Hello, new to this forum and also at being a corvette owner so any help would be really appreciated. Reader's Digest version: I just recently came into possession of my parents original 1975 L-48 Corvette with 56k original miles. It hasn't run in approx. 30 years but has been garage kept and covered most all of those years. It doesn't currently run (needs new carburetor, clutch assembly, fuel pump, AC unit...and a few other things I'm sure though I haven't had it running to see). The body is really decent shape but the interior is going need to be replaced. Ideally, I was wanting to restore from the bottom up to where it looks and feels factory new but...I want to take out the 350 that's in it and replace it with a stronger engine (383 Stroker has been suggested). I really have no idea how much doing all this will cost but the vehicle is a family item that I don't want to part with and I don't mind spend some money on making it look and run new (maximum budget of 35k). I'm going to be relocating to FL (Tampa Area) in the next 3-6 months and I'm hoping to find someone who can do the work. Is that budget realistic? Does anyone know of a reputable shop that can do what I'm wanting? I'm sure there's other info. I have can provide that I haven't mentioned here so fire away with any questions. Any help would be greatly appreciate...thanks JS

 

Welcome to the forum for starters...

The first thing I see is that you don't need a new carburetor necessarily... you could just rebuild and hoop up the old one, a good carb man can do this for you, or you could go aftermarket with a different intake... that would be your call based on what you do engine wise.

Saving the original engine is a smart move you can purchase sb 400 and stroke it.. On my 62, I built what I called a hammer engine that I could care less if I blow it up... and put the original in storage.

Interior is not any issue for us, depending on what you need to replace.. you can email me at service@Willcoxcorvette.com or sales@Willcoxcorvette.com with the interior color and I can get you a quote on everything you need.

Personally, my thoughts on your budget.... You are a bit high... But this would be pending on if you do most of the work yourself or write the check.... this makes a huge difference. Paint.. we had a customer in the shop the other day that paid 4500.00 for a paint job and the thing looked awesome.

His interior choices cost him some money because he had a 76 and wanted it in 1972 red. So all the parts were custom made which adds to the cost.... but even then all things considered and us doing the work he still came in way under your budget.

Willcox