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Hi guys,
I enjoy reading through everyone's build threads so I figured I'd start my own. Been a vette owner and on the forum since 2003 with my 92 vert, but new to C3's. So, here's my story.......
Last summer, my buddy passed away at 55 years old from cancer. We were friends for 50 years. His ex-wife ended up giving me his 81 vette. This car is the car that made he and I love Corvettes! His Dad had bought in new when we were kids and we fell in love with it. We used to sit in it out in the garage when his Dad was at work. LOL. About 20 years or so ago his Dad gave him the car. Unfortunately, since then it has not been used or taken care of much. The care ended up sitting for good in a storage unit back in 2009. That's 17 years. So, once all the paperwork was sorted out, back in January it was time to pick her up. What a chore it was! When we got there, the doors would not open, the hood either, and all 4 wheels were locked up tight. I was able to get in by using a bar to unlock the t-tops. Got the front wheels loose, but the backs were a no go. Ended up putting them on dollies to pull her on the trailer. Below are pics and some more commentary!
At some point in her life the original L-81 was blown and replaced with an L-82. (hence the L-82 badgers on an 81!) They did keep the computer controlled carb and the TH-350E. So, I will have to figure out how to deal with those.
This will be a long process as time is tough these days. I will keep it updated. Any tips / advice / warnings etc will be greatly appreciated!! The first 3 pics are from about 2006 before it went to storage! The triple white C4 in the front is also mine! The next 7 pics are the day we picked her up. Cold, icy and wet. The next 8 pics are finally getting her out of the trailer and into her new home. Another chore! Cleaned off the t-tops!
Last edited by cicch95; May 13, 2026 at 11:41 AM.
Reason: added some text
Engine is clean, not evidence of rodents.
Some minor progress.......... Got the doors open! Hood opens now too! Interiors isn't in the best shape at all. Can I paint the t-top trim to get it back to the right color? When I got it the vanity mirror was hanging. fixed that! I cleaned one fender so far. To get the car outside will be a problem so that's why only 1 fender. I needed to pull the plugs. Paint looks good.
Last edited by cicch95; May 13, 2026 at 11:36 AM.
Reason: added pic
Checking the mounts -- what do you think about the fronts? Suspension, exhaust, brakes, etc all have surface rust. I'm guessing because of sitting on the concrete for so long with the humidity / temp cycles. Pulled the half shaft. Got the wheels turning. Ended up being a part of the parking brake assembly was hung up!
A good bath will make it clean. All the comments about the car being dirty after pulling it from a storage unit after 16 years don’t help anything. 🤦🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
The plastic trim around the t top area yes you can paint it back to a good match , I did the same thing on a 82 sitting since 1989 it looked exactly like yours, I used the paint to do the seat plastic and compartment frame all with one can. I got it from mid America.
The plastic trim around the t top area yes you can paint it back to a good match , I did the same thing on a 82 sitting since 1989 it looked exactly like yours, I used the paint to do the seat plastic and compartment frame all with one can. I got it from mid America.
Good bath, might do wonders!
Cicch95's 1981 Project
That's 17 years. So, once all the paperwork was sorted out, back in January it was time to pick her up. What a chore it was! When we got there, the doors would not open, the hood either, and all 4 wheels were locked up tight. 
I was able to get in by using a bar to unlock the t-tops. Got the front wheels loose, but the backs were a no go. Ended up putting them on dollies to pull her on the trailer. Below are pics and some more commentary!
