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Well, it`s been a while, but our 71 coupe finally went down the street. MANY thanks to Willcox Corvette, for the parts, help, & advice in getting this thing together. And for all you other "builders" who have shared your photos, wisdom, secrets, tips, and ideas. Don`t know how this would`ve went without the great people on this forum!
As a refresher, for those who didn`t see it before.... my wife & I have been building cars since we`ve been together (married 35 years now). This was to be our last project and our first Corvette, a "retirement toy". We bought it from the 2nd owner.... it was a hot mess. The only thing it had going for it was numbers matching engine & drive train, a solid frame, and not too bad bird cage. It was stripped, & missing a LOT, but we could easily see what we were getting into.
One must understand that this is our hobby. We do it for fun. We are not concerned with how much, of how long, or what it`s worth. Though we do build "on a budget", it doesn`t mean short cuts or low quality, it just means it takes longer.
So grab your favorite beverage, take the phone off the hook, and browse through our last 5 years....here is our condensed "build thread"...... And finally, for the first time in MANY years, she moved under her own power! Still a few bugs to work out, but it`s very close!
Well, The last couple years has slowed us down, but we kept adjusting, changing, and tinkering with the car despite cancer, retirement, & covid.
Now we`re running it around the neighborhood & "breaking it in"......
Our thanks to all of you for your kind words of support, advice, technical help, & encouragement!
Tallk about making a Silk Purse out of a sow's ear... What a transformation. You took a car that was destined for the scrap yard and provided it with another LIFE!!
I have followed along watching and remembering some of the pictures, especially the one of gluing the from head light support. Thanks for some of the tips and pictures. The journey is what it's all about and this was a great one. The car looks great and I know the feeling is very rewarding. Maybe we'll bump into one an other since we are both in Florida. Congrats to both of you!!
2025 C3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (stock)
Wow, amazing what you two have done with that Corvette. I couldn’t imagine confronting such a task. Your patience, skill and knowledge are very commendable... I recently brought a 71 coupe as well but it’s in pretty good shape and all numbers matching. It’s a Texas car that was restored a few years back. I may be asking for you help/advice every now and then as issues come up, hope you don’t mind.
Once again congratulations on the build and I wish you and your wife many years of happy driving...👍🏻
Last edited by Daveinspain; Aug 22, 2019 at 04:25 AM.
Wow, just wow, the first few pictures, I said what a hunk of junk, and watching the transformation turning it into a beautiful C3, I would be proud to drive, and I know the same to you, something you build into beautiful Corvette
Truly fantastic work on your Corvette! Took a lot of work and optimism I am sure. Here is my GTO. 1966 is the only year! I have room for one more car in my shop. Been kinda looking around!!
Congrats on your now running down the road corvette! Haven't been able to touch mine (except for shifting its position in the garage every now and then) in quite a while but am looking forward to getting back to work on it soon. Hopefully my results will be similar to yours.
Old GTO`s build thread
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What a transformation. You took a car that was destined for the scrap yard and provided it with another LIFE!!
