Hey guys my name is Jason and im the new guy on the block. I recently purchsed a 72 and im a little overcome by the amount of work this project will involve. Right now im at the point where every thing is almost apart and thats where my question to you comes in. First off im not looking to go compleatly stock but im not going to drive it every day, it only has 37K miles but was badly neglected because it set in a parking lot in the sun for the last 6 years. Could anyone offer any insite on where to start i know i need all mew bushings but i dont know if i need to compleatly rebuild the front and rear end with new tierod ends ect. if anyone knows of any good refrence material please let me know i only plan on doing this once and really want to get it right the first time. Thanks guys

 

welcome aboard! and whew, you have some work to do there. I'd start with getting all the aftermarket catalogs, a reproduction assembly manual, and one or two corvette restoration guide books. I have one by Richard Prince and one by Lindsay Porter that I like better, as it goes thru a restoration, rather than just pictures of what pieces should look like afterwards. Plus post your questions here and get help. Joe

 

My 72 had a similar fate. It only had 43000 on it when I got it but it was in very rough shape. The original motor was gone but everything else was there just in worn out shape. I hate to tell you I have rebuilt the entire car from top to bottom. If it was marginal I replaced or rebuilt it. I would start with the safety items first. Brakes and steering are quite important. The suspension is also on the list. You can go from there. Make the car safe and drivable then go from there.

 

Be sure to check out http://www.corvettefaq.com ... it offers alot of previous material that has been said here. There is also a link to a pretty comprehensive check list of things you should be looking at and what you should be looking for.

Good luck... You've already made the best choice in joining us here. We are all here to help and be helped.

 

Welcome to the Forum.

The A.I.M. (Assembly Instruction Manual) for your year car and the GM Corvette Service Manual specific to your year car are essentials. I would also purchase an electrical diagram for your year car from Lectric Limited or from the NCRS publications.

If you plan on doing any suspension work get the Van Steel Suspension Video.

I would also have access to a digital camera. Take LOTS of photos, from EVERY angle, CLOSE-UP, and FAR AWAY. Those photos are much better than your memory. As you disassemble the car take photographs of each step.

DON'T THROW ANYTHING AWAY!! You will need to refer to many parts time and again - do this even if you currently plan on replacing the item. Get some filing cabinets/boxes and clastic zip lock bags. As you disassemble, zip lock the nuts and bolts along with a written description. Keep the removed nuts and bolts with the item you removed. Tag 'em, Bag 'em, and store them away in labeled boxes.

I only planned on doing some minor stuff to my car. I currently have the body off and I am in the process of putting the car back together. Make a realistic assessment of what the car needs. I should have taken the body off first - most systems are MUCH easier to work on with the body off the car.


This Forum along with:

http://www.corvettefaq.com/

are very useful. :)

 

I agree with gordon. Repair what needs to be done to drive the car safely. I have a limited budget for my corvette and I always make sure of safety first. everything else is cosmetic. Welcome to the forum. Good luck on you project. Never hesitate to walk away for a few days if something becomes troublesome. Your vette will sit patiently for you to return.

 

Slownlow
I'm in the JAX area. Will be more then happy to look at your Vette and give you some pointers on what direction to head in. :thumbs:

 

guys i jsut want to say thanks it is great to know that i can count on your help and opinion when i need it. Mr. D if you sould email me slpysmurf@aol.com i would like to meet a local guy some time all that i know of around here is a sweetr vett called big blk. to every one else thanks for the help i am starting to look in to all the diffrent books that are avaliabl. i have a feeling that you guys will be a lot o fhelp

 

have fun, and a good Xmas buy the car a present :hurray: