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I have been a frequent visitor of this forum for the last three years. I have joined and am posting for the first time. In May 2018, I purchased my Donnybrooke Green/ Green 1970 Coupe equipped with L-46, M-21, 3.70, AM-FM pushbutton radio and Audio Alarm System. The car just celebrated it’s 50th birthday on 05/11. It’s a numbers matching car, Engine, Transmission/Driveline, Starter and Alternator. The car presents well and appears to be solid without the usual rust trouble spots as far as I have observed. I removed the kick plates and inside is clean and mostly rust free. The frame and radiator support have little surface rust.
When I purchased this Corvette, the interior was mostly original including the T-Top bags. The front carpets had been replaced along with the lap belts. The exterior has been resprayed; however, the work is not of high quality. I have the 70-72 NCRS information manuals and judging guides. I have checked lenses, glass and various other parts for correctness and date codes. Many parts are date correct; however, pervious owners have made some modifications that would make it quite expensive to prepare for a NCRS flight judging. I believe a previous owner perhaps may have had some plans for racing the car as solid motor mounts, a scatter shield and a bigger cam had been installed. The car is also missing the complete original spare tire assembly, jack and handle. The original carburetor is long gone, headers have been installed on the car and various other parts have been replaced.
Of course, right after purchasing this car, I had a case of buyers remorse. It didn’t help when it broke down on a Saturday night and had to be returned to the house on a flatbed wrecker. It was sent to a recommended Corvette shop and many repairs were completed. I have limited mechanical skills, tools and workspace, so I paid, paid and paid!!! The exhaust system was replaced, most suspension was replaced/ rebuilt, motor mounts changed, carburetor and intake replaced, steering box rebuilt, distributor rebuilt, transmission rebuilt, clutch, flywheel and many other parts replaced. The brakes were checked and necessary repairs made. All fluid leaks were addressed and minor nuisances such as non-working alarm and door ajar lights were repaired. As the bias ply tires were old, new Firestone Wide O Oval radials from Coker tire were installed. The car spent almost four months in the shop. When I picked the car up, it was in much better shape. I have since had a few more items replaced/repaired and installed a Tilt-Telescopic steering wheel, new door panels and visors. I have kept the removed parts just in case.
I have read and learned so much on this forum and appreciate the member’s vast knowledge, skills and willingness to share! If I had been on this forum longer before purchasing my car, I would have undoubtedly made some different decisions on my Corvette purchase. That being said, I love C3 Corvettes, always wanted one, and am happy overall with mine. There are several more projects that are needed to bring the car to my desired condition. I would like to venture into the work I can do myself and am looking forward to learning. Some heavier work will have to be professionally completed.
I look forward to interacting with and learning from the exceptional members on this forum. I have included some pictures and will include more in future posts.
Welcome to the madness. Nice looking car!
they are never done. The joys of ownership of an old car. But it sure is great when people keep taking photos of it.
Welcome to the C3 Forum Mike. Happy Birthday to your car/it looks great.. I never owned a Corvette/always wanted one. The members have advised/encouraged me to start with easy repairs and "work my way up".
Keep the pictures coming. Continue in this thread or start a new one about the progress with your car.
first post is after buying the car. but... if you posted the #2 body mount pics nobody woulda said do not buy that car. unless they were gonna try to find it for themselves!
You have done well Mike! Not a requirement to turn wrenches to have or enjoy a Vette. We all make an investment in our cars in one fashion or another. Neither is better than the other. You have paid your dues, now enjoy it!
Hey Mike, welcome!! You have a beautiful car. Some stuff happened, but please don't let that dampen your enthusiasm for the car. It's part of C3 (or any other vintage car, for that matter) ownership and the experience will help give you confidence to tackle other stuff as it comes along. You're right about the great members of this forum - some really knowledgeable members who are willing to help. If you need answers, you'll get them here. If the rest of the cage is as clean as the one pic, you have a car with GREAT bones - the rest of the things that happen are just keeping a great C3 on the road. I like that color too. Post up more pics, share your experiences, and enjoy the club! Paul
Welcome and nice car! It's too bad the previous owner stopped maintaining your car, that left you with a long list and I'm sure a big number on the bottom of that receipt!
Some of us do a little homework and get a good car that needs a little love, but none of them are perfect.
Hello and welcome to the madness. Keep posting here there is a lot of good information to be had and some of us can be a bit rough at times but it is all in fun
You hav a great looking car there. Expectations can get you in trouble fast. Wanting a numbers matching everything stock 50 year old car can get expensive. If that's what you want just be ready to pay, pay .and pay some more especially if you don't do the work yourself. I think you have found that out already. Just enjoy the car, 99% of the people looking at it probably aren't as old as the car and won't know if some item isn't original to the car.
Welcome to the C3 Forum Mike. Happy Birthday to your car/it looks great.. I never owned a Corvette/always wanted one. The members have advised/encouraged me to start with easy repairs and "work my way up".
Keep the pictures coming. Continue in this thread or start a new one about the progress with your car.
DG, I remember members encouraging you to work your way up, but I don't remember the "start easy" part. As you approach completion,you've gone above and beyond!
My first post
Glad you found your voice!
