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Hello all! Just found this forum ad I am searching for relevant help on a ‘75 resto project. I am not a mechanic though I can do much of the basic kinds of stuff. My 17 yr old rising senior is really into cars (my fault) and he will be spending 1/2 days his senior year in a very good automotive program. I am getting this Vette from my brother who has owned it nearly 20 years but has not worked on it. It was in a covered storage unit for the vast majority of that time. Seems to be in pretty good shape and we are excited about getting it road worthy. I am posting a “before” pic and will visit often with questions and updates. Thanks!
Welcome aboard. Lots of things to go over after sitting for almost 20 yrs. Lots of advice/opinions here. Start with changing fluids, check the brake system and IMHO the most important is the age of the tires before you put air in them. Also great that you and your son can have this experience together.
I think you will find that the rear spring bolts are too short. The kit for that includes bolts, biscuits / cushions, washers and castle nuts.
A longer bolt will drop the rear some and remove that huge gap above the tire.
The kit can be had from Zip or Keen Corvettes.
One of the best things to learn on. Sure, it does not have the fancy electronics, but you get to see the actual results of your adjustments without a computer arguing with you and changing it.
like they said, check it for rust before you start sinking money into her, because a car that old can suck up your cash quick.
Thanks for the replies. Regarding the gap at the rear, some, if not all, of that gap is due to the uneven driveway it is sitting on. The front tires are 4 inches or more lower than the rear in this case. Tires are good— the car was in a storage unit for most of the “sitting” years— no exposure to direct elements. However, once I get her situated, I do plan to go as far as I can looking for rust. My very cursory initial inspection did not turn up any red flags but I did not dig deep either. In any case, my son is super excited about it—admittedly I am too— and this should whet his appetite even more for the auto biz. I will post pictures as we go along and ask MANY questions!
Even if the tires appear to be fine, be very wary. I was in this same boat with like-new appearing 16 year-old tires on my purchased ‘Vette. All my research screamed to replaced my tires before driving the car. I did and gained a lot of peace of mind.
I echo the caution, make it extreme caution re the tires. Some one will have pictures of the consequences. And, as pointed out, the brake lines. Also, heaven forbid, if there are rubber lines between the fuel pump and carberator...
Don't drive on those tires, PERIOD. Buy some cheap new tires if money is tight. Rubber is cheaper than fiberglass. We have ten ply tires on our trailers, kept in an A/C building, very very few miles in five years, TWO blew a couple hours apart last month. My cousin's R.V. kept indoors and low miles, lost a 6 year old tire that looked like new. Did 5K of damage. What's $400 vs. piece of mind?
Good advice on the tires and brake lines. I will definitely check those out. You guys are right--rubber is cheaper than fiberglass (and emergency room visits)! Once I get the ride back to my house I will go through the top and bottom end and post some pics for everyone. Please feel free to point out things that might need to be checked or that do not look right. I will not be offended in the least!
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