76 Restoration
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 738
Likes: 9
From: Fallbrook CA
76 Restoration
First time poster.....I've been searching the archives and I think the forum is outstanding. I was hoping to get some updated answers to my specific questions. I'm doing a semi-restoration on a really clean 76. It will be a "driver" when completed and I have a reasonable budget. I've read alot about front suspension work on the C-3's and I want to redo my bushings and springs while I have everything apart. I've looked at Mid-America and several other parts suppliers. What I'd like to find is a nice package deal with springs, upgraded bushings (no rubber), ball joints, etc to do the job. Seems like there are too many choices. If someone has a recommendation for a nice package I'd appreciate it.
Also, I think the key switch in the fender sucks. Stay or glass it in?
A recommendation for a good vette painter in San Diego North County would be awesome.
Thanks in advace........palamesa
Also, I think the key switch in the fender sucks. Stay or glass it in?
A recommendation for a good vette painter in San Diego North County would be awesome.
Thanks in advace........palamesa
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,443
Likes: 2
From: McDonough Georgia
I have a 76 as well.The alarm switch-I'm glassing mine,hate it NCRS but it's my car and my money.Suspension-I bought a energy suspension poly kit from summit for around 200 bucks,a rear spring for around 80 bucks from corvette america,front coils from corvette america around 80 bucks as well and a set of offset trailing arms from van steel for about 450.00.There is several ways you can go,Vette brakes and products has plenty to choose from and good people to deal with.Keep us posted and let us know how it's going.shoot me a PM if you have any questions,I haven't been long finishing mine.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,999
Likes: 3,338
From: Omaha NE
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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I bet I've been asked a hundred times what that key in the fender opens. I'd ditch it too..............
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 738
Likes: 9
From: Fallbrook CA
Here is what I picked up on the forum to help me with my project:
1) Leave the front clip on....bonding too much hassle.
2) Convert to Hydroboost.
3) Wanted Wilwood, do they make C3 calipers? Not listed.
4) How to do A arm bushings.
I'm not planning on doing too much with the engine. I still have a bi-annual smog inspection that may become yearly if the commie's in Sacramento have their way. My next one will be 1975 or earlier (smog exempt).
Thanks everyone for all of the quality information...palamesa
1) Leave the front clip on....bonding too much hassle.
2) Convert to Hydroboost.
3) Wanted Wilwood, do they make C3 calipers? Not listed.
4) How to do A arm bushings.
I'm not planning on doing too much with the engine. I still have a bi-annual smog inspection that may become yearly if the commie's in Sacramento have their way. My next one will be 1975 or earlier (smog exempt).
Thanks everyone for all of the quality information...palamesa
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
Likes: 5
From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
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RE: front suspension; it's standard GM issue. Short/Long upper and lower control arms with the spring between the two. No smoke and mirrors there.
I highly reccomend VanSteel (here on the forum). When I did my '76, I just ordered control arms from him and put 'em on. They are like new, and powder-coated black - and they come with new bushings and ball joints already installed for you. It's a much easier job to just swap out control arms than it is to press bushings.
And the end result looks so much better than you can make your existing parts look.
RE: front suspension; it's standard GM issue. Short/Long upper and lower control arms with the spring between the two. No smoke and mirrors there.
I highly reccomend VanSteel (here on the forum). When I did my '76, I just ordered control arms from him and put 'em on. They are like new, and powder-coated black - and they come with new bushings and ball joints already installed for you. It's a much easier job to just swap out control arms than it is to press bushings.
And the end result looks so much better than you can make your existing parts look.
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 647
Likes: 22
From: Norwalk CT and Boynton Beach FL
I just did mine (front and rear suspension) last year with a package from VBP. If I had it to do all over again I would go stiffer on the front springs (550 lbs) and also stiffer on the rear mono spring ---- 360 and get the Bilstein shocks. Even though my car is a cruizer and a driver (not a racer) I think the stiffer springs will give you a better, tighter ride --- but not a ride that's so hard you think you have a solid axle car. My two cents