69 Restoration

[Brian Bates]

I recently purchased a '69 convertible in need of restoration. I am fairly new to the Corvette restoration process. I have restored 2 British vehicles in the past. I have recently joined NCRS and plan to take whatever time necessary to restore the vehicle. The previous owner felt that the car was an L71. It has been in dry storage for almost 20 years. Unfortuneatly, the engine is a CE block but has original tri-power and distributor. The tank sticker is mostly deteriorated. I can only identify options for side exhaust and positraction. The body is in perfect condition. Before it was stored, the rear clip was replaced by a Corvette shop. The frame and suspension have the usual surface rust but are all original. The previous owner had been collecting original GM parts over the years. I have numerous boxes including items such as new factory side exaust with covers. The rear appears to be a 4:11 ratio (code FB) which seems to only have been offered in the L71. My first question is how to identify any other signs that this was truely an L71? Secondly, what is the best method to determine the extent or level of restoration? I have the ability (mechanical and equipment) to complete 95% of the work myself. The only outside work that I expect is to have the body painted. I do not have the Corvette restoration experience to know what level this vehicle should or could be restored to. I appreciate any feedback possible. I would like to plan this process as completely as I can before I get started.

[Tom B.]

Re: 69 Restoration

Brian,

Your first question concerning the "identifing signs" of the 1969 L71, I'll stay out of the way of the more qualified to answer.

I'll offer "A method" (one that I have used) to determine the extent or level of restoration that really only you can choose. There will be plenty of ideas to add to it as well:

You need some reference material (books, etc) to identify known original parts and aspects of the car. One place to begin is with the 68-69 NCRS Judging Manual, going through each aspect that it lists. Begin making your notes and compiling the lists of things that you need or want repaired/replaced/restored. When the notes and lists begin to accumulate, you can start to find/research prices. The more you list the more refined and complete it will become. Did I mention that this will take some time, and eventually some money (which is part of the hobby)?

As you are probably aware, the more you are able to do yourself the more you can keep your expenses down. I doubt if you'll limit yourself to just the Judging Manual since there are plenty of reference materials available. NCRS has a good selection. I'll leave things at that. Best wishes. Tom #24014

[Tom B.]

Re: 69 Restoration

Brian,

Your first question concerning the "identifing signs" of the 1969 L71, I'll stay out of the way of the more qualified to answer.

I'll offer "A method" (one that I have used) to determine the extent or level of restoration that really only you can choose. There will be plenty of ideas to add to it as well:

You need some reference material (books, etc) to identify known original parts and aspects of the car. One place to begin is with the 68-69 NCRS Judging Manual, going through each aspect that it lists. Begin making your notes and compiling the lists of things that you need or want repaired/replaced/restored. When the notes and lists begin to accumulate, you can start to find/research prices. The more you list the more refined and complete it will become. Did I mention that this will take some time, and eventually some money (which is part of the hobby)?

As you are probably aware, the more you are able to do yourself the more you can keep your expenses down. I doubt if you'll limit yourself to just the Judging Manual since there are plenty of reference materials available. NCRS has a good selection. I'll leave things at that. Best wishes. Tom #24014

[Patrick H.]

Re: 69 Restoration

Brian,

You've made a good choice to get some advice before starting.

There are a few things that, IMHO, you need to do:

1. Acquire a library, as mentioned before. There is also a very good book on 1969's that I would recommend obtaining and reviewing. There is no such thing as having too many Corvette books relaitve to your model year car (unless you ask my wife). Try and obtain Mike Antonick's book on the 1965 big block restoration if you want to see what it takes to be factory original in your restoration, as well as an idea of how to plan it.

2. Go to shows and look at 69's. Look at the differing quality of restorations, both "street" restorations and Concours (NCRS/NCCB) ones. The Bloomington show next week, as well as Carlisle in August, are good places to start.

3. You REALLY need to determine what your end goal is with the car. If you restore it to Concours, how "accurate" do you want to be? Would you rather have a 90% accurate street car that you can drive rather than a trailer queen, i.e. base/clear paint, etc.? Both of these require a different outlook from day 1, and after a certain amount of time it is hard to change from one to the other. It's not to say that a 99+ lacquer painted car can't be driven, or that a base/clear car can't get a Top Flight, but these are the kind of decisions, and possible judging deductions, that one needs to consider.

On my own 71, I try to repair/replace anything with either the best reproductions or GM materials as to keep it as original appearing as possible, but I drive it all summer long. The paint job is old and has chips, but as I drive it and have young children (who seem to love to touch the car when I'm not looking), I accept that.

Good luck.

Patrick Hulst

[Patrick H.]

Re: 69 Restoration

Brian,

You've made a good choice to get some advice before starting.

There are a few things that, IMHO, you need to do:

1. Acquire a library, as mentioned before. There is also a very good book on 1969's that I would recommend obtaining and reviewing. There is no such thing as having too many Corvette books relaitve to your model year car (unless you ask my wife). Try and obtain Mike Antonick's book on the 1965 big block restoration if you want to see what it takes to be factory original in your restoration, as well as an idea of how to plan it.

2. Go to shows and look at 69's. Look at the differing quality of restorations, both "street" restorations and Concours (NCRS/NCCB) ones. The Bloomington show next week, as well as Carlisle in August, are good places to start.

3. You REALLY need to determine what your end goal is with the car. If you restore it to Concours, how "accurate" do you want to be? Would you rather have a 90% accurate street car that you can drive rather than a trailer queen, i.e. base/clear paint, etc.? Both of these require a different outlook from day 1, and after a certain amount of time it is hard to change from one to the other. It's not to say that a 99+ lacquer painted car can't be driven, or that a base/clear car can't get a Top Flight, but these are the kind of decisions, and possible judging deductions, that one needs to consider.

