79 Corvette Build Thread
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 582
Likes: 9
Hmmmmmmmmmmm........
Two PVC flanges joined together with the correct length of PVC pipe to equal 1" from flange face to flange face.
Then remove excess material so that flanges are the same diameter as the blower housing and the box housing mating surfaces.
Drill mounting holes in PVC flanges to match OEM holes in the box and the blower housing.
Paint designed for plastic parts should stick if PVC is wiped with acetone to remove slick surface before spraying spacer.
Two PVC flanges joined together with the correct length of PVC pipe to equal 1" from flange face to flange face.
Then remove excess material so that flanges are the same diameter as the blower housing and the box housing mating surfaces.
Drill mounting holes in PVC flanges to match OEM holes in the box and the blower housing.
Paint designed for plastic parts should stick if PVC is wiped with acetone to remove slick surface before spraying spacer.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 582
Likes: 9
So it has been a while since I have posted anything, been really busy with work and what little spare time I have had has been working on the car. Kind of going slow but I have completed the grinding out of the factory filler and have refilled the body seams and have it all sanded. I do have a little bit of sanding in the door jam area and should then be ready to get a few coats of primer on the car before its to cold to paint.
I plan to then start reassembling as much as I can with the exception of the exterior parts. I am then planning to start block sanding later this winter so that I can paint in the spring when it warms back up.
I did just pull the rear glass out. I was really worried about it but it turned out to be really easy. I used windshield cutting wire that I got from the auto parts store for $8.00 and it took my wife and I about 10 minuets to cut it out.
I plan to then start reassembling as much as I can with the exception of the exterior parts. I am then planning to start block sanding later this winter so that I can paint in the spring when it warms back up.
I did just pull the rear glass out. I was really worried about it but it turned out to be really easy. I used windshield cutting wire that I got from the auto parts store for $8.00 and it took my wife and I about 10 minuets to cut it out.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2008
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Its funny, I have a 3/4 ton Suburban that sits stock height and has a big block and my hoist will not lift the engine out over the radiator support unless I remove the tires and lower the truck, but it worked to lift the Corvettes body off with no problems.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 222
Likes: 4
From: Cameron Park California
I am going to assume that it is a 2 ton. The arm has markings for up to 4000 lbs and the bottle jack is a 3 ton. It had plenty of room to lift the body over the engine and fuel tank, could have lifted it a foot or so more and that is with the car sitting on jack stands at a height that still allowed me to reinstall the wheels.
Its funny, I have a 3/4 ton Suburban that sits stock height and has a big block and my hoist will not lift the engine out over the radiator support unless I remove the tires and lower the truck, but it worked to lift the Corvettes body off with no problems.
Its funny, I have a 3/4 ton Suburban that sits stock height and has a big block and my hoist will not lift the engine out over the radiator support unless I remove the tires and lower the truck, but it worked to lift the Corvettes body off with no problems.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2008
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I had the last two days off so I spent them working on the vette! I finished with the sanding on the seams that I refilled and the other areas that I repaired and then sprayed two coats of primer. I had a few low spots and some small divots that I sprayed a 3rd coat just in that area that is why in the photos there are a few areas that look like runs, but its just areas that I tried to build up.
Next I am going to work on other thinks like the dash area, under the hood and completing my exhaust. I will block sand in a few months and will paint in the spring. I just have to much left to be able to paint anytime soon and its getting cold here. Today was warm, mid 60's but lately the highs have been low 50,s and freezing and snow/ice at night. Will save the block sanding for when it is to cold to do anything else. Last January with a big propane heater I was able to get the garage up to the mid 30/s but that's because it was below 0 out side. I sure do miss living in Texas!
Here are a few photos in primer.
Next I am going to work on other thinks like the dash area, under the hood and completing my exhaust. I will block sand in a few months and will paint in the spring. I just have to much left to be able to paint anytime soon and its getting cold here. Today was warm, mid 60's but lately the highs have been low 50,s and freezing and snow/ice at night. Will save the block sanding for when it is to cold to do anything else. Last January with a big propane heater I was able to get the garage up to the mid 30/s but that's because it was below 0 out side. I sure do miss living in Texas!
Here are a few photos in primer.
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Advanced
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 89
Likes: 4
From: Vilonia Arkansas
mac79vette,
Everything is looking great! I know how you feel about the weather. After 5 years the Army just moved me from Ft Bliss in El Paso to Ft Meade between Baltimore and D.C. It'll take me a while to get used to the "cooler" weather out here, but hey, at least it was green out here this summer. Where are you at now?
Mike
Everything is looking great! I know how you feel about the weather. After 5 years the Army just moved me from Ft Bliss in El Paso to Ft Meade between Baltimore and D.C. It'll take me a while to get used to the "cooler" weather out here, but hey, at least it was green out here this summer. Where are you at now?
Mike
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Pro
Joined: May 2008
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Progress has been slow lately. Busy at work and its been cold, in the negatives with high temps in the teens. In my garage with a propane and a electric heater I can only get temps to the high 40's.
Started working on the insulation and getting the various parts on the dash installed.
I need to order more insulation
Started working on the insulation and getting the various parts on the dash installed.
I need to order more insulation
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 582
Likes: 9
When I got the car in 1998 one of the valve covers were cracked so I replaced them with ones from Ecklers. They apparently were powder coated and the black powdercoating was coming off so I attempted to strip it with paint striper. Still have some to get off and then will polish the valve covers. I am also thinking about having them re powdercoated but with a coating that is similar to aluminum. Any thoughts on what would look best?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2008
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So I am really close to picking out a set of rims. I know what size I want but have been torn on a rim. I want to try to keep "in the spirit of stock" or as others may say retro. Most of the rims that I like just scream after market, but I found the American Racing Rally wheels which I think will fit the bill.
I am going to go with 18 X 8 with 255/45/18 on the front and 18 X 10 5.5 in back spacing with 285/40/18 tires on the rear.
I am going to go with 18 X 8 with 255/45/18 on the front and 18 X 10 5.5 in back spacing with 285/40/18 tires on the rear.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 483
Likes: 3
From: d.d.o quebec
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 483
Likes: 3
From: d.d.o quebec
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 582
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Yes the bumpers were a pain to remove. Do you have photos up of what you are doing and what kind of modification do you plan to do on it?
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: n.y.
79vette resto
I just purchased a 79 vette and want to do the same thing right down to the black and silver paint job,love it,ive already purchased a 383 stroker,carpet set radiator,calipers,roters,suspension bushings etc.frome the firewall back it looks pretty easy,but from the firewall foreward it looks kind of scary especially in the front where all the headlight crap is,is there any pointers you could give me,i want to look just like your when I get it done.thanks for any help
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 582
Likes: 9
Hmmmmmmmmmmm........
Two PVC flanges joined together with the correct length of PVC pipe to equal 1" from flange face to flange face.
Then remove excess material so that flanges are the same diameter as the blower housing and the box housing mating surfaces.
Drill mounting holes in PVC flanges to match OEM holes in the box and the blower housing.
Paint designed for plastic parts should stick if PVC is wiped with acetone to remove slick surface before spraying spacer.
Two PVC flanges joined together with the correct length of PVC pipe to equal 1" from flange face to flange face.
Then remove excess material so that flanges are the same diameter as the blower housing and the box housing mating surfaces.
Drill mounting holes in PVC flanges to match OEM holes in the box and the blower housing.
Paint designed for plastic parts should stick if PVC is wiped with acetone to remove slick surface before spraying spacer.
