Where to start?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 13
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Where to start?
In 1977, my great grandpa bought a 77 vette, a white 3 speed l48. A few years later, my grandfather crashed it, so they put an 81 body on it, but also a convertible 75 top. Not many 81' convertibles out there! They threw an M21 Muncie, but kept the stock 3.08 gears, and paired with the l48 it is far from fast. I live in cali, and if AB210 (raises the smog year from '76 to 83') in 2020, we have a 454 to put in it. But since I can remember, it's sat under a cover. The radio and A/C don't work, but it has power windows that work. I like the look of the 77 tac/speedo dash but the center console looks way outdated, but I like the idea of the gauge cluster. The whole interior could use work. I just don't know where to start, I love the look of it and it's really a frankenvette. Any tips are appreciated!
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 99
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From: Southwick MA
I would start with the basics. Make sure the frame and bird cage are good. Check the brakes and suspension. Tires. All that should be in good working order before picking any other things to work on.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
Double check emissions rules on engine swaps in Cal. I HEARD that it has to be a CAR engine from the year the car was made or newer. And after 74 the big block was a TRUCK engine. Diff emissions specs than cars and may be flat out illegal even if you have a 2000 gen 6 efi setup on it and emissions are flying colors better than 77 350 specs.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 13
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I wouldn’t mind building the 350 that’s in it but I can’t even do that in Cali, unless AB210 passes. It has the wipers on the steering column and not by the AC vents. I think only the fuel gauge and Voltmeter work. She sounds nice on start up, which she does without any problems. There’s quite a bit of backfire and the clutch catches really late. We also have a convertible top in the garage and pop up headlights too, I’m not a fan at all of the set headlights, but to be fair I don’t find many C3 headlights attractive. But damn it has curves and I know it has power hidden in there
Last edited by Dauminator63; Jun 14, 2019 at 11:06 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
OK, those alterations are pretty much there to stay. Nice looking car and interior overall. I also don't like the headlights, but you need to find another 75-up vette to pull next to and start measuring. If the headlight holes are cut bigger or relocated, I would leave them be. Where to start? It rolls and idles? Then brakes. If they seem to work well, step on them like a 3-year-old just walked in front of you. Try to blow a line or seal with the pedal. If they hold up, you can trust them to a point. Next is backfiring issue. Gonna be ignition or carb or both. Start with ignition. Cal, you gotta pass emissions. Car has to run well to do that. Clutch pedal high. Probably pretty worn. YouTube clutch adjustment. No tire smoking until you have enough little stuff straightened out you are willing to tackle a clutch job. Clutch kits cost from 100 to 1500 bucks.
Last edited by derekderek; Jun 15, 2019 at 10:49 AM.
