Doorgunner's '68 Convertible Project
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2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,557
Likes: 7,006
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Doorgunner's '68 Convertible Project
NOTE: When I started this thread, I had no idea of what life had in store...so this is turning into more than a build-thread.
I'm new to Corvettes and want to buy a very neglected '68 convertible near my home with late '70s front & rear bumpers....
Side note: I've had the "fever" since 1968 when I saw that $4,550 red Corvette on the showroom floor at the local dealership.....and ended up with the $2,695 1969 Camaro convertible that was sitting next to the Corvette!
I'm not trying to "restore" to a factoy look since the car is a "basket-case" vehicle......I have no bodywork experience.....just want to get the body back to 1968-looks....and have a D.D./keeper just for me.....
Thanks for any input/threads-to-read...since I'm learning as I go....
Some of the experimental mods that I try on this car would NEVER EVER be tried by me on an original car!
Build Date Dec 14, 1967
Time for a TABLE OF CONTENTS!
Advice/Finding the "Right Car".................................... ......pg. 1-2
Bringing "her" home.................................... ..................pg. 3
Removing interior & Re-insulating/soundproofing..............pg. 4-5
CAI (kinda')/Seat covers/Alternator mods.........................pg. 6
Temporary Exhausts/Seat covers/Salvage yard Vette.........pg. 7
More CAI/Cooling fan mods/Brake rebuild.........................pg. 8
Brakes/Differential/Trailing Arm Rebuild............................pg. 9-10
M. Cylinder/Distribution Valve/Re-center Differential Prob...pg. 11
4 Wheel Alignment and Problems................................ .....pg. 12-14
Suspension Alignment/Springs/Shocks/ChitChat................pg. 15-17
"Straightening Bubba's" Trailing Arms/Interior Carpet........pg. 18
Oil Pan Leak/More Suspension Repairs/Damper repair........pg. 19-20
Exhaust Wrap/Infra-red-Gun readings..............................pg . 21-22
Seat Covers/OilPan Gasket/Seat Covers............................pg. 23-25
Cooling system cleaning/RANT!/Gatlinburg Trip..................pg. 26-27
Sandbagging warped hood/Idle Chit Chat..........................pg. 28-29
Engine Overheating/Son and Depression/Seat Belts............pg. 30-32
Exhaust Mods/Softtop S. Carolina Trip/Top Rebuild..............pg. 49-52
Softtop Rebuild................................. ..............................pg. 53-57
Steering Column Rebuild................................. .................pg. 60-62
Allergy Treatment aarg/Broken Door Locks.........................pg. 63-64
Car Alarms/Parachutes/Projects................................ .........pg. 65-67
Rebuilding Door Mechanisms/Door Lock Rebuild...................pg. 68-69
Door Panels/Car Show/Speedometer Gears/ChitChat.............pg. 70-71
Passenger Door Panel-Again/Veteran's Discussion..................pg. 72
Calo69 Car Show Pics (lots of Vettes/etc.).............................pg.73
PTSD/Rant/Encouraging Members/Back on Track....................pg.74-76
SOLD '34 Truck/New grills/engine harness...P/B conversion......pg.76-77
P/B conversion/TH400 Re-wired................................... ..........pg. 78
Speedometer glitch-repair/cooling fan delay-relay(s) upgraded...pg. 79
New CAI Plenum/New-larger steering wheel.............................pg. 79
CAI and sidepipes............................... ..................................pg. 80
Steering wheel/sidepipe install/CAI..................................... ....pg. 81-83
Distributor problems........AGAIN................... .........................pg. 84
Distributor electric parts rebuild................................. .............pg.85
Rebuilt distributor installation/timing.................................. ...pg. 86-87
Upgrade to electric fuel pump.................................... ............pg. 87
Chrome FRONT Bumper Conversion/Click here for the condensed shortcut: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1590451458 ...pg. 88-93
Conversion Discussions/Cutting Fiberglass Grill Off.............pg. 93-95
Two Year Review of the Build................................... ........pg. 96
Chrome REAR Bumper Conversion/Click here for the condensed shortcut: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1590630203.......pg.97
More useful advice about fiberglass replacement..................pg.98-104
Motorcycle Discussions (while waiting for parts to be delivered)...pg. 105-106
Enlarging Cargo/Trunk.......pg.107-109
(click here for condensed Shortcut): https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1590742891
More Chrome Front Bumper Modifications........................... ...... pg. 110-111
Fuel Tank Custom Modification/Click here for condensed Shortcut...........https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1590803576 ...pg. 112-116
Tail light Clip Conversion.............................. ......................pg. 116-118
PTSD Chit Chat.................................... .......................................p g. 118-127
More Tail light Clip Conversion.............................. ........................pg. 128-130
More Enlarging Cargo/Trunk Area.................................... ..............pg. 131-135
