Road Trip
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 341
Likes: 2
From: Elderslie, Scotland
Arrived safely last night fairly late on... Couldn't get the Vette to start so let it ride of the trailer. Got my son in it to steer it in the garage but the link on the steering box kept popping of.... Found my first jobs 
Charge the battery and fix the steering Photo's to follow 
Charge the battery and fix the steering Photo's to follow
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,056
Likes: 8
From: Redruth Cornwall
Glad you made it safely! Now we need pics!!!
What port did you pick up from? I only had a 420 mile round trip to pick up my old 75. Did it again for the wifes 69 Karmann Ghia.....Stil less than your 900 mile trip! lol.
What port did you pick up from? I only had a 420 mile round trip to pick up my old 75. Did it again for the wifes 69 Karmann Ghia.....Stil less than your 900 mile trip! lol.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 341
Likes: 2
From: Elderslie, Scotland
Picked it up in Chatham. Hard round trip, more or less non stop there and back. Boys were good at the docks, lovely 73 and a 50's sitting in there as well.
I'll post more pics up when I start work
Hooked up at the docks
Getting followed
Tucked up in Scotland
More pics when I get a chance.... Hopefully get the battery charged and steering stripped and sorted......
I'll post more pics up when I start work
Hooked up at the docks
Getting followed
Tucked up in Scotland
More pics when I get a chance.... Hopefully get the battery charged and steering stripped and sorted......
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 341
Likes: 2
From: Elderslie, Scotland
Thanks guys
So far the guy that had it in California has fitted a new wiper motor, radiator and fan (that I never knew). There will be other surprises as I go I'm sure.
The interior isn't that bad as you would expect from a well used 75 but I do have a full set of new carpets, replacement seat covers and installation kit as well as a full set of new weatherseals. I'll get some photos over the weekend and put them up..
Got loads to do.
Maybe when I get it done one of you guys could buy it and we can ship it back stateside
So far the guy that had it in California has fitted a new wiper motor, radiator and fan (that I never knew). There will be other surprises as I go I'm sure.
The interior isn't that bad as you would expect from a well used 75 but I do have a full set of new carpets, replacement seat covers and installation kit as well as a full set of new weatherseals. I'll get some photos over the weekend and put them up..
Got loads to do.
Maybe when I get it done one of you guys could buy it and we can ship it back stateside
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Do you need to convert to right-hand drive in Scotland? Will you be putting the lights back to original configuration? If you have to replace the front bumper, maybe putting the rear back to stock configuration would be the way to go.....jmo.
Looks good, good luck.
Looks good, good luck.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 341
Likes: 2
From: Elderslie, Scotland
Nope, it will be staying a left hooker no problems over here running a LHD....
I have a front nose for it. Not bothered at all in doing a restoration back to original spec. Reckon too many "Bubba's" have had a go at it
I'll get some photos up as soon as
no problems over here running a LHD....I have a front nose for it. Not bothered at all in doing a restoration back to original spec. Reckon too many "Bubba's" have had a go at it
I'll get some photos up as soon as
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 341
Likes: 2
From: Elderslie, Scotland
Some pictures of the Vette as it stands....
I've a wee issue to sort with the Transmission fluid on the garage floor and none in the gearbox need to get that sorted. The rag coupling is also slipping on the splines and shredding them slightly. Started stripping it. More tomorrow...
Looks like a new radiator and massive cooling fan. Anyone came across this before?
Looks like a new wiper motor
Overflow bottle?
Frame down the side. Doesn't look like much rust?
Under the rear, fuel tank
Rear lights are a mess, gonna look at a new wiring harness.
Rear body mount
New half shaft and bushes as well as new shocks
Apprentice fitter
I'll see what I can get once I get it lifted and I'll take some interior photos as well.... The wiring looks a mess and the only gauge that moves is the oil pressure and the Tach always starts at 2500rpm... The joys
I've a wee issue to sort with the Transmission fluid on the garage floor and none in the gearbox
need to get that sorted. The rag coupling is also slipping on the splines and shredding them slightly. Started stripping it. More tomorrow...Looks like a new radiator and massive cooling fan. Anyone came across this before?
Looks like a new wiper motor
Overflow bottle?
Frame down the side. Doesn't look like much rust?
Under the rear, fuel tank
Rear lights are a mess, gonna look at a new wiring harness.
Rear body mount
New half shaft and bushes as well as new shocks
Apprentice fitter
I'll see what I can get once I get it lifted and I'll take some interior photos as well.... The wiring looks a mess and the only gauge that moves is the oil pressure and the Tach always starts at 2500rpm... The joys
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
If I'm not being too forward Bill, I'm sure some other guys besides myself would be interested to know where you're at money wise at this part of your undertaking. I imagine it's quite pricey to import a car from Cali to Scotland; and obviously that factors into your budget. I would assume at this point you're around $7000 - $10000.
