C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

1968 build log "Elise"

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 20, 2017 | 05:05 PM
  #1  
Chonciceptor's Avatar
Chonciceptor
Thread Starter
Instructor
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 136
Likes: 6
From: Waco Texas
Default 1968 build log "Elise"

Starting my very slow complete restoration of my 1968 corvette coupe "Elise." As you'll be able to tell in the pics, she has been pretty much gutted lol. The engine bay was gutted when I purchased her and I took out what there was of the interior, which was pretty much trash. The seats, however, aren't in that bad of shape, so I will redo them in time.














I have purchased the AIM and chassis service manual, and the glas-ra dvds for body work, so I should be good to go on resources 😁😁. I'm pretty sure I'll have tons of questions as I go though hahahaha.
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2017 | 05:14 PM
  #2  
Alan 71's Avatar
Alan 71
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 120 Days
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,278
Likes: 4,372
From: Westminster Maryland
Default

Hi C,
Well, a 68 coupe!
It appears this one will take all the skills and patience you presently have and may require that you learn a couple more and pray for even more patience!!!!
I'll be interested to see how you progress!
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

Appears that there are LOTS of things missing…. will this be a parts HUNT too?
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2017 | 05:20 PM
  #3  
bazza77's Avatar
bazza77
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 633
From: perth western australia
Default

what a project !, I notice the previous owner started to cut rust out of the birdcage .
Does "Elise" need to have her front clip taken off to get at the rust ?

What's the plan for the engine/gearbox ? staying with a manual ?
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2017 | 05:45 PM
  #4  
Chonciceptor's Avatar
Chonciceptor
Thread Starter
Instructor
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 136
Likes: 6
From: Waco Texas
Default Hi Alan

yes this will definitely be a parts hunt, however, if things go as I would like, this will be a restomod, so a lot of what's going in will be aftermarket tech that will look a lot like stock, and upgraded look if you will lol.
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2017 | 05:48 PM
  #5  
Chonciceptor's Avatar
Chonciceptor
Thread Starter
Instructor
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 136
Likes: 6
From: Waco Texas
Default Hi bazza77

i think that is actually just rusted through, I am already in search of the center roof support and I'm afraid the I will indeed need to remove the front clip, as I'm sure the lower windshield is trash as well, but we'll see lol. I am probably going to go LS with a T56 magnum combo, but again, time and money will tell, first thing is first, making it safe lol!!!
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2017 | 05:56 PM
  #6  
bazza77's Avatar
bazza77
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 633
From: perth western australia
Default

Originally Posted by Chonciceptor
i think that is actually just rusted through, I am already in search of the center roof support and I'm afraid the I will indeed need to remove the front clip, as I'm sure the lower windshield is trash as well, but we'll see lol. I am probably going to go LS with a T56 magnum combo, but again, time and money will tell, first thing is first, making it safe lol!!!

maybe look for a parts car , if your not worried about the wiper cover( and its mounting points on the lower windscreen surround) you could use a later model birdcage in there as is .

maybe first thing to do would be to get the windscreen out to allow a proper check of the metal and see just how much needs work
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2017 | 06:14 PM
  #7  
Chonciceptor's Avatar
Chonciceptor
Thread Starter
Instructor
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 136
Likes: 6
From: Waco Texas
Default

Most of the birdcage seems to be solid so far, at least around the mounting points so hopefully just the windshield surround and center brace are all that need work, which I have been informed is very intensive so I'll probably farm that out.
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2017 | 06:35 PM
  #8  
bazza77's Avatar
bazza77
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 633
From: perth western australia
Default

Originally Posted by Chonciceptor
Most of the birdcage seems to be solid so far, at least around the mounting points so hopefully just the windshield surround and center brace are all that need work, which I have been informed is very intensive so I'll probably farm that out.
have you checked the sill panels , especially at the pillar mount points, from underneath ? one of mine rhs#2 looked great from inside but was rotten under the f/glass
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 20, 2017 | 06:37 PM
  #9  
Chonciceptor's Avatar
Chonciceptor
Thread Starter
Instructor
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 136
Likes: 6
From: Waco Texas
Default

