Restoring 79

[heider85]

I bought a 79 vette this summer and I am completely restoring the car. I am about to get the body off of the car and do some suspension work and grind the frame down and repaint it. What should I paint it with?
How do I get the body off of the car without breaking anything? I was told to put 2x4's lenght ways and wide ways between the frame and the body and lift it off. Is this correct?
Can I chop the top off of this car and make it a convertible? If so how do I go about that and what do I need?
Does anyone have any tips or heads up on what I am about to undergo.

 

[pasvorto1]

Man, what an opportunity! If you could just take a sh*tload of pictures during the restoration, guys like me, who don't have the huevos to tackle it blind, might get some courage. I have seen a few "frame off" restos on C1 and C2 Vettes, but never a '79. I own a '78 so I am very curious and interested in your postings as you tackle this project. Maybe you could set up a BLOG or a thread specific to the job. I know I would be reading it. If you are from Southern Minnesota I would be glad to come and help you with it.

 

[celeryman22]

I bought a 79 vette this summer and I am completely restoring the car. I am about to get the body off of the car and do some suspension work and grind the frame down and repaint it. What should I paint it with?
How do I get the body off of the car without breaking anything? I was told to put 2x4's lenght ways and wide ways between the frame and the body and lift it off. Is this correct?
Can I chop the top off of this car and make it a convertible? If so how do I go about that and what do I need?
Does anyone have any tips or heads up on what I am about to undergo.

I just pulled the body off my 1980, first time ever working on a car. It came off no problem. I ordered the video and book from ecklers, and other than the body dollie the rest was a waste of my time, even for me. If you want the video and book let me know I will send it to you. Its no use to me anymore.
I took some pictures and posted them on the web. I was going to try to keep it well documented but thats no really happening .

www.vette-restoration.com

Have fun,
Mike

 

[GTR1999]

You sure have a big plan ahead of you. I suggest you stop and look at what you're getting into. Pulling a body involves more then using 4x4's to lift it.There are a lot of parts that need to be addressed first. Many of them are maybe rust seized so they may need to be replaced along the way.

You can lift a body with a chain fall and home made A frame, 8 friends, body sling and over head hoist,etc. You need a place to work on it and a dolly to put the body on after you pull it.

All in all this is a big job and a lot of money will be put out if you can't do all the rebuilding.ie: differential, rear suspension, rear bearings, brakes, tranny, engine,etc.

I'm not trying to stop you but I see a lot of guys charge into this type of job and run out of time,money, and effort. A '79 is nice but unless you plan on keeping it forever you'll loose money on the deal. Think it over good first.

 

[norms72]

I just pulled the body off my 1980, first time ever working on a car. It came off no problem. I ordered the video and book from ecklers, and other than the body dollie the rest was a waste of my time, even for me. If you want the video and book let me know I will send it to you. Its no use to me anymore.
I took some pictures and posted them on the web. I was going to try to keep it well documented but thats no really happening .

A quick note to Mike (Celeryman22), if heider85 isn't interested in the book and video, I am. I plan to do a body-off rebuild on my 72 and will probably need to build a dolly etc. Let me know.

Norm.

 

[celeryman22]

A quick note to Mike (Celeryman22), if heider85 isn't interested in the book and video, I am. I plan to do a body-off rebuild on my 72 and will probably need to build a dolly etc. Let me know.

Norm.

Its available to whoever wants it.

Mike

 

[heider85]

I'd like the book if possible. Either way we could share it and both of us see it. Thanks for the input guys. I have several pictures thus far. I don't know how to share them to you guys though. I guess give me your email and I can send them to you unless there is an easier way.

 

[celeryman22]

Send me a private email with your name and address and I will send it out to you. I will just need to find it.

Mike

 

[norms72]

I'd like the book if possible. Either way we could share it and both of us see it. Thanks for the input guys. I have several pictures thus far. I don't know how to share them to you guys though. I guess give me your email and I can send them to you unless there is an easier way.

It sounds like you are closer to doing the deed than I am so I can wait. Take your time, bag and tag everything, take lots of pictures but most important, have fun and keep us posted!

 

[garywcook]

I'm restoring a 77. Got lots of pictures on my website at http://corvette.sunny-california.com/

This isn't a a frame "off" restoration but it is a frame "up". I've finished the interior. Basically all new. Finished the rear suspension and differential rebuild. Just about everything new or refurbished. Fuel tank has be out and redone.

Currently working on the front suspension. I'm also lifting the body so I can replace all the body to frame mounts and paint the frame will it's up 6 inches or so.