New member, new to the corvette

[bgilbertjr]

Bought a 1981 corvette that needs lots of work, my first shot at a complete frame off rebuild. The interior is shot due to T-top seals had failed and the Florida rains took its toll. Wiring harness is a rats nest and everything corroded. Under the hood, not much better, lots of blocked off vacuum lines and spliced wires. Engine ran when I bought it and it was drivable, but the ECM has failed, previous owner stated he replaced but it blew as soon as he plugged in.

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[Rob]

Welcome to the Corvette Action Center.

Looks like you have a lot of work ahead of you!!

 

[Midnight 99]

Looks like you do have a lot of work ahead of you. Do not plug another ECM in until you have replaced all of the wiring harnesses. It sounds like there is a short because of an exposed wire that is grounding to something.

 

[jrose7004]

Welcome to the

 

[hoosierdaddy]

Welcome to Corvette Action Center and Congratulations

Welcome aboard we're glad you have joined us Looks like a major operation you have ahead of you. You will be saving a piece of history Good luck keep us posted on your progress

-Bill

 

[Z16#952]

Welcome to the group. Enjoy your restoration project. This place is a great source for information and encouragement along the way.

 

[bgilbertjr]

Thanks, and I look forward to the assistance on information I will be able to obtain from here , will keep updating the progression


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[bill81vette]

Welcome to CAC!!!
enjoy!!!
looking forward to watching your progress on the '81

 

[vett boy]

I'm glad for ya ,enjoy (my first Vett was worse )

 

[jhecox]

Welcome to the

 

[kpic]

Welcome to CAC and the group.

 

[bgilbertjr]

Coming apart slowly, found she had a previous bump in the front end, damage on the bumper cushion only could be found, head light assemblies will need to be rebuilt, both vacuum modules actually hold vacuum, diaphragms still good, but may replace just due to age


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[Mac]

Welcome aboard!! Looking forward to your updates!!

Mac

 

[bgilbertjr]

Interior all out, drivers floor board needs to be replaced, worst area was under the seat. Seats were shot, will need to rebuild the buckets and replace the pads and covers. Steering telescopic pulls in and out but very loose, does not stay in place, all wiring out, found a few burned connection points and quite a few splices, back to the exterior


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[hoosierdaddy]

Definitely a major project but just think how proud you will be when you're done Not to mention saving a piece of history, keep us up on your progress All the classics are what made CORVETTE what it is today, the all American Sports Car known world wide. . . . . . . . Love to stay up on your progress. I sure would not have the energy for that kind of project today that's for sure!

-Bill

 

[bgilbertjr]

Definitely a major project, have rebuilt a couple of cars years ago, but not to this extent, taking it slow, I am sure I will have lots of questions when it comes time to make repairs and putting things back together. was thinking I may want to start a new thread labeled 81 C3 Rebuild Project, this thread seams to be for us new commers to the forum,


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[Toms007]

I somehow missed this thread before. Welcome to CAC. You have a pretty major project there, but should keep you busy for a while, and when done, something to be proud of. It appears that you have already made some pretty good progress and you are very methodical in your tear down. We have LOTS of folks here who have experience with these cars and can, more than likely, help you out with any questions/problems you encounter.

 

[KANE]

Again... WELCOME TO THE CAC!!!





That looks like a GREAT canvas for a project!

Are you going true restoration, restomod, or simply a few small modifications?

 

[bgilbertjr]

Not really sure on which way I want to go, leaning towards a true restoration but with some useful modifications, one being converting the head lights from the vacuum to electric actuation, and still have not made a decision on keeping ECM control, or back dating to standard carb and distributor. Still lots of time before I need to decide


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[hoosierdaddy]

Welcome to Corvette Action Center and good luck to you. . . . .

Welcome aboard, sounds like a fairly major undertaking, and a chance to make things even better and nicer than the original without ugly modifications that take away from the personality and the history of it all. There is a fine line between all of this and done right can be very tasteful!!

Goo luck,
-Bill