More Tail Light Clip Conversion.............................. .......................pg. 136-137
Deck Lid Restoration............................. ........................................ pg. 137-139
Body Lift/Body Mounts & Reinforcement Repair/Replacing Front Crossmember and Braces........pg. 140-145
(for shortcut clik on the link to the right): https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1591645717
Humorous Story About Visit to V.A. Hospital..............(Click on quick-link https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1591683265) ......................pg. 143
Fabricate Support for oversize Radiator...............................p g. 146
Driver-side Fender Support Repair.................................. ....pg. 147
Test-Fitting Front and Rear Bumpers................................. ...pg. 149
Shimming Body Mounts for Door Gaps.................................pg. 150
Family Illness................................. .................................pg. 151
Family Tragedy................................. ...............................pg. 153-157
Emergency Sale of our house/packing to move away............pg. 158-160
More Tragedy................................. .................................pg. 161-162
Great Flood of 2016.................................... .....................pg. 163
Moving to In-law's during the Flood................................... .pg. 168-169
Trip to New Orleans and to Car Show..................................pg . 170-171
Fuel tank testing and fitting under car.................................pg.1 72-174
Support for Tank fabbing and fitting................................. ...pg. 175
Replacing rotted rear Cross member.................................. ..pg.176-177
More tank fitting with new crossmember............................. ..pg. 178-179
In-laws are united in Heaven.................................. .............pg.180
Moving to new home/new garage for Vette............................pg. 181
Moving Vette to new home/New garage & boxes....................pg.182-184
Repairing Rag-joint/Chit-Chat/New Sand Blasting Cabinet........pg. 185-186
Moving equipment into new garage/re-installing side pipes......pg. 187-188
Garage A.C./Insulation/new pegboard walls...........................pg. 189-190
Roadtrip (less Vette) to California.............................. ...........pg. 190-191
Hoist for hardtop added to garage.................................. .......pg. 192
Loading pegboard walls with Car/motorcycle parts...................pg. 193-194
Studying front Clip/work on Tail Clip/Repair cracked door jamb..pg. 195-196
Bonding exhaust panel to body/Fitting rear chrome bumpers.....pg. 196-199
4 year Review of work done so far..................................... .....pg. 200
Forum Chit-Chat with friends................................. .................pg. 201-203
Lowering garage onto slab after removing sub-floor...................pg.203-204
Painting garage floor/Bolting garage to slab..............................pg. 204-206
My Son's Memorial Day/Me learning to use a Wheelchair!............pg. 207
Forum Chit-Chat about Life.................................... ..................pg. 207-208
Repairing rubber fuel lines in engine bay...................................pg . 208-209
Forum Chit-Chat/Learning to use wheelchair in garage................pg. 209-210
Snow Storm of 2017/Forum Chit-Chat/Christmas 2017................pg. 211-216
Can't walk/Spine Surgery/Recovery/Chit-Chat............................pg. 214-216
First day on project since Surgery................................. ............pg. 216
Exhaust panel fitting/Finishing with body filler.............................pg.21 6-220
Door Gaps/Exhaust panel/Door Gaps.................................... ......pg.220-222
Garage Addition/Forum Chit-Chat/Garage addition/Door Gaps.......pg. 222-227
Deck lid/hinges/body gap repairs................................. ..............pg.227-232
Fitting rear bumpers to "new" tail light clip..................................pg . 232
Installing steel drain tubes under the deck...................................p g. 233
Leveling gas door with top of deck.................................... ..........pg. 233-234
Cutting new offset holes/installing rear marker lights.....................pg. 235
PTSD causing problems AGAIN................................... .................pg. 235-236
Steering column repair-rework......….........…......………........ .…pg. 237
Carb Backfire-readjust seat and floats/Chit-Chat...……...……..pg. 238-240
Bringing the car to the Paint Shop.................................... ............pg. 241-244
Re-organizing the garage and pegboards/collecting repair panels for nose...pg. 245-246
Rebuilding Harley/20 year update. Repairing tail lights and headlight mechanisms...pg 247-248
More headlight repair and Harley rebuild pics.....pg.249-250
Removing front clip/replacing fender side vents with correct style louvers...pg.251-252
Taking measurements/getting repair panels ready/removing '76 pieces/adjusting rear bumpers/repairing front clip/repairing fender wells...pg. 253-254
Repairing fenders/installing used headlight panel/fabricating radiator support for aluminum radiator...pg. 255-257
Roughing-in front bumper and grill/roughing-in hood/
