Whats first when restoring? (obvious NewB)

[Macgyver]

Im looking to get an '81 Vette w/in the next few months. Im wanting to know what are the most important things to look at on a corvette of this age that might need to be replaced. Besides the obvious like interior, transmission, engine, and cooling system.

I plan to swap out original w/ GM 350 crate small block eventually
after reading the article in hiperformance, or something, so i know that Im already going to put in another 2K after I buy it.

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Welcome Macgyver!

Welcome to Corvette Action Center.

I'd recommend buying the best maintained vette you can afford. Try to find one whose owner took care of routine maintenance on a regular basis.

For my husband and I, we line things out in this fashion:
Safety, Reliability, Cosmetic.

I don't want to drive it if it isn't safe.
I can't drive it very long if it isn't reliable.
I can drive it no matter what it looks like...but I'd LIKE it to look nice.

Read through the C3 Mods and Tech threads and see what questions arise and are most popular in discussion.
I believe the suspension and brakes are very important, with the side yokes and rear end coming in next. Engine and tranny are necessary to get you there. (I have a GM crate and love it!) Interior and Exterior are rather expensive, and we are saving them for last.

Check out out Learning Center tab at the top of the page, it has a Corvette Buyer's Checklist...it may seem like overkill, but I guarantee you won't forget to look at or ask something important if you have it with you!
Good luck with your search!
Heidi

 

[Thumper]

The first thing I'd concentrate on is brakes.

My old rule of thumb on where to start is, you've got to make sure that it can stop before you concentrate on making it go.

If you can find an 81 that is mechanically sound, you have already won half the battle. That way you can still enjoy the car while you are fixing all of the little things.

Welcome to the

 

[matchframe]

I agree with Heidi and Jeff.

Take care of the brakes and suspension first and they will take care of you!

Once you get the safety taken care of, reliablity is definately next on the list. That would be replacing worn components in the drivetrane, keeping in mind your ultimate goal of going with a crate engine.

When it is time to move on to bigger things, map out what you can comfortably afford, and down time while you work on the Vette. While you are bringing your Vette up to speed, -no pun intended- you may consider getting another daily driver until you are confident that your Vette can be relied on safely, and reliably as a daily driver.

BTW, welcome to CAC!! Where in Texas are you?

Bill

 

[Macgyver]

Thank you 4 the welcomes!

Great so its the brakes and the suspension. Thank you.

Bill Im in Austin but will soon be back in good 'ol San antonio.

I have 2 more questions: How many miles can a well taken care of L81 engine go? How many miles is too many? Iam planning on dropping a crate inthere but Murphys Law says that I wont be able to when I want to. I dont want a car out of commission in the frontyard on blocks for months LOL.

What would be a good first mod? I was thinking the carb, changing it out w/ an edlebrock, but theres a post that you would need to change the gas pump as well b/c of bad gas mileage.



I have always really wanted to learn cars and am a very quick learner. I got some basics down but Id really like to get my hands dirty because Im a real DIY kinda guy. So Im hoping to do most of the modifications myself w/ the help of a family friend w/an engine shop. Plus I really dont think there will be anything more satisfying then turning a beautiful Vette into a tuff sounding dream machine.

 

[70 VETTE 454]

Macgyver

so another fellow Texan....
what’s it this year, Cowboys or Texans?????
im going for Texans, cause I think they are more into the learning stage and seem to got some accomplished after their first year, plus I like their logo too.....but never count out the big tuna in Dallas.....

just for reference, im from Corpus Christi, and so is my 70, but were both in FL now, and she’s undergoing a Frame Off restoration as we speak.

I was like you when I first got her, plus I wanted to restore her myself, being the DIY type too, and which I need to say am not too incline to this kind of work, but I too am a fast learner and I now know that it is allot easier that I thought it was going to be. especially with this site and the vast amount of knowledge here, PLUS, I know Chris (69myway) personally.... (that speaks for itself) but, you will know of him here soon too, just keep active, he is my biggest help, and mentor....oh and check out his ride too, then you will know why he is the man, for any corvette restoration......... but the more stuff I wanted to do, the more of a job it would be while the car was still intact. so I took her apart 2 months ago, and am loving every bit of it.
good luck with your project, and when im done I can probably visit you in S.A. since I go there every time I go see my parents anyway.
plus, I just cant wait to show her off when im done....
2 hrs isn’t that far for me anymore here, since it takes me an hr to get to work from where I live, here in Jacksonville, and funny thing is, here, that’s the other side of town. back home I probably would of traveled thru like 4 or 5 different towns....in that same hr.....

Dave

 

[singledad_9]

The first thing I will do when ever the next time the restore bug ever bites me is, find a car that I CAN restore. Not only by my ability but also what I can afford to do. There is not a single person on these boards that can not find a cheap vette. There also is not a single person on these boards that would ever touch one.

You can purchase a C5 tomorrow on a salvage title cheap. Yes, then you will own a C5. To get it to driveable condition will run you more than the car is worth. There are many, including me that have tried and by trying, made it and me worst off by doing so.

The first thing I would do is look at how much weather stripping, rugs, etc., costs. How much will the paint job costs, What will it cost to completely frame off restore the car to its original beauty and to provide the required performance that I desire. Also, an honest assessment of your abilities are required. Look, the C3's are beautiful but are expensive to maintain and restore. Finding a good one is expensive as well. but frankly worth it.

