Planning a C3 Restoration
07-14-2019, 11:04 PM
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Planning a C3 Restoration
How to plan your C3 restoration project: 
1) Estimate the time needed for the project.
2) Estimate the financial cost.
3) Throw both of those numbers out the window.
4) Triple the original time estimate.
5) Quadruple the original cost estimate.
6) Realize you've still underestimated in both areas.
1) Estimate the time needed for the project.
2) Estimate the financial cost.
3) Throw both of those numbers out the window.
4) Triple the original time estimate.
5) Quadruple the original cost estimate.
6) Realize you've still underestimated in both areas.
Last edited by AdamMeh; 07-15-2019 at 10:20 AM.
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F22 (07-15-2019)
07-15-2019, 04:02 AM
#2
Melting Slicks
yeah project5s usually snowball once you get started.
mine started as a small project(sitting 17 yrs) to get the car on the road(all the regular stuff: brakes/hoses/tires/oil/tuneup/lights/suspension etc).
Man, since im down here changing the brakes, i might as well pull the rear end, do bearings seals, joints etc. maybe freshen up the underbody. drop the gas tank
Well since its off the road and im replacing the radiator/cooling system.. might as well pull the engine and fix that leaky coolant plug.(rebuild sb and trans)
Found a super deal on some bumper covers on craigslist, time for a paintjob. better do it right and strip everything. all new weatherstrips etc
the paint is way too nice, the chrome pieces and faded light lenses look old, better get new $$tuff. new tire$. the interior is looking outta place too.$$$
3 yrs later, almost see the light at end of tunnel
mine started as a small project(sitting 17 yrs) to get the car on the road(all the regular stuff: brakes/hoses/tires/oil/tuneup/lights/suspension etc).
Man, since im down here changing the brakes, i might as well pull the rear end, do bearings seals, joints etc. maybe freshen up the underbody. drop the gas tank
Well since its off the road and im replacing the radiator/cooling system.. might as well pull the engine and fix that leaky coolant plug.(rebuild sb and trans)
Found a super deal on some bumper covers on craigslist, time for a paintjob. better do it right and strip everything. all new weatherstrips etc
the paint is way too nice, the chrome pieces and faded light lenses look old, better get new $$tuff. new tire$. the interior is looking outta place too.$$$
3 yrs later, almost see the light at end of tunnel
07-15-2019, 06:16 AM
#3
Burning Brakes
07-15-2019, 06:31 AM
#4
Race Director
so, if i estimate a week and a hundred bucks...
07-15-2019, 07:23 AM
#5
Safety Car
Correct, but this is a hobby, so for me it doesn't matter about the time used.
And for the money, if you look, and keep looking, then you can find nice used parts, for a good price, or wait for good sales from our suppliers.
Right now I'm working on my Camaro Z28 it will take time, that is how it is, and I try to find parts, and buy, when there is a good offer.
Thx,
John
And for the money, if you look, and keep looking, then you can find nice used parts, for a good price, or wait for good sales from our suppliers.
Right now I'm working on my Camaro Z28 it will take time, that is how it is, and I try to find parts, and buy, when there is a good offer.
Thx,
John
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AdamMeh (07-15-2019)
07-15-2019, 11:19 AM
#9
Race Director
The cost and time relate to what you want for the end result.
You can build a stock engine for $6,000, or easily spend $20,000 on a fire breathing monster.
Trans, rear end upgrades, suspension upgrades, interior and paint, the list is endless.
If you want a really nice corvette to drive and show, the cost could be minimal.
If you want an NCRS award winner or a show piece that could compete on track days the cost could easily triple.
I look at it this way, my 73 will be a show car that could be a strong contender any track day.
Everything on my 73 will be new and the final cost after paint could be close to $60,000.00.
I’ve been collecting parts for close to three years and haven’t turned a wrench yet.
I’ve got 90% of everything I need to complete my rest/mod sitting on the shelf waiting to go.
But with the price of a new pickup going for $40,000.00, it’s not a bad price for a beautiful track ready show ready classic.
You can build a stock engine for $6,000, or easily spend $20,000 on a fire breathing monster.
Trans, rear end upgrades, suspension upgrades, interior and paint, the list is endless.
If you want a really nice corvette to drive and show, the cost could be minimal.
If you want an NCRS award winner or a show piece that could compete on track days the cost could easily triple.
I look at it this way, my 73 will be a show car that could be a strong contender any track day.
Everything on my 73 will be new and the final cost after paint could be close to $60,000.00.
I’ve been collecting parts for close to three years and haven’t turned a wrench yet.
I’ve got 90% of everything I need to complete my rest/mod sitting on the shelf waiting to go.
But with the price of a new pickup going for $40,000.00, it’s not a bad price for a beautiful track ready show ready classic.
07-15-2019, 01:08 PM
#10
Safety Car
How to plan your C3 restoration project:
1) Estimate the time needed for the project.
2) Estimate the financial cost.
3) Throw both of those numbers out the window.
4) Triple the original time estimate.
5) Quadruple the original cost estimate.
6) Realize you've still underestimated in both areas.
1) Estimate the time needed for the project.
2) Estimate the financial cost.
3) Throw both of those numbers out the window.
4) Triple the original time estimate.
5) Quadruple the original cost estimate.
6) Realize you've still underestimated in both areas.
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AdamMeh (07-15-2019)
07-15-2019, 03:31 PM
#11
Melting Slicks
Plan? You are supposed to have a plan? My plan was to have it done to take on a second honeymoon for our 40th in 2016. At the rate I am going maybe done for our 50th and I have to figure how to fit the walker in the back. And don't get me started on a budget...good thing I am having fun.
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AdamMeh (07-15-2019)
Sounds about right!
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C3 4ME (07-16-2019)
