Stuck with a 74 vette
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Stuck with a 74 vette
Sounds weird huh? But it is what it is. I’m 21 years old guy who owns a 1974 Corvette with a sad story behind it. I’m willing to keep it and resurrect it 
even though it’s going to cost me a lot.
To be honest, I know nothing about cars. That's why I came here, to seek help and guidance. And here in my country most of the repair shops have no clue about the car, so I'm planning to take it to another country near me where there is an auto repair shop that do a full restoration. I’m saving my money right now for it.
I have lots of questions in my mind, and I hope someone can help me with the answers.
* excuse my bad English, I’m still learning.
even though it’s going to cost me a lot.
To be honest, I know nothing about cars. That's why I came here, to seek help and guidance. And here in my country most of the repair shops have no clue about the car, so I'm planning to take it to another country near me where there is an auto repair shop that do a full restoration. I’m saving my money right now for it.
I have lots of questions in my mind, and I hope someone can help me with the answers.
* excuse my bad English, I’m still learning.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 82,175
Likes: 1,319
From: McKinney TX
St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23-'24
Welcome to the forum.
Ask your questions about your car here:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c3-general-119/
or here:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...performance-3/
Ask your questions about your car here:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c3-general-119/
or here:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...performance-3/
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,405
Likes: 24,797
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Good luck with your car and welcome to the forum.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 789
Likes: 129
From: Los Banos CA
It could be worse - you could be stuck with a Ford! 
(just joking!)
Fill us in on your 74 - your location, the sad story, and pictures. Don't worry about your english - it looks pretty good to me! The forum has many members outside of the US, so there might even be somebody near your location.
(just joking!)Fill us in on your 74 - your location, the sad story, and pictures. Don't worry about your english - it looks pretty good to me! The forum has many members outside of the US, so there might even be somebody near your location.
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
Pro
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 526
Likes: 113
From: Seattle WA
Good luck with the project. By the way your English is as good as any 21 year old in the US that I know of. You even prefaced your opening sentiments with the phrase “to be honest” much like a young person here does.
I’ve always wondered about that phrase. Why does anyone feel the need to tell us they are going to be honest? When I see or hear that phrase it makes me question whatever follows.
As fas as your 74 goes, it seems the best thing you can do is pick the correct shop since you’re paying to have a professional restoration done.
I’ve always wondered about that phrase. Why does anyone feel the need to tell us they are going to be honest? When I see or hear that phrase it makes me question whatever follows.
As fas as your 74 goes, it seems the best thing you can do is pick the correct shop since you’re paying to have a professional restoration done.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,151
Likes: 294
From: Opelousas, Lousiana
CI 6-7 & 9 Veteran
Not meaning to rain on anyone’s parade, but I hope you are aware that a 74 may not be worth near the cost of a full-blown restoration. This is especially true with someone else doing the work. You may well spend $40,000 on a $15,000 car. You might want to check the value of this car before you start writing checks.
As long as you go in with eyes wide open, you will be good.
As long as you go in with eyes wide open, you will be good.
Last edited by crawfish333; May 29, 2019 at 05:11 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 548
From: Round Rock Texas
It could be worse - you could be stuck with a Ford! (just joking!)
***Fill us in on your 74 - your location, the sad story, and pictures.***
Don't worry about your english - it looks pretty good to me! The forum has many members outside of the US, so there might even be somebody near your location.
(just joking!)***Fill us in on your 74 - your location, the sad story, and pictures.***
Don't worry about your english - it looks pretty good to me! The forum has many members outside of the US, so there might even be somebody near your location.
And, welcome to the Corvette Forum!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 724
From: Marietta GA
You would be wise to obtain a number of parts catalogs from various Corvette parts suppliers. The catalogs are free (in the US) and are great way to see how different assemblies are put together. Also obtain the AIM (assembly installation manual) and Chevrolet Service Manual for 1974. These can be purchased from vendors or used on eBay. Welcome to the Forum.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,400
Likes: 1,226
From: Tampa Florida
Sounds weird huh? But it is what it is. I’m 21 years old guy who owns a 1974 Corvette with a sad story behind it. I’m willing to keep it and resurrect it
even though it’s going to cost me a lot.
To be honest, I know nothing about cars. That's why I came here, to seek help and guidance. And here in my country most of the repair shops have no clue about the car, so I'm planning to take it to another country near me where there is an auto repair shop that do a full restoration. I’m saving my money right now for it.
I have lots of questions in my mind, and I hope someone can help me with the answers.
* excuse my bad English, I’m still learning.
even though it’s going to cost me a lot.
To be honest, I know nothing about cars. That's why I came here, to seek help and guidance. And here in my country most of the repair shops have no clue about the car, so I'm planning to take it to another country near me where there is an auto repair shop that do a full restoration. I’m saving my money right now for it.
I have lots of questions in my mind, and I hope someone can help me with the answers.
* excuse my bad English, I’m still learning.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Thank you for the great welcome guys, I really appreciate it.
I read all the replies and I would like to thank you for all the compliments on my English, Thought it was really horrible. Still learning and thanks for the positive push.
