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I thought I'd do a post on the journey I have taken with my 81. It seems like it is now pretty much where I want it. Sure there are things I still need to do, and could do, but for the most part, the big things are done and the car is a blast to drive and own.
It all started out 8 years ago with me and my son passing by a small rural used car lot and there was this old beat up red 81 Corvette sitting on the lot with $6900 on the windshield. We joked about buying it as we drove by. Well something must have clicked because the next day I had it in my driveway. Bought it on a credit card for around $5500 knowing NOTHING about cars and even less about Corvettes. Not sure how it even happened - just the way things worked out, and my son liked it.
When I got it, it had had the motor replaced with a mild 330 HP crate motor but that was it. The rest of it was original, and everything needed attention. It leaked coolant, trans fluid, oil, and who knows what else. But it was cool and I had a Vette. It was strange because I would have never thought I could own one. Although I did get lucky as far as the frame of the car, it's in great shape - almost no rust which is good because I didn't really check it out much.
So over the years I have done (in rough order): radiator, rebuilt the front suspension, redid the weather stripping, carpeting, converted it to a 4 speed, rebuilt the trailing arms, installed Vortec heads, rebuilt the rear end to a 3.54, added sidepipes, a couple different carbs, changed trans again to a 5 speed, then … last fall bought a new engine - a Blueprint 383. So this is where we are now. Pretty much all done! Except for paint. The thing is I never had a plan, never had a budget and just did what I could afford and accomplish at the time. I have learned a ton doing all this and with help from this forum. I actually feel like I know what I'm talking about on some of this stuff now. My plan was always drive it in the summer and work on it all winter. And it kept me busy every winter. Did I mention I amassed a collection of tools? One of the perks haha.
Anyways, it's been a long 'road' - and no I'm not getting rid of it! It's the best it has ever been now and I enjoy the hell out of it. And after swapping the engine it actually looks like a show car now. Oh yeah, and it hauls ***.
I share your enthusiasm. I purchased my '81 five years ago. I have done modifications and repairs with much help from my the CF members. I thought I would never get to the day that I could drive it without something breaking or leaking. I'm going on about 2 months now without incident. I love driving the car. I drive it probably about four days a week now. It's so satisfying to know that my blood, sweat, frustrations, and money were worth it.
ok you wanted pictures... had to pick and choose, there are so many
My older son taking the car on Homecoming dance ... and he made it back. Could have been the last time the car saw rain. Carpet Good shot of the garage One of the new carbs Pulling in! My younger son working helping I think we all know what this is The culprit that caused a couple scratches! Converting to a four speed At the dragstrip (couple years ago) the new engine
Been a long road...
