Restoring first 'Vette (79)
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 30
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From: Detroit Michigan
Restoring first 'Vette (79)
I'm restoring my very first vette. I've owned a few mustangs but now I see the light lol. Here is some pics of the process. Also I have to say I'm doing this on a shoestring budget!
Right now the motors out for a tear down and rebuild. Installing new Cam & Lifters, A fresh intake, distributor, gaskets everwhere, Plugs/Wires, Etc.
Right now the motors out for a tear down and rebuild. Installing new Cam & Lifters, A fresh intake, distributor, gaskets everwhere, Plugs/Wires, Etc.
Last edited by TRN4L; Apr 3, 2012 at 07:46 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,207
Likes: 26
From: Ocean County NJ
Good luck with your restoration! Is your project bumper-to-bumper inside and out - body work, paint, interior, etc, in addition to the motor rebuild? Just curious and hoping to follow another start to finish thread 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Welcome, looks like you've got your work cut out for yourself. One step at a time....break it down into little jobs; and when you're low on money, or waiting for parts.........CLEAN!!!!!!
Last edited by briankeery; Apr 3, 2012 at 11:35 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 30
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From: Detroit Michigan
Thanks guys I need all the luck and advice I can get lol. Yeah its a full project front to back inside and out. So far I've replaced the carpet and done a lot of cleaning up inside. Made sure the motor ran strong. Now I'm doing some performance upgrades and what not. I also have to replace the front calipers as they're leaking at the pistons. I have a 77 donor I have pulled heavy from. Thanks for your intrest!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Thanks guys I need all the luck and advice I can get lol. Yeah its a full project front to back inside and out. So far I've replaced the carpet and done a lot of cleaning up inside. Made sure the motor ran strong. Now I'm doing some performance upgrades and what not. I also have to replace the front calipers as they're leaking at the pistons. I have a 77 donor I have pulled heavy from. Thanks for your intrest!
Last edited by Easy Mike; Apr 3, 2012 at 04:24 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 30
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From: Detroit Michigan
Tonight I got the engine down to the block and heads. I got as much of the loose paint off as I could. Any suggestions for making sure enough of it is off so the new paint will not flake off? Any other tips and tricks for painting the block/heads is welcomed!
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Detroit Michigan
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Detroit Michigan
I like the 79 cause they put in a glove box lol. Except the previous owner cut it up inside to install a radio 
I used simmits K1102 cam
The motor is a L05 from a 93 Chevy pickup soo I have those swirl port heads. I'm gathering parts for an LS1 I have so I won't be chaning these heads.
I used simmits K1102 cam
The motor is a L05 from a 93 Chevy pickup soo I have those swirl port heads. I'm gathering parts for an LS1 I have so I won't be chaning these heads.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 30
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From: Detroit Michigan
Thanks. I've only got a little further to go before I can dri e her. I'm so excited I can't stand it! She's idling hot, but I'm sampling the temp at the thermostat housing so its not acurate. I'm going to relocate it next time I work on it, but I wonder why she is so hot? Might be this crappy radiator the last owner installed or the mechanical fan isn't right. Idk. Anyone have ideas?