Yes sir on removing the windshield, that plus the removal of all the trim is the next project when I get home
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2017 | 06:41 PM
  #10  
ddawson's Avatar
ddawson
Le Mans Master
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 5,738
Likes: 644
From: Lincoln, CA
Default

My what big hole you have in the firewall.
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2017 | 06:54 PM
  #11  
Chonciceptor's Avatar
Chonciceptor
Thread Starter
Instructor
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 136
Likes: 6
From: Waco Texas
Default

Originally Posted by ddawson
My what big hole you have in the firewall.
😂😂😂
speaking of that big hole, I'm guessing that is where the heater pump was, am I right? If so, since I will be going with a vintage air gen IV unit, can I cover this up?

Last edited by Chonciceptor; Jul 20, 2017 at 06:55 PM. Reason: Mis-spelled
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2017 | 07:37 PM
  #12  
bazza77's Avatar
bazza77
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 633
From: perth western australia
Default

Originally Posted by Chonciceptor
😂😂😂
speaking of that big hole, I'm guessing that is where the heater pump was, am I right? If so, since I will be going with a vintage air gen IV unit, can I cover this up?
yeah I think VA supply a cover for that hole or you could glass it in , they supply a quad bulk head fitting for the 4 lines .
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2017 | 08:36 PM
  #13  
loup68's Avatar
loup68
Melting Slicks
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
Veteran: Army
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 504
From: myrtle beach sc
Army
Default

I can't figure out what that black cylinder/tank is under the dash interior. I don't think that that is a stock item. Lou.
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2017 | 08:39 PM
  #14  
bazza77's Avatar
bazza77
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 633
From: perth western australia
Default

Originally Posted by loup68
I can't figure out what that black cylinder/tank is under the dash interior. I don't think that that is a stock item. Lou.
on the right side , pointing out the heater box hole ? fresh air vent tubing , goes to the ball vent in the dash panel normally
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2017 | 09:37 PM
  #15  
doorgunner's Avatar
doorgunner
2026 Loser of the Year
Supporting Member
10 Year Member
Veteran: Army
Photogenic
Photoriffic
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,599
Likes: 7,046
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Default

Once the interior is scrubbed/cleaned....insulate it from front to rear...you won't regret doing it.......







Reply
Old Jul 20, 2017 | 09:51 PM
  #16  
cdl49's Avatar
cdl49
Instructor
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 136
Likes: 17
From: mackinaw IL
Default

Originally Posted by bazza77
on the right side , pointing out the heater box hole ? fresh air vent tubing , goes to the ball vent in the dash panel normally
I think Lou is asking about the tank looking thing about 12 inches to the right of the steering column bracket on a 45 degree angle. Dean
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2017 | 01:51 AM
  #17  
bazza77's Avatar
bazza77
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 633
From: perth western australia
Default

Originally Posted by cdl49
I think Lou is asking about the tank looking thing about 12 inches to the right of the steering column bracket on a 45 degree angle. Dean

isn't that the wiper motor recess ?
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 1968 build log "Elise"

Old Jul 21, 2017 | 03:06 AM
  #18  
Giddy-up Go's Avatar
Giddy-up Go
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,519
Likes: 505
From: Bussey, IA
Default

Hello "C" and welcome to the forum! Great project! You can do what you want, and are in a position to get all the frame and suspension issues dealt with! Take the time and do it up right and the way you want. BTW I have family in Waco and have spent a lot of time there. Great place!
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2017 | 07:39 AM
  #19  
revneck's Avatar
revneck
Racer
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 336
Likes: 14
From: Upstate New York
Default

Looks bitchin with donut spares on all for corners! lol
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2017 | 08:20 AM
  #20  
Corey_68's Avatar
Corey_68
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,454
Likes: 665
From: Republic of Texas
Default

Looks like a great project.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:29 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE