mortgageguy

DG, I don't think its an economics thing at all. Heck, there are guys out there spending 7 to 10 k on engines. That's about what I would spend for a repaint. I think it's a matter of preference for each of us. We spend our money on what's important to us. In my retirement, I support my Corvette hobby by working part time with a guy that has a tree cutting business. That's hard work to keep an old car in good order. LOL Peace brother

mortgageguy

Ok, so here is an example of an exciting restoration project on my 72.
The charcoal vapor canister wasn't absorbing the fuel vapors anymore. Gas fumes were excessive in my garage when tank was full. I could not find any vendor that sold an exact duplicate of the original. I removed it, cut out half the grate on the bottom, put new charcoal and filters in it, repainted it and installed it. Exciting isn't it. Agonized over whether to use gloss, semi gloss, flat, semi flat, or satin paint. Total coat was less than $26. Would have been less, but I bought a large can of charcoal. I'll share it with my buddies .

chstitans42

Im starting one on a 1978 Silver Anniversary L82 4-Speed car. Ill be making videos on it so stay tuned. Going as close to stock as I can get it.

www.youtube.com/user/thecorvetteben

subscribe for updates.

Rowdy Rat

LOL... I do this too.

Were you the person who originally posted this procedure on the forum? Very cool stuff!

Regards,

Stan

mortgageguy

Nah, that's where I learned how to do it. I was surprised that you can't find repros anywhere.
That and the QJ carbs are the only two parts I know of that aren't been reproduced. As time goes by, I'll probably find others.

Alan 71

Hi RR,
I'm thinking the fellow who had the thread with the instructions and pictures showing how to decapitate and refill the vapor canister is a fellow from Australia or New Zealand….I think!
Maybe Craig?
Yup! CraigH, Canberra, Australia!
Regards,
Alan

midigike

I feel to that since the aftermarket has so much more now to offer and the struggles to find quality made or reproduced parts to do a "factory" style restoration it is much easier to modify or "rod" than leave correct and stock. I have seen personally guys that horde OEM, NOS parts on the garage shelves at their home b/c they do not trust the foreign made parts, but that also hurts the guys trying to do a quality to stock resto. The vendors just don't have the parts. It is life it happens.
I like to be safe and only "upgrade" when necessary, brake lines is a good example. But like stated earlier, you're car, you're money, make it the way you want it, we all have a Corvette Dream and each Dream is different!

Rowdy Rat

Alan,

Did a search and that's who I came up with as well. Great solution to an often overlooked maintenance item! A little activated charcoal, some foam, a factory filter, and a large O ring... A little bit of work and you're good to go for another forty plus years.

By the way, I dismounted the two Firestones that were on wheels so now all three tires are ready to go. Hopefully, I'll be able to get you up here in a few weeks so you can take a look at them.

Regards,

Stan

Don Rickles

Is that your wife's turkey basting pot under the car I see?



This is a current photo?

Don Rickles

Thanks for the cannister info!

Alan 71

Hi WB,
Yes, that's a current photo.
It all started when I came up with an original aluminum radiator.
The original from this car looks beautiful but 'weeps' along it's bottom tube.
The turkey pan is actually MY mother's pan. Anne and I use HER mother's pan for the turkey.
Regards,
Alan

Alan 71

Hi RR,
Thanks for the update! I do want to get those tires from you.
We're going to be away for a few weeks but I'll call you when we return.
Are you in Wisconsin or on your way? I continue to be a bit bummed about not going but it's proved to have been a good idea that we're still at home until next week.
Regards,
Alan

71 Green 454

Hi Alan, is the air cleaner breather tube grommet on your RH valve cover like the original? I see it has a flat section on top, not round like the original one on my '71 BB. I ordered one from Willcox but they sent me a different part# than I ordered, it's round like mine, but it's 3/4" and I need a 1" opening for the breather tube to fit. When I removed air filter housing, I noticed the original grommet is cracked.

Willcox is doing some research, I sent them a couple of photos of mine.

Regards,

Dave

I have an AIM for my car, it's called Alan's Incredible Memory!

oldgto

For all of us 71 owners!

Alan 71

Hi Green,
I believe that typically the sb steel valve cover grommet for the breather had the flat top while the bb valve cover has the round grommet….but I'm unsure about the grommet in the LT-1's aluminum valve cover.
It's somewhat memory but more so a few sources to search through!
Regards,
Alan

Don Rickles

Here is a picture of first the BB then the LT 1.

Alan is correct on the BB with the round grommet and it is the same round found on the aluminum LT 1 valve cover grommet.

530planeman

Stan being an old Marine ('69 '70 Viet Nam) I not a face book guy but I will have my daughter help me find your restorations. I am working on a '70 putting LS 5 in it ,even though the car had Motion mods when I bought it I am putting as many original parts as I can find (and afford) . I would like to drive up and see your cars if you allow visitors ? I now live in northern Kentucky.
I herd you are doing a big block ? Question , will an M21 hold up on a stock LS 5 ?

71 Green 454

Thanks WB, maybe Willcox will figure it out today. Here's a picture of mine....looks like the one in your BB photo.
Hey....I looked at a ton of BB photos trying to find one with the spark plug wire bracket mounted on the 2nd lower valve cover bolt. There it is in your photo....I couldn't get any responses when I posted. I put mine back on like the one in your picture.

Don Rickles

Glad the pictures are of help to you! The purpose for starting the thread in the first place! Sorry, I missed your request for this information previously......I think there is a black plastic protector on that wire holding bracket?

I do notice a difference in the LT 1 vs. the BB now that they are seen side by side. The LT 1 doesn't have the embossed letters seen on the BB grommet, it also appears slightly different in size.



WB

Faster Rat

You mean like this one? Think it would fit? Might not be factory correct though.....