Hi Everyone.
I have a 74 big block that I wish to restore. Have bought the books and follow another site that someone is doing up a 71 big block. I have searched the forum but I cant see where there is a history of one of the members documenting the step by step process. I am sure some have done that.
Failing that if someone has done the process and could give me a link to where I can either view or download their photos and suggestions/tips it would be really helpful.
The last thing I want is a crate full of parts with no idea where they should refit.
If anyone would like to chime in on what they found was the best house keeping approach with doing a restore I would be all ears.
Regards
Neville

 

Hi Neville,
I think many folks have found that taking a great number of photos as you take the car apart so you have them to refer to as you put it back together is an important thing do.
Also, it's important to control all the small parts and fasteners in bags and boxes with labels so you know where and what they are as you need them.
In controlling the parts and fasteners some folks find that breaking everything down into 4 areas helps too. The Exterior, the Interior, the Engine compartment including engine and transmission, and Chassis seems to work well.
Taking a car apart results in a TREMENDOUS amount of parts of all sizes and fasteners of all types. Keeping control of that is vital.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

 

I ve never done a frame off restoration on my 74 corvette, but I've owned it nearly 28 years . mine is still stock , if you need to know where something went .

Post pics of progress . Members catch all kinds of potiental problems and there are a lot of knowledgeable guys to assist .

 

go to corvette-restoration.com, this guy has been resttoring a corvette for years, and has great step by step of how he did his, you will have alot of reading to do.

 

First time if youre new to this try and leave it driveable

Do a section or xx components at a time

Something about jacking a body up a few in above the frame and taking it off completely that changes things. Kind of a what did I do moment thing.

Its then you see a car for what it is. Its never the same

Have a plan of attack, a theme and limits. Change things partway through your patience and VISA will get a workout.

 

Go through here and it will give you a good idea of what you have to look forward to. I myself have been through this process several time as well and have found that the best way to do this job is to work organized and methodically.

Tag, bag, and label all of your parts at the time of disassembly. Be sure your bags or containers are sealed tightly. Label all of your parts in such a way that the labeling will still be readable when you go back for the parts. Don't be hesitant to make notes and or small drawings to include with the parts when you bag them. NEVER think "Oh, I'll remember how this goes back together, I'll just toss these in the bag"! Believe me, you won't! Notes (and pictures) are handy for reassembling components that have same size but different length fasteners where it's not obvious which fastener goes into which hole.

Alan mentioned good tips. Take pictures. Have the assembly and service manuals handy at all times. It's also useful to get some 3M page tabs and mark pages in these books as you go...especially in the assembly manual. You will reference that book like crazy throughout the entire process.

For me, it was always easiest to restore the components I removed immediately after disassembly, in the area I was working in. I would then store those components for later reassembly. Doing it this way, when (for example) you start on chassis reassembly, you can work more like GM did on the line and install your fresh, new, clean components in an orderly and methodical fashion.

Doing it this way also helped me ensure I had all of the correct fasteners for the right locations ready to go. Through the years, previous owners or shops may have dropped or lost bolts and stuck substitute fasteners in their place to make it "work". It's easier and less frustrating to fix those issues on the front end, than it is at assembly time. It may seem like slower going on the front end, but you'll really move (and have a lot more fun) on the reassembly section of the resto.

All the best to you Neville!

Dave

 

Thanks everyone for those tips.
I have done a couple of frame off restorations on a locally made GM product similar to the Chevelle but the panel shop did most of the work. They had a zip bag system as well but after a couple of years its hard to know where things go.

Will get setup first with the storage racking system and plastic crates so its a easy restore. Well a organised restore.

Unfortunitly the 74 C3's have not gone up much in price so I will probably spend more than its worth in the end. Just dont tell the wife.


Regards Neville