setting angle of headlite panel............................pg. 258
Rebuilding door lock assemblies/more fender repairs/correcting wide wheel well arch...pg.259-261
Doors-Deck Lid-Body are at body shop 7 months and painted................pg. 262-268
Rebuilding tailites/Installing bumpers-license plate surround/Vent Grills/
Rewiring Brake Lites................................... ......pg. 263-268
Installing rear marker lites/Installing Deck Lid/Installing Reverse Lites.........pg. 269-272
More Tail lite rewiring/Installing installing gas tank (again)....................pg. 272-274
Forum Members Chit-Chat/Building door installer support/More Chit-Chat/Installing doors...pg. 274-278
More Forum Chit-Chat.................................... .........................pg. 279-282
More Tail Lite rewiring/More gas Tank Installation/
Fabricating hidden filler neck for gas tank................pg. 283-286
Dusting off the wheelchair again/right leg again/will need surgery/ought to be Fun..........................pg. 286 (updates thru Feb-Mar 2021)
New Sill Plates/New wheel trim rings/New Evap Canister/
Repair headlite Actuators-Etc/................................pg. 286-287
Make Test Bench to repair Headlite Vacuum System........................pg. 288
Repair-Recover Interior Trim and console pieces.................................p g. 289
Rebuild Parking Brake System.................................. ...........pg.289-292
Begin 4L60E Automatic transmission Disassembly............................. ...pg. 292-294
Begin rebuilding 4L60E transmission.......................pg. 295-295
Pause transmission rebuild. Clean interior/install deck lid Gasket/
Forum Chit-Chat/PTSD strikes again..........................pg. 295-297
Rebuild Original Auto-Transmission Shifter and modify
to fit 4L60E shift pattern(4 speeds w/Lock-up Torque Convertor)...pg. 297-297
Rebuild Vacuum Relay that opens-closes actuators on each Headlight.....pg. 297-298
Insulate hot garage roll-up door.................................... ..................pg. 298
Forum Chit-Chat/more PTSD/more Vacuum Relay rebuild pics & info...pg. 298-299
Temperature readings-garage door insulation-Big Improvement/
more Chit-Chat.................................... ......................pg. 299-301
Modify Distributor w Air Tubes to cool-down overheating Ignition Module......pg. 301
PTSD is on my case for the 6th month in a row/General Chit Chat..............pg.301-303
Hurricane Idaho 2021 is about to hit the Louisiana Coast/Updates during storm...pg. 304-306
Shifter Tunnel Repair to reinstall OEM shifter...pg.306-308
PTSD and more tunnel repair.................................. ....pg. 309 - 312
Frame Repair at kickups................................. ..............pg. 312 - 313
Console Rebuild and Holiday Chit Chat with Forum Friends.....pg. 314 - 321
Changing log-style exhaust manifolds to Ram Horn style......321-322
Roll-around engine stand/Work on Harley.............323-324
New Orleans trip.................................... ...................325
Head and cylinder discussion.............................. ...325-326
4L60E transmission/Door installation jack stand/My Son.....326-328
Floorboard insulation/Headlight Test Bench......................328-329
Garage cleaning/Reorganizing............................ ..................329-330
More 4L60E work/more garage organizing/painting car parts...330-332
My friend gave me a set of 1967 64 cc heads/ clean-up........333
Cleaning gauges (again) /Car Alarm install..............................333-335
Rebuilding OEM Brake light switch/Neutral Safety switch.....335-336
Repair broken cluster Bezel/more dash work/ Hood Release handle polished...336
Repair bowed-cracked driver gauge Panel/Rebuilding Wiper Switch.....337
Removing 5 lbs. of broken radio internals............................... ........338
Installing exhausts/adding dual cats.................................... .........338-340
Installing new timing chain/painting parts................................... ..340-341
Warped carb spacer/cleaning carb/Harley chit-chat......................341-345
Replacing door weatherstrip/ setting door gaps..........................345-347
Re-dying convertible top/Forum Chit-Chat...................................3 47-350
Replace broken Fuel Pressure Regulator/more garage cleaning.......350-352
More 64 cc head work/more gauge repair/more Forum Chit-Chat...352-354
(to be continued.......if God says the same!)
*TRANSERRED MISSING PICS TO LAPTOP UP TO REPLY #2430
I'm new to Corvettes and want to buy a very neglected '68 convertible near my home with late '70s front & rear bumpers....
Side note: I've had the "fever" since 1968 when I saw that $4,550 red Corvette on the showroom floor at the local dealership.....and ended up with the $2,695 1969 Camaro convertible that was sitting next to the Corvette!
I'm not trying to "restore" to a factoy look since the car is a "basket-case" vehicle......I have no bodywork experience.....just want to get the body back to 1968-looks....and have a D.D./keeper just for me.....
Thanks for any input/threads-to-read...since I'm learning as I go....
Some of the experimental mods that I try on this car would NEVER EVER be tried by me on an original car!
Build Date Dec 14, 1967
Time for a TABLE OF CONTENTS!
