so i came across a 72 vette and truthfully dont have much in it. sad part is they started striping the paint with da and had no idea what they were doing. it was an orig 4 speed car but currently has no motor or tranny. the seats have just been recovered with get this aligator skin(will prolly not be reusing) but i do have a brand new set of carpet and most of the interrior parts are in fair shape.

car was in a garage for the last 9 years until the last year where he moved it outside in a field. from what i can tell there is minor rust around the windshield and some on the lower rears of the birdcage. i took a sharp pointed body hammer all over the frame and it seems stout.

the car has been fitted with a 1973 front clip which i will probally change and get a new 72 one piece from ecklers. im pretty mechanically inclined and will be doing most to all of the work on my own. now my only decision is to go through with this project or move on and sell. i have a early 70's 454 with very low orig miles and a 4 speed from my dads 81 vette, but on the other hand i have a 375 hp 327 with the camel hump heads and all the other goodies.

i dont want a show car i will be driving this thing anywhere i feel like rain or shine. but i want it to be a solid car. ive been debating on removing the body for a serious frame cleaning/suspension rebuild/fuel/brakes etc. dont want orig i want it to be all mine.

heres a link to a few of the pics i have from the day i bought till now ive began striping the old paint with a razor and she looks rough tell me what you guys think, ill also try to get some pics of the rust spots for you guys. thanks

https://picasaweb.google.com/102065656278293673008/Car

 

Hi Zackary,
I really love 70-72 Corvettes.
I'm afraid THIS one is going to use ALL your time, money and skill; and leave you gasping for air.
For example, you mention getting a new 1 piece front end.... that's the easy part, (although getting it to fit isn't); coming up with the bumpers, grills, light, and brackets are the difficult and costly part of that change.
I realize you said you want to make it all yours but, does this car make any sense?
Sorry to pee on your party.
Regards,
Alan

PS: I just took another look. Those are 70-72 side grill openings, not 73+. So it looks like a rubber bumper was grafted on to 70-72 fenders. That could be good, or bad.

 

,excellent advice

 

Zac,

Big question, is there a large diameter tube which is the vacuum reservoir in the front nose of the car or are there vac lines running to , nope nevermind... there are no vac lines and no reservoir under drivers side fender. On a 72 and before the reservoir is under the fender next to the brake master cylinder. 73 it up front in the nose. What is your VIN number ? Look at the number just before the S, #2 = 1972, #3=1973. You the side vent of 72 and before and nose of a later model. Brackets and mounting hardware is very different from those two years. Honestly, it will be a lot of work and unless that car came with a few large boxes with extra parts there is a lot of external pieces and interior pieces that you will be hunting for. If you are up to it and want to bring this vette back to life then go for it but I wouldn't mess with changing the front nose back. I'd leave it the way it is. There's plenty work already there before having to open that can of worms.

Sully

 

like i said i dont have much in it i can pawn it off on someone else no problem i wasnt sure if it was worth it or not.

 

If THAT was my starting point, I personally wouldn't try to make a "real" Corvette out of it. This would be MY starting point for a totally sick-as-all-heck fire-breathing restomod.

You'd be so much money into finding all the right interior pieces, gills, wiring, gauges, seats, etc., that you'd be better off "making it your own". Personally, I'd make it more of a kit car and less of a restoration.

If you're OK with that, cool.

If you want to make it a stock-appearing driver, then I'd agree with Alan. You have a long road to hoe.

 

Hi Zack,
"Pawn it off on someone else". Very nice of you!
I suggest you try to find someone who's willing to buy it with his eyes closed!
Regards,
Alan

 

by pawn it off i mean find someone with more money than i have

 

Hi Zack,
That's nice, but the actual meaning of the phrase 'pawn it off' is "to dispose of by deception".
I certainly hope that's not what you meant.
Regards,
Alan

PS: I'm now stepping down from my soap box.

 

I would "SELL" that money pit. I agree with ALan regarding the "pawn" term... There are plenty of 72's in far better shape for less money than you will plow into that car. To be frank, I would just sell it and be very upfront with whomever buys it... you do not want some foolish kid thinking he's getting a great deal on a first car and then getting stuck with that pile of parts.

 

the other side of this argument...keep it, spend the least amount of money possible to get it running, at the same time keep a lookout for a doner car , there are a bunch of those around, even on this forum, that has the things you need combine the two. The main objective is to have fun doing it , when it stops being enjoyable , take a break or get rid of it. Never plan on seeing a return on your investment, you wont, it doesnt work that way. At the least, you'll have a learning experience, at the best , you'll have a lifelong hobby that may become a carreer. hope this helps
I think we sometimes forget where we started.


btw, a whole bunch of us started out just this way, you'll find plenty of help here what ever you decide.
I re-read your parts list , you have a good start ,and the advantage of your dad already being involved.

 

Hi oa,
I'm not sure that rust in the windshield frame and birdcage are the start of a "learning experience".
Regards,
Alan

 

theres alot worse in the for sale section, if he didnt already have it , it would be different, but he does and he has parts.
this is my idea of a perfect project
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3s-...ebuilt-7k.html

 

Hi oa,
You may be right, but I'm thinking birdcage rust might deplete a new Corvette person's enthusiasm and budget.
Regards,
Alan

 

thats not really a project,lol its just an assembly job,all the hard work has been done.helluva deal though

 

thats why it such a nice one , all the pita stuff's done