So my car’s sad story ( I will make it as short as possible) is that I didn’t buy it for me in the first place, it was meant for someone that I considered him as a brother. Been together for a long time, at some point he faced so many problems (drugs), I stood up for him when everyone gave up. We agreed to close up the past and have a new clean start. I wanted to give him something to lift his spirit up (I knew he wanted an old 70s corvette) so I found this car for around $8000 and it was the only one for sale here in my country at that time, so I bought it. The sad part is he broke his promise, tried to fool me after all my attempts to help him. I caught him with his old habits. So that was it, we reached a crossroads, now I’m left with this car that I don’t know anything about, and he left with his habits.
A big part of me wants to keep the car and restore it, and the other part wants to cut my loss off, so I’m here to sort it out with you guys. I know as @crawfish333 noted that a '74 is not a valuable car
( I guess because of the rubber bumpers ) it isn’t really the case for me, I’m not willing to restore it to sell it! I just want to know if the car is restorable with a reasonable cost.
The problem with the car right now is the flat tire, the left rear tire seems to be punctured and I tried to lift it with a jack but a scary cracking noise came up and the car didn’t lift, is it a rust issue? it has been sitting for 5 months now and I really want to change the tire so I can take it with me, as I moved to another apartment where I have a private parking space.
I’m from Saudi Arabia. People here prefer Japanese cars over any car, that’s why repair shops have no clue about the Corvette. I have been in 3 shops and no one knew what my car was, they were shocked when I told them it was a Chevy
*** I know I took so long to reply back, but I had 12 hrs nightshift and it was very exhausting.
I read all the replies and I would like to thank you for all the compliments on my English, Thought it was really horrible. Still learning and thanks for the positive push.
So my car’s sad story ( I will make it as short as possible) is that I didn’t buy it for me in the first place, it was meant for someone that I considered him as a brother. Been together for a long time, at some point he faced so many problems (drugs), I stood up for him when everyone gave up. We agreed to close up the past and have a new clean start. I wanted to give him something to lift his spirit up (I knew he wanted an old 70s corvette) so I found this car for around $8000 and it was the only one for sale here in my country at that time, so I bought it. The sad part is he broke his promise, tried to fool me after all my attempts to help him. I caught him with his old habits. So that was it, we reached a crossroads, now I’m left with this car that I don’t know anything about, and he left with his habits.
A big part of me wants to keep the car and restore it, and the other part wants to cut my loss off, so I’m here to sort it out with you guys. I know as @crawfish333 noted that a '74 is not a valuable car
( I guess because of the rubber bumpers ) it isn’t really the case for me, I’m not willing to restore it to sell it! I just want to know if the car is restorable with a reasonable cost.
The problem with the car right now is the flat tire, the left rear tire seems to be punctured and I tried to lift it with a jack but a scary cracking noise came up and the car didn’t lift, is it a rust issue? it has been sitting for 5 months now and I really want to change the tire so I can take it with me, as I moved to another apartment where I have a private parking space.
I’m from Saudi Arabia. People here prefer Japanese cars over any car, that’s why repair shops have no clue about the Corvette. I have been in 3 shops and no one knew what my car was, they were shocked when I told them it was a Chevy
*** I know I took so long to reply back, but I had 12 hrs nightshift and it was very exhausting.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Take some pictures of the car. Interior, exterior and if you can some pictures of the frame. If it is a rust bucket or a total bad car it may be better to cut your losses and move on. We have seen some pretty bad cars come back but it is real expensive. Since you are from a different country it will be even more expensive. Pictures will tell a lot of the story.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,232
Likes: 1,232
From: PHX AZ
Welcome. I just got back from Saudi. Riyadh to be exact. There is a huge American Airbase there and most likely that's where the car originated.
First, Jack up a Corvette SIDE BY SIDE or FRONT OR BACK...but NEVER from a corner. SO get TWO jacks and lift the offending SIDE or (say) rear.
the cracking sound was probably the body mounts and fiberglass 'complaining' LOUDLY! LOL
Frankly, I have had a lot of Corvettes and the '74 is one of my Favorites.
Of the C-3 'mid-years' soft nose and tail cars...it's the best looking, without the black bumperettes added to later years. Smooth nose and grille area.
It a REAL dual exhaust car...no catalytic converter. Last of the old simple cars.
Post up some pix...You probably have a 'gem' there but don't know it yet.
GUARANTEED. If you get it running...you will make a big impression anywhere you go! It's unlikely that it's a rust-bucket....HOT AND DRY.
Good luck.
Unkahal
First, Jack up a Corvette SIDE BY SIDE or FRONT OR BACK...but NEVER from a corner. SO get TWO jacks and lift the offending SIDE or (say) rear.
the cracking sound was probably the body mounts and fiberglass 'complaining' LOUDLY! LOL
Frankly, I have had a lot of Corvettes and the '74 is one of my Favorites.
Of the C-3 'mid-years' soft nose and tail cars...it's the best looking, without the black bumperettes added to later years. Smooth nose and grille area.
It a REAL dual exhaust car...no catalytic converter. Last of the old simple cars.
Post up some pix...You probably have a 'gem' there but don't know it yet.
GUARANTEED. If you get it running...you will make a big impression anywhere you go! It's unlikely that it's a rust-bucket....HOT AND DRY.
Good luck.
Unkahal
Last edited by L-46man; Jun 13, 2019 at 12:56 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
youtube is your friend. but if a tire is a problem for you, rehabbing this car may be more than you want to deal with. rust issues. go to post 107 in this thread. it is the original first post. good description of all the bad stuff to avoid. also goes in to your own expectations-abilities-budget. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...orvette-6.html