1978 Corvette Restoration
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1978 Corvette Restoration
I purchased this 1978 Corvette in Huntsville, AL. It was a two-hour drive from my home, the car didn't run, and I had to trailer it home. The next day it's running ok, but the transmission is bone-dry. Fill it up with ATF and she goes. Only the brakes don't work. Lift it, pull the wheels, bleed all brakes, and she's finally drivable. I plan to pull the motor and tranny, strip it down, and do a mostly body-on restoration. I researched the VIN, and the engine should be an L48. The hood has L82 emblems. Guess I won't know which engine it is until I get the block stamp, see the crank, or see the cam bolts. I asked the seller, but he thought it was a 454 BB. One thing I already appreciate about this 1978...it's easy to work on...bled the brakes by my lonesome with no issues. In the pictures, you can see that the lights are stuck up. I couldn't get them to go down...until I bled the brakes. Craziest thing. I started it after I bled the brakes and the lights went down...go figure. This is my first corvette and my first restoration. I'll post pictures as I go and I look forward to getting plenty of advice from you all. Thanks in advance.
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From: Chino CA
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Thanks Mr Jlr, I'll give it a try. Researching official wheel size for the 78 and found two references:
15 x 8.5
15 x 8
Anyone know which is correct? Also found standard tire size as 225/70R15, with 255/60R15. Are those correct?
15 x 8.5
15 x 8
Anyone know which is correct? Also found standard tire size as 225/70R15, with 255/60R15. Are those correct?
Burning Brakes
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From: Surrey British Columbia
Obviously the brakes are in no way connected to the vacuum system that works your pop-up headlights. Curious why the headlights didn't drop after you got the car running the first time. If the vacuum has been released from the system, usually the headlights will drop seconds after the car is restarted - but only if the headlight switch and vacuum overide switches are pushed in.
Good luck with your resto. As you get into disconnecting the engine you may want to take back your comment about Vette's being easy to work on.
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From: Shamong, NJ
For 1978, the standard tire was a Goodyear P225/70R15. A P255/60R15 Goodyear Radial GT, was available as an option on all 78 Corvettes, except the 78 Pace Cars, which came standard with the 60 series tire.
The standard P225/70R15 had a black side wall. The P225/70 was available in a white lettered version as an option. The 60 series GT Radial, only came in a white lettered version.
Your 78 originally had a label on the drivers door, that listed the original equipment size tire installed on it.
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Great info gbvette62 and thanks. Here's the reference that threw me off:
http://www.ncccroadrunner.com/rulebo...eels-Tires.pdf
Every other reference I found indicated it was 15 x 8.
Thanks also 80Baby. I hope it doesn't get difficult, and if it does, I've got nothing but time.
If anybody knows where I can get some good up-close looks at the 78's interior, I'd appreciate it. Some of the pictures I've been able to find don't make sense...like the center console. The carpet runs all the way up to the shifter. Is there anything behind the carpet acting as support, like metal fab. Mine is missing, so I don't know. I'm learning more everyday and having a great time about it. Thanks again.
http://www.ncccroadrunner.com/rulebo...eels-Tires.pdf
Every other reference I found indicated it was 15 x 8.
Thanks also 80Baby. I hope it doesn't get difficult, and if it does, I've got nothing but time.
If anybody knows where I can get some good up-close looks at the 78's interior, I'd appreciate it. Some of the pictures I've been able to find don't make sense...like the center console. The carpet runs all the way up to the shifter. Is there anything behind the carpet acting as support, like metal fab. Mine is missing, so I don't know. I'm learning more everyday and having a great time about it. Thanks again.
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From: Shamong, NJ
New carpet kits come with the side console carpet pieces, but not the cardboard backing. The cardboard backers are available, for about $30 a pair.
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Thanks gbvette62. I don't like the way it looks in the few pictures I've managed to find and can't believe they used cardboard. This was a premo ride for the day...how could they? Many of the dashboard pieces also seem to be cheapo plastic. I want to keep it original, as much as possible, but I also want to put my signature on it, and end up with some quality. I think the interior is the appropriate place. I'm thinking some real woods, diamond plate, leather, etc. Any thoughts?
