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You stated up front you're a non-gear head so it's safe to assume you have nothing in your toolbox.
I have physical tools I've accumulated over decades of work, building, and other hands on activities. So that's not bad. The mental toolbox is lacking what I need, but I would really like to learn. Would it be unreasonable to think I could learn to properly maintain a c3?
I have physical tools I've accumulated over decades of work, building, and other hands on activities. So that's not bad. The mental toolbox is lacking what I need, but I would really like to learn. Would it be unreasonable to think I could learn to properly maintain a c3?
I have physical tools I've accumulated over decades of work, building, and other hands on activities. So that's not bad. The mental toolbox is lacking what I need, but I would really like to learn. Would it be unreasonable to think I could learn to properly maintain a c3?
No, it wouldn't be unreasonable. Any problem you come across, I can just about guarantee that it has been discussed on this forum, along with photos and a resolution. Let the search feature be your best tool.
Good luck.
maintain, yes. don't buy a hulk thinking you can learn to rehab it from scratch. it will beat you down and you will give up and dump it for less than you paid for the parts. you want a pretty runner-driver. so 10 to 20k 74-newer. a good deal more if you want chrome bumpers.
No, it wouldn't be unreasonable. Any problem you come across, I can just about guarantee that it has been discussed on this forum, along with photos and a resolution. Let the search feature be your best tool.
Good luck.
For sure! I could not gone from this:
To this without the C1/C2 forum:
I started this build back in 2000 when I used dial up to get to the corvette forum. There is so much good and bad information on this forum. Its up to you to ask questions and find out which information is good and which is bad. Also, make sure to describe the problem as best as you can to get to the correct answers and feedback. FYI, at the time, all i knew how to do was brakes, oil changes and rotate tires. My garage only had basic tools (one of those 75 piece craftsman set). You will get so much out of wrenching on your own cars.
This week, we are picking up a somewhat complete 74. My youngest son never got that chance to help me work on the 62. My oldest was born when I bought the basket case. He helped through the entire restoration. Now, its my youngest son's his turn to work on his own C3. We plan on going through everything that will need to be refreshed. The end goal is to make it a roadworthy reliable corvette.
Working on a complete frame off restoration is a huge project. Now, if you find a good candidate (meaning no fiberglass work, frame is not rotted or birdcage is gone) then take each part of the car as small tasks. Multi-task while you are waiting on parts, money or refurbish work done by others. Its all about project management and meeting those goals you have set. Start off with the small things that bug you. Clock does not work... Okay so figure it out. Maybe it just got disconnected or does not have a good ground. Things like that.
maintain, yes. don't buy a hulk thinking you can learn to rehab it from scratch. it will beat you down and you will give up and dump it for less than you paid for the parts. you want a pretty runner-driver. so 10 to 20k 74-newer. a good deal more if you want chrome bumpers.
oh right! I don't plan on starting with a shell like jimh_1962 did. that's amazing. I would like to get at least something that looks good and is driveable. Then I can maintain and putter with updates/maintenance. I'm learning a bit from my wrangler. I've done a upgrades there and acquire tools/skills as I go.
74 or newer though? I'm still learning the details, but isn't that when the HP really started to dip? not that I need a drag racer, but you know, a little guts behind the glamour would be nice
That's amazing. I think you have a little more (a lot) more patience than I do. I've always thought about a project car, but I'm also a bit impatient, so it'd be an inner conflict. Maybe if I get the first one, I can look into a second for a project
Awesome bonding time though, that kind of time working together with your son is worth more than the car ever will be. Kudos, sir!
That's amazing. I think you have a little more (a lot) more patience than I do. I've always thought about a project car, but I'm also a bit impatient, so it'd be an inner conflict. Maybe if I get the first one, I can look into a second for a project
Awesome bonding time though, that kind of time working together with your son is worth more than the car ever will be. Kudos, sir!
This one is an unfinished project which we will go and get this Saturday. I would think we can get it back on the road within this year since most of the work has been completed. I completely agree with finding better candidates. I am only point to the fact it can be done with time and money. This one will go quick to get it back onto the road versus the 62 frame off.
the power dropped mainly through creative accounting. rate the power at the rear wheels with the alternator, etc hooked up and it is a magic 25% drop. then a little ignition retarding and crappy cat converter for emissions. you can easily get a 165 hp 75 vette back up to the 250 it was 5 years before. 300 is doable without replacing cam or heads. and the engine is the easiest part. so it is really whether you wanna spend 15 or 30. and don't buy the most expensive one cuz it must be in the best shape. but don't buy the cheapest one either...
And keep in mind, an awful lot of these 74 and up cars have already received those modifications from previous owners.
There are some plenty quick rubber bumper cars out there.
Earlier this year and out of curiosity, I put this table and graph together showing the net HP for the base engine on a base model chassis. My goal was to see how much difference existed from year to year. These figures were taken from the AMA reports that GM submitted to that industry group. The earliest C3 model is the '71 because prior to that only brake hp figures were provided; '71 was reported using both bhp and net; '72 and after only report net. The C8s were included merely for the WOW factor on how far weight reduction and power has come.
it looks like all new york cars have to be inspected every year. emissions is exempt. BUT the absence of emissions stuff that was installed new MAY still be looked for. i assume you have a guy you go to for your current cars for inspection. go talk to him and see if he has to fail you if you show up with a 75 and newer with no cat converter. of if he feels he doesn't have to check for it and the AIR pup and such. this is from new york dmv and it is somewhat ambiguous.
