73 Frame off

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Feb 2, 2010 | 05:00 PM

jayshe9999

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

From: NJ

73 Frame off

I am doing a frame off on a 4-speed 73 coupe.
What are the best manuals or restoration guides?

Feb 2, 2010 | 06:05 PM

dannyman

Melting Slicks

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 2,669

Likes: 3

From: Kingston Ontario

You're part of the best guide available, being "this forum". Dig into the teardown and ask your questions.

A bit of info:

http://www.corvette-restoration.com/

Feb 2, 2010 | 06:54 PM

rponfick

Drifting

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 1,692

Likes: 209

From: Loveland, CO

I just completed a frame off on my '73 454". It was fun.

Upgraded tranny to Keisler 5 spd while I was at it. Improves road rpm a great deal.

Ralph.

Feb 2, 2010 | 07:45 PM

lars

Tech Contributor

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 14,385

Likes: 6,413

From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado

Ralph and I have both done frame-offs on these cars, and we have a ton of literature between us. But we have found that there are just a very few things that are actually useful - the rest of the crap you buy will sit on a shelf and gather dust. Here's what you need:

Factory Assembly Manual. This shows the correct orientation of components, the number of fasteners, and overall assembly sequence.
Paragon Parts Catalog. Paragon has taken the assembly manual drawings, cleaned them up, clarified them, added a few of their own, and show a lot of good info in their catalog.
A digital camera. That's right - you are your own best resource for documentation - take photos as you pull it apart, and re-assembly is a snap.
Friends with Vettes who have beer in their workshops. If you have some friends who have the same year car and who will share beer with you, the restoration will go without problem.

Forget the other manuals and "how-to" guides - you'll never use them. The Vette is really a very simple car, and you'll be amazed at how easy the disassembly and re-assembly will go. All you have to do is pour money at it.

Good luck with the rebuild!!

Lars

Feb 2, 2010 | 07:55 PM

redwingvette

Safety Car

Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 3,691

Likes: 203

From: Waterford Mi

If it will help, I put some information on my web page. It is not going to tell you how to make a NCRS project but might help with what you will find.
Body-off

Feb 2, 2010 | 10:08 PM

Silver 73

Instructor

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 201

Likes: 0

From: Palm Coast Florida

I agree with Lars. Deffinately get yourself an assembly manual and a digital camera. Take numerous pictures of everything before you take it apart, and you'll have a reference for putting it back together. The Paragon catalog has alot of great pictures, not to mention their parts. I'm just finishing my frame off. I put a Richmond 5 speed with 1:1 fifth gear. Fifth gear is for accelleration!! The biggest pain in the butt for me was putting the dash back together. I'm still working on it and it is kicking my a$$. Not enough room for gauges, wiring, and my hands. I hope you have alot of patience!! Good Luck