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From: Southbound
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Purchase the 78 assembly instruction manual (AIM) and the GM chassis service manual before you get too far in to your project. You'll find you are likely to use each on a regular basis.
If you do not have an owner's manual, order a reprint. Lots of valuable information in the owner's manual.
Who did the engine work? Alternators mount on the left in these cars.
If you do not have an owner's manual, order a reprint. Lots of valuable information in the owner's manual.
Who did the engine work? Alternators mount on the left in these cars.
TheCorvetteBen
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From: Van Alstyne, TX
Looks like your interior was red at some point, and someone changed it to black. That makes me think your car wasn't originally blue, other than the fact the the inside of your hood is blue as well, i believe they left them black... Just some observations from the pics
Last edited by chstitans42; Oct 18, 2012 at 12:34 PM.
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I saw that too. It came equipped with AC from the factory but the compressor, typically located where the alternator is, has been removed. The hood has L82 emblems, but I researched the VIN and it reflects L48. Probably won't know if it's 2 bolt or 4 bolt until I go into it unless you know a way to differentiate from the pics. I plan to pull the engine next week and start breaking it down. Think I'll stick with the black interior, factory red for the exterior. Something I can't figure out as well, if you look at the pic showing both seats, there's a half moon something missing from the door panel at the back end. Any idea what went there? Also the little missing square pieces on the opposite side.
Last edited by staffgill; Oct 18, 2012 at 01:09 PM.
Drifting
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I saw that too. It came equipped with AC from the factory but the compressor, typically located where the alternator is, has been removed. The hood has L82 emblems, but I researched the VIN and it reflects L48. Probably won't know if it's 2 bolt or 4 bolt until I go into it unless you know a way to differentiate from the pics. I plan to pull the engine next week and start breaking it down. Think I'll stick with the black interior, factory red for the exterior. Something I can't figure out as well, if you look at the pic showing both seats, there's a half moon something missing from the door panel at the back end. Any idea what went there? Also the little missing square pieces on the opposite side.
Last edited by 81pilot; Oct 18, 2012 at 03:20 PM.
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The half moon on the back is where the door striker is correct? And the squares are where there used to be electric door lock /unlock buttons. Looks like the whole car used to be red based on where the blue rubbed off in spots. Also don't be too shocked if you find the motor is not even out of a Vette. Find the numbers and run em, you will know at least what it may have come out of.
Team Owner
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L-48s are two bolt.
Go here: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...x.php?cmd=area and see if you can obtain a copy of the original dealer invoice for your car. The invoice will list all the options, prices, original dealer, expected date of delivery, etc.
I was able to get a copy of the dealer invoice for my 80.:
Go here: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...x.php?cmd=area and see if you can obtain a copy of the original dealer invoice for your car. The invoice will list all the options, prices, original dealer, expected date of delivery, etc.
I was able to get a copy of the dealer invoice for my 80.:
Last edited by Easy Mike; Oct 18, 2012 at 04:21 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Midland Ontario
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Purchase the 78 assembly instruction manual (AIM) and the GM chassis service manual before you get too far in to your project. You'll find you are likely to use each on a regular basis.
If you do not have an owner's manual, order a reprint. Lots of valuable information in the owner's manual.
Who did the engine work? Alternators mount on the left in these cars.
If you do not have an owner's manual, order a reprint. Lots of valuable information in the owner's manual.
Who did the engine work? Alternators mount on the left in these cars.
Kinda like it over there, especially if non AC. Sure gives you the room to access the PS resevoir. Wondering what bracket they used. Same year Camaro/Firebird would get you home; but the water pumps are different. I was planning on contacting Alan Grove over the winter to achieve this exact configuration.
Last edited by briankeery; Oct 18, 2012 at 05:08 PM.
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This one's in Clanton, AL. I hope to pull the motor next week. I'll try to get some info and better pics of the alt bracket and post for you guys.