Low Enhanced Inspection.
A "Low Enhanced" emissions inspection is required for most other vehicles, unless they are subject to the OBDII test or are exempt from all emissions inspections. This inspection is required for all vehicles from and including model year 1996 and older, through and including vehicles that are up to 25 model years old, and that weigh 18,000 lbs. or less.
Each emissions inspection for gasoline-powered vehicles confirms the presence and connection of the vehicle's required emissions control devices. This includes making sure that the vehicle's gas cap is present, is in good condition, and fits properly.
so, like california, a 74 and older may be a lot easier to deal with. my 75 has side pipes. i had to wait until i got to florida to try to get it cleared salvage for this reason. PA still checks emissions on 75 and NJ will inspect for the emissions stuff in a salvage reinspect.
I have physical tools I've accumulated over decades of work, building, and other hands on activities. So that's not bad. The mental toolbox is lacking what I need, but I would really like to learn. Would it be unreasonable to think I could learn to properly maintain a c3?
The C3 IMO is a very easy car to work on and maintain if the person doing the work has basic tools and the skill set to think things through as well as the proper maintenance manuals. Between this forum, the below manuals and your current tools I think you would be in good shape to tackle anything.
My go-to library (1973)
1) Corvette Factory Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) $22.00 2) Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual $35.00 3) Chevrolet Chassis Overhaul Manual $28.00 4) Motor Manual $10.00 5) Corvette Technical Information and Judging Guide $75.00 6) 0OSOEZ Wiring Guides $50.00
Bonus Items 1) Chevrolet Corvette Parts and Illustration Catalog 1953 to 1982 $75.00 (for paper) 2) Haynes Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Manual $15.00 2) Corvette by the Numbers 1955 - 1982 $70.00
I adjust the above library based on what year Vette I own, currently on #10 so my library gets kind of full. I'm a manual and tool *****.
also any job you pay to have done will cost more than the tools and the parts. and when you are done you still have the tools. PLUS the knowledge how to do it PLUS the "I did it myself" satisfaction.
the power dropped mainly through creative accounting. rate the power at the rear wheels with the alternator, etc hooked up and it is a magic 25% drop. then a little ignition retarding and crappy cat converter for emissions. you can easily get a 165 hp 75 vette back up to the 250 it was 5 years before. 300 is doable without replacing cam or heads. and the engine is the easiest part. so it is really whether you wanna spend 15 or 30. and don't buy the most expensive one cuz it must be in the best shape. but don't buy the cheapest one either...
This answers a question I wanted to ask, so it's possible (and not insanely difficult) to take a later model C3 and add mods to give it more HP. I assumed it was possible, but I wasn't sure how difficult or involved it would be.
Originally Posted by 4-vettes
And keep in mind, an awful lot of these 74 and up cars have already received those modifications from previous owners.There are some plenty quick rubber bumper cars out there.
As I'm shopping and looking, are there certain mods, I should be looking for? Or perhaps mods to avoid?
Originally Posted by 67:72
Earlier this year and out of curiosity, I put this table and graph together showing the net HP for the base engine on a base model chassis. My goal was to see how much difference existed from year to year. These figures were taken from the AMA reports that GM submitted to that industry group. The earliest C3 model is the '71 because prior to that only brake hp figures were provided; '71 was reported using both bhp and net; '72 and after only report net. The C8s were included merely for the WOW factor on how far weight reduction and power has come.
that's great, I love graphs and numbers!! and that's a WOW factor indeed.
But I'm seeing that the net HP of the 72 and the 82 are the same, with only small change in weight. I'm not really looking for an 82 because (if I remember correctly) they only came in automatic. But the '77 and '78 aren't THAT far off in net HP. and with a few mods could end up with the same power as an earlier model. Am I seeing that wrong?
it looks like all new york cars have to be inspected every year. emissions is exempt. BUT the absence of emissions stuff that was installed new MAY still be looked for. i assume you have a guy you go to for your current cars for inspection. go talk to him and see if he has to fail you if you show up with a 75 and newer with no cat converter. of if he feels he doesn't have to check for it and the AIR pup and such. this is from new york dmv and it is somewhat ambiguous.
Low Enhanced Inspection.
A "Low Enhanced" emissions inspection is required for most other vehicles, unless they are subject to the OBDII test or are exempt from all emissions inspections. This inspection is required for all vehicles from and including model year 1996 and older, through and including vehicles that are up to 25 model years old, and that weigh 18,000 lbs. or less.
Each emissions inspection for gasoline-powered vehicles confirms the presence and connection of the vehicle's required emissions control devices. This includes making sure that the vehicle's gas cap is present, is in good condition, and fits properly.
This is something I hadn't considered, thanks for mentioning it!!
I do have a local wrench that I know pretty well, I'll have a conversation with him, great idea.
The C3 IMO is a very easy car to work on and maintain if the person doing the work has basic tools and the skill set to think things through as well as the proper maintenance manuals. Between this forum, the below manuals and your current tools I think you would be in good shape to tackle anything.
I'm a manual and tool *****.
That's great to hear and thanks for the list of resources. I don't have any illusions of it being easy, but I do like the idea of learning and doing my own car work. It seems like it would be challenging and fulfilling.
