Just wanted to first say thanks to all who post in this forum! I have spent many enjoyable hours reading about current and past projects,big and small. The huge amount of information available from the many experienced enthusiasts as well as those who make up for lack of experience with unbounded enthusiasm give this forum a life of its own!
I never really had an interest in Corvettes. I am a car guy through and through, but never had a desire to own a Vette from any year. I have always appreciated the looks and performance of 60s era models but never had the bug for one.
When I got out of the Army in early 77, I went to work at a Chevy dealership and worked on many 76 & 77 c3s. Most all were warranty jobs for electrical issues and the much despised " squeaks, rattles and water leaks". Being a flat rate mechanic these repairs consumed alot of time with little compensation being that one only got paid for the actual repair. There was a laughable saying from all the mechanics when presented with the jobs from the service manager. " WARRANTY WORK SUCKS!"
So through some cruel twist of fate or maybe karma, I wind up being the owner of a ragged out 1976 Corvette ! Sure brings back memories!
I had to laugh a bit when I went to look at the car and first thing spotted that cheap Vega steering wheel ! I hated Vegas! Although they put money in my pocket and scabs on my fingers, not to mention furthering my vocabulary.
I love big projects, and boy did I get one! The car was complete and running, drove and stopped OK. Handling was a little loose but not scary. So I had it delivered to my house and proceeded to assess how much love and money it was going to take to make a nice driver. First off, the paint was horrid, and the rear bumper cover had been changed to an SE , Which I thought looked bad. The paint was matched badly from the front 3/4 when the bumper cover was added after what I found must have been a hit to the rear end. I looked up the paint code and found that the original color was Orange Flame, and this being a favorite color of mine started the wheels turning and the wallet burning! Whomever came up with that phrase, " While I am it" , thanks alot! More later.......
http://s58.photobucket.com/user/Tallguy7556/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160914_111328166_zps4zdnfalo.jpg.h tml?sort=3&o=24

 

Jeff , I hope you love the car in the end but since you started out hating them I am skeptical since most people start out loving them and as the work goes on they start hating them . All I can say is " Hang in there buddy "

 

Hi Jeff,
WELCOME!
Interesting to read about your history and how you happen to now have this car.
I couldn't see the picture in this post, but could see it in your first post…. It looks pretty nice…. you're right, the 'custom' bumper cover doesn't do much for the lines of the car!
Good Luck as you get going on it!
Regards,
Alan

 

I just looked through your pics, your certainly deep in it now, rusty eh !

looks like your building a chassis there as well, what car is that for ?

 

Thanks for checking out my pics, still trying to figure out Photobucket to post pics. Yes, a bit rusty is an understatement! It will be a fun challenge to repair but I enjoy this stuff. Maybe a bit crazy but challenges are just that sometimes.
The chassis is for a t bucket project (my 3rd one) I started last summer but the Vette has started to occupy more real estate so I had to move it for now until I can shuffle stuff around. There is an LS engine sitting in the corner for the bucket, but who knows, it might end up in the Vette!

 

Thanks Alan! I already have removed that offensive bumpercover, might have to make a wall hanger out of it😁. I have to say your car is stunning! Your dedication to detail is impressive!
Your helpfulness on this forum as well as DUB are so appreciated. Thanks again!!!

 

thanks for the well wishes! I never hated vettes but just had no interest in them for so many years. Cost wise they were like unobtainium!
​​​​This new project kinda fell into my lap and the work involved in rebuilding is something I really enjoy. I tend to do things a little backwards, like research after instead of before getting involved. Must have a short-circuit in my brain!

 

Hi Jeff,
In your first post you mention that you're a 'car guy'!
That's what it really takes, because then playing with an old car can be such a pleasure!
Your car is a little out of my frame of reference, but if I can offer something I will.
Regards,
Alan