New-be Advice on Restore
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Corona Ca
New-be Advice on Restore
Hello group, new owner .... 68 3 speed (one of the few). Car is in good shape with lots of original, but is need of a paint job. I have read a bit about the chrome bumpers, they are in pretty good condition and I am considering getting them re-chromed when I get the car painted. Is it better to leave them original with a few pits, try to buy original, or just get them re-chromed. I am confused about rechroming, if that hurts value or look.
Last question: I am getting a new soft top, someone recommended I get a canves top, but I know vinyl is original style ... thoughts??
Open for advice ..... Thanks
Last question: I am getting a new soft top, someone recommended I get a canves top, but I know vinyl is original style ... thoughts??
Open for advice ..... Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,209
Likes: 33
From: Texas-out west
Re: New-be Advice on Restore (3speed68)
Get bumpers rechromed, it will take care of the pits when they are rechromed. Get the original style top is my recommendation. The Last Detail in Atlanta, Ga area has good prices and top quality, or you could try someone local you trust and have seen there work. Good luck. :cheers: We are here to help. :D
Instructor
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland FL
Re: New-be Advice on Restore (3speed68)
Some of the rechrome places will trade a rechromed bumper for your original. They are not always the best quality and may not fit the same. If ou have it rechromed, demand on get your own bumper back. Mark it on the inside so you can identify it.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Re: New-be Advice on Restore (3speed68)
Hello group, new owner .... 68 3 speed (one of the few). Car is in good shape with lots of original, but is need of a paint job. I have read a bit about the chrome bumpers, they are in pretty good condition and I am considering getting them re-chromed when I get the car painted. Is it better to leave them original with a few pits, try to buy original, or just get them re-chromed. I am confused about rechroming, if that hurts value or look.
Last question: I am getting a new soft top, someone recommended I get a canves top, but I know vinyl is original style ... thoughts??
Open for advice ..... Thanks
Last question: I am getting a new soft top, someone recommended I get a canves top, but I know vinyl is original style ... thoughts??
Open for advice ..... Thanks
Contact the NCRS and also check the FACTORY CORRECT RESTAURATION SECTION of the forum!! http://www.ncrs.org/
:cheers:
Olivier
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 2
From: Apex NC
Re: New-be Advice on Restore (GrandSportC3)
It's been a long time that I heared about 3-speed C3's!!! That's a valuable car if it is all original.
Now I do agree that if the car is all original, don't go swapping in a 4 speed, keep it original. But I just don't think that a 3 speed car will be worth more than an equivalent 4 speed car because of the "rarity" of the base tranny.
Shannon
PS - go with the original vinyl top and send your original bumpers out for rechroming.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Re: New-be Advice on Restore (sb69coupe)
It's been a long time that I heared about 3-speed C3's!!! That's a valuable car if it is all original.
I disagree. Not trying to badmouth the original posters car by any means. I think this is one case where rare != extra value. Yes the 3 speeds were rare, but there is litle, if any, extra value placed on having the base manual transmission.
Now I do agree that if the car is all original, don't go swapping in a 4 speed, keep it original. But I just don't think that a 3 speed car will be worth more than an equivalent 4 speed car because of the "rarity" of the base tranny.
Shannon
PS - go with the original vinyl top and send your original bumpers out for rechroming.
I disagree. Not trying to badmouth the original posters car by any means. I think this is one case where rare != extra value. Yes the 3 speeds were rare, but there is litle, if any, extra value placed on having the base manual transmission.
Now I do agree that if the car is all original, don't go swapping in a 4 speed, keep it original. But I just don't think that a 3 speed car will be worth more than an equivalent 4 speed car because of the "rarity" of the base tranny.
Shannon
PS - go with the original vinyl top and send your original bumpers out for rechroming.
:cheers:
Olivier
[Modified by GrandSportC3, 12:12 PM 8/13/2002]
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 9,662
Likes: 7
From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: New-be Advice on Restore (3speed68)
Welcome to the group! You do have a rare one there, I believe there were only a couple hundred 3-speeds built in 68. In my opinion if the car is pretty much original, then I'd try and keep it original as possible. It will be worth more in a few years.
Although I think canvas tops look better, I'd stick with vinyl on your car.
