Resurrecting my 1970
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 163
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From: Clayton NC
Resurrecting my 1970
Hey everyone,
This weekend myself along with my cousin and brother-in-law will be resurrecting my late father's 1970 Vette (he just pasted away this January). The car has been sitting in a conditioned garage since about 1989. We rolled it out a few months ago to give it a much needed bath. At that time, I gave it a quick once-over and I was surprised at the apparently good condition that the motor, and the rest of the car was in.
After much research on the forum, I have our list of to-do's. We'll be changing all of the fluids, rebuilding the calipers, changing spark plugs, flushing the coolant system, priming the oil pump, fogging the cylinders, etc. Any other words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
I'll be sure to post an update next week.
This weekend myself along with my cousin and brother-in-law will be resurrecting my late father's 1970 Vette (he just pasted away this January). The car has been sitting in a conditioned garage since about 1989. We rolled it out a few months ago to give it a much needed bath. At that time, I gave it a quick once-over and I was surprised at the apparently good condition that the motor, and the rest of the car was in.
After much research on the forum, I have our list of to-do's. We'll be changing all of the fluids, rebuilding the calipers, changing spark plugs, flushing the coolant system, priming the oil pump, fogging the cylinders, etc. Any other words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
I'll be sure to post an update next week.
Last edited by RescueDad; Dec 12, 2011 at 08:32 AM. Reason: delete pictures
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,278
Likes: 4,372
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi rd,
Nice looking convertible.
It'll be interesting to hear how you make out.
If it was stored in a friendly environment, it just might come back to life pretty easily!
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Nice looking convertible.
It'll be interesting to hear how you make out.
If it was stored in a friendly environment, it just might come back to life pretty easily!
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,417
Likes: 336
From: Texas
i would check the condition of that rubber fuel hose going to the carburetor. i would change it out with at least some stainless steel braided hose. fyi. good luck, nice looking car. (sorry for your loss.)
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,972
Likes: 6
From: Chester Virginia
Looks good....is a set of modern wheels in your future or is some part of the wheels on it missing? They look like just plain old painted steel wheels in the photo and a set of modern wheels of your choosing will make that car "snap" in appearance imho.
Nice looking Convertible.
Nice looking Convertible.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 295
Likes: 2
From: Concordia KS
That is when you spray fogging oil into the carb throat and or each cylinder to combat moisture before putting it up for storage. It will help if there is a bit of rust in this case by giving the cylinders lots of lube before cranking it over.
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Burning Brakes
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From: Goose Creek SC
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
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From: Clayton NC
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Clayton NC
Looks good....is a set of modern wheels in your future or is some part of the wheels on it missing? They look like just plain old painted steel wheels in the photo and a set of modern wheels of your choosing will make that car "snap" in appearance imho.
Nice looking Convertible.
Nice looking Convertible.
Last edited by RescueDad; May 27, 2011 at 08:20 AM. Reason: edited for typo
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
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From: Clayton NC
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Chester Virginia
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Tolland CT
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 163
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From: Clayton NC
I was waiting for someone to mention this. The car is indeed a 1970, I have the VIN to prove it. VIN No. 194670S410573. My father removed the louvers and had the fenders fiberglassed to resemble a '73. Don't ask me why though.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 163
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From: Clayton NC
It was a success!!! The Vette is running again after her 20 year hibernation. Everything went as close to plan as could be expected. The only real snag we ran into was a leaking master cylinder. This was only a minor setback because no one had a rebuild kit in stock, but fortunately my brother-in-law made a few calls and found a remanufactured MC nearby. Breifly, we changed all of the fluids (trans, diff, oil coolant), change the plugs, fuel filters, strainer sock, new valve cover gaskets, rebuilt the callipers with o-ring pistons, new SS brake hoses, fogged the cylinders and pre-oiled the motor among a few other things. I'm posting a few pictures from this past weekend, and I'm going to try and post a video. Thanks again for all of the helpful info on this forum.
This piston came out of the right front calliper. This was by far the worst. All of the callipers now have new O-ringed pistons and stainless steel brake hoses.
We recovered the build sheet, but it's hardly ledgible.
This is her first time out in public since about 1989.
I think it was very fitting that we were able to drive the car on Memorial Day, since my father was a Vet.
This piston came out of the right front calliper. This was by far the worst. All of the callipers now have new O-ringed pistons and stainless steel brake hoses.
We recovered the build sheet, but it's hardly ledgible.
This is her first time out in public since about 1989.
I think it was very fitting that we were able to drive the car on Memorial Day, since my father was a Vet.
Last edited by RescueDad; Dec 12, 2011 at 08:33 AM. Reason: delete pictures
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 163
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From: Clayton NC
And here is a video I put together. I hope it works.
http://s1207.photobucket.com/albums/...vetteMovie.mp4
http://s1207.photobucket.com/albums/...vetteMovie.mp4