where to start restoration project
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Joined: Aug 2001
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where to start restoration project
I'm trying to collect the information neccessary for a restoration project I want to do. At this point, all I have done is decided what I want (I am very committed to achiving my objective): 1969 red, manual trans, convertible. I want a driver, not a perfectly restored car, i.e, I want it to look origianal to the non-corvette people but I want a modern motor, high hp (383 crate or similar), disk brakes, ps,pb, a/c oprional. I want this to be a project for me. This will be my 3rd vette and my first restore.
Here's my simple question, how do I get started? Are there good publications on this type of restore? What are some good ways to find the perfect car to start with? I don't mind traveling, but I don't want to be wasting time either. I would like to start with a $15-$20K car and end up with a $30K car when complete; does this sound about right?
Thanks for your help and advise.
Here's my simple question, how do I get started? Are there good publications on this type of restore? What are some good ways to find the perfect car to start with? I don't mind traveling, but I don't want to be wasting time either. I would like to start with a $15-$20K car and end up with a $30K car when complete; does this sound about right?
Thanks for your help and advise.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 805
Likes: 0
Re: where to start restoration project (JDF)
JDF,
I would start by getting the Noland Adams books on Restoring 68 - 72 Corvettes. Also, I would get an assembly manual and Service Manuals.
From a $ perspective, having a Modern Motor in a 69 would keep the value well under $30K (just from what I've seen).
You should be able to get a 69 in pretty good shape with matching numbers and the options you described for well under $20K.
Also, think about a 70-72 instead - better protection from rock chips behind the wheels...
I would start by getting the Noland Adams books on Restoring 68 - 72 Corvettes. Also, I would get an assembly manual and Service Manuals.
From a $ perspective, having a Modern Motor in a 69 would keep the value well under $30K (just from what I've seen).
You should be able to get a 69 in pretty good shape with matching numbers and the options you described for well under $20K.
Also, think about a 70-72 instead - better protection from rock chips behind the wheels...
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,731
Likes: 22
From: Marietta Ga.
Re: where to start restoration project (Blues Mobile)
Actually I think he means by Richard Newton. See part # 113091 at corvette central site. Its availabe in most large bookstores in the auto sections. :yesnod:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 2
From: Apex NC
Re: where to start restoration project (JDF)
In my own personal opinion, if you're going to drop a different motor in the car right off the bat, then don't pay a premium for a numbers matching car. Find a nicely refurbished car with the options you want, then make the mods that get the car to be as you desire. Power steering is an easy add-on, power brakes a little more difficult. A/C is a beast to add if it ain't there. All years of C3's already had 4 piston disk brakes right out of the St Louis factory.
The assembly manual is a good reference, but has zero verbal instructions on how to do any procedures. The GM factory service and chassis overhaul manuals for '69 provide a wealth of info on how to repair and overhail most every major component. The Newton book is good. Also the 1969 Stinhray Guidebook is a great resource if you want to know how the car was originally configured.
Shannon
The assembly manual is a good reference, but has zero verbal instructions on how to do any procedures. The GM factory service and chassis overhaul manuals for '69 provide a wealth of info on how to repair and overhail most every major component. The Newton book is good. Also the 1969 Stinhray Guidebook is a great resource if you want to know how the car was originally configured.
Shannon
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 3
From: St. Charles IL
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8-9-11-12 Veteran
A CI-6 Car Show Winner
Re: where to start restoration project (JDF)
Everyone has posted great information that should be very helpful to you. The biggest problem for me doing a full restoration was the financial problem. You know once you start something like this, you have to finish it, at least that's the way I feel. For me it's at 12 thousand and counting, not including the original price of the car. I've done all the work myself, but parts prices are outrageous. Another thing that adds up fast is the cost of shipping parts. I keep finding more things needed as I go, and wind up having to pay shipping several times instead of waiting until I have one big order of everything I need to have it shipped all at once. Example: I bought a spare tire shell and tire from a forum member for $45.00, pretty good deal, right? Cost about 100 to ship. Good luck on your project, when it's all finished everything you've done will seem worthwhile. :cheers:
