Guidance Request
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 263
Likes: 4
From: Maineville OH
Guidance Request
I'm starting the teardown of a 1970 L-46 coupe, and am wondering what books the forum members feel have been most valueable guiding their restorations. I plan on doing most of the work myself and since the car is almost completely original (exc. carb, wheels, alt) I'm planning to take it back to original or better condition.
Thanks in advance,
Mark
Thanks in advance,
Mark
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Avon Connecticut
well, I've never done a restore.
But when it came to little problems, I liked the Haynes repair manual. Can never go wrong with that.
I don't know what books would be good for a restore though,
Good Luck!
But when it came to little problems, I liked the Haynes repair manual. Can never go wrong with that.
I don't know what books would be good for a restore though,
Good Luck!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
The primary book to have in your library is the GM service manual for your year. This will help with the repair/rebuilding of items. Other books are the Assembly Manual used by the factory to assemble Vettes, and those that provide detail pictures of various sections of your Vette and component numbers such as block, manifolds, carb, distributor, tranny, etc. You cannot have too many of such books. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
The primary book to have in your library is the GM service manual for your year. This will help with the repair/rebuilding of items. Other books are the Assembly Manual used by the factory to assemble Vettes, and those that provide detail pictures of various sections of your Vette and component numbers such as block, manifolds, carb, distributor, tranny, etc. You cannot have too many of such books.
1. GM Service Manual
2. AIM (Assembly Instruction Manual)
3. NCRS TIM&JG (Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide)
even if you have no plans on having the car judged, the TIM&JG is very helpful for looking up correct part casting numbers, correct color and finish on parts, correct bolt head markings, etc.
These three reference books should be the minimum basis of any "library" you have for your car.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 263
Likes: 4
From: Maineville OH
Thanks, this is what I'm looking for...I've looked at the "by the numbers" and corvette bibles yadayadayada, and they all only have about 5-10 pages on C3. I'm looking for the book that will give me the original P/N for the rubber gas filler tube, etc. Looks like the service and assembly manuals will be the first ordered.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 3
From: Nixa Missouri
Thanks, this is what I'm looking for...I've looked at the "by the numbers" and corvette bibles yadayadayada, and they all only have about 5-10 pages on C3. I'm looking for the book that will give me the original P/N for the rubber gas filler tube, etc. Looks like the service and assembly manuals will be the first ordered.
Another good book for chassis is the chassis restoration guide.
Theres a HUGE amount of books available at NCRS. I have almost all the books that pertain to the 1970 and most of the entire C3, including the haynes books as well. Seems I cant get enough knowledge about these cars.
Also ecklers has a good DVD on fiberglass repair and Van steel has a good DVD on diff / suspension and front end work/ replacement.
If you want all the info on a restore check out NCRS.
One more thing, I was able to get in touch with the second owner of my vette that owned the car for 26 years and I learned more about that car in a two hour phone conversation then I have learned in a month of reading and researching things about the car.
Hope this helps.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,557
Likes: 0
From: Ridgeway VA
The AIM does have parts numbers. Two other books I used when I did my 1970 ----How To Restore & Modify Your Corvette 1968-82 (lots of pixs and diagrams and explanations - how the suspension works, etc) The other is the Vette Vues Fact Book of the 68-72 Stingray, MF Dobbins ( details by year such as - bolts are gray washer head, Differential code and date are stamped on flange - etc. - also has a listing of monthly vins, engine, paint colors, even carb numbers,mch more).
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,270
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Mark,
Another good book is '1969 STINGRAY GUIDEBOOK', by Rick Bizzoco. Although it based on a 69, a LOT of the information and photos will apply to your 70.
It's been in and out of print a couple of times but is really worth trying to find. Corvette Central shows it in their catalogue.
I think the biggest part of a successful restoration is to photograph EVERYTHING as you take it apart and put it back together (700+); bag, tag, or box everything; and have a place and system to store parts big and small so you can find them when you need them.
IT'S A LOT OF FUN.
Regards,
Alan
PS:Here's an example.
This before picture shows where the rear shock Broadcast Code Sticker was located on the shock.
Here's the restored right side suspension, but, with no sticker because I can't find the right size. The repros are too big so I'm going to have to make one.
