Everyone come in!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 310
Likes: 1
From: Glenn Heights Tx
Everyone come in!
alright guys here we go! im bout to start a rather mild restoration, as my 1980 L82 with some low miles 
is not in too terrible shape...but im a perfectionist when it comes to my vehicles...i would post pics but havent uploaded yet...anywho...look below...
1.im about to bring her in the garage and pull the nose off...would this make removing the body easier? or should i keep it on? i figured it would be easier...
2.im looking at a 383 stroker for a motor, but in the event i dont decide it, can you stroke a 400 to maybe 468? or that sort...any recommendations are appreciated...
3. im looking to replace the whole suspension system...i was looking going with corvette central or year one...any recommendations?
4.when replacing the braking system, is VB good people?
5.who should i trust to care for the rear end? ive got a worn out right side yoke, and it needs some love on the rear...any ideas?
any and all info is appreciated! let the comments begin!
is not in too terrible shape...but im a perfectionist when it comes to my vehicles...i would post pics but havent uploaded yet...anywho...look below...1.im about to bring her in the garage and pull the nose off...would this make removing the body easier? or should i keep it on? i figured it would be easier...
2.im looking at a 383 stroker for a motor, but in the event i dont decide it, can you stroke a 400 to maybe 468? or that sort...any recommendations are appreciated...
3. im looking to replace the whole suspension system...i was looking going with corvette central or year one...any recommendations?
4.when replacing the braking system, is VB good people?
5.who should i trust to care for the rear end? ive got a worn out right side yoke, and it needs some love on the rear...any ideas?
any and all info is appreciated! let the comments begin!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
1. Leave the nose on if there are no repairs to make.
2.400 can go to 434 but a 421 is a better stroke. The 434 is right at the limit. Can be done but anything larger requires an aftermarket block. I have seen a 488 SB but it was based on an aftermarket Rocket block. Big $$$$
3.Suspension go to VB or Van Steel. Both have excellent service and prices.
4. See #3
5. Van Steel or Gary (gtr1999) is good with rear ends.
2.400 can go to 434 but a 421 is a better stroke. The 434 is right at the limit. Can be done but anything larger requires an aftermarket block. I have seen a 488 SB but it was based on an aftermarket Rocket block. Big $$$$
3.Suspension go to VB or Van Steel. Both have excellent service and prices.
4. See #3
5. Van Steel or Gary (gtr1999) is good with rear ends.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Garland Texas
Stopppppppp!
There is no such thing as a mild restoration. I Have a '79 L82 and just wanted the motor rebuilt and the rear end fixed. Now 26 months later the motor is rebuilt (22 months ago), the rear end and trailing arms are rebuilt (19 months ago) and I have 2 car halves. A top and a bottom.
Once you get into the car you'll start wanting to fix all the worn parts, the broken parts, and the rusted parts. You'll want to upgrade the brakes, the suspension, the motor, the trans, the................
It will never end.
DON'T DO IT MAN!!!ps Good luck, I know you won't listen to the mind of reason.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 310
Likes: 1
From: Glenn Heights Tx
i say mild because ive restored a number of stangs...ive owned 13 of em! lol but this corvette was given to me when my father passed so its kind of a sentimental thing, because we were going to restore it together when he built his shop....so now im taking it upon my self to create it to perfection! and i need you guys help!
and i need you guys help!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 0
From: Hudson Falls, N.Y. 76 Vette Modified L-48
Originally Posted by The Ram
i say mild because ive restored a number of stangs...ive owned 13 of em! lol but this corvette was given to me when my father passed so its kind of a sentimental thing, because we were going to restore it together when he built his shop....so now im taking it upon my self to create it to perfection! and i need you guys help!
and i need you guys help!
I'm sure your Dad will be watchin' down on you with PRIDE!!
If I can help...you just ask!!
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
From: Shoemakersville Pa
I'm redoing my 69 and went with Van Steel for everything (eg.trailing arms, rear rebuild, perfomance suspension, new bushings, all new steering, everything............). I've delt with them in the past and never had a problem. I'm not saing you won't find anybody cheaper, but you get what you pay for. LOL on your partial rebuild, if there is anysuch thing.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,248
Likes: 4
From: Lancaster PA
1.im about to bring her in the garage and pull the nose off...would this make removing the body easier? or should i keep it on? i figured it would be easier...
Keep it on unless you have to remove it.
Keep it on unless you have to remove it.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 310
Likes: 1
From: Glenn Heights Tx
burnt thanks on the info!
69/70 whats so funny bout me saying "mild rebuild?" ive done this many of times and considering the excellent shape the car is in, its a mild rebuild..i just want perfection....
excuse me if i seem touchy if you were using sarcasm, but i didnt detect any, so if so excuse me my apologies....
69/70 whats so funny bout me saying "mild rebuild?" ive done this many of times and considering the excellent shape the car is in, its a mild rebuild..i just want perfection....
excuse me if i seem touchy if you were using sarcasm, but i didnt detect any, so if so excuse me my apologies....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 1
From: Nederland Texas
Originally Posted by The Ram
burnt thanks on the info!
69/70 whats so funny bout me saying "mild rebuild?" ive done this many of times and considering the excellent shape the car is in, its a mild rebuild..i just want perfection....
excuse me if i seem touchy if you were using sarcasm, but i didnt detect any, so if so excuse me my apologies....
69/70 whats so funny bout me saying "mild rebuild?" ive done this many of times and considering the excellent shape the car is in, its a mild rebuild..i just want perfection....
excuse me if i seem touchy if you were using sarcasm, but i didnt detect any, so if so excuse me my apologies....
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: RedOak Texas
Originally Posted by The Ram
i say mild because ive restored a number of stangs...ive owned 13 of em! lol but this corvette was given to me when my father passed so its kind of a sentimental thing, because we were going to restore it together when he built his shop....so now im taking it upon my self to create it to perfection! and i need you guys help!
and i need you guys help!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 310
Likes: 1
From: Glenn Heights Tx
Originally Posted by Bud640
Hey Ram, See you are in Desoto. I am down road from you. about 10 mins. Red Oak. Right off the exit off 35E. Stop by, and you can see what your fixing to get into. I have everything out from Tranny on back, been wire brushing and POR 15 everything. This is on my 74. Have a 77 in driveway, ALL frame blasted and undercoated. Can give you name for blasting. Reasonable also. Drop me a e-mail, will give you number in e-mail. In garage EVERY day. Sure is a WORKING hobby. Come April, it is out of gargae and on the road.
yea im bout to move to glenn heights which is pretty close to you...email is dispatched check it!
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 5
From: Richardson Tx.
Have you heard of Tracdogg2?
He is a forum member in the Northeast Dallas area that is THE go to guy in this region for parts/service. Since you are in DeSoto, you are not that far away. His name is Mike Dyer (214-728-8482) and I buy all of my parts from him- he specializes in Suspensions, Differentials, Trailing Arms as well as others. His stuff is just as good or better as the other vendors mentioned above and he can beat their prices- He has worked on my '79 and I have seen his work on other forum members' cars- top notch. You ought to drive up some day so can meet him in person and tell him what your resto. goals are 