When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hello all. I am new to the forum and glad that I found it. I am about to start a restoration project on a ‘75 Stingray. Long story short, it has been sitting for nearly 20 years as the previous owner (my brother) had neither the time nor expertise to do anything with it. My 17 yr old son and I will be restoring it together. My initial inspection revealed brake calipers locked open and some minor other issues. I will get deeper into it in a week or so. I have turned a few wrenches but am by no means a mechanic. My son will be going through a very good automotive program as part of his senior year of high school. I figured this was a good car for him to get to know and he is more than excited.
What are some of the major things I should look for when starting this project? I know a few of them are vacuum issues, radiator mounts/radiator condition, bushings, body mount points, and water damage/rusting around the birdcage. What other things are common with this model?
Will post pics as often as I can. Here is one as she sits now. Thanks!
Look into the sticky above about what to look for when buying a C3. I know you are not buying it. But it points out all the things to look for.
Rust on frame and in birdcage are a game changer.
Any vehicle sitting this long will have a list of issues.
Rust is a MAJOR concern. Fuel system is going to need a major refurbishment. Brakes will need everything. Every bearing that has not spun in years will be of concern. Every rubber part needs replacement. Father time takes its toll.
Front and rear suspensions have rubber bushings. They are most likely rotten.
This will be a major project of every system of the car.
Great Father and Son project. Will likely take a few years to complete.
Best of luck and have fun!
Based on the picture of the car it looks like it will not take a lot of restoration to get it safely back on the road. Rule of thumb for rubber products 1) if liquid runs through it replace it, 2) if no liquid runs through it inspect and replace as required. Replace the tires regardless of condition. First goal should be to get the car starting, running and stopping.
Post a picture of the interior and engine compartment, we can tell you a lot just looking at pictures.
liquid through rubber also applies to t-top seals...first you make the engine start. don't even think of driving it. it is just cuz you are more motivated if you can hear it run. then you start with the 4 rubber brake lines. then fill and bleed and start looking for brake fluid leaks. when you can hold the brakes hard, push harder. like a 3 year old just chased a ball right in front of you. if a line is gonna pop it is best if you are in the driveway not moving. now you can think about going around the block. slow. those are 20 year old tires. they are next...
What are some of the major things I should look for when starting this project? I know a few of them are vacuum issues, radiator mounts/radiator condition, bushings, body mount points, and water damage/rusting around the birdcage. What other things are common with this model?
the rubber brake lines for sure, even if the brakes work, I’m sure the lines have swelled and are restricting flow.
75 had a lot of emission junk and first year catalytic converter, when I bought my 75, it had a leak from the EGR system and the converter was half clogged.
Another thing with c3’s, likely to have overheating issues. Common offenders(other than radiator) are shrouds missing, factory timing setting, vacuum advance hooked to ported vac.
Replacing or at least cleaning joint of the negative battery cable to frame is another good thing.
From the picture, looks like a good one to restore!
I built a similar 77 that had been mostly sitting for 25 years. I did a complete brake system, cooling system, suspension rebuild, and tires before it was safe to take out on the street. Check the frame and birdcage for rust before putting a ton of $$ into it. I also did door and t-top seals, and vacuum lines since most of the rubber was in poor shape. For brakes I would just go with new SS upgrade caliper set and forget the rebuilds. There is ton of good information here.
Also avoid the cheap parts if you can, not all replacement parts are created equal. Also the factory assembly manual is worth it's weight in gold.
I built a similar 77 that had been mostly sitting for 25 years. I did a complete brake system, cooling system, suspension rebuild, and tires before it was safe to take out on the street. Check the frame and birdcage for rust before putting a ton of $$ into it. I also did door and t-top seals, and vacuum lines since most of the rubber was in poor shape. For brakes I would just go with new SS upgrade caliper set and forget the rebuilds. There is ton of good information here.
Also avoid the cheap parts if you can, not all replacement parts are created equal. Also the factory assembly manual is worth it's weight in gold.
Good info from all---I have a factory assembly manual being delivered on Monday. I am also looking for a year specific shop guide. The ones I am seeing for '75 are the one in the pic below. Is there one specifically for the '75 C3?
‘75 Vette restoration
