Biggest Regrets?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,734
Likes: 276
From: Port Huron MI
Biggest Regrets?
So many of us are either restoring, modifying, or "improving" our 'vettes by mining the rich information share here, that I was thinking a thread of the "I wish I woulda thunk it or done it" things we only discover in hindsight might be useful to a lot of folks. I know I do and will appreciate information, hints, tricks, and so forth that I can pick up here.
So what have you done only to discover you wish you would have done differently?
I know I have a few of my own...
I'd definately have saved the old carpet to mark holes before installing the new carpet.
I'd definately have bought all interior screws from Wilcox before hunting them down one set at a time from local vendors, which took FOREVER.
I'd have crushed, cracked, set fire to, and otherwise blown up the flimsy piece of crap original interior back window frame before wasting a second trying to repair, reglue, cover it etc.
I'd certainly have baggied and labeled EVERY screw I took out of my 75 along the way.
And I've definately have taked lots of before pictures as I deconstrcuted anything (especially wiring).
All of this advice I've found here AFTER the fact, so maybe a "make sure you do this" list will help.
So what have you done only to discover you wish you would have done differently?
I know I have a few of my own...
I'd definately have saved the old carpet to mark holes before installing the new carpet.
I'd definately have bought all interior screws from Wilcox before hunting them down one set at a time from local vendors, which took FOREVER.
I'd have crushed, cracked, set fire to, and otherwise blown up the flimsy piece of crap original interior back window frame before wasting a second trying to repair, reglue, cover it etc.
I'd certainly have baggied and labeled EVERY screw I took out of my 75 along the way.
And I've definately have taked lots of before pictures as I deconstrcuted anything (especially wiring).
All of this advice I've found here AFTER the fact, so maybe a "make sure you do this" list will help.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
So far Leigh, I've actually tried to learn from other's mistakes(sorry guys!!) here on the forum. I've only had a couple of minor things pop up; but by starting to research here, I've definitely been able to save some time - and more importantly, money.
I think the biggest thing I've learned is to know my limitations, and realize that sometimes the car needs to go to a pro for certain jobs(in my case a rear wheel alignment). You can pay a little now, or a lot later.
I think the biggest thing I've learned is to know my limitations, and realize that sometimes the car needs to go to a pro for certain jobs(in my case a rear wheel alignment). You can pay a little now, or a lot later.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,868
Likes: 13
From: Mascoutah IL
If I could go back in time, I would've at least drove the car around the neighborhood before dis-assembly... I wish I would've taken more pictures of the car before the tear down... Sure there are a million more, but those are my biggest regrets so far...
Rogman
Rogman
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,734
Likes: 276
From: Port Huron MI
Brian,
Absolutely right! Knowing when five hours of my messing it up worse isn't the answer is a huge regret. Also a huge education, so certainly not a total loss.
I can handle sliding the alternator out once the belt stretches to get rid of the rev squeek. I can handle troubleshooting wires and replacing plugs. I can handle clean ups and redyes. And some audio work. I have learned how to handle the PITA vacuum system. But a lot of the engine and fuel line issues need to be handled by a pro or I'll end up blowing up a motor or myself. Neither idea sounds too good to me.
And Brian you're right about time and money... I've got more time than money, but when it costs a lot of both it's time to bring in the people who really know what they're doing... Unlike me who just think I do.
Absolutely right! Knowing when five hours of my messing it up worse isn't the answer is a huge regret. Also a huge education, so certainly not a total loss.
I can handle sliding the alternator out once the belt stretches to get rid of the rev squeek. I can handle troubleshooting wires and replacing plugs. I can handle clean ups and redyes. And some audio work. I have learned how to handle the PITA vacuum system. But a lot of the engine and fuel line issues need to be handled by a pro or I'll end up blowing up a motor or myself. Neither idea sounds too good to me.
And Brian you're right about time and money... I've got more time than money, but when it costs a lot of both it's time to bring in the people who really know what they're doing... Unlike me who just think I do.
Last edited by Stroh; May 17, 2012 at 02:20 PM.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 390
Likes: 1
From: Livonia MI
My Vette is my second "fixer upper" so I learned a lot at the expense of my first car.
And even though I know better, I still don't take enough pictures before disassembly. The problem is that you never know exactly what angle you should take the picture from until you're reassembling the parts.
The big regret I have about my current car is not asking enough simple questions. I already blew out a set of speakers that were rated to handle what my stereo was putting out because the speakers were crap. Had I asked what other were using, I would have saved myself some time and $$.
And even though I know better, I still don't take enough pictures before disassembly. The problem is that you never know exactly what angle you should take the picture from until you're reassembling the parts.
The big regret I have about my current car is not asking enough simple questions. I already blew out a set of speakers that were rated to handle what my stereo was putting out because the speakers were crap. Had I asked what other were using, I would have saved myself some time and $$.
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 129
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
None yet. Other than I SHOULD have purchased the car 10 YEARS ago instead of 5 MONTHS ago.
I've been having WAAAAAAY too much fun with her (Bella, we call her...my mistress) for it to actually be legal!
"Corvette Therapy" is now a coined term in my house.
I've been having WAAAAAAY too much fun with her (Bella, we call her...my mistress) for it to actually be legal!
"Corvette Therapy" is now a coined term in my house.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
regrets
I would have decided up front to take the body off the frame instead of wasting days & neck aches trying to "restore" the chassis from the underside. Removing the body is a weekend job and then it's so easy to do the chassis.
I should have jumped to stainless brakes right away instead of cursing over the annual brake work every spring.
I should have kept my original 1968 carpet and just re-died it. The new carpet (yes the "good" stuff) showed more wear after 2 years than the original did after 30 years!
Beyond that, it went well. Here are a few tips that I do not regret:
Installed good undercarpet insulation.
While the interior was out, I routed wiring for a hidden kill switch... a simple anti-theft device.
I did not over-restore. When rechroming the 427's valve covers I chose not to fill the visible dimples from the oil drippers. This way "they are what they were".
I photographed the fragile build sheet on the gas tank before removing it for safe keeping.
I should have jumped to stainless brakes right away instead of cursing over the annual brake work every spring.
I should have kept my original 1968 carpet and just re-died it. The new carpet (yes the "good" stuff) showed more wear after 2 years than the original did after 30 years!
Beyond that, it went well. Here are a few tips that I do not regret:
Installed good undercarpet insulation.
While the interior was out, I routed wiring for a hidden kill switch... a simple anti-theft device.
I did not over-restore. When rechroming the 427's valve covers I chose not to fill the visible dimples from the oil drippers. This way "they are what they were".
I photographed the fragile build sheet on the gas tank before removing it for safe keeping.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
I should have pulled the engine in order to refurb the engine compartment. But, since the engine didn't need a rebuild, I left it in place. Had I pulled it, the entire process of renovation--particularly the engine itself--would have been SO much easier to work on.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 11
From: Hinckley OH
I painted the outside of the frame before deciding how to coat the inside for rust prevention. The product I decided to use on the inside is green and I got some on the outside. The good news is I already know what I'll use on the inside next time.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 983
From: Orlando FL
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
My regret is not being in a position in 1969 to purchase a pair of the ZL-1 Vettes along with some of the other "muscle" cars of those days. Then I could sell one now and then and retire very comfortably
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Maybe even a used Tucker.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
Same here. I didn't even put it up, nor did I bring it down from the trailer, when I brought mines home. I tore it apart the next day. I wish I would have just freshened things up and drove it before doing what I'm doing to it now. I barely put up the pumpkin yesterday. The Front is pretty much done.
