Question: 68 coupe in garage since 1985

[jonser]

Hello All,
Well this is my first post! My cousin turned me on to his co-worker and golfing buddy that have been together for the last 35 plus years. The golfing buddy purchased the 68 coupe in approx. 1970 upon his return from Vietnam drove it on Sunday's (yeah right??) and then parked it in the early 80's. The last up to date license tag is from 1985 and has been sitting inside his garage with only approx. 52K. I purchased it in Feb and now it sits in my garage. The body is in great shape, needs paint, interior seats and carpet. The main and only issue (fingers crossed) is the steering column. From what I was told the 68 steering column went bad (telescoping?) and at the time 80's he could not find a replacement so he, started to reinstall a 70's steering but, never finished it and now it sits.
The only research I've gotten to is on the front right engine pad V0305HP, Casting date C 2 8, and Engine Block 3914678. Missing the air cleaner bottom and top but, everything, I mean everything under the hood is all still in tact and original.
Any suggestions on what books I need to locate numbers or where to go from here?

 

[6880 Mike]

Nice car. Looks like a 350hp with factory air. There should be a second stamp on the pad beside the V0305HP. It will be the VIN derivitive and should match the VIN.

 

[jonser]

Thanks Mike, according to one code on the internet the V0305 HP "HP" stand for 327 cu. in. w/350HP air conditioning, manual transmission, power steering, which it does have and the owner said it was a 327 too. And yes, I'm trying to read the number next to this one but, still a little greasy and a couple items in the way for now.
This is getting a little scary because the 2nd owner I purchased it from said all original and he didn't do anything or no repairs, all parts hoses, carb, dist., wires everything looks original.
Any books or a more specific web page could tell me more places to look for numbers and what the codes mean?

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Sounds like a great car. If you're going to start cleaning and sprucing it up, be very careful not to go overboard and destroy original factory finishes and markings. In particular, the engine stamp pad must never be cleaned with anything remotely abrasive as this may remove faint machining marks that could help identify the engine as being the factory original.

Consider also joining the NCRS National Corvette Restorers Society if you want to preserve/restore the car to factory original.

 

[catbert]

Welcome! This is what I'd do first, just for the hell of it. Spray the carb very liberally with a good carb cleaner like Lucas or one of the other major brands, stay away from unknowns and store brands. Take out the plugs and dump in a liberal dose of a good solvent/lube like Rislone or even Marvel Mystery Oil into each cyl, and walk away for 24 hours. Hook up a good battery, and see if it turns over. If it does, change the oil, put in new plugs, check the coolant, and see if it runs. You may get lucky! If it doesn't turn over or won't run, you can start at the motor. If it runs, you can move forward.

I noticed a ribbed radiator hose, not a good sign. Back in the day, no gear head would install a ribbed hose on his baby. : )

 

[6880 Mike]

...Back in the day, no gear head would install a ribbed hose on his baby...

Back in the day, Bubba would do anything. He still does.

 

[jonser]

Sounds like a great car. If you're going to start cleaning and sprucing it up, be very careful not to go overboard and destroy original factory finishes and markings. In particular, the engine stamp pad must never be cleaned with anything remotely abrasive as this may remove faint machining marks that could help identify the engine as being the factory original.

Consider also joining the NCRS National Corvette Restorers Society if you want to preserve/restore the car to factory original.

Thanks Mikey,
good call and the original factory finishes regarding the markings.
Have a good one!

 

[jonser]

Welcome! This is what I'd do first, just for the hell of it. Spray the carb very liberally with a good carb cleaner like Lucas or one of the other major brands, stay away from unknowns and store brands. Take out the plugs and dump in a liberal dose of a good solvent/lube like Rislone or even Marvel Mystery Oil into each cyl, and walk away for 24 hours. Hook up a good battery, and see if it turns over. If it does, change the oil, put in new plugs, check the coolant, and see if it runs. You may get lucky! If it doesn't turn over or won't run, you can start at the motor. If it runs, you can move forward.

I noticed a ribbed radiator hose, not a good sign. Back in the day, no gear head would install a ribbed hose on his baby. : )

Thanks again but, that's the way I got it??
Good advice too on the carb and Marvel Mystery Oil.
Thanks again

 

[68Roadster]

The first book I would get is the Assembly Manual that you can get from most of the Corvette parts houses. I have always found it invaluable in researching whats right, whats wrong and how things should be.
For the numbers, I would suggest gmheritagecenter.com and download the info for the '68.

Welcome to the CAC and let us know if you have any other questions!

 

[Antz81]

Back in the day, Bubba would do anything. He still does.

Nor did what he do have to have a reason, or in any way be logical.


I am still trying to think of a possible reason for this.
But one thing is for sure; we all need to be wary, Bubba has acquired a gas axe. (to add to his collection of screw drivers, and adjustable spanners)

 

[Tom Bryant]

Welcome to the CAC

Looks like a great car. Nothing like original even if it needs some work.

Tom

 

[6880 Mike]

...I am still trying to think of a possible reason for this.

View attachment 18654

Yep. That has to be a Bubba original.
:L

 

[68Roadster]

Yep. That has to be a Bubba original.
:L

....but does it match the other side?

 

[tnovot]

Any books or a more specific web page could tell me more places to look for numbers and what the codes mean?

Check with suppliers such as Corvette Central or Wilcox and order a reproduction owner's manual and a good repair/shop manual. You might be able to find an AIM (assembly manual) on ebay for a decent price.
Terry

 

[Antz81]

....but does it match the other side?

Nope. Bubba only touched the one side. I'm guessing he needed to do a wheel balance and test some new tools at the same time.
That or couldn't find the duct tape to tape some weights to the wheel.