.
I want to get "Collector's Plates" for my car so my modifications have to be era correct or too difficult for the register's office to recognize.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
Wow, I have to admit, I was expecting this to become a long thread. I figured out of the entire community that has to be pages worth of mods people did.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 103
From: Southern Indiana
Things that are accepted by the old foggy crowd are, dual coffee cup holder on the emergency brake handle, plaster the interior with fake wood stencils, fuzzy steering wheel cover, plastic bag tapped to the dash for old Geritol bottles, hat hook on rear glass for beany driving hat and large sun glasses, and last but not least an envelope stapled to the bottom of the dash for senior citizen coupons to the Old Country Buffet!
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
What about curb feelers? That would be cool.
The 80 style vette already has such an aggressive body style that it would be hard to do much and stay within good taste, I think.
I suggest finding a corvette supply catalog and flipping through it. There is a good bit out there. I bet something will catch your eye. Good luck.
The 80 style vette already has such an aggressive body style that it would be hard to do much and stay within good taste, I think.
I suggest finding a corvette supply catalog and flipping through it. There is a good bit out there. I bet something will catch your eye. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
I look through some sites but I haven't specifically looked through catalogues. I guess I expected some interior mods more than exterior. I was expecting more accents and minor mods, nothing drastic.
I do like the idea of the envelope under the dash for Old Country Buffet Coupons idea. I might run with that.
I do like the idea of the envelope under the dash for Old Country Buffet Coupons idea. I might run with that.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,666
Likes: 1
From: Where it's always hot as Hell-South Louisiana.
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Yellow1980- nice video. I like your motor choice. Car sounds nice.
Stingray- I've seen pics of the car you are about to buy. It needs nothing. Personally find the beauty in a pure,unmolested body of 80-82 bodies. Unlike most others, I prefer blackwall tires rather than the white raised letter tires that were stock. Just my personal choice. I also prefer the painted t tops over the glass ones as (to me) the painted ones give the car a look of continuity. Keep in mind these are all my own personal choices.
My mods have been to change the motor to a ZZ4, & am in the process of changing the auto to a 4 speed. My only other mod planned is a keyless entry.
Good luck with the inspection. Please send me a PM on how that turns out.
Stingray- I've seen pics of the car you are about to buy. It needs nothing. Personally find the beauty in a pure,unmolested body of 80-82 bodies. Unlike most others, I prefer blackwall tires rather than the white raised letter tires that were stock. Just my personal choice. I also prefer the painted t tops over the glass ones as (to me) the painted ones give the car a look of continuity. Keep in mind these are all my own personal choices.
My mods have been to change the motor to a ZZ4, & am in the process of changing the auto to a 4 speed. My only other mod planned is a keyless entry.
Good luck with the inspection. Please send me a PM on how that turns out.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,692
Likes: 29
From: Texas
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,429
Likes: 7
From: Providence Rhode Island
I like my bubble tail lights and the bonded bumperson my 81, I hate how the the bumpers dont line up right on a lot of the 80-82"s.i also removed all the black paint from all the window and rocker tirm. As far as the ricer comments its your car and you should do to it what ever you like
[IMG]
[/IMG]
[IMG]
[/IMG]
[IMG]
[/IMG][IMG]
[/IMG]
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,980
Likes: 6,207
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Things that are accepted by the old foggy crowd are, dual coffee cup holder on the emergency brake handle, plaster the interior with fake wood stencils, fuzzy steering wheel cover, plastic bag tapped to the dash for old Geritol bottles, hat hook on rear glass for beany driving hat and large sun glasses, and last but not least an envelope stapled to the bottom of the dash for senior citizen coupons to the Old Country Buffet!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
Well I appreciate the pick of the bubble lights. I was curious about them, but I don't think its something I want to do.
I like the chrome accents around the windows. I think I consider this.
BTW, what are those white lines in the grill of this picture? I was thinking of putting some DRL LED strips next to the yellow light, but I have been trying to see if someone did it already. If you did, I would love to see a straight on shot of your car.
Otherwise, I love the paint job. The car looks great.
I know most people are worried about ricing my car, but I am really not into that. I just want some ideas of mods to improve the look on the outside and make it personal. As well as ideas for the inside, such as the push starter that I mentioned earlier. Little things. I have no intentions on making fake exhaust noises, 20" subs, 20" wheels, a huge spoiler, ground effects and purple headlights.
I like the chrome accents around the windows. I think I consider this.
BTW, what are those white lines in the grill of this picture? I was thinking of putting some DRL LED strips next to the yellow light, but I have been trying to see if someone did it already. If you did, I would love to see a straight on shot of your car.
Otherwise, I love the paint job. The car looks great.
I know most people are worried about ricing my car, but I am really not into that. I just want some ideas of mods to improve the look on the outside and make it personal. As well as ideas for the inside, such as the push starter that I mentioned earlier. Little things. I have no intentions on making fake exhaust noises, 20" subs, 20" wheels, a huge spoiler, ground effects and purple headlights.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 103
From: Southern Indiana
I don't have to have a drink in my hand 24/7, I guess I get that from working for a living and having to use both hands to get production out and not sitting at a desk wondering whos going to pay for lunch in the office?
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,206
Likes: 8
From: Belmar NJ
Here are some of the tasteless mods done to mine,
Interior, '79-82 seats, smaller dia. wheel, digital gauges, cooler in rear compartment, custom shift ****.
Rear, 6 LED tail lights (sequential flash, natch). Dodge Charger gas door.
Moonroofs!
But true beauty runs more than skin deep, 5 speed, Steroids, frt. tubular A arms w/transverse fiberglass spring, 5 link rear w/carbon fiber halfshafts and fiberglass spring, Koni's at all 4 corners, hydroboost w/Willwood 6 piston frts and JFZ 4 piston rears. 16 x 12 325 35's in front and 16 x 13 335's rear.
Last come this...
And finally a paint job...
Welcome to the dark side kid, I hope you brought your checkbook
Interior, '79-82 seats, smaller dia. wheel, digital gauges, cooler in rear compartment, custom shift ****.
Rear, 6 LED tail lights (sequential flash, natch). Dodge Charger gas door.
Moonroofs!
But true beauty runs more than skin deep, 5 speed, Steroids, frt. tubular A arms w/transverse fiberglass spring, 5 link rear w/carbon fiber halfshafts and fiberglass spring, Koni's at all 4 corners, hydroboost w/Willwood 6 piston frts and JFZ 4 piston rears. 16 x 12 325 35's in front and 16 x 13 335's rear.
Last come this...
And finally a paint job...
Welcome to the dark side kid, I hope you brought your checkbook
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
Haha, I bought it.
BTW, where do you get these custom body pieces made? And why 6 lights? Just curious.
Last edited by ~Stingray; Oct 5, 2011 at 03:30 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,206
Likes: 8
From: Belmar NJ
I bought it that way. The flame paint job goes bye bye in favor of Ontario or Atomic Orange (haven't decided yet). This is very much a forum car, I got some help from a few local members and bought a TON of stuff over a 3 year period before I even bought this car. Wide body kits come in a few variations, some with open sides (and stock bumpers) or with a wider 6 light bumper that fills in the open sides. /:\
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 7
From: Toronto Ontario
i bought my 80 5 years ago & it's all stock, except i limo-tinted the back window because i live in a large city & got sick of the stupids constantly tailgating me , even tho 99% of the time i'm over in the right lane
oh , & a 500W sound system , custom Studio Lab (i like my tunes)
Pete.
oh , & a 500W sound system , custom Studio Lab (i like my tunes)
Pete.