Hi,

About 5 years ago I purchased the car I've always wanted.....a 1980 dark blue/light blue pinstriped; mirrored T-top Corvette. It's been stored in my garage (we live in Central NJ) for most of that time & barely driven (34,000 original miles). I've now decided that I'd really like to get her back on the road. Problem is that I picked my car like I would pick a race horse (alas, I don't gamble)......if I like the colors they are wearing or their name. I truly need to find a great corvette mechanic & auto body shoppe that can help make my dream car perfect. Needs a bit of engine work (stalling), as well as air conditioning tune up. Inside is completely original....even has a non-functioning CB radio. I thought that was very funny.....like in Smokey & The Bandit. And, a new paint job, as the original paint (at least I think it's original) is cracking. I'm a complete novice in this world, so any advise at all would be very helpful!

 

Welcome from a ‘72 owner, you should check out the C3 sections, and if you get a chance; post some pictures of your 80!

 

Moved to C3 General.

 

Welcome

 

You might try Steve Russ at Russ Corvette Restoration in Hainsport for the paintwork. His work is very high quality, yet his prices are fair. Like most good restoration shops, he's probably about a year out on work (I think he's currently scheduling work for 12 or more months from now). He can do mechanical work, but because of the backlog of paint work he has, he usually only takes it on when it's part of a paint job or full restoration. You can see some of his work on his Facebook page under Russ Corvette Restoration (for some reason the Forum wouldn't let me post a link to his page). His number is 609-351-6971, but he can be tough to reach on it sometimes.

You can also try Corvette Paramedics in Mt Holly. They do repairs and mechanical work, but not any paint or bodywork. Ed who runs the shop, knows what he's doing, and they do decent work, but they can be expensive.

There was a very good father and son Corvette restoration shop in Chatsworth, but the son ran into some personal issues that forced them to close. I think he may be doing some work again part time from his home in Manahawkin. Pat had been doing everything from minor mechanical work, to paint work, to full body off restorations. If you're interested in them, PM me and I'll reach out to him or his father, and see if they are currently taking on any work.

Welcome to the Forum!

 

welcome

 

Welcome. You've started in the right spot! Almost everything I know about my 1980 and all the work I've learned to do has been because of this forum and similar online content (YouTube, FB, etc.) If you have patience and the desire to learn, you can do a lot of the work for less money, and it comes with a side of satisfaction. If you would prefer to have professionals do most of the work, just be sure you choose them carefully (many mechanics are younger than your Vette and have little experience with C3s), and be prepared to spend quite a bit more. Referrals, such as from gbvette62, are a great way to find reputable pros. Enjoy your Vette!

 

welcome!

 

hi. are you capable of working on this car? because about every 10 years belts and hoses start going bad. check the tire age and and step on the brakes HARD. TOO hard. if a line or seal is gonna pop it is far better that you are not moving at the time. find the date codes on your tires. they have 8 to 10 year lifespans too. if you have to pay somebody for every thing this car is gonna need it will eat you alive. stalling. implies it runs. buy a timing light and between google youtube and us you will get the ignition figured out. then if still stalling you send the carb to a guy on here named Lars and it will come back way better than when new. for the most part every job you learn and buy the tools to do is less pricey than paying somebody else to do it. and you will have the tools and the knowledge left over. good luck. keep us posted on progress. and post pics. engine without air filter. body. interior. any underside pics you can get.

 

Welcome to the CF! Lots of great info and smart fellas ready to share their knowledge and experiences.

 

Welcome from another Jersey-ite, The guys above covered it as far a corvette specific shops... For engine work any good hotrod shop can cover your 350, Joe's Transmissions in Hamilton is a respectable trans/driveline shop. I mention that because corvette Paramedics does really good work they also charge good for it so save them for the truly Corvette specific stuff if you can. I know a couple of the mechanics and they are good and honest...They also have a 3 Month backlog last I checked.

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Welcome to the C3 Forum. Derek has some good DIY advice.
If you have a fat wallet let a quality shop do the repairs....
or tackle the small problems yourself to build confidence