Although I think canvas tops look better, I'd stick with vinyl on your car.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 26,563
Likes: 29
From: Northridge California
St. Jude Donor '14
Re: New-be Advice on Restore (Smokehouse69)
interesting...why did chevrolet even put 3 speeds in these cars? were there a shortage of 4 speed trannys that warranted this? even the 50's vettes had 4 speeds...could this tranny have been ordered by the original purchaser?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Re: New-be Advice on Restore (eleven79)
interesting...why did chevrolet even put 3 speeds in these cars? were there a shortage of 4 speed trannys that warranted this? even the 50's vettes had 4 speeds...could this tranny have been ordered by the original purchaser?
:cheers:
Olivier
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 26,563
Likes: 29
From: Northridge California
St. Jude Donor '14
Re: New-be Advice on Restore (eleven79)
oohh, forgot! about yer car....how bad is the paint? if it's not that bad i would hold off and work on the mechanicals and suspension before you get a paint job....if you get a nice paint job then work on the mechanicals your new paint job is bound to get screwed up. remember, good paint & body work aint cheap...expect to pay 3000+ for a nice job...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,023
Likes: 2
From: TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS
St. Jude Contributor
Re: New-be Advice on Restore (eleven79)
oohh, forgot! about yer car....how bad is the paint? if it's not that bad i would hold off and work on the mechanicals and suspension before you get a paint job....if you get a nice paint job then work on the mechanicals your new paint job is bound to get screwed up. remember, good paint & body work aint cheap...expect to pay 3000+ for a nice job...
:yesnod: Excellent advice.
JB
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Corona Ca
Re: New-be Advice on Restore (3speed68)
Thanks all ... the car is good shape, original engine was rebuilt about 5 year ago (does that hurt value?) and headers added, but all numbers match. It was one of 168 to come off line in 1968 with 3 speed and A/C. I am in process of getting some small interior console work done, including new carpet and the new vinyl (thanks for the advice) top. I have interior heat problem when I drive long distances, so we are going for better protection under the car, wrapping the headers, and inside heat shield under the new carpet. As far as I can see, the only thing not original is the radio. Painting is last, and I assume with be the 2 coat process because I am told that urathane is impossible to find in California .... is it even worth pursuing?? I am also adding the corvette lettering on the back, for some reason the previous owner had it removed.
Thanks all for your advice.
Thanks all for your advice.
:cheers:
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Corona Ca
Re: New-be Advice on Restore (3speed68)
Last question on my mind ..... past owner put non-stock mirrors on the 68 on both sides ... I am going back to the original vette mirror, but have been told that in 68's there was only a drivers side mirror, and nothing on the passenger side ... true? was the other side an option or should I avoid it?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,573
Likes: 1
From: Ga.
Re: New-be Advice on Restore (3speed68)
Only driver's side outside mirror on the '68.....personally I don't like the looks of the dual mirrors on most C3's......When you have your new convertible top installed, take a look at the top frame. Before the new top is installed, now would be a good time to have the frame cleaned and painted. Good luck :cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: New-be Advice on Restore (Bob Jenkins)
Al Knoch, the interior specialist can "make" you a correct vinyl top and date code the rear window to match the assembly date of your car. No passenger mirrors on 68's. Chuck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: New-be Advice on Restore (GrandSportC3)
Actually the 3 speed trans was "standard "in 69. Anything else was optional. Posi-traction was also an option although required for certain engine/trans combos.
[Modified by silvervetteman, 6:26 AM 8/17/2002]
[Modified by silvervetteman, 6:26 AM 8/17/2002]
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: media pa
Re: New-be Advice on Restore (silvervetteman)
Re 3 speed: Who'd a thought that Powerglides would be collectible or desireable. If you have an original...go with it. Sell it. Some dude will pay you enough for you to buy another car. Just think of the guy in the showroom. "I'm buying a Vette and do I need a 4 speed? I think not." But what the hey. I was at a show where a nice 100 point '65 coupe sported the aftermarket repro window sticker and I asked the owner, "Why would anyone have a/c and delete the radio?'
The answer, "He was a surgeon and he liked to listen to the sound of the engine". Cool, huh? I like automatics. A 3 speed is close. Especially if you live where it is flat. My vote is : Keep the car stock.
The answer, "He was a surgeon and he liked to listen to the sound of the engine". Cool, huh? I like automatics. A 3 speed is close. Especially if you live where it is flat. My vote is : Keep the car stock.