Advice/Finding the "Right Car".................................... ......pg. 1-2
Bringing "her" home.................................... ..................pg. 3
Removing interior & Re-insulating/soundproofing..............pg. 4-5
CAI (kinda')/Seat covers/Alternator mods.........................pg. 6
Temporary Exhausts/Seat covers/Salvage yard Vette.........pg. 7
More CAI/Cooling fan mods/Brake rebuild.........................pg. 8
Brakes/Differential/Trailing Arm Rebuild............................pg. 9-10
M. Cylinder/Distribution Valve/Re-center Differential Prob...pg. 11
4 Wheel Alignment and Problems................................ .....pg. 12-14
Suspension Alignment/Springs/Shocks/ChitChat................pg. 15-17
"Straightening Bubba's" Trailing Arms/Interior Carpet........pg. 18
Oil Pan Leak/More Suspension Repairs/Damper repair........pg. 19-20
Exhaust Wrap/Infra-red-Gun readings..............................pg . 21-22
Seat Covers/OilPan Gasket/Seat Covers............................pg. 23-25
Cooling system cleaning/RANT!/Gatlinburg Trip..................pg. 26-27
Sandbagging warped hood/Idle Chit Chat..........................pg. 28-29
Engine Overheating/Son and Depression/Seat Belts............pg. 30-32
Exhaust Mods/Softtop S. Carolina Trip/Top Rebuild..............pg. 49-52
Softtop Rebuild................................. ..............................pg. 53-57
Steering Column Rebuild................................. .................pg. 60-62
Allergy Treatment aarg/Broken Door Locks.........................pg. 63-64
Car Alarms/Parachutes/Projects................................ .........pg. 65-67
Rebuilding Door Mechanisms/Door Lock Rebuild...................pg. 68-69
Door Panels/Car Show/Speedometer Gears/ChitChat.............pg. 70-71
Passenger Door Panel-Again/Veteran's Discussion..................pg. 72
Calo69 Car Show Pics (lots of Vettes/etc.).............................pg.73
PTSD/Rant/Encouraging Members/Back on Track....................pg.74-76
SOLD '34 Truck/New grills/engine harness...P/B conversion......pg.76-77
P/B conversion/TH400 Re-wired................................... ..........pg. 78
Speedometer glitch-repair/cooling fan delay-relay(s) upgraded...pg. 79
New CAI Plenum/New-larger steering wheel.............................pg. 79
CAI and sidepipes............................... ..................................pg. 80
Steering wheel/sidepipe install/CAI..................................... ....pg. 81-83
Distributor problems........AGAIN................... .........................pg. 84
Distributor electric parts rebuild................................. .............pg.85
Rebuilt distributor installation/timing.................................. ...pg. 86-87
Upgrade to electric fuel pump.................................... ............pg. 87
Chrome FRONT Bumper Conversion/Click here for the condensed shortcut: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1590451458 ...pg. 88-93
Conversion Discussions/Cutting Fiberglass Grill Off.............pg. 93-95
Two Year Review of the Build................................... ........pg. 96
Chrome REAR Bumper Conversion/Click here for the condensed shortcut: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1590630203.......pg.97
More useful advice about fiberglass replacement..................pg.98-104
Motorcycle Discussions (while waiting for parts to be delivered)...pg. 105-106
Enlarging Cargo/Trunk.......pg.107-109
(click here for condensed Shortcut): https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1590742891
More Chrome Front Bumper Modifications........................... ...... pg. 110-111
Fuel Tank Custom Modification/Click here for condensed Shortcut...........https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1590803576 ...pg. 112-116
Tail light Clip Conversion.............................. ......................pg. 116-118
PTSD Chit Chat.................................... .......................................p g. 118-127
More Tail light Clip Conversion.............................. ........................pg. 128-130
More Enlarging Cargo/Trunk Area.................................... ..............pg. 131-135
More Tail Light Clip Conversion.............................. .......................pg. 136-137
Deck Lid Restoration............................. ........................................ pg. 137-139
Body Lift/Body Mounts & Reinforcement Repair/Replacing Front Crossmember and Braces........pg. 140-145
(for shortcut clik on the link to the right): https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1591645717
Humorous Story About Visit to V.A. Hospital..............(Click on quick-link https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1591683265) ......................pg. 143
Fabricate Support for oversize Radiator...............................p g. 146
Driver-side Fender Support Repair.................................. ....pg. 147
Test-Fitting Front and Rear Bumpers................................. ...pg. 149
Shimming Body Mounts for Door Gaps.................................pg. 150
Family Illness................................. .................................pg. 151
Family Tragedy................................. ...............................pg. 153-157
Emergency Sale of our house/packing to move away............pg. 158-160
More Tragedy................................. .................................pg. 161-162
