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So I figured I would start a "build" thread of sorts that I could ask questions and get advice from the C3 gurus and also as a place to document what may be a long journey....
Patient:
1977 Corvette
350 SBC
Automatic
Prognosis:
Undetermined as of yet, but it has been under a cover in a garage for 23 years before it was given to my wife by her aunt and uncle.
I am not a mechanic by trade, but I like to think im pretty good with my hands. I can usually get most things done with direction....and asking a million questions to make sure I don't screw up.
That being said...what do you guys think should be my first course of action with the car? The motor hasn't been run in a very long time. I was thinking of seeing if I could get the motor to turn by hand before I try anything else. If it did then I would change the oil, and possibly drop the fuel tank and get some new fuel in there.
Thoughts? Any links to good resources for this project....pointers, etc?
So I figured I would start a "build" thread of sorts that I could ask questions and get advice from the C3 gurus and also as a place to document what may be a long journey....
Patient:
1977 Corvette
350 SBC
Automatic
Prognosis:
Undetermined as of yet, but it has been under a cover in a garage for 23 years before it was given to my wife by her aunt and uncle.
I am not a mechanic by trade, but I like to think im pretty good with my hands. I can usually get most things done with direction....and asking a million questions to make sure I don't screw up.
That being said...what do you guys think should be my first course of action with the car? The motor hasn't been run in a very long time. I was thinking of seeing if I could get the motor to turn by hand before I try anything else. If it did then I would change the oil, and possibly drop the fuel tank and get some new fuel in there.
Thoughts? Any links to good resources for this project....pointers, etc?
If I had no experience with this car, I would first get under it with a screwdriver and look at the frame, especially the cross member behind the seats and the main frame rails extending forward from this cross member. Use the screwdriver to chip away at the rust, and poke & pry vigorously. If the screwdriver holes through any area, your first job is to repair the damage or replace the frame.
The second thing I would do is run a hose over the tops and windshield and check the interior for leaks. This may be bad weather stripping, but it may also be a rotted birdcage. Before going further, you must determine which it is.
Before you start on the drivetrain or suspension or interior/exterior cosmetics, you must know that you are building on a solid foundation.
If I had no experience with this car, I would first get under it with a screwdriver and look at the frame, especially the cross member behind the seats and the main frame rails extending forward from this cross member. Use the screwdriver to chip away at the rust, and poke & pry vigorously. If the screwdriver holes through any area, your first job is to repair the damage or replace the frame.
The second thing I would do is run a hose over the tops and windshield and check the interior for leaks. This may be bad weather stripping, but it may also be a rotted birdcage. Before going further, you must determine which it is.
Before you start on the drivetrain or suspension or interior/exterior cosmetics, you must know that you are building on a solid foundation.
Knowing the previous life of this car, Im pretty sure rust is very little on the frame. They never drove it in the winters and it never saw snow. I will throw it up on the lift soon though and take a peek. But based on a quick pic I took of the rear from underneath I might be alright...
As for the weather stripping, I'm pretty sure that is dry rotted and will need to be replaced, but again, luckily the car hasn't seen rain in about 23 years. I'll make sure to snap some pics while its on the lift and update this thread.
I will tell you what I did from my own experience of mine setting under
a tarp for 20 years. I first removed the spark plugs and shot marvel mystery oil
into each cylinder and let set for about a week while I checked other areas.
When I was ready to check out the engine, you may need to remove the belts,
I took a socket and breaker bar and slowly turned the engine over by hand to check if everything was free.
Mine was easy to turn over, so I felt it was ok and it was.
I will tell you what I did from my own experience of mine setting under
a tarp for 20 years. I first removed the spark plugs and shot marvel mystery oil
into each cylinder and let set for about a week while I checked other areas.
When I was ready to check out the engine, you may need to remove the belts,
I took a socket and breaker bar and slowly turned the engine over by hand to check if everything was free.
Mine was easy to turn over, so I felt it was ok and it was.
Donnie
this is kind of what I was thinking....what is this mystery oil?
Yea I need to find some free time to get into the garage and start working on the car. Working full time and grad school part time is a real time sucker
I will be very happy if the motor spins and I can get it running fairly easily. That would give me some time to finish the Monte Carlo SS
get the engine running , make sure the trans goes into drive and reverse rebuild the brakes change the fluids and have fun.
'77 Vette "Perry" build thread