The hardest, but most important thing in restoring a vette, is finding a good vette that you can restore. Otherwise, find an affordable C4 that will be far less expensive for you to maintain and drive. There is a vette attitude and more people need to experience it and I welcome you to this hobby. But, I do not want you to be burnt.

There is a buyer's checklist you need to consider, long before you buy your dream car: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/buying.html

Review that check list, never mind fixing the brakes or anything else. Stick to that check list and evaluate your abilities carefully before purchasing your next car. It can be a beautiful experience or bitter hell. As in the movies, "Choose Wisely".

Good luck and send pictures of your next dream car.

Mike

 

[Brack]

Hey Dave.....

The news said today that the Cowboys are having practices inside the dome in San Antonio and also outside @ the same time......Ol' Tuna has beds set up inside for the "Boys to take naps if they need to...12-13 hour practices coming up.....Gotta Luv It.......

Cowboy Fan 4 Life !!!

 

[paintdaddy]

Heres my 2 cents.If you are planning on restoring little by little,worry about brakes and suspension first.
If this is going to be a project car that you dont plan on driving until its complete,do it in this order.Dids assemble ,gut interior and engine bay including engine and tranny.Then strip and paint,clean and paint engine bay and reinstall new or rebuilt engine /tranny.Then rebuild and detail suspension and finally rework interior.Ive done enough of these that I have discovered that doing it in this order is the easiest and doesnt require cleaning and detailing after the mess that the paintwork will make.

 

[AUSSIEVETTEMAN]

Im looking to get an '81 Vette w/in the next few months. Im wanting to know what are the most important things to look at on a corvette of this age that might need to be replaced. Besides the obvious like interior, transmission, engine, and cooling system.

Macgyver,

I reckon you should look at the running gear, as in the driveline, suspension and yes the brakes. I also reckon you should check the eight body mounts and frame for rust.
My old girl had a small amount of flakey rust on two body mounts near the kick panels. This is due to to water coming in and sitting where it shouldn't. I have of course fixed the problem, but it pays to check it anyway. I would also look at new weatherstrips and floor drain plugs, this will also keep the water out.

As for the crate motor, well all to there own, but I would favour to keep the original numbered engine and rebuild it. If it has been bored and isn't too good, just resleeve it. Corvettes with matching number engines are a far more attractive buy later on if God forbid, you sell her. (I would cut off my arm first)
With the intake manifold, yep open her up and get her breathing better as well as a twin system exhaust to complement your intake and carby. I would opt for a 795 CFM Rochester simular to the original or maybe a 750 CFM Vac Sec Holley, the choice is yours and others may have an opinion on this.

Good luck with your shopping around for your car and your resto.
Remember, 1981 was the last year of production for the St Loius plant, so matching numbers may be worth a look at now!

Cheers from Oz

Tony & Tanya

 

[Enigma]

Just my 2 cents. Before everything else look for rust and I just don't mean in the obvious external places.

Take at look at the body mounts from the inside, it's not that hard.

Poke around under the floor pans with a screwdriver.

And get someone to examine those rear trailing arms for rust.

Good luck with your purchase. These can be major repair costs even if the car runs and looks good.

Enigma

 

[JBWeaver]

Ditto on the rust, at the body mounts at the door pillars. It rains alot in Texas, I'm from Dallas, and water gets in there some how. Look for a fully loaded model, that has been pamperd and garage kept. Find one with a long maintenance record, one owner if possible. Good luck. PS. Go Cowboys, Woo Hoo!

 

[Hijinx]

You have gotten some great advice here from people who know. Let me add, not necessarily anything new, but more of a big caution. Check, really check, your major mounts (engine, trans, diff, etc...) I got a great deal on my '73, but when it came to redoing the rear suspension, I had to have the trailing arms cut off and buy new ones! A little rust in the wrong area and things just do not come apart. I ditto the checking underneath with a screwdriver. Poke around and dont be shy. Dont hurt anything, but make sure the frame and such are sound. It may even be fairly rusty, however if it is solid you can always scrape down and redo rusted areas. Depends on how much resto work you want to do.

If your interested, I do plan on selling my '73. I am about to put it on the marked, and some of the folks here can tell you it has a lot in it! I got a '57 210 that I am focused on now. I would love to keep the Vette, but need the cash right now.

Good Luck

 

[TWINRAY]

On no:nono Selling the '73:cry

 

[Macgyver]

THanks so much for all the replies! I didnt know this was such a helpful forum. Thanks for the warm welcome as well cuz I plan to be here for a long time!

I think I got a pretty good check list now.

Is $8k a good price for one w/ a rebuilt tranny, good interior, new brakes, suspension, and ttops?


Oh yeah, I used to be a big cowboys fan and then they went sour and it became Berry ****zer and the Cacaboys! I think it was all the crack those guys loved so much. Now theres seems to be a new reason to believe!

 

[Thumper]

THanks so much for all the replies! I didnt know this was such a helpful forum.

The longer you hang around, the more you will realize just how helpful everyone here is. This is probably the best forum I've ever been a member of. There are no stupid questions, and flaming will get you ousted pretty quickly. It really makes Corvette ownership that much more pleasant, if that is possible. Much thanks to Rob for providing such a positive and helpful site as this. ;worship

Oh yeah, I used to be a big cowboys fan and then they went sour and it became Berry ****zer and the Cacaboys! I think it was all the crack those guys loved so much. Now theres seems to be a new reason to believe!

It's Tuna time here in Big D. The team may not be much better this year, but it sure is fun watching them again. Hopefully Jerry Jones can keep his ego in check this time. :duh (I still miss Jimmy Johnson)