Great Flood of 2016.................................... .....................pg. 163
Moving to In-law's during the Flood................................... .pg. 168-169
Trip to New Orleans and to Car Show..................................pg . 170-171
Fuel tank testing and fitting under car.................................pg.1 72-174
Support for Tank fabbing and fitting................................. ...pg. 175
Replacing rotted rear Cross member.................................. ..pg.176-177
More tank fitting with new crossmember............................. ..pg. 178-179
In-laws are united in Heaven.................................. .............pg.180
Moving to new home/new garage for Vette............................pg. 181
Moving Vette to new home/New garage & boxes....................pg.182-184
Repairing Rag-joint/Chit-Chat/New Sand Blasting Cabinet........pg. 185-186
Moving equipment into new garage/re-installing side pipes......pg. 187-188
Garage A.C./Insulation/new pegboard walls...........................pg. 189-190
Roadtrip (less Vette) to California.............................. ...........pg. 190-191
Hoist for hardtop added to garage.................................. .......pg. 192
Loading pegboard walls with Car/motorcycle parts...................pg. 193-194
Studying front Clip/work on Tail Clip/Repair cracked door jamb..pg. 195-196
Bonding exhaust panel to body/Fitting rear chrome bumpers.....pg. 196-199
4 year Review of work done so far..................................... .....pg. 200
Forum Chit-Chat with friends................................. .................pg. 201-203
Lowering garage onto slab after removing sub-floor...................pg.203-204
Painting garage floor/Bolting garage to slab..............................pg. 204-206
My Son's Memorial Day/Me learning to use a Wheelchair!............pg. 207
Forum Chit-Chat about Life.................................... ..................pg. 207-208
Repairing rubber fuel lines in engine bay...................................pg . 208-209
Forum Chit-Chat/Learning to use wheelchair in garage................pg. 209-210
Snow Storm of 2017/Forum Chit-Chat/Christmas 2017................pg. 211-216
Can't walk/Spine Surgery/Recovery/Chit-Chat............................pg. 214-216
First day on project since Surgery................................. ............pg. 216
Exhaust panel fitting/Finishing with body filler.............................pg.21 6-220
Door Gaps/Exhaust panel/Door Gaps.................................... ......pg.220-222
Garage Addition/Forum Chit-Chat/Garage addition/Door Gaps.......pg. 222-227
Deck lid/hinges/body gap repairs................................. ..............pg.227-232
Fitting rear bumpers to "new" tail light clip..................................pg . 232
Installing steel drain tubes under the deck...................................p g. 233
Leveling gas door with top of deck.................................... ..........pg. 233-234
Cutting new offset holes/installing rear marker lights.....................pg. 235
PTSD causing problems AGAIN................................... .................pg. 235-236
Steering column repair-rework......….........…......………........ .…pg. 237
Carb Backfire-readjust seat and floats/Chit-Chat...……...……..pg. 238-240
Bringing the car to the Paint Shop.................................... ............pg. 241-244
Re-organizing the garage and pegboards/collecting repair panels for nose...pg. 245-246
Rebuilding Harley/20 year update. Repairing tail lights and headlight mechanisms...pg 247-248
More headlight repair and Harley rebuild pics.....pg.249-250
Removing front clip/replacing fender side vents with correct style louvers...pg.251-252
Taking measurements/getting repair panels ready/removing '76 pieces/adjusting rear bumpers/repairing front clip/repairing fender wells...pg. 253-254
Repairing fenders/installing used headlight panel/fabricating radiator support for aluminum radiator...pg. 255-257
Roughing-in front bumper and grill/roughing-in hood/
setting angle of headlite panel............................pg. 258
Rebuilding door lock assemblies/more fender repairs/correcting wide wheel well arch...pg.259-261
Doors-Deck Lid-Body are at body shop 7 months and painted................pg. 262-268
Rebuilding tailites/Installing bumpers-license plate surround/Vent Grills/
Rewiring Brake Lites................................... ......pg. 263-268
Installing rear marker lites/Installing Deck Lid/Installing Reverse Lites.........pg. 269-272
More Tail lite rewiring/Installing installing gas tank (again)....................pg. 272-274
Forum Members Chit-Chat/Building door installer support/More Chit-Chat/Installing doors...pg. 274-278
More Forum Chit-Chat.................................... .........................pg. 279-282
More Tail Lite rewiring/More gas Tank Installation/
Fabricating hidden filler neck for gas tank................pg. 283-286
Dusting off the wheelchair again/right leg again/will need surgery/ought to be Fun..........................pg. 286 (updates thru Feb-Mar 2021)
New Sill Plates/New wheel trim rings/New Evap Canister/
Repair headlite Actuators-Etc/................................pg. 286-287
Make Test Bench to repair Headlite Vacuum System........................pg. 288
Repair-Recover Interior Trim and console pieces.................................p g. 289
