I'm getting a vette finally
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Vivian Louisiana
I'm getting a vette finally
I'm about to buy a 78 corvette from thecorvetteben. I know I'll get flamed by purist for this but I'm converting the dash to the 74 to 77 style and the rear deck to the flat rear window style. I plan on a frame off restoration repainting it black with tan interior. I've wanted a c3 corvette 74 to 77 style since I was a kid but this one is the only one I can afford and doing all the work myself it shouldn't be too bad on the wallet. I also plan on taking out the automatic transmission and replacing with a 4 speed. Can't wait to get it home but it's still a couple months away.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Vivian Louisiana
There is a 73 that doesn't run close to Ben he could get it running for me but it has the454 so I wouldn't be able to afford putting gas in it plus it's a auto too. Most I find are way outta my price range and I've found that 4 speeds are hard to find around here. I'm on disability so I can't afford some of the prices of c3s here so I have to work with what I can. Now c4s are cheap around here but I've always wanted a c3 I did find a 75 with a 396 out of a chevelle in it but I missed out on it. I'm a good mechanic and fabricator built a camper shell and stepside fenders for a truck out of fiberglass so I'm good with that area. Unless Ben gets another one closer to what I want I'll have to make due with what I can afford and make the corvette I want.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 649
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
Don't do it. If you really prefer the looks of the 74-77 you'll be save yourself a lot of frustration and be mucho time and money ahead to buy a 74-77 rather than converting a 78 to look like one.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,986
Likes: 6,212
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I'm about to buy a 78 corvette from thecorvetteben. I know I'll get flamed by purist for this but I'm converting the dash to the 74 to 77 style and the rear deck to the flat rear window style. I plan on a frame off restoration repainting it black with tan interior. I've wanted a c3 corvette 74 to 77 style since I was a kid but this one is the only one I can afford and doing all the work myself it shouldn't be too bad on the wallet. I also plan on taking out the automatic transmission and replacing with a 4 speed. Can't wait to get it home but it's still a couple months away.
Buying a 78 to do a frame off, full interior, tranny and body redesign to a 74-77 is an odd strategy indeed.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
buy a 77....and add the removable rear window.
buy the right car first, its less expensive in the long run and they are out there.
the 77 has the newer air controls and the older dash
buy the right car first, its less expensive in the long run and they are out there.
the 77 has the newer air controls and the older dash
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,151
Likes: 294
From: Opelousas, Lousiana
CI 6-7 & 9 Veteran
I agree with everything that is said here. Buying the right car in the first place will save you a ton of money and frustration in the long run. Then you can devote your efforts to making the car better. Also "frankincars" (cars that combine parts form different years) tend to be a tough resale. I am not against mods, but what you propose is more like grinding money. 
And as someone else has stated, 74-77 cars tend to be fairly inexpensive, probably no more expensive that a 78.
And as someone else has stated, 74-77 cars tend to be fairly inexpensive, probably no more expensive that a 78.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 4,508
From: Virginia
Is your day job building/repairing fiberglass boats, and you are looking for a long term project to fill your garage with dust? If so, it's your car, do what you want.
If you are looking for a car to drive, right now, buy a car you can drive, right now. You want a manual, good choice! Keep looking for the car you really want. If you still can't find it, I'd argue that a 5-speed manual conversion into a nice auto would be easier, and cheaper in the long run, than what you propose.
If you are looking for a car to drive, right now, buy a car you can drive, right now. You want a manual, good choice! Keep looking for the car you really want. If you still can't find it, I'd argue that a 5-speed manual conversion into a nice auto would be easier, and cheaper in the long run, than what you propose.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 649
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 4,508
From: Virginia
That's good news. I hope it works out. Will you ask to get featured in a video?
The 4-speed is the best part of my car. The bubble window and 78+ interior are #3 and #4, but that's a me thing. See if Ben has a set of 79+ seats though. You'll thank me when you drive it.
Good luck!
The 4-speed is the best part of my car. The bubble window and 78+ interior are #3 and #4, but that's a me thing. See if Ben has a set of 79+ seats though. You'll thank me when you drive it.
Good luck!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Vivian Louisiana
He said the worst thing about it is it needs new floorpans but he's gonna get it running and driving for me so I can drive it home. It probably will be featured in his videos. I'll have to do the cosmetics on it a little at a time. Also he's going to check the birdcage make sure it's solid. Hopefully it's solid it's been sitting since 96.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 649
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
He said the worst thing about it is it needs new floorpans but he's gonna get it running and driving for me so I can drive it home. It probably will be featured in his videos. I'll have to do the cosmetics on it a little at a time. Also he's going to check the birdcage make sure it's solid. Hopefully it's solid it's been sitting since 96.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Vivian Louisiana
He's going to check how solid the rest of the car is. Definitely a lot less than converting the 78 rear deck dash and trying to find all the bits to convert auto to stick. He sent some pics and said it does run but needs a carb rebuild. And he will get it where I can drive it home when I buy it. Then I can work on the floorpans repainting restoring the interior etc.