List of Parts for a major 66 rebuild

[82Redo]

Hello everyone, I'm relatively new here and have a very indepth problem. I need a list of drive train parts that can be replaced to rebuild my Dad's 1966 Vette. Kinda like for the engine: cam, crank, heads, valves, pistons etc. I need them for all sections though. Engine, Manual Tranny, Clutch, Rear end, Everything. It's long, but here's the whole story:

When I was young, my Dad raced his vette. I understood what was going on, but at that time I was too young to "get into cars". He had an awesome rig but was trying to break the 10 second barrier. So, he bought a tunnel ram with 2 Holley 850's and had some guru tune them for his blue-printed 427 (still don't really know what that means). He bought wider tires and a smaller rear end and took the body off the frame to narrow it to make room for the tires. He was also required to put in a roll bar. Well, to make a long story short, we moved and he never put the car back together. My older brother has been slowly "borrowing" all Dad's car parts and it's not looking good. When I was home this summer, Dad made a comment that the car probably wouldn't be put back together until one of us boys inherited it. That doesn't sit right with me. I want to see my Dad behind the wheel again. I asked him if I came home next summer, would he be willing to put it back together. He said yes, but it will be put back on the street, and probably can't be done in 2 weeks. What I need is a list of parts that he can check off so that they're sitting there before we start. Some parts will have to be replaced to bring the motor back to a more street legal condition. I don't have a full list of what my brother took, so I need an internal parts list so Dad can take a look around and say, got it, need it, need it, etc...

I know my brother borrowed the engine, which I can get back. But he borrowed the rag top, clutch plates, drive shaft, carburator (I think one of the 850's), some rearend parts, and who knows what else and put them on his 64', then sold it.

I'm not a "car guy" so I'm very ignorant of this, but he can tell me what needs to be done, and I can turn a wrench. I know I won't have the time to say "today, we're working the clutch, what do we need?", then try to find the parts. I need to get him excited about this project. If he starts getting parts, maybe that will help. If you guys can give me any pointers, I would greatly appreciate it. This means a lot to me, but I'm clueless and need help.

Sorry for the long post.

frank

 

[Yoda]

Frank ~ Welcome to the Action Center Community ~

Let's take this up to the C1-C2 Forums . The guys & gals in here (C1-C2 Forums) are a great bunch of folks and I'm sure they'll have helpful comments to help you with restoration of your Dads '66.

Sounds like your dad is/was a true Car Guy Best wishes and good luck

Bud

 

[BarryK]

Frank

you say your brother borrowed the motor but you can get it back - are you talking a complete running motor or just the bare block at this point (sounds like your brother "borrowed" most of the major parts off the car and a lot of them got sold with his car).
Also, is it the actual ORIGINAL motor from the car or a replacement motor from way back when?
If you are dealing with a bare block it or a very imcomplete motor it may be much easier, faster, and about the same price or not much more expensive to just buy a new crate motor and drop it in unless it's the true original motor for the car. If it's the true original motor it will definitely add value to the car to keep it. Otherwise buy a nice crate motor and make life easier for yourselves as it sounds like you have enough other work on the car as it is to keep you busy. Buying a crate motor is probably about the same price as having the existing motor rebuilt by a quality shop unless you are planninng on doing the complete rebuild yourselves.

 

[67HEAVEN]

Frank,

I almost don't know where to begin. So, I'll begin by welcoming you to the C1/C2 section of the

What I think you're talking about is returning a 1/4 mile car to drive-able condition. It sounds like the body has been tubbed (for large rear slicks) and highly modified throughout.

Originality is probably not on the menu. Therefore, strong, functional and reasonably priced are the words of the day............correct?

One advantage you have, drivetrain-wise, is that Corvettes are just Chevrolets in disguise. Other than the rear-end, most any 50's-60's-70's-80's Chevy V-8 and manual-transmission is a bolt-in.

There are a million questions rolling around in my mind. The more information you can give us (including photos), the better we can help you with your questions.

 

[Ronald]

Frank,

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you've got a great little project ahead of you. I'm kind of like you, a bit of a neophite when it comes to mechanics, but I sure love the car.

You've found a great spot for advice and help. There are folks here that will be able to answer any of your questions. Best wishes for your project. Hope you'll keep us posted on the progress.

Ron

 

[82Redo]

OK, I'm going to answer everyone in 1 attempt.

Bud, thanks for getting me in the right forum. Dad IS still a Car Guy, but at 66 (coincidence?) he wants something he can turn the key and drive. I'm hoping this will remind him that he's still alive and can build something.

