73 L48 Engine Restoration Complete
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 520
From: McClellandtown, Pa.
73 L48 Engine Restoration Complete
I thought I'd share some pictures of the fruits of my labor. When I purchased my 73 two years ago, I had no intentions of having it judged, or for that matter, had no interest in the NCRS. I just wanted a convertible 4 speed driver to enjoy in retirement. However, as you can tell, that all changed once I became a member, and caught the restoration bug. The first picture although not very clear is what the engine bay looked like the day I brought it home. The rest are what it looks like today. The result of many hours of tidious knuckle busting hard work, tons of research and documentation, and a lot of help from many knowledgeable NCRS and CF members who never tired of my many questions.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 520
From: McClellandtown, Pa.
73 L48 Engine Resto. Last Picture.
Yes, I know the MC on a 73 should have 2 bleeder valves, but I just couldn't change it out, it's still looks and is working perfectly, if ever I need to change I will install a correct one.
Regards,
Jim
Yes, I know the MC on a 73 should have 2 bleeder valves, but I just couldn't change it out, it's still looks and is working perfectly, if ever I need to change I will install a correct one.
Regards,
Jim
Last edited by Tooch1; Jun 4, 2016 at 05:08 PM. Reason: Added info.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 829
Likes: 131
From: Spartanburg SC
That is very nice work. I'm still working on safety and reliability on my 72, then I'll move to cosmetics. Engine compartment is first on my list. My paint, interior, suspension meet my expectations. But, I'm not looking to be judged by NCRS.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 520
From: McClellandtown, Pa.
Definitely not afraid to drive it. The paint has a lot of lacquer checking throughout, especially the hood. It's a beautiful ten footer, but I like the original patina. Still shines like a new dime. That really makes it nice to drive and not worry about stone chips etc. I wanted to get all the mechanical stuff and incidentals correct and save the paint for last.
Jim
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,200
Likes: 4,287
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Tooch,
Boy!
Beautiful Work!
I wasn't aware that the heater hoses had the GM stamps on them. I thought that those markings stopped in 69(?).
I believe the 70-72 cars for instance have capital letters stamped in white along their length. JB, DL, or U for example.
???
VERY PRETTY engine compartment!!!
Regards,
Alan
Boy!
Beautiful Work!
I wasn't aware that the heater hoses had the GM stamps on them. I thought that those markings stopped in 69(?).
I believe the 70-72 cars for instance have capital letters stamped in white along their length. JB, DL, or U for example.
???
VERY PRETTY engine compartment!!!
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 520
From: McClellandtown, Pa.
Hi Tooch,
Boy!
Beautiful Work!
I wasn't aware that the heater hoses had the GM stamps on them. I thought that those markings stopped in 69(?).
I believe the 70-72 cars for instance have capital letters stamped in white along their length. JB, DL, or U for example.
???
VERY PRETTY engine compartment!!!
Regards,
Alan
Boy!
Beautiful Work!
I wasn't aware that the heater hoses had the GM stamps on them. I thought that those markings stopped in 69(?).
I believe the 70-72 cars for instance have capital letters stamped in white along their length. JB, DL, or U for example.
???
VERY PRETTY engine compartment!!!
Regards,
Alan
Thank you,
According to the 73-74 TIM&JG ; First couple sentences: "Heater hoses are black and may have GM logo on them. Many original heater hoses are seen with white letters DL or U stamped on them." Commonly with three or four narrow ribs along their length . I guess we'll see how it does this coming Sat. I'm having it flight judged for the first time at our Pittsburgh Chapter Judging Meet.
Jim
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 520
From: McClellandtown, Pa.
I'm a little nervous, there are some things on the car changed by previous owners that I just can't afford to change at this time, especially after I've spent a ton of $$$$ getting the car to where it is today.
Regards,
Jimmy
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,200
Likes: 4,287
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Jimmy,
After looking at your recent posts it certainly seems you've been conscientious about getting your car ready for Flight Judging. I hope you're surprised at how well it does!
Perhaps you should relax this week and just go through the Operations Check items a couple of times. It's always a good start in Flight Judging to not leave any of those OPs points out in the parking lot if at all possible!
Again, Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
After looking at your recent posts it certainly seems you've been conscientious about getting your car ready for Flight Judging. I hope you're surprised at how well it does!
Perhaps you should relax this week and just go through the Operations Check items a couple of times. It's always a good start in Flight Judging to not leave any of those OPs points out in the parking lot if at all possible!
Again, Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 520
From: McClellandtown, Pa.
I have a pretty good idea. I've been a part of judging both as a judge and observer. Thats why I'm nervous! But, to me it still is a worthwhile learning experience if you are into this part of the corvette hobby. "Now, My opinion on this may change come Saturday evening."
lol! I have a pretty good idea of where the car stands going in. As Alan mentioned above, I hope I'm surprised.
Thank you,
Jim
Last edited by Tooch1; Jun 6, 2016 at 09:59 AM.