I inherited this 68 coupe from my uncle, he's had it for around 40 years, but has been sitting for probably 30 or so. My whole life I've stared at it hoping to see it in it's well deserved glory, and now that's my job.

I have a frame off jeep going back together now, so I have a little time before this project comes in, but I've been reading a ton of resto threads, and getting an idea of how I'm going to tackle this.

I don't know what the c3 etiquette is, but this is a 68 my uncle bought as a repo, with a bad engine. He and my dad put a 350 from a slightly later vette in place of the 327. So the engine is not numbers matching, but the rest of the car should be original. It is a 4 spd w/ I think they called them t tops on the vettes, but not sure.

I'm thinking for sentimental, and cost reasons, my theme here is going to be rebuild and save as much of what is there as I can, rebuild that motor, trans and whatever needs, and keep it as is. I am well aware of how much work these are, so I don't want this to be a decade or two either.

I'll tell you anything you want to know about jeeps, but I'm no vette expert. I'm sure I'll be asking a lot of questions, and any advice and info is appreciated.

Here's a couple pics of it getting saved.







I jacked it all up and checked it all out before embarking on this, the frame and all that held up remarkably. I'm a full time mehcanic/shop manager, ase certified, and I've got some work ahead of me.

All input is appreciated.

 

Looks like a great project you've got lined up. I'm looking forward to following your progress. You're in the right place for asking questions and getting great answers.

 

I dig the wheels and tires! Just like what we did back-in-the-day! Great car; go for it!

 

Looks like a great project! I love the period correct torque thrust wheels. Much better than the hideous saw blades on your tow rig (insert barf icon).

 

Good luck with the project, there are plenty of 68 people on here to help you if you get in a jamb.

I love the wheels too... I had a set of these in the 70's on an old Forumula Firebird I had. I still have them!

 

There's nothing finer than a fully restored C3 Corvette.
But there's also something to be said about one in the ruff showing it's age. Ask me how I know.



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Just looking at either one you know your looking at something special. Your 68 looks great!
How was the car stored for the last 30 years? Indoors? Outdoors? Do you have the rest of the parts for it? (Bumpers, grills, etc).

Sorry for all the questions but I'm sure you'll be getting a lot of them. As well as you'll have a lot to ask. If you haven't found out yet, your going to find 68's have a lot of one year only parts.
Welome to the forum.

 

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your new project. Got a good start there, keep us posted on your progress.

 

Thanks for the welcome everyone. I don't think that was sarcasm on the wheels, accept for the tow rig . I like the wheels on it, I think they are original, are they not? The tires on it literally have a couple hundred miles on them, and the interior was redone just before getting parked. Most of the parts are there, 99% complete, and I know a little about the 68 being a bastard year, but I love it.

The wheels on the truck came that way, considering I have less than $2,000 in a 1 ton big block 4x4 silverado chevy I'll take them, I had to practically restore that pig also, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I don't buy, I build.

It was outside most of this time, but I checked the frame and all before embarking, and it is solid. The worst to me is the doors rotted a little on the inside.

What parts are specific 68 only and what can interchange?

SIDE STORY: My uncle also has a 69 firebird he's more into, and supposedly in the 70's after blowing the 400, he drove to detroit, and bought the last new L88 available for sale from Chevy in the country. Too bad it's not in this car though.

 

Awesome - another 68 saved!!!! I look forward to seeing your progress threads. Good luck!

 

The wheels aren't original but they look good so I'd keep them. Throw out the tires, they are so old that even if they look good the treads could come off without warning at any time.

There are a lot of parts that are 68-specific. You will find out which ones are as you go about your restoration.

The interior may be fine or it may be dry-rotted from sitting so long. If it looks good and you don't have to disturb it I'd leave it alone for now.

You will find this info in other theads on the forum, but you will need to replace the brake hoses, rebuild the brake calipers, replace all rubber components in the suspension, etc. but you probably know this already.

Have fun with the restoration!



Rick B.

 

Welcome to the forum and the 68 club. All 68-72 corvettes came with rally wheels. The wheels on your car are very cool and would hang on to them. Good luck and keep the updates coming.

 

Welcome to the forum,and KUDOS on the 68.I have alot of respect w/the ones w/history,and that have been in the family.Looking forward to your progress,and there is a wealth of information here to help you along.
From 1 68 to another 1......

welcome.....

 

Welcome to the forum. No doubt about it, you have a ways to go. My project came home on a trailer too, so I know a bit about what you're in for. But check out the thread on a 74 restoration project, end result is amazing. Good luck, lots of good advice is given here.

 

Welcome and glad to see another 68. I love those wheels. There are some really knowledgeable people on this forum that can help you with any problem you might have. I just posted an electrical problem with my dome light and got it fixed. Hope to see your 68 finished soon. They are sooooo much fun to drive.
68 Vetteman

 

Have to love those 68's. That should keep ya busy. Best of luck with it. Enjoy.

 

Congrats on the 68 mine was rescued from my uncle also
Another vote for the wheels definitely keepem'....looking forward to seeing progress threads and having another 68 back on the road

 

Great project. I think 68 would be a great year to own.

Those torq thrust wheels were classic racing wheels back in the day!

In my opinion, if you can manage the brake rebuild, you can manage just about anything.

 

Well, it's pretty obvious that this car has been outside for these last 30 years. So, the critical issue is "How bad is the frame & birdcage rust?" That needs to be your first point of inspection.

If the frame and/or birdcage is beyond 'reasonable' repair [anything can be repaired/replaced...but is it worth the effort?], you may want to consider selling it off "as is" and purchasing a better quality project car.

But, if the rust isn't that bad, or you are undaunted by it because of the sentimental value or your abilities to cut and weld metal, that car would be a nice starting point for a super project. Just be sure you are OK with the amount of work and money it will take to bring it back to life. Good luck!

 

Congrat's! And good luck with the restoration.

Keep posting pics of your progress. I love to see another '68 put back on the road again.

Cheers,
JB

 

Welcome and best of luck with the project. Keep us posted.