Dean_Fuller

Found a clean 1972 base motor car ( original motor ) a few months ago and brought it home. Car shows no signs of accident damage in the past and doesn't appear to have had any "modifications" or "updates" done over the years. Thank goodness ! The Dark Saddle base trim interior is original but dry and crumbly. Carpet was gone when I bought the car. The car is in primer but not missing much if anything. Even has the original radio. Original color is what I have always wanted...War Bonnett Yellow. !!!
My plan is to restore to original but not to NCRS standards. Probably will use a lot of reproduction parts.
Started the tear down and have the windshield trim, glass and most of the interior out. The windshield frame has 4 quarter size rust holes but I have seen worse. Plan to remove body ( this will be my first body off ). My only REAL concern is the ORDER it will all go back together. I will have to check for a "check list" or something like that for order of rebuild.
I will try and keep this thread up to date. I am sure I will have questions.
Here are pics from when the car came home. Its runs and drives fine but I am sure it will be much better after a good refresh. The only thing that does not work is the Vacuum headlights / wiper door but I can HEAR a large leak at the tank so with the body off I will take care of that.

Mick71

First in!! Looks like a good project.

SWO vette

That is the twin to mine. Saddle and WB Yellow. You got good tastes. I made mine a driver but kept it stock appearing. I don't worry about alternator numbers and such as I want to enjoy it. If you need any photos or have questions let me know and I will try to help.

Gordonm

Your on a long road to a total restoration. Body off means you will do everything many $$$ and a ton of time. Looks like a good start though. Nice complete car.

mortgageguy

Looks like it has good bones. Having owned a 72 for the past 41 years, I'll be watching this one. Good luck!

7t2vette

Looks like a great car to restore! Almost makes me want to do another body-off resto. Almost.

Great choice of year also!!!

SB64

Hi Dean you car looks great and should be a good restore and body off project. I have a post running for body on procedure. Still in the start of it but should help when you get to that point. Keep the pictures coming and good luck getting the body off. There are many things to remove and keep track of for sure.
r

rvazquez

Thanks for saving another 72, I'll be watching this thread as well, good luck with your body off restoration, hopefully, it will be a fun journey.
Regards
Roy

Alan 71

Hi Dean,
The car looks like a nice basis for what you describe!
Be prepared for it to take a LOT longer, and cost more $$$, than you think at this point.
Doing a restoration that includes removing the body from the chassis generally involves a bit more pain (literally) and heartache than you're imagining, but will also give you a lot of pleasure and satisfaction.
Be very careful about controlling parts and fasteners as you dissemble it because that will make putting it back together much easier.
Also, you can't take TOO many pictures!
Many people approach the job thinking about 4 main areas… frame and suspension, running gear (engine, transmission, rear differential), exterior, and interior. This type of separation helps with the physical work and process but also allows you to separate things in your mind so that you DON'T become overwhelmed by the amount of work.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

Don Rickles

Nice WB!

briankeery

Congratulations on the find, sure will be a beautiful car when you're finished. Good luck.

doorgunner

Buy about 300 heavy-duty..................

zip lok bags........

and two permanent marking pens.......

and 200 rolls of 35mm film.....LOL!

69mako

You'll have a great looking 72' when you finish up...post lots of images of the restoration please.

hzz

....except maybe some memory cards instead of the film

Greatsteaks

What is this 35mm film you speak of?

OP, takes a lot of commitment to do what your about to do. Maybe some day I'll have the ***** to do the same.

Dean_Fuller

Thanks folks...I will stick to it. Not my first restore but is my first body off on a Corvette.

Almost all the interior is out. Windshield frame needs some work but I have seen worse.

Found some "preassembly" writing on the rear deck and passenger side trans tunnel. Any ideas what this means???

SB64

That's interesting . I know on my 69 the lower passenger side firewall has a #451 which I think was the assembly number and it is also on the rear panel of the cubbies. In 72 maybe it was in a different place.
r

Brandons72vette

Looks great! '72's are great!

62corvette

A/c is pretty obvious, and M40 means automatic transmission.

KYC4

That's a terrific project and awesome color combo. Glad it has found a loving home. Any engine/exhaust mods planned?

Later,

Lee