Well, I've committed.

I've owned this 1970 Coupe since I graduated from College at the age of 24. I've put 25,000 miles on it over the past 13 years and it has never let me down. I'm 37 now and I have decided to embark on a major restoration project.

The car is a fairly original 1970 Daytona Yellow Coupe. It has the 350/350 horse engine, M-20, Air Conditioning, Power Steering and Power Brakes. It is also an original radio delete car.

Its kind of a survivor with a 20 year old paint job. Every bit of paperwork you could imagine. Original alternator, starter, carb, engine, trans, rear, etc. It is, however, an original midwest car. The chassis is shot. Holes in the frame in front of the rear wheels. Trailing arms have had it. Front bushings are shot. Upper windshield frame is rotted. It is no longer safe to drive in my opinion.

My restoration is mainly going to be the chassis. I am happy with my interior and body paint. I rebuilt the engine 10 years ago and it runs like a top. These areas have a few blemishes, but for the most part they have aged well.

I have purchased a nice southern 1970 4-speed chassis which needs only minor work. Everything on it has been rebuilt. It needs some cosmetic paint work which shouldn't be too bad.

My overall goal is to return this car to a very nice driver. I am going to adhere to NCRS when I can but do not plan on having the car judged. Sorry aftermarket guys, I'm going to keep it as stock as possible.

I joined this forum a couple of months ago and am amazed at the wealth of knowledge. I am proceeding to pull the body and am hoping for the best, but expecting the worst in terms of my rocker channels, birdcage area, etc.

I am going to make this as fun as possible! I plan on posting a fair amount of images and asking alot of questions. Below are some initial Images.



Looks like the aluminum spacers have had it!



The lift sure does make it easy.



The rear mount is not looking too good!



Changing the rear brakes this summer opened my eyes to the dangers of a rotting chassis. Notice the holes on top of the trailing arm.

I will keep everyone posted. Thanks for your input!

 

You do relize that soon as you get the body off you find more things wrong and go into the resto in full. it is just one of thoes corvette things. just thought I worn you. I wish you well and take many pics and then post them along with a story for the day

 

Good luck Tom.
I started out like you - restoring the safety of the car.
As I worked more and more at it, I wanted to make it better.
Now, I nearly have a brand new chassis. It takes time, work, and/or money.
In the end, it is a great feeling to know it will last at least another 30 years.
The drawback is that you may never drive her in the rain again.

Have fun and keep us posted.

 

I hope to start on my '71 as soon as I can get some space to do it. Good luck.