Rebuild Parking Brake System.................................. ...........pg.289-292
Begin 4L60E Automatic transmission Disassembly............................. ...pg. 292-294
Begin rebuilding 4L60E transmission.......................pg. 295-295
Pause transmission rebuild. Clean interior/install deck lid Gasket/
Forum Chit-Chat/PTSD strikes again..........................pg. 295-297
Rebuild Original Auto-Transmission Shifter and modify
to fit 4L60E shift pattern(4 speeds w/Lock-up Torque Convertor)...pg. 297-297
Rebuild Vacuum Relay that opens-closes actuators on each Headlight.....pg. 297-298
Insulate hot garage roll-up door.................................... ..................pg. 298
Forum Chit-Chat/more PTSD/more Vacuum Relay rebuild pics & info...pg. 298-299
Temperature readings-garage door insulation-Big Improvement/
more Chit-Chat.................................... ......................pg. 299-301
Modify Distributor w Air Tubes to cool-down overheating Ignition Module......pg. 301
PTSD is on my case for the 6th month in a row/General Chit Chat..............pg.301-303
Hurricane Idaho 2021 is about to hit the Louisiana Coast/Updates during storm...pg. 304-306
Shifter Tunnel Repair to reinstall OEM shifter...pg.306-308
PTSD and more tunnel repair.................................. ....pg. 309 - 312
Frame Repair at kickups................................. ..............pg. 312 - 313
Console Rebuild and Holiday Chit Chat with Forum Friends.....pg. 314 - 321
Changing log-style exhaust manifolds to Ram Horn style......321-322
Roll-around engine stand/Work on Harley.............323-324
New Orleans trip.................................... ...................325
Head and cylinder discussion.............................. ...325-326
4L60E transmission/Door installation jack stand/My Son.....326-328
Floorboard insulation/Headlight Test Bench......................328-329
Garage cleaning/Reorganizing............................ ..................329-330
More 4L60E work/more garage organizing/painting car parts...330-332
My friend gave me a set of 1967 64 cc heads/ clean-up........333
Cleaning gauges (again) /Car Alarm install..............................333-335
Rebuilding OEM Brake light switch/Neutral Safety switch.....335-336
Repair broken cluster Bezel/more dash work/ Hood Release handle polished...336
Repair bowed-cracked driver gauge Panel/Rebuilding Wiper Switch.....337
Removing 5 lbs. of broken radio internals............................... ........338
Installing exhausts/adding dual cats.................................... .........338-340
Installing new timing chain/painting parts................................... ..340-341
Warped carb spacer/cleaning carb/Harley chit-chat......................341-345
Replacing door weatherstrip/ setting door gaps..........................345-347
Re-dying convertible top/Forum Chit-Chat...................................3 47-350
Replace broken Fuel Pressure Regulator/more garage cleaning.......350-352
More 64 cc head work/more gauge repair/more Forum Chit-Chat...352-354
(to be continued.......if God says the same!)
*TRANSERRED MISSING PICS TO LAPTOP UP TO REPLY #2430
Last edited by doorgunner; May 16, 2024 at 07:42 PM.
Popular Reply
Feb 12, 2024, 07:23 PM
Thread Starter
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,557
Likes: 7,006
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Hey Gang...without doing too much whining,
I am still hanging in there/ latest results per the Oncologist= No Stomach cancer.
I'm slowly gaining back that 40 lbs. I lost.
They DID find that the exterior of my brain is completely scarred (but we all knew that
).
Ya'll hang in there and keep up the good work!
I am still hanging in there/ latest results per the Oncologist= No Stomach cancer.
I'm slowly gaining back that 40 lbs. I lost.
They DID find that the exterior of my brain is completely scarred (but we all knew that
).Ya'll hang in there and keep up the good work!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,160
Likes: 4,241
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi dg,
Welcome!
Rescuing a 68 is a good thing!
BUT, what you're suggesting is very difficult and takes a lot of experience, hundreds and hundreds of hours of work, and considerable $$$, to accomplish.
If in fact, you want to have a car with chrome front and rear bumpers, I believe you'd be much wiser to find one that presently has them.
The links you posted, while interesting, don't show what's involved in accomplishing what you've suggested.
Look for a 71-72 that's a complete but needy car instead.
Regards,
Alan
Welcome!
Rescuing a 68 is a good thing!
BUT, what you're suggesting is very difficult and takes a lot of experience, hundreds and hundreds of hours of work, and considerable $$$, to accomplish.
If in fact, you want to have a car with chrome front and rear bumpers, I believe you'd be much wiser to find one that presently has them.
The links you posted, while interesting, don't show what's involved in accomplishing what you've suggested.
Look for a 71-72 that's a complete but needy car instead.
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Sep 10, 2013 at 07:57 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Order the 1968 assembly instruction manual (AIM) and take a look at how the clips were installed at the factory. At the least, that will give you an idea of where you are wanting to go.
