Looks like I will be aquiring a 78 Silver Anniversery from my Uncle back in Michigan next spring. It has 22K on it and has been mostly stored in his garage. I will be driving it to its new home in Colorado and plan on putting new tires, belts, hoses and changing fluids out before making the trip.
Any additional wisdom you can pass along would be appreciated. Should I be checking anything else?

Also thinking I will drive Route 66 from Chicago to Albuquerque as part of the Road Trip to get familier with her - suggestions...

Stoutstuff

 

Be prepared to work on the brakes before you go anywhere. The calipers are notorious for leaking so check that closely. You'll see brake fluid on the back of the tires after you exercise the brakes a little. The rubber hoses at the calipers tend to leak also.

 

When was the last time it was started and ran? How old is the gas? Has the carb been cleaned and kitted? Front and Rear wheel bearings? Last time it was on the road for an extended amount of time (4 hours). BKbioler is right replace all rubber items in brake system if it hasn't been done.

John

 

Check the date code on the tires too.

 

Unless you've got an uninterrupted month to spend on prep, a trailer might make more sense at this point in time. Route 66 isn't going anywhere.

 

+1 on the trailer advice. The brake calipers could give out at any random point while driving, and things like the radiator and power steering could spring big leaks.

It's hard enough keeping a C3 on the road with constant maintenance. One that may have sat for a while is an accident waiting to happen.



Rick B.

 

Comments and ideas appreciated! I have plenty of time to get her prepped and it's good to know the weak points. I just have to manage it from a distance...

Another question, would you use stock GM replacement parts or other custom sources and how hard are they to find? Use a Chevy Dealer or find a reliable shop that knows Corvettes?

Thanks! Jay

 

I would find a reputable shop that fits in your budget.

 

Tripple A is always nice to have

 

I think making an adventure out of bringing this car home is awesome! Just remember it's an OLD CAR, miles are low but that really doesn't mean much when you have a system failure 60 miles from Tucumcari NM. You never break down in Tulsa, you break down in Tucumcari or El Reno. The Route 66 is a big bucket list item for car guys, just do everything you can to make it successful and enjoyable.

Find reputable shop that knows Corvettes and C3 Corvettes (should be many in that area). Skip the Chevrolet dealership they have no specific expertise in these old cars, unless they happen to have a mechanic who is owns and really into C3 Corvettes. Try a restoration shop, I have a friend here that restores cars and has done many C3's. They have made several "stored" cars road worthy.

Try to find as much history as you can about the car and take that with you into the Corvette shop.
1)Have the rubber hoses and brake calipers been replaced, if so how long ago. If not replace/rebuild and have system completely service.
2)Have the front and rear wheel bearings been serviced, how long ago? If not recent have that done.
3) Has cooling system been flushed and serviced... etc.
4) Has fuel system been serviced. Today's fuels will cause points of failure such fuel pump.
4) As you already stated you will replace tires, hoses and thermostat and such. but don't forget about small things such as Headlights (they lose vacuum and burn out rapidly if they are original)
5) All systems with fluid should be changed and serviced including rear end and transmission.
6) Suspension components, have them checked and replace items.. needed.. (they may not have many miles but rubber deteriorates with age)
7) U-Joints replace them (that is very old grease in them)

You asked about original or OEM parts vs over the counter. You will find few OEM parts remain for these cars. But many reproduction parts are out there, you need to guide the service shop. I.E. do you want new heater hoses or do you want heater hoses with the reproduction GM logo.. quality is same but price totally different. It makes a difference if you plan on having it judged or trying to remain original/original looking.

Last I would tell you get Classic Car insurance with Roadside.. Don't just get insurance.

Enjoy your trip read this forum and you will learn so much.

 

Thanks for the tips!

Jay