My '80 Thread
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Northridge CA
My '80 Thread
A few years ago my Aunt passed and she left me her white '80 with a 305. She loved that car, and being a car guy I wanted to keep it and restore it. 
Its had some issues like the loose steering, warn out suspension bushings, hadn't had an oil change in 15 years, etc...
Recently it failed its smog test so I took it over to the shop to see what they can do. Unfortunately, the 305 needed a rebuild, so I did what any rational car guy on a budget would do, drop in a 350. I haven't gotten it back from the shop yet, but figured I start this now. Here are some more pics.
It will be interesting to see where this goes, but i'm looking forward to putting some miles on this.
Its had some issues like the loose steering, warn out suspension bushings, hadn't had an oil change in 15 years, etc...
Recently it failed its smog test so I took it over to the shop to see what they can do. Unfortunately, the 305 needed a rebuild, so I did what any rational car guy on a budget would do, drop in a 350. I haven't gotten it back from the shop yet, but figured I start this now. Here are some more pics.
It will be interesting to see where this goes, but i'm looking forward to putting some miles on this.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
Since you're looking forward to putting some miles on it, ya oughta join us on the C3 cruise in May to San Diego's Plastic Fantastic event. See the thread in this forum. We have a shop in Palmdale and we specialize in C2-C4 vettes and we can redo your front suspension too.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 632
Likes: 38
From: Roseville CA
I hope you are planning on making this cruise.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...se-2013-a.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...se-2013-a.html
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 987
Likes: 7
From: Surrey British Columbia
Your aunt must have been a pretty cool lady. Good move with the 350. The 305 was just one big bowl full of wrong. Interesting picture of the interior. The park brake cover is black; doesn't match the interior. The seat hinge cover on the driver's side is missing too. But you don't need to fix those to enjoy the car.
Good move with the 350. The 305 was just one big bowl full of wrong. Interesting picture of the interior. The park brake cover is black; doesn't match the interior. The seat hinge cover on the driver's side is missing too. But you don't need to fix those to enjoy the car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 8,295
Likes: 30
From: one night in Bangkok you are never lonely
The 80 looks great and to replace the mirror glass in the visor is easy plus the small bits in on the seats are available new. Then its time to polish up those wheels and drive it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
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Race Director
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From: Chino CA
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Northridge CA
Your aunt must have been a pretty cool lady. Good move with the 350. The 305 was just one big bowl full of wrong. Interesting picture of the interior. The park brake cover is black; doesn't match the interior. The seat hinge cover on the driver's side is missing too. But you don't need to fix those to enjoy the car.
Good move with the 350. The 305 was just one big bowl full of wrong. Interesting picture of the interior. The park brake cover is black; doesn't match the interior. The seat hinge cover on the driver's side is missing too. But you don't need to fix those to enjoy the car. The interior has been messed with, before she got it. Apparently the door panels aren't stock either. Doesn't matter. I'm planing more comfortable seats and other bits. Looking to make to more comfortable to drive on a daily basis.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Northridge CA
OK. Got it back from the shop.
Along with the new motor, I had the guys fix the AC and heater. Good thing because this is what they found...
So much crap stuck in there that only a strip along the edge is clear. All new hoses, condenser, blower motor (95 Vette), and other goodies to many to mention.
So here is the before...
And here is the new 350...
I know its still missing the "hose" from the air box to the air cleaner but its on back order.
Its tuned for the break in so its not running perfect, and Im not allowed to go above 3000 rpm yet, but it already runs better than it did before. Heading out on a cruse this Saturday (weather permitting) so Ill be putting some more break in miles on it. Cant wait to open the taps on this.
Along with the new motor, I had the guys fix the AC and heater. Good thing because this is what they found...So much crap stuck in there that only a strip along the edge is clear. All new hoses, condenser, blower motor (95 Vette), and other goodies to many to mention.
So here is the before...
And here is the new 350...
I know its still missing the "hose" from the air box to the air cleaner but its on back order.
Its tuned for the break in so its not running perfect, and Im not allowed to go above 3000 rpm yet, but it already runs better than it did before. Heading out on a cruse this Saturday (weather permitting) so Ill be putting some more break in miles on it. Cant wait to open the taps on this.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,000
Likes: 299
From: New York
OK. Got it back from the shop. Along with the new motor, I had the guys fix the AC and heater. Good thing because this is what they found...
So much crap stuck in there that only a strip along the edge is clear. All new hoses, condenser, blower motor (95 Vette), and other goodies to many to mention.
So here is the before...
And here is the new 350...
I know its still missing the "hose" from the air box to the air cleaner but its on back order.
Its tuned for the break in so its not running perfect, and Im not allowed to go above 3000 rpm yet, but it already runs better than it did before. Heading out on a cruse this Saturday (weather permitting) so Ill be putting some more break in miles on it. Cant wait to open the taps on this.
Along with the new motor, I had the guys fix the AC and heater. Good thing because this is what they found...So much crap stuck in there that only a strip along the edge is clear. All new hoses, condenser, blower motor (95 Vette), and other goodies to many to mention.
So here is the before...
And here is the new 350...
I know its still missing the "hose" from the air box to the air cleaner but its on back order.
Its tuned for the break in so its not running perfect, and Im not allowed to go above 3000 rpm yet, but it already runs better than it did before. Heading out on a cruse this Saturday (weather permitting) so Ill be putting some more break in miles on it. Cant wait to open the taps on this.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Northridge CA
Going from a 305 to a 350 plus complete new cooling systems, complete new Heater and A/C and all things releated. New blower motor out of a 95 Vette so I can actually feel the A/C working. And a bunch of other stuff I cant remember. Rebuilds of this and that...
The invoice from the shop was three pages long. I'd rater not say exactly incase my wife finds out, but all that alone cost more than the car is worth. Just over five figures
.