BarryK, the fully functional, entire engine is in an Opal race car. I believe it to be the stock engine, Dad's car has the "427 Turbo Jet" emblem somewhere on the car (don't remember where). The original "heart" of the car WILL go back in! Even if I have to "borrow" the entire Opal to get it back. I'm sure we can do the rebuild. The problem is getting all the parts in advance to tone it down a little. In the shape it's in, turning 11 seconds in 1/4 mile of streetlights isn't very practical, not to mention it gets about 3 gallons to the mile.

67HEAVAN, The frame was cut down to accomodate the tires, but was never fully welded. He didn't get to the body. I don't think keeping it stock is really our goal either, he mentioned wanting a different transmission to make it more "driveable". My younger brother is talking a Borg-Warner 6 speed! Kinda pricey! Photos are an improbability, I live in Montana, Dad lives in Michichigan. Picture the body (with full interior) on a stand, hovering over the frame. The frame is on it's front wheels, upside down, with stands under the rear. That's a mental image that depicts the car.

So far, I know I'll need the following:

Convertible cover. My brother "traded" his for Dads, if the frame is still good I can just get the cover, otherwise.....

Tires/wheels. He had 14" slicks scheduled to go under, dunno what we'll put in place.

Driveshaft. Will have to be made to fit.

Clutch plates. At least, dunno if other parts were borrowed.

"Some rearend parts". My younger brother told me this, he didn't know which parts though.

If I have a checklist of parts, Dad could simply tell me which parts we need to get or replace. I could handle each part 1 by 1 specifically and send them to him. That's kinda what I'm after. I wish there was a book that broke down all the parts like model car directions, ya know, with the parts picture, name, and arrows showing where they go, that would be great!

Anyway, this is what I'm facing. I know what I want, but don't know how to get it.

Thanks everybody!

frank

 

[67HEAVEN]

I'm digesting all that you've added, Frank. All I can say right now is, "Wow. This project requires someone who has significant car-building experience."

I can foresee a number of roadblocks and frustrations for you, since you mentioned in your first post that, "I'm not a car guy".

This is a fairly major project to learn on. If your dad can still wrench, and has the required knowledge.............good. I'll have more to add later, but for now I'd suggest looking for someone in Michigan with Corvette (midyear or early C3) hands-on knowledge to have a look at it before you go any further.

At the very least, major frame work will be required, along with acquiring the complete Independent Rear Suspension.....assuming it's gone too. This can be very costly and difficult for a Corvette novice.

 

[67HEAVEN]

Frank,

Visit my site to begin to understand what you're up against.

www.67HEAVEN.com

 

[82Redo]

Dude, YOU ROCK! Awesome car and site! It looks like I may have to enlist the services of my Uncle and cousins. 3 Mopar guys...I know, I know...but they are kin and are constantly working cars. Dad is fully capable of doing the work himself, he lacks motivation. The problem is that I don't want too many cooks in the kitchen. When you get too many people throwing in their 2 cents, it can get ugly, but I admit you're probably right. We probably will need the help. My main goal is to get the car and driver together, there is obviously no pride issue here.

So, whatchya doin next year? otfl

The next time my little brother goes to Michigan, I'll see if he can get a picture of my starting point. You may be able to actually see the car!

By the way, I'm pretty sure he has it figured out how the rear suspension is going in. I don't think my older brother has interfered with those parts. Your point is taken though.

frank

 

[Grizzly]

I think perhaps we are talking about an unreasonable time frame here. This is not a kit you just bolt together no matter how many parts you accumulate. Remember that everything takes twice as long as you expect.

If I'm reading between the lines right, Dad needs a project to keep him occupied, been there done that. The worst thing that can happen is for him to be discouraged right at the begining. I would make the following suggestions:

Buy an assembly manual (AIM) so that you better understand all the pieces and how they go together.

Rather than a whole summer, break it into managable chunks. Set a series of goals, like get the frame back on it's wheels, get the engine back to stock, etc. Don't make them too big, at least not in the begining. Nothing will be worse for Dad than not seeing any progess no matter how small. Finish one goal and then check to see if you have what you need for the next goal. Order the parts to be there on the next time home. And remember this is his project, or the only time he will work on it is when you are there. You are there to assist him.

Go home for a week and help Dad start to get things sorted out, cleaned up, inventoried and labled. If he's a car guy, he's soon going to know what's missing. Clean out a place to work that will not be disturbed. Do this now! Don't wait for his interest to get lost.