Close?????
Brian
Close?????
Brian
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 20
From: The only Corvettes in Highett Victoria
Some pictures of the Vette as it stands....
I've a wee issue to sort with the Transmission fluid on the garage floor and none in the gearbox need to get that sorted. The rag coupling is also slipping on the splines and shredding them slightly. Started stripping it. More tomorrow...
Looks like a new radiator and massive cooling fan. Anyone came across this before?
Looks like a new wiper motor
Overflow bottle?
Frame down the side. Doesn't look like much rust?
Under the rear, fuel tank
Rear lights are a mess, gonna look at a new wiring harness.
Rear body mount
New half shaft and bushes as well as new shocks
Apprentice fitter
I'll see what I can get once I get it lifted and I'll take some interior photos as well.... The wiring looks a mess and the only gauge that moves is the oil pressure and the Tach always starts at 2500rpm... The joys
I've a wee issue to sort with the Transmission fluid on the garage floor and none in the gearbox
need to get that sorted. The rag coupling is also slipping on the splines and shredding them slightly. Started stripping it. More tomorrow...Looks like a new radiator and massive cooling fan. Anyone came across this before?
Looks like a new wiper motor
Overflow bottle?
Frame down the side. Doesn't look like much rust?
Under the rear, fuel tank
Rear lights are a mess, gonna look at a new wiring harness.
Rear body mount
New half shaft and bushes as well as new shocks
Apprentice fitter
I'll see what I can get once I get it lifted and I'll take some interior photos as well.... The wiring looks a mess and the only gauge that moves is the oil pressure and the Tach always starts at 2500rpm... The joys
The '75 MY was the first with a non-mechanical tach, so as long as it works properly when the engine is running, that's no problem. If it plays up when running, then contact Willcox who have everything you need to rectify it.
Auto trans: you have a Turbohydramatic 400 (TH400) which is without a doubt the best three speed auto ever built, they're bulletproof. The fact that it leaks trans fluid means that more than likely the cork oil pan gasket has dried out and has failed. You can buy good ones made of rubber reinforced cork for not much money. You will need to unbolt and remove the pan and I would recommend that once off, you have a drain plug boss welded into it so that when you have to change the fluid in future, you just remove a drain plug and not the whole pan.
Assistant: You just know she's working out how much longer it will be before she has her license and the car is then "hers".
There's no such thing as a dumb question here, only dumb ***** that give you a flippant answer. Hopefully you'll get none of those. Ask away, we're here to help you.
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 341
Likes: 2
From: Elderslie, Scotland
Not at all forward Brian, I prefer to tell it how it is. Got me into a lot of trouble before mind you, speaking my mind
I paid $2700 for the car in California. That included the brand new 11 piece carpet kit, new replacement vinyl seat covers and installation kit, full weatherstrip kit and a new front bumper. Reckon to buy that and have it shipped to the UK would be near as damn the price of the car.
History of the car is very vague, I knew the last owner personally, Scotsman that moved to Texas and then onto Cali (he and his wife both worked for IBM) Graeme's wife was my old next door neighbour when we were young and kept in touch regular on Facebook. Anyway..... Graeme got the car as a hobby as the kids had moved away back to Texas for Uni and work and he wanted to fill his time. He has done a bit of work himself on the car but sadly he ended up with the big C and passed away. A local garage was planning to buy the car from his wife but was messing her about with price and was always letting her down regarding collection (I reckon he knew she was selling up and moving and planning to get the car cheaper through desperation) I stepped in and decided to try to get the car up and running in Graeme's memory. His family have all been round to see it, its kinda like a link to him for them....
It has cost me around $3200 to ship it here so without the components that came with the car your not a kick in the pants away with your estimate
It also came with loads of books including the AIM for a 77, but don't think that there will be too much difference, I have a 75 one on disc to refer to as well.
Reading the posts on here has really inspired me to make a go of this as my first project, Previously I have had a Firebird (1989) 88 Chevy Silverado, 85 Vette vert and the last was a 2004 Ford Lightning (loved that truck) Always been a Vette fan though....
The plan is to basically have a nice looking and running vehicle whist using this as a learning vehicle for the next purchase. I am not looking to restore to original. That would bankrupt me I think
Whats your thoughts? Gimme them straight, I don't mind
Bill....
I paid $2700 for the car in California. That included the brand new 11 piece carpet kit, new replacement vinyl seat covers and installation kit, full weatherstrip kit and a new front bumper. Reckon to buy that and have it shipped to the UK would be near as damn the price of the car.