Before you get too far along, be aware the swap back to chrome is going to be expensive.
Good luck.
Before you get too far along, be aware the swap back to chrome is going to be expensive.
Good luck.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Sep 10, 2013 at 10:59 AM.
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 261
Likes: 7
I hope you have a cheap donor car ready to use, and are getting the mutant for next to nothing. There are an awful lot of parts involved in this, and a lot of time. Why would you want to do this instead of buying a car that is already correct? I hope it isn't to save money...
Thread Starter
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,557
Likes: 7,006
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Thanks for the info Men.....I like doing/learning......
(bought some tubing/built a Harley frame--made it look like a 1970s SuperGlide with a shovelhead engine)
(took my D/D work truck apart---put a '34 pickup body on it/I rebuilt a 350SBC/700R4 with the help of a $30 engine rebuild manual & a $30 xmsn repair manual---LOL)
I always, since a kid, wanted a convertible Corvette with "those shiny bumpers" (had a graduation new '69 Camaro 'vert--got stupiEd and sold it in '84)
I'm still waiting for the owner to call me about buying the Vette....I'm 2nd in line---the purchaser ahead of me is having trouble coming up with $4,000
But since I can "taste it"---I want to start learning the steps now on replacing the clips...
if this deal falls thru for me---I'll do what you guys suggest and find one that needs less body work for a few $,$$$ more so I can focus on the mechanical stuff.
Plus.................I'm hard-headed!
(bought some tubing/built a Harley frame--made it look like a 1970s SuperGlide with a shovelhead engine)
(took my D/D work truck apart---put a '34 pickup body on it/I rebuilt a 350SBC/700R4 with the help of a $30 engine rebuild manual & a $30 xmsn repair manual---LOL)
I always, since a kid, wanted a convertible Corvette with "those shiny bumpers" (had a graduation new '69 Camaro 'vert--got stupiEd and sold it in '84)
I'm still waiting for the owner to call me about buying the Vette....I'm 2nd in line---the purchaser ahead of me is having trouble coming up with $4,000
But since I can "taste it"---I want to start learning the steps now on replacing the clips...
if this deal falls thru for me---I'll do what you guys suggest and find one that needs less body work for a few $,$$$ more so I can focus on the mechanical stuff.
Plus.................I'm hard-headed!
Last edited by doorgunner; Jan 31, 2026 at 11:05 PM.
Terrorizing Orange Cones
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,572
Likes: 17
From: Northern CO
Alan makes a good suggestion by locating a little later chrome bumper car that needs some lovin' and wrestle with that. Unless you must have the factory computer controls, the later suspension pieces, interior, and the mixed registration, I bet you could modify to your hearts content on a 70-72 model that's waiting for a guy like you to come and rescue it.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Last edited by Dustup7T2; Sep 10, 2013 at 06:37 PM.
Thread Starter
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,557
Likes: 7,006
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Nuttin' wrong with that unless you're on a tight budget for time, space, and money, or "all of the above".
Alan makes a good suggestion by locating a little later chrome bumper car that needs some lovin' and wrestle with that. Unless you must have the factory computer controls, the later suspension pieces, interior, and the mixed registration, I bet you could modify to your hearts content on a 70-72 model that's waiting for a guy like you to come and rescue it.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Alan makes a good suggestion by locating a little later chrome bumper car that needs some lovin' and wrestle with that. Unless you must have the factory computer controls, the later suspension pieces, interior, and the mixed registration, I bet you could modify to your hearts content on a 70-72 model that's waiting for a guy like you to come and rescue it.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Last edited by doorgunner; Feb 9, 2014 at 02:04 PM.
Thread Starter
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,557
Likes: 7,006
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
I was finally able to end the game of "phone/e-mail-tag" with the guy selling the hardtop...I'll meet with him this weekend while he's got some "home-time" to look at the car/work out a deal.
EDIT: errrr....change of plans this afternoon/Friday.........the car isn't coming out of the tune-up shop until Monday...and the place is closed this weekend with the car locked inside the building.............RATTTTTTS!
EDIT: errrr....change of plans this afternoon/Friday.........the car isn't coming out of the tune-up shop until Monday...and the place is closed this weekend with the car locked inside the building.............RATTTTTTS!
Last edited by doorgunner; Nov 15, 2014 at 02:56 AM.
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Thread Starter
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,557
Likes: 7,006
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Update: The owner e-mailed me today about seeing the car/test-drive/copy of title for my insurance company's approval..........hopefully on Monday......hopefully!!!
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 268
From: iowa city iowa
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C3 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Male sure you know where to look for rust. If it has bad rust then you are looking at a bunch of time and money to make it safe before you even address the body work and any mechanical issues it will have.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Thread Starter
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,557
Likes: 7,006
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Thanks for the advice.....I've been viewing threads here about frame repair....
