Welcome. Have fun with your new toy, and enjoy. 
New Guy
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: St Paul MN
New Guy
Hello everyone,
My name is Colin, and I just picked up a '74 Stingray in Burnt Orange the other day. Prettiest car I've ever owned, which doesn't say much. It's in decent condition, still needs a lot of work though, to be sure.
I have seen some really nice C3's here so far, and hopefully one day my car will be in great condition as well. I have always loved Corvettes, and I found one that was at too good a price to pass up, so I just up and bought it.
Any recommendations on what to go at first? The interior or the exterior or the engine?
Thanks,
Colin
My name is Colin, and I just picked up a '74 Stingray in Burnt Orange the other day. Prettiest car I've ever owned, which doesn't say much. It's in decent condition, still needs a lot of work though, to be sure.
I have seen some really nice C3's here so far, and hopefully one day my car will be in great condition as well. I have always loved Corvettes, and I found one that was at too good a price to pass up, so I just up and bought it.
Any recommendations on what to go at first? The interior or the exterior or the engine?
Thanks,
Colin
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 1
From: Boxford Mass
Welcome!
I would start on the inside and work out.
Drivetrain
Suspension / Steering
Interior
Exterior
Try and keep it on the road as much as possible. Long periods of down time can be hard to cope with & stay motivated.
I would start on the inside and work out.
Drivetrain
Suspension / Steering
Interior
Exterior
Try and keep it on the road as much as possible. Long periods of down time can be hard to cope with & stay motivated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,965
Likes: 2
From: North side of Houston Texas
Depends on a couple of things. First, how often will you be driving? Do you have a significant other who will be in the car, and if so, how often?
Basically what I've done with all three of the sharks I've owned is to prioritize according to what makes the car livable for my wife and I both since she's in the car almost as often as I am.
So basically that involves first making sure the car is mechanically road worthy. Then comes the legal stuff like tags, inspection, and insurance. Then I've mostly worked on the interior since no one likes driving a trash truck day in and day out. After that it's just a matter of taking care of the optional stuff like A/C, the cruise control, and stereo work.
Others here may disagree, but I strongly suggest that you get an assembly instruction manual from MidAmerica, as well as the factory service manual. The factory manual is leagues above the other aftermarket manuals. Between those two manuals, there won't be much you can't do on the car, and you'll go to bed at night knowing it's been done right.
And finally, I also suggest you hook up with other shark owners in your area. The guys I've met here in Houston have really been some strong moral support as I've worked through my sharks, and they've become some very good friends as well.
Good luck, and welcome to the wonderful world of Vetting.
Cheers!
W
Basically what I've done with all three of the sharks I've owned is to prioritize according to what makes the car livable for my wife and I both since she's in the car almost as often as I am.
So basically that involves first making sure the car is mechanically road worthy. Then comes the legal stuff like tags, inspection, and insurance. Then I've mostly worked on the interior since no one likes driving a trash truck day in and day out. After that it's just a matter of taking care of the optional stuff like A/C, the cruise control, and stereo work.
Others here may disagree, but I strongly suggest that you get an assembly instruction manual from MidAmerica, as well as the factory service manual. The factory manual is leagues above the other aftermarket manuals. Between those two manuals, there won't be much you can't do on the car, and you'll go to bed at night knowing it's been done right.
And finally, I also suggest you hook up with other shark owners in your area. The guys I've met here in Houston have really been some strong moral support as I've worked through my sharks, and they've become some very good friends as well.
Good luck, and welcome to the wonderful world of Vetting.
Cheers!
W
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 4
From: Northern NJ
St. Jude Donor '04 & '05
Welcome to the insanity! 
I too would would go for reliabilty first and worry about making it pretty after that. Too many people do it backwards IMHO.
Good Luck w/the new toy!
I too would would go for reliabilty first and worry about making it pretty after that. Too many people do it backwards IMHO.
Good Luck w/the new toy!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Originally Posted by Wendell Allen
Depends on a couple of things. First, how often will you be driving? Do you have a significant other who will be in the car, and if so, how often?
