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Hey all, purchased an 81 that had been sitting in the Florida weather for quite a while and decided to tackle a restomod build. I’ve never done anything like this but I have wanted a Vette for several years now. After the tow truck dropped it in my driveway, I stripped what was left of the interior, (several parts were missing, gauge cluster, transmission panel, etc). Found both floor pans rusted through and #2 mounts rusted good. Other than that, no major rust. Pulled engine and transmission for a rebuild and increased power, (should get on this after the frame is complete). Lifted the body with an engine hoist, built a dolly that I found a plan for on the forum and went to work. We’ve now gotten the front end cleaned and built with new bushings, rebuilt calipers, drilled/slotted rotors and new brake lines. I’ve welded new mounts on the frame, rust treated and painted the frame, (wife and daughter did a lot of the painting) and getting ready to update the rear suspension and differential.
I’m on it after work almost everyday for a few hours and all day Saturday, Sunday’s after church. Almost two months since we purchased it and we want to see it done but done right. I’m pushing to have it done and heading for paint by March.
Went with urethane all around for the suspension and differential bushings. The sway bar end links are urethane but the center bushings are rubber. Not sure if I’ll use urethane on the body mounts yet though, rubber may be best with urethane everywhere else.
learning how to post pics😁, I tried a few times so I’ve posted a few pics somewhere but can’t find them. Oh well. Clean brake and suspension, wheels should add a nice look
Pulled the right side trailing arm today and replaced the right side bushings on the differential carrier. Going to press the hub out for bearings and seals and to clean and paint the arm. I had to cut the bolt through the TA bushings but not as bad as I thought. I used a die grinder and cut one side, then shifted the arm all the way to the cut side and cut off the other end. I then cut another 1/2 inch of the first end and voila, pulled the whole thing out where I was able work on the seized up piece out in the open. Really only took like 15 minutes to cut the bolts and get the arm off after the suspension was removed. The torque rod may be the hardest part to get off, lol.
Well, seems this hub is going to give me a run for my money. I’m going to try something tomorrow that we’ve used in the shop on our diesel motors. If it breaks, Vansteel is only a short drive across the bay.
Trailing arms are done and installed with new shims, bushing, bearings, cups, parking brake gear, and cable. Differential seals and gaskets are on the way along with all new u joints. Hoping to have the frame done in a week or two since the block and engine parts will be picked up this week from the machine shop. Enjoying the building process and seeing progress
Looks good. Did you clearcoat the batwing? It will stay shiny for years with automotive clearcoat (not the spraycan stuff/it gets cloudy).
No clear coat, just a wire brush but I will consider it if I can find someone who can, (I only know how to use spray can clear coat, lol). Not a bad idea though, I’ve got enough aluminum to polish on my motorcycle.
I’m on it after work almost everyday for a few hours and all day Saturday, Sunday’s after church.
Congratulations on your drive and determination. I wish I had a fraction of that drive. I don't have a regular job and if I put in 10 hours a week on my project I figure I'm doing good.
Got both TA’s installed and rotors are on awaiting wheels and calipers. Will paint calipers tomorrow and install this week. Also replaced all of the differential seals, gasket and bushings. I’m not sure if I want to paint the rear spring yet but will definitely paint the half shafts, they have been touched up with a rust conversion for now. New tank and spare tire holder should be installed this week and then it’s on to engine build. Really enjoying the build, had the wife helping me today, (think she wants to drive it),��.
Thanks Sabre34, should have the rear calipers built and installed Wednesday and will try to install the spring and spare tire carrier. Hoping to start on the engine build next. I see you are in Parrish, I work a few minutes away in Palmetto. I actually bought the car in Parrish back in August.
My First Build
