Another chance to check the 67 Convert.

[bobmanx]

Tom, JohnZ, Vetsvette2002, Jack44, Vettefinderjim, and anyone that I missed. Looks like I will be getting another trip to check on my 1967 Convert. very soon. ( Jan 22 to Feb 1) I printed out my previous posts and your responses for use as checklists (against brain fade) while there. Is there any other suggestions that I should look at or check while there, and have some time, above and beyond what has already been suggested? Yes will check the vin # and look for the other info plates as was mentioned previously. I should have more time to look and "kick the tires" this trip. Any thing or any where to pay special attention to while looking it over closer this time? Thanks for all the previous questions, suggestions, and answers that have already bounced back and forth on this car. It's great to find people that are trying to help some one that's new to Corvettes find there way, without being taken advantage of.
Thanks Bob

 

[Vetsvette2002]

Bob,

Just take your time with it and don't rush anything.

When are you planning to get it home to really delve into it?

It a real treasure with a full history and provenance. So take it slow and easy until its rebuilt. Get all the books and manuals you can:
Chassis Service Manual
Chassis Overhaul Manual
The Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM)
State of the Art Restoration.
plus many others (I'm having a braincramp tonight).

I'd also collect all of the different parts vendors you can.

Don

 

[bobmanx]

Vetsvette and all, not sure if this trip will allow me the opportunity to get the Vette to where its transportable. I was hoping to check/flush the radiator, drain and refill the oil and filter, spin the motor over, no spark plugs, and get the oil circulated. new battery, and clear gas tank and lines. If it wont fire up might have to bribe a mechanic to come take a look, or flatbed it to him so they can awaken it, or at least get the protective coating of dust out of the way.
I was planning on possibly trying to get it started, not to drive, just to make it easier/cheaper to transport. It was running when parked. So with a little luck..... They claim it costs less if the car runs, and probably less chance of damage when they load and unload if they do not have to push it. Ill take pics before and after for insurance company if damaged during transport. Gave up the idea of trailering it myself, nothing big enough in the current family car pool to tow it safely. If not will have to wait till next visit and make more plans.LOL Better safe than sorry!
I will be there for twelve days and two of those are a sat & sun, so should be able to spend time looking, checking, cleaning and replacing. I also plan on installing the hard top to transport it, rather than take a chance on a regular moving company, when all the house stuff come to calif. Thought it would be safer mounted on the car, than with furniture and boxes.
DMV claims that all they need is a Death Certificate, some paper work and dollars to put it in my name. I have also kept full insurance current on the car, so if any thing happened, it would be covered.
Yes books are being sourced and consulted as to how and why it should be fixed. When I get it to Calif. there will be more time to spend doing it right, and I dont want to ruin something just to get it running/transported. So if I have to wait till the Corvette gods are on my side so be it. Its just easier when one has tools, time and its in your own garage.
Thanks for the encouragement and concern. Glad that people have offered their suggestions and support. It makes it easier when others can lend their hard earned wisdom.
If there is still a live internet connection at the house and I need answers or mental support will keep everyone current on the progress! Keep your fingers crossed!
Thanks,Bob

 

[Vetsvette2002]

Bob,
I would rather "bar the engine over" than pull the plugs and spin it with the starter. By "barring it over" I mean pull the plugs, put the trans in neutral, chock the wheels, squirt some oil in each cylinder and manually crank the engine over by hand using a long breaker bar with a socket on the crankshaft. I'd recommend 2 full revolutions of the crank (1 rev of the cam). if all goes smooth, then I'd use the starter to spin it.

Don

 

[JohnZ]

Bob -

On an (unknown) engine, I prefer to use a rubber strap wrench on the crank pulley (after removing the fan belt) rather than using a socket on the balancer bolt to rotate the engine; if it doesn't free up right away, you can strip the balancer bolt, and then you've got a REAL problem. Good luck, and keep us posted!

 

[bobmanx]

JohnZ and Vetstette, makes sense to nurse it thru the revolutions rather than a fast starter spin for its "maiden revolutions. Strap wrench was laying on the workbench in the garage. I did not see any sockets, but what the heck there is a Sears real close by. They are returnable, Craftsman's money back guarantee, right? LOL Heck I can always ship them back in the Vette! LOL I suppose that if it wont turn with the plugs out, belt off, oil in the cylinders (20 wt), and using a strap wrench, it might need some further (GENTLE) persuasion to make things turn. Can always use the starter after making sure that the Corvette God has smiled, and it turns free. Good suggestions. Sorry I'm used to the four cylinder stuff that you can turn by hand when the plugs are out and the motor wasn't just assembled and tight. Thanks for the sound advice, better to proceed slowly..................
Bob