Hello Corvette Community-

Sharing a project I just wrapped up that I think many in the Corvette community will find interesting:

I just completed a full makeover of my C3 that was focused on making it easier to live with. To judge the final product, I score it against my 2023 C8 in 4 categories: Comfort / Roadtrip-ability / performance and maintenance.

Check it out and let me know what you think!

-TacoJoe



 

I loved this. Thanks for posting.
I have been working on my 74 for 10 years now.
- Interior is almost done (just door skins left).
- Stereo replaced (Modern deck w/blue tooth, Sub, 800 watts in amps)
- Rack and Pinion steering installed (made a huge difference in handling).
- Rims and Tires
- Etc.

Now comes the Engine.
I liked the fact you kept it old school. Up here if I install a newer engine and get pulled over for inspection, I have to have the emissions from the year of the engine being installed.
Since I have a 74, it does not require catalytic converters.
Since I have an automatic, it does not require an AIR pump.
The only thing I need is an EGR valve on my intake.
I love the way you did your engine. Fuel injection has been on my mind for years now.
I don't do engines, so I need to find someone to build me one.

Enjoyed learning about the C8/C3 comparison.
Thanks again.

 

Yeah…..not for me.

 

A well put- together video!

What is your suspension setup, aside from the 9 leaf rear spring you mentioned in a previous video? Bilstein shocks, front spreader bar, a fiberglass rear spring, heim jointed strut rods, fresh bushings or better yet spherical bearing trailing arms, and modern size wheels will greatly improve the handling of your C3 from its current state. Like you mentioned, it will never be a C8, but there's lots of room for improvement with this chassis.

 

Each to their own but yeah I'm with ya.

 

I like most of the changes. The interior changes are not for me but the rest I do like.

 

Well done video!

Everyone buys a C3 for a different reason. I have a modern MBZ AMG model for my DD. I didn’t buy my “69 Corvette for speed or tech, or for long cruises. They can never be made to be as safe as today’s cars, and there’s no way I’d want to be driving it on the interstate, surrounded by big rigs, rain or shine, day or night. I bought it solely for the vintage driving experience, which is why I bought a 4-speed. I don’t even have the radio on when I drive. It’s certainly a crude machine by today’s standards, but I love the retro gauges, fiberoptic sensors, etc., and of course the drive itself (which is much louder and much less smooth than that in my MBZ). It’s like the different components of my wardrobe, which suit different purposes…my workout clothes and sneakers are perfect for wearing to the gym, and my formal dresses and fancy high heel shoes are perfect for dressy evening events. I see my Corvette as the automotive equivalent of formal attire. It’s certainly not practical, but I like the way it makes me feel when I drive it, and it’s not a flaw or a defect that’s it’s not a “GADA.”

That being said, Chevy made so many C3s, my lifelong favorite car, and I love seeing them on the road. Just as I support remodeling a kitchen in an older home, I am a huge fan of “restomods,” and totally support personal modifications to C3s, whether along the lines of creature comforts or actual mechanical changes (e.g. FI, LS swap, new transmission, etc.).

Specifically, I like your upgrades, especially because you said you’d feel comfortable driving it across the country. I think it’s great to make your car more roadworthy and enjoyable to drive. Very well done!

 

What size tire is that restomod running? I love the color combination on that C3.

 

Missed the most obvious advantage a C3 has over a C8. Imagine spending that much time and money to restomod a car with an automatic transmission...

Is that plasti-dip on the YJ8s, or paint?

 

WOW. SO much positive to say. First, your video talents are outstanding. Every frame was FOCUSED. You didn't drop anything. Ha. Your skills speak for themselves. I might not be a big fan of the dash. but unless you have tried to change up the C3 dash you don't know what you are up against. I wanted 2 silly cupholders and I ended up morphing a C4 center console into my C3. And you obviously have the skills and tools to make a metal dash from scratch. Good for you. I like the whole package you built.
I have been working on my '78 for 10 years . Putting the inside back now and it is finally looking like a car again. I had a direction I was going when I got the car. The usual there is nothng special about them, so make it the way I want. I started down that road when I hit a detour. A 2012 C6. SO I completely understand the comparisons you were making. While they will never be the same, I also enjoy the chalenge of making my C3 more USER FRIENDLY. THanks for sharing and have fun on the road trips.

 

Great video, very well done and pretty objective...
There is one other comparison that I feel puts the C3 on top...

Price.

For the price of the C8, you can buy a C3, a boat and a motorcycle...

 

I love what you did to your C3. Similar to what I did to my '72, 383 and TKO-600/.64.
Holds it own with my C7 Grand Sport considering being an older generation.
Well done car and a great video.

 

Thanks for all the nice comments guys - I can particularly relate to Coronette's comments: Its like a different set of clothes in the wardrobe - couldn't agree more-perfect analogy As for the wheels - they are just the OEM wheels with past-dip on them - simple but I think its a great look and the tires are 255/60R15. Glad you guys enjoyed it - love the car

 

Enjoyed that!

 

Thanks for sharing. Well done video.

 

Contact me if you're interested in selling this car. Thanks!