History of the car is very vague, I knew the last owner personally, Scotsman that moved to Texas and then onto Cali (he and his wife both worked for IBM) Graeme's wife was my old next door neighbour when we were young and kept in touch regular on Facebook. Anyway..... Graeme got the car as a hobby as the kids had moved away back to Texas for Uni and work and he wanted to fill his time. He has done a bit of work himself on the car but sadly he ended up with the big C and passed away. A local garage was planning to buy the car from his wife but was messing her about with price and was always letting her down regarding collection (I reckon he knew she was selling up and moving and planning to get the car cheaper through desperation) I stepped in and decided to try to get the car up and running in Graeme's memory. His family have all been round to see it, its kinda like a link to him for them....
It has cost me around $3200 to ship it here so without the components that came with the car your not a kick in the pants away with your estimate
It also came with loads of books including the AIM for a 77, but don't think that there will be too much difference, I have a 75 one on disc to refer to as well.
Reading the posts on here has really inspired me to make a go of this as my first project, Previously I have had a Firebird (1989) 88 Chevy Silverado, 85 Vette vert and the last was a 2004 Ford Lightning (loved that truck) Always been a Vette fan though....
The plan is to basically have a nice looking and running vehicle whist using this as a learning vehicle for the next purchase. I am not looking to restore to original. That would bankrupt me I think
Whats your thoughts? Gimme them straight, I don't mind
Bill....
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 341
Likes: 2
From: Elderslie, Scotland
Willie,
The '75 MY was the first with a non-mechanical tach, so as long as it works properly when the engine is running, that's no problem. If it plays up when running, then contact Willcox who have everything you need to rectify it.
Auto trans: you have a Turbohydramatic 400 (TH400) which is without a doubt the best three speed auto ever built, they're bulletproof. The fact that it leaks trans fluid means that more than likely the cork oil pan gasket has dried out and has failed. You can buy good ones made of rubber reinforced cork for not much money. You will need to unbolt and remove the pan and I would recommend that once off, you have a drain plug boss welded into it so that when you have to change the fluid in future, you just remove a drain plug and not the whole pan.
Assistant: You just know she's working out how much longer it will be before she has her license and the car is then "hers".
There's no such thing as a dumb question here, only dumb ***** that give you a flippant answer. Hopefully you'll get none of those. Ask away, we're here to help you.
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
The '75 MY was the first with a non-mechanical tach, so as long as it works properly when the engine is running, that's no problem. If it plays up when running, then contact Willcox who have everything you need to rectify it.
Auto trans: you have a Turbohydramatic 400 (TH400) which is without a doubt the best three speed auto ever built, they're bulletproof. The fact that it leaks trans fluid means that more than likely the cork oil pan gasket has dried out and has failed. You can buy good ones made of rubber reinforced cork for not much money. You will need to unbolt and remove the pan and I would recommend that once off, you have a drain plug boss welded into it so that when you have to change the fluid in future, you just remove a drain plug and not the whole pan.
Assistant: You just know she's working out how much longer it will be before she has her license and the car is then "hers".
There's no such thing as a dumb question here, only dumb ***** that give you a flippant answer. Hopefully you'll get none of those. Ask away, we're here to help you.
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
The wee one gets her speed fix doing this....
But your right, she has been pestering me to go for a drive
Doesn't understand that it won't be for a wee while yet She is also talking Candy Apple Red
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Looks well bought Bill, and kudos to you for carrying on your friends legacy. I couldn't help but notice the new rad, as I recently replaced mine. I don't see a shroud for the rad....maybe you do in fact have it with your other parts. Corvettes are "bottom breathers", and as such it's imperative that the shroud be in place, unless you go to electric fans mounted directly to the rad. Your manuals will have pictures of the part. I'd recommend making a shopping list, and planning jobs months in advance, so you can make sure all your parts are at the ready once you begin a project. Even us guys on this side of the pond can't just run to the parts store for many of these items......so planning is essential. Any help I can offer, don't hesitate to ask....just giving back what has been given to me by the fine fellows on this forum. Nice to see an interested helper.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 341
Likes: 2
From: Elderslie, Scotland
Great advice Brian,
I've started a book with what I have been finding. And also prioritising what I need to do first. A friend of mine has a bodyshop and is keen on American cars (just got himself a Challenger) He will be painting the Vette and the damage to the front doesn't phase him. He also painted the 84 vert I had for the guy that bought it from me and did a great job.
No doubt I will be pestering the guys on here for regular advice
I've started a book with what I have been finding. And also prioritising what I need to do first. A friend of mine has a bodyshop and is keen on American cars (just got himself a Challenger) He will be painting the Vette and the damage to the front doesn't phase him. He also painted the 84 vert I had for the guy that bought it from me and did a great job.
No doubt I will be pestering the guys on here for regular advice