1973, restoration

[old coot]

I am new to this web site so please bare with me and over look any mistakes that I make. A few months back I uncovered a 1973 corvette stingray convertiable (twin top) it had been in storage for 20 years or so. My question is where can I find rules , guidelines on restoration of this stock corvette. Example, slightly worn floor mats keep originials or replace with new ones.

I sure would appriciate any help that was offered

thanks, Dave

 

[matchframe]

Dave,

One of the best sources for restoration is the National Corvette Restorers Society, also known as NCRS. For more information about them, go to www.ncrs.org. Congrats on your 73! And Welcome to CAC! You will find this site a good source of information. Feel free to ask questions, even if you think they may be trivial. There are a lot of people here who have been there, done that!

Bill

 

[red70vette]

You need to decide what is best for you and what you want to do before you touch anything. NCRS has numerous awards including ones for originallity and for restorations . A car can only be original once so once you begin to restore it you destroy its originallity.

There are several ways to go:
1. NCRS restoration- bringing it back to as it was originallyand show it.
2. Leaving it in its original condition and show it.
3. Restore it with new parts with options you want(Stereo/CD, A/c, PW etc.) to make it safer and more enjoyable to drive then drive it.
4. Modify it to run fast and look different and then drive it.

There is no right answer only what is right for you. You can make it a trailer queen or a driver.

Enjoy your 73 and welcome to the CAC. I personally love to drive mine.

 

[Mike Carter]

Hey Dave Welcome,

You got the answer to your question and there is a ton of info available. This is a great forum for questions, when I bought my car it was not original color but numbers matching, so I'm building a daily driver, pretty costly to restore to orig paint. If you car is a survivor you may want to keep it original, if it has flaws you may want to go a different direction, Vettes are like folks, to each his own, I love to see a pristine survivor but also like to look at the cars modified and extremed to an owners preference, have fun.

Mike

 

[MidShark]

Dave
Welcome to the CAC! Sounds like a great find! Ask questions and, if possible, post pictures! (I am incapable of the latter, myself.) :L

 

[RMS73]

Get the manuals from NCRS, they have alot of good reference material. Also try; http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/vette73/index.htm
I also use a Corvette Restoration book by Richard Prince.

I live outside of Richmond, Va and have a 73 Coupe. If I can help let me know.
Roger

 

[old coot]

I thank you for the welcome and I double thank you for the information. I will get the manuals and find out just what I do have here. I do know this, I have always wanted a vette since my first ride when i was a little boy big smiles and bugs in my teeth. I now have a nice one. Once again thanks for your help.


Dave

 

[JohnZ]

Dave, see my reply to your private message.