Another good book is '1969 STINGRAY GUIDEBOOK', by Rick Bizzoco. Although it based on a 69, a LOT of the information and photos will apply to your 70.
It's been in and out of print a couple of times but is really worth trying to find. Corvette Central shows it in their catalogue.
I think the biggest part of a successful restoration is to photograph EVERYTHING as you take it apart and put it back together (700+); bag, tag, or box everything; and have a place and system to store parts big and small so you can find them when you need them.
IT'S A LOT OF FUN.
Regards,
Alan
PS:Here's an example.
This before picture shows where the rear shock Broadcast Code Sticker was located on the shock.
Here's the restored right side suspension, but, with no sticker because I can't find the right size. The repros are too big so I'm going to have to make one.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 3
From: Nixa Missouri
Hi Mark,
Another good book is '1969 STINGRAY GUIDEBOOK', by Rick Bizzoco. Although it based on a 69, a LOT of the information and photos will apply to your 70.
It's been in and out of print a couple of times but is really worth trying to find. Corvette Central shows it in their catalogue.
I think the biggest part of a successful restoration is to photograph EVERYTHING as you take it apart and put it back together (700+); bag, tag, or box everything; and have a place and system to store parts big and small so you can find them when you need them.
IT'S A LOT OF FUN.
Regards,
Alan
PS:Here's an example.
This before picture shows where the rear shock Broadcast Code Sticker was located on the shock.
Here's the restored right side suspension, but, with no sticker because I can't find the right size. The repros are too big so I'm going to have to make one.
Another good book is '1969 STINGRAY GUIDEBOOK', by Rick Bizzoco. Although it based on a 69, a LOT of the information and photos will apply to your 70.
It's been in and out of print a couple of times but is really worth trying to find. Corvette Central shows it in their catalogue.
I think the biggest part of a successful restoration is to photograph EVERYTHING as you take it apart and put it back together (700+); bag, tag, or box everything; and have a place and system to store parts big and small so you can find them when you need them.
IT'S A LOT OF FUN.
Regards,
Alan
PS:Here's an example.
This before picture shows where the rear shock Broadcast Code Sticker was located on the shock.
Here's the restored right side suspension, but, with no sticker because I can't find the right size. The repros are too big so I'm going to have to make one.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Hi Mark,
Another good book is '1969 STINGRAY GUIDEBOOK', by Rick Bizzoco. Although it based on a 69, a LOT of the information and photos will apply to your 70.
It's been in and out of print a couple of times but is really worth trying to find. Corvette Central shows it in their catalogue.
I think the biggest part of a successful restoration is to photograph EVERYTHING as you take it apart and put it back together (700+); bag, tag, or box everything; and have a place and system to store parts big and small so you can find them when you need them.
IT'S A LOT OF FUN.
Regards,
Alan
PS:Here's an example.
This before picture shows where the rear shock Broadcast Code Sticker was located on the shock.
Here's the restored right side suspension, but, with no sticker because I can't find the right size. The repros are too big so I'm going to have to make one.
Another good book is '1969 STINGRAY GUIDEBOOK', by Rick Bizzoco. Although it based on a 69, a LOT of the information and photos will apply to your 70.
It's been in and out of print a couple of times but is really worth trying to find. Corvette Central shows it in their catalogue.
I think the biggest part of a successful restoration is to photograph EVERYTHING as you take it apart and put it back together (700+); bag, tag, or box everything; and have a place and system to store parts big and small so you can find them when you need them.
IT'S A LOT OF FUN.
Regards,
Alan
PS:Here's an example.
This before picture shows where the rear shock Broadcast Code Sticker was located on the shock.
Here's the restored right side suspension, but, with no sticker because I can't find the right size. The repros are too big so I'm going to have to make one.
Very, very nice!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,270
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
I think doing a restoration is really rewarding and a lot of fun if you decide from the beginning to NOT let it drive you crazy. It WILL take longer and cost MORE than you plan when you start.
I REALLY appreciate peoples comments. THANK YOU!
Regards,
Alan
I REALLY appreciate peoples comments. THANK YOU!
Regards,
Alan