Even though I could handle the work....I'm really looking for something with minor frame problems because I still have a few things to wrap up on my '34pickup(work-truck/streetrod....LOL)
sorry about the f-f-f-ford body....but the '93 chevy drivetrain oughta cancel that out.
Even though I could handle the work....I'm really looking for something with minor frame problems because I still have a few things to wrap up on my '34pickup(work-truck/streetrod....LOL)
sorry about the f-f-f-ford body....but the '93 chevy drivetrain oughta cancel that out.
Last edited by doorgunner; Apr 22, 2018 at 10:27 PM.
Thread Starter
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,557
Likes: 7,006
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
I thought that since I've gotten so much good info from you guys......I may as well go to the Sale Forum.
On a set income & time to spare (God willing!) I need a car that I can work on as the monthly checks come in as I will be selling my (eyes tearing-up a little) '74/'84/'94/'04 custom Harley.
I'm not an OEM freak (meant in a respectful way)....I want a vehicle that is dependable, but could use some freshening-up.
I've spent about 20 hours reviewing repair/maintenace threads to have some knowledge of keeping the car in good shape.
Anybody got other questions that a rookie should ask (keep in mind that I won't re-sell or "show" the car)....?
On a set income & time to spare (God willing!) I need a car that I can work on as the monthly checks come in as I will be selling my (eyes tearing-up a little) '74/'84/'94/'04 custom Harley.
I'm not an OEM freak (meant in a respectful way)....I want a vehicle that is dependable, but could use some freshening-up.
I've spent about 20 hours reviewing repair/maintenace threads to have some knowledge of keeping the car in good shape.
Anybody got other questions that a rookie should ask (keep in mind that I won't re-sell or "show" the car)....?
Last edited by doorgunner; Oct 27, 2013 at 07:43 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 207
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis MN
In the long run, I think you will be very happy this first deal fell through. Now you have a chance to step back and look at what's available. Here's a "must read" post when looking for your first C3. The pictures are detailed and give you some ideas on what to look for.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-corvette.html
Good luck on your search.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-corvette.html
Good luck on your search.
Thread Starter
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,557
Likes: 7,006
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
In the long run, I think you will be very happy this first deal fell through. Now you have a chance to step back and look at what's available. Here's a "must read" post when looking for your first C3. The pictures are detailed and give you some ideas on what to look for.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-corvette.html
Good luck on your search.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-corvette.html
Good luck on your search.
Last edited by doorgunner; Oct 1, 2013 at 08:17 AM.
Thread Starter
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,557
Likes: 7,006
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
I still sorting out the "ifs" in my wittle bwain......
My classic truck insurance doesn't allow non-listed drivers....
I'd rather take the '34 just for the fun of it even though your offer is outrageous!
Now.......ther's still a Shotgun slot!
My classic truck insurance doesn't allow non-listed drivers....
I'd rather take the '34 just for the fun of it even though your offer is outrageous!
Now.......ther's still a Shotgun slot!
Last edited by doorgunner; Jan 21, 2014 at 03:04 PM.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 600
Likes: 6
From: Key West Florida
we could take my 77, when my buddy went to buy his 77 L82 in anchorage we took my LS4 74 monte carlo, we almost made it home when his w/p belt broke, I pushed him 100 miles with my monte carlo, it was a blast! my vette gets 25mpg but its no thrills, no power steering, manual clutch, no A/C, no cruse control, but in august I had just got back from a trip in it that I ended up putting 4k miles on it in 6 weeks, so it will get us there and back!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa Oklahoma
I am confused.....hahaha
You say you can't afford the fuel for the truck but I almost would guarantee it would be less than the 36.
Good luck! Take 1977L48's offer and go get the car because I have been really tempted to buy it myself. :-)
You say you can't afford the fuel for the truck but I almost would guarantee it would be less than the 36.
Good luck! Take 1977L48's offer and go get the car because I have been really tempted to buy it myself. :-)
Thread Starter
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,557
Likes: 7,006
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
we could take my 77, when my buddy went to buy his 77 L82 in anchorage we took my LS4 74 monte carlo, we almost made it home when his w/p belt broke, I pushed him 100 miles with my monte carlo, it was a blast! my vette gets 25mpg but its no thrills, no power steering, manual clutch, no A/C, no cruse control, but in august I had just got back from a trip in it that I ended up putting 4k miles on it in 6 weeks, so it will get us there and back!
I could rent a trailer up there and H-h-h-h-aul the car back with the '34....but what kind of fun/challenge would that be ( you're dealing with a fool that had to throw wrenches out of his helicopter at the V.C/N.V.A. because his Guvment wouldn't supply him with enuff ammo or spare machine gun barrels
)
Last edited by doorgunner; Jan 21, 2014 at 03:05 PM.