Get your brother by the throat and make him 'fess up about what he took and where any of it might be. Find the orginal engine if you can. Corvette Magazine's price data lists an additional $20,000 added to the value for a big block. Grab brother by the throat again and make him help you get the stuff back.

If you don't have one go out and buy a digital camera. I doesn't have to be fancy, just work. Go to shows and take lots of pictures. Go home, take lots of pictures and send them to us. Make sure you get in close and force the flash to go off every time. This is a case where a picture is truly worth a thousand words.

Don't even think about getting discouraged, Dad will see it in your face and hear it in your voice.

Keep those cards and letters coming and good luck................Griz

 

[JL66REDCPE]

I dont understand why you just dont put the car back together as a "Pro Street" car. There are at least three C2 corvettes that I know of in my area that are street driven "Pro Street" cars. They are not daily drivers however they are driven to cruises, shows and the like. As someone else said - inventory the parts you have and then make a list of what you need. Then start putting her back together. If your dad enjoyed racing, he will probably enjoy the car as it was in his younger days. There is nothing wrong with a corvette hot rod. Everything doesnt have to be by the book.

 

[82Redo]

Mr. Grizzly (that just sounds cool), 2 weeks may be unreasonable, but if I can get the car close to being back on it's wheels, I think he'll finish it. That's what I'm after, yes ME. This is more about me than him, he doesn't really need this to keep him occupied, this is something I want. That's a little selfish, I know. I think an assembly manual is a great idea, maybe that would have all the information I'd need. Any suggestions where I can get a couple? I'm getting all books and stuff in pairs so he has them also. So far all I've got ordered are Ecklers catalogs, just to get him looking. I can't go home whenever I want, I have a job that doesn't allow that. I hate it when life gets in the way of your fun! Therefore, I have to make the attempt in a small amount of time. I may have to make a few 2 week trips to get it finished but I'm not in a great hurry. After all, the car's been apart since before 1980, what's another year? As long as I get to see him drive it, I can die happy. We already have a place for parts, and the first couple days/nights will be set aside for cleaning and work area prep. I plan on treating this like a job while I'm there, so I'll be putting in massive hours. My brother can only fess up the engine. He put the other parts on his 64 Vette, then sold it. As far as grabbing him by the throat, it would do no good, it's just a waste of cleaning time. Around October I'm gonna start pressing him to deliver Dads engine to have it sitting with the other parts by the end of the year. That's all I expect from him. I'll attempt to get pictures, Dad doesn't have a computer though, so I may just scan regular pics. It's not gonna be easy though. I'm not gonna get discouraged, all he has to do is say "GO" and I'm on it like hair on a gorrilla. His current version of "go" isn't very convincing though. I'm waiting for a true "GO" but I want to be ready to jump when it's said. Does that make sense? I'll keep everyone up on it.

JL66REDCPE, it's gonna be up to Dad how he puts it back together. It's his car, I just want to get it done how he wants it. The only problem is, the way it was set up it really wasn't street driveable. Let's face it, when that car was fired up and idling, it put a new heartbeat in your chest! It scared men and sent women and children running for safety! When it was moving, only Car Guys were visible! It was an experience like no other in my childhood. I only wish I was old enough to truly appreciate it.

frank

 

[Kid_Again]

OOO CHI MOMMA!!!

I would agree that you should double your time estimate. Boy, would really like to have some pictures to see what shape that frame is in.

I think you started out OK by going to Ecklers but they're more interested in selling C6 jewelry than C2 parts. Here are a couple of suppliers that I've used and others will add to this.

Long Island Corvette www.licorvette.com
Supplies JUST C2 parts but these guys (and lady) will NOT spend time with you about which part is right for you. They're the C2 equivalent of the Soup Nazi but they run a very good business, in my opinion. Their online catalog is worth skimming to help you get familar with the layout of a C2.

Mid America Motorworks www.madvet.com
I think the're pretty good, I use them as a backup. If you get the right salesperson, they are very helpful.

I strongly endorse getting a copy of the Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM).

Good luck and be patient. Your brother has done you guys no favors. Get it all back.

I have a friend who brought a drag car back from the dead and put it on the street. Man, did that cost him a fortune....stops were welded into the rear of the frame in an attempt to make the car hook up, etc. I agree with jl66redcpe...make what you have work for you. I hear 'ya, it's up to Dad.

 

[stepinwolf]

Frank,

Visit my site to begin to understand what you're up against.

www.67HEAVEN.com

Bob,

Quite an interesting Avatar you have there, wonder where you found it. ?

Stepinwolf