Basically what I've done with all three of the sharks I've owned is to prioritize according to what makes the car livable for my wife and I both since she's in the car almost as often as I am.
So basically that involves first making sure the car is mechanically road worthy. Then comes the legal stuff like tags, inspection, and insurance. Then I've mostly worked on the interior since no one likes driving a trash truck day in and day out. After that it's just a matter of taking care of the optional stuff like A/C, the cruise control, and stereo work.
Others here may disagree, but I strongly suggest that you get an assembly instruction manual from MidAmerica, as well as the factory service manual. The factory manual is leagues above the other aftermarket manuals. Between those two manuals, there won't be much you can't do on the car, and you'll go to bed at night knowing it's been done right.
And finally, I also suggest you hook up with other shark owners in your area. The guys I've met here in Houston have really been some strong moral support as I've worked through my sharks, and they've become some very good friends as well.
Good luck, and welcome to the wonderful world of Vetting.
Cheers!
W
Basically what I've done with all three of the sharks I've owned is to prioritize according to what makes the car livable for my wife and I both since she's in the car almost as often as I am.
So basically that involves first making sure the car is mechanically road worthy. Then comes the legal stuff like tags, inspection, and insurance. Then I've mostly worked on the interior since no one likes driving a trash truck day in and day out. After that it's just a matter of taking care of the optional stuff like A/C, the cruise control, and stereo work.
Others here may disagree, but I strongly suggest that you get an assembly instruction manual from MidAmerica, as well as the factory service manual. The factory manual is leagues above the other aftermarket manuals. Between those two manuals, there won't be much you can't do on the car, and you'll go to bed at night knowing it's been done right.
And finally, I also suggest you hook up with other shark owners in your area. The guys I've met here in Houston have really been some strong moral support as I've worked through my sharks, and they've become some very good friends as well.
Good luck, and welcome to the wonderful world of Vetting.
Cheers!
W
I couldn't have said it better.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,253
Likes: 1
From: Rochester Kent
Originally Posted by Tiredol74
I would add check out mechanical systems first...like brake, fuel, cooling, chassis, drivetrain, etc. to be sure. Good chance will run into some electrical probs enroute.
and welcome to the forum 
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: St Paul MN
Thanks for the replis guys, I am happier everyday with my purchase. Now to the first question I have:
This morning the car started backfiring/misfiring, I'm not exactly sure which one it is. When I lay off the gas, it sounds like a small knocking noise. When I get on the gas, though, a puff of smoke comes out of the carbeurator. Anyone have any ideas what could be causing it?
This morning the car started backfiring/misfiring, I'm not exactly sure which one it is. When I lay off the gas, it sounds like a small knocking noise. When I get on the gas, though, a puff of smoke comes out of the carbeurator. Anyone have any ideas what could be causing it?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 12,577
Likes: 0
From: I live in my Hubby's little world
Originally Posted by 74Thrasher
Thanks for the replis guys, I am happier everyday with my purchase. Now to the first question I have:
This morning the car started backfiring/misfiring, I'm not exactly sure which one it is. When I lay off the gas, it sounds like a small knocking noise. When I get on the gas, though, a puff of smoke comes out of the carbeurator. Anyone have any ideas what could be causing it?
This morning the car started backfiring/misfiring, I'm not exactly sure which one it is. When I lay off the gas, it sounds like a small knocking noise. When I get on the gas, though, a puff of smoke comes out of the carbeurator. Anyone have any ideas what could be causing it?
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: parsippany nj
Was the car being used when you bought it? First thing I would do is change all the fluids--oil, tranny and rear differential. Things will definitely pop up as you drive the car, but changing these fluids you will at least know that they in fact have been changed.
I would definitely concentrate on mechanical first, because it can look pretty, but it has to go, if you know what I mean. Hope this helps you and welcome!
I would definitely concentrate on mechanical first, because it can look pretty, but it has to go, if you know what I mean. Hope this helps you and welcome!
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: parsippany nj
Since it's a '74, if it has the original distributor, it will have points that can be adjusted. It could be a number of thins though. At$1.50 per plug, I would change the plugs(not much money) and it will give you an indication of how the engine is running. The problem could be carburetor or timing though.