1978 Corvette Restoration
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Man you are an inspiration! I put my '78 SA up for sale after it seemed like I would just never have the time to really make any progress on its restoration. After reading this thread and seeing the excellent progress you have made in a few short months I realize I just need to focus some time and energy on my car and get it back on the road. Thanks for the great thread.
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Body Work Done
I'm so glad that part's over. If I don't see sand paper or paint for quite some time I'll be a happy man. The paint's not perfect, but I'm not after a show car...like I said before, it's about the journey for me. I cut and buffed it, backed it up for a wash, and cranked it today. She sounds so good. I tapped the accelerator and she chirped both tires and left some rubber on the driveway. I still need to put the stuff back on but I'm ordering gaskets for the lock cylinders and door handles. Also ordering a weatherstrip kit, light kit for the back, and AR23 wheels.
I think I'll take a break until I get the wheels and stuff installed before I start on the interior. It was nice to get the garage back, and the wife will be a happy camper when she gets home from work and realizes the garage is back to normal. I'll post more pics as I get stuff done.
I think I'll take a break until I get the wheels and stuff installed before I start on the interior. It was nice to get the garage back, and the wife will be a happy camper when she gets home from work and realizes the garage is back to normal. I'll post more pics as I get stuff done.
Melting Slicks
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From: Titusville Florida
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The Journey Continues
I keep telling you guys this is about the journey for me. All weekend I thought about the 78. I was happy with the finish, but I wasn't satisfied. I wanted stripes, or something. The wife had talked me out of it, but I wasn't convinced. And if I didn't do something, I would always have wondered what it might have been. I couldn't let that happen. So...
I'm retired Air Force, and I decided on something that would be simple, yet distinct. In my mind, it's a stealth fighter/bomber, and if you look at it closely enough, you'll see it. Otherwise, the lines are clean and give it a look of "Speed". I am so happy with the result and I'm glad I went back and shot the graphics. Wheels and lights are on the way...and the journey continues.
I'm retired Air Force, and I decided on something that would be simple, yet distinct. In my mind, it's a stealth fighter/bomber, and if you look at it closely enough, you'll see it. Otherwise, the lines are clean and give it a look of "Speed". I am so happy with the result and I'm glad I went back and shot the graphics. Wheels and lights are on the way...and the journey continues.
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Melting Slicks
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From: Titusville Florida
a 13 or 14 Ram is in my future, well if I can ever slow down on spending money on the Vette (notice I said slow down), she's taking all my spare money but I've come a good distance in a short time... Some day mine will look as good as yours
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I can imagine you've about had it with painting, and all that goes with it. I'm a mixed bag with mine, not looking forward to all the hard elbow grease but I am looking forward to getting rid of this crap paint job.
a 13 or 14 Ram is in my future, well if I can ever slow down on spending money on the Vette (notice I said slow down), she's taking all my spare money but I've come a good distance in a short time... Some day mine will look as good as yours
a 13 or 14 Ram is in my future, well if I can ever slow down on spending money on the Vette (notice I said slow down), she's taking all my spare money but I've come a good distance in a short time... Some day mine will look as good as yours
Heel & Toe
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From: Sterling Colorado
Great work. I hope to get my 78 Vette back by the end of the week. I took it back to the original SA paint scheme. This weekend I spent nine hours polishing the rims. I need one 255 Eagle gtii and can't find it anywhere in the US. You are right about it being a journey. I'm a retired school teacher, and a former student did the work. I can't wait to drive it.
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Great work. I hope to get my 78 Vette back by the end of the week. I took it back to the original SA paint scheme. This weekend I spent nine hours polishing the rims. I need one 255 Eagle gtii and can't find it anywhere in the US. You are right about it being a journey. I'm a retired school teacher, and a former student did the work. I can't wait to drive it.
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Thanks! Can't wait to get the wheels. Only paid $461, with center caps, lug nuts, and shipping. I got them from thetirerack.com. They have an app that allows you to view their wheels on your year model car...pretty cool. I tried more expensive wheels, but nothing beat the look of the AR23's, IMO. Hope they work out like I hope. I'll post some pics as soon as I get them.
Last edited by staffgill; Jan 8, 2013 at 01:54 PM.
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Wheels; American Muscle
Got the wheels on and I love them. They fit the car perfectly IMO. Also got the rear light kit on. Still need to put the side markers on but I'm still working on them. I modifying them a bit. Will post pics when I finish. Still haven't decided on an antenna yet. I'm thinking something modern, and nubby.
You probably can't see it very good but I also modified the gas lid emblem. Also modifying the "CORVETTE" emblem for the rear. Kept one of the old wheels and had an old tire mounted on it so now I have a spare.
You probably can't see it very good but I also modified the gas lid emblem. Also modifying the "CORVETTE" emblem for the rear. Kept one of the old wheels and had an old tire mounted on it so now I have a spare.