On my own 71, I try to repair/replace anything with either the best reproductions or GM materials as to keep it as original appearing as possible, but I drive it all summer long. The paint job is old and has chips, but as I drive it and have young children (who seem to love to touch the car when I'm not looking), I accept that.

Good luck.

Patrick Hulst

[John W.]

Re: 69 Restoration

I recommend you have your Corvette judged before you do anything more to it than a good overall cleaning. Don't replace any parts that are not necessary to get it to run, so you can get it to the meet! Disregard that if you have a trailer. Just load it up as-is and bring it to be judged. The reason I say this is through experience. I discarded pieces from my car before I had it judged for the first time. Parts that I can never replace. They didn't look good, or didn't work properly, but they were original and correct. They are gone forever. I didn't know any better.

When you have your car judged before you start the restoration process you will gain a vast amount of knowledge about your car, about the judging process, and what are the strengths your car possesses before you start the long and arduous restoration process. Plan to stay with your car while it is being judged. Bring along your own judging manual. Follow along as the judge’s work. If you are interested in finding out as much as you can, the judges will be cooperative. Take notes of what they tell you. Don't be argumentative. Just learn all you can. For the price of the judging entry, you will have six to eight experienced people going over every aspect of your car for about four hours. Think about what it would cost for that many hours of skilled labor at your local Chevy dealer? You will learn the point value of items on the car. You will find you can pick up as many points by replacing or repairing some $10 item as you might by replacing or repairing an item that costs $1000. You will then have a basis you can work from that will show you a return on your investment in time and money. If your budget is unlimited, fix both items. If not, you can choose the items that you will gain the most return with the least investment.

One final point on this subject. Judges and judging manuals are not perfect, take the information provided by the judges with a grain of salt. Do your homework. If the judges say some part is not correct, check other sources before you spend a lot of money or time. Check the back issues of The Corvette Restorer Magazine. Check some of the other cars and owners at the meet. Most often the judges will be right, but I do suggest you verify when there is any question.

If it is possible and practical have it judged a second time before you start the restoration. A second set of judges will give you even more perspective and information at a very reasonable cost.

The next time to get the car judged is when the restoration is complete. This is the shakedown judging process. Even after all the work and effort has gone into the restoration, there are bound to be some overlooked items. You might be Top Flight, but there is still room for improvement. Again, take notes and double check the information you get from the judges.

Once the final items have been corrected, you're ready to go on to the Performance Verification test and the NCRS-Duntov Award. You have used the resources of the judging process to get there the easiest way. Isn't that a piece of cake?

[John W.]

Re: 69 Restoration

I recommend you have your Corvette judged before you do anything more to it than a good overall cleaning. Don't replace any parts that are not necessary to get it to run, so you can get it to the meet! Disregard that if you have a trailer. Just load it up as-is and bring it to be judged. The reason I say this is through experience. I discarded pieces from my car before I had it judged for the first time. Parts that I can never replace. They didn't look good, or didn't work properly, but they were original and correct. They are gone forever. I didn't know any better.

When you have your car judged before you start the restoration process you will gain a vast amount of knowledge about your car, about the judging process, and what are the strengths your car possesses before you start the long and arduous restoration process. Plan to stay with your car while it is being judged. Bring along your own judging manual. Follow along as the judge’s work. If you are interested in finding out as much as you can, the judges will be cooperative. Take notes of what they tell you. Don't be argumentative. Just learn all you can. For the price of the judging entry, you will have six to eight experienced people going over every aspect of your car for about four hours. Think about what it would cost for that many hours of skilled labor at your local Chevy dealer? You will learn the point value of items on the car. You will find you can pick up as many points by replacing or repairing some $10 item as you might by replacing or repairing an item that costs $1000. You will then have a basis you can work from that will show you a return on your investment in time and money. If your budget is unlimited, fix both items. If not, you can choose the items that you will gain the most return with the least investment.

One final point on this subject. Judges and judging manuals are not perfect, take the information provided by the judges with a grain of salt. Do your homework. If the judges say some part is not correct, check other sources before you spend a lot of money or time. Check the back issues of The Corvette Restorer Magazine. Check some of the other cars and owners at the meet. Most often the judges will be right, but I do suggest you verify when there is any question.

If it is possible and practical have it judged a second time before you start the restoration. A second set of judges will give you even more perspective and information at a very reasonable cost.

The next time to get the car judged is when the restoration is complete. This is the shakedown judging process. Even after all the work and effort has gone into the restoration, there are bound to be some overlooked items. You might be Top Flight, but there is still room for improvement. Again, take notes and double check the information you get from the judges.

Once the final items have been corrected, you're ready to go on to the Performance Verification test and the NCRS-Duntov Award. You have used the resources of the judging process to get there the easiest way. Isn't that a piece of cake?

[ken Girven]

Re: 69 Restoration

congrats on your purchase of your 69. As Patrick suggested get a libray of resources together for info. One book i HIGHLY recommend is "The Stingray GuideBook" by Rick Bizzoco. Its kind of expensive but absolutely the best book to get after the Judging Manual and Assembly Manual.

Kenny #31871

[ken Girven]

Re: 69 Restoration

congrats on your purchase of your 69. As Patrick suggested get a libray of resources together for info. One book i HIGHLY recommend is "The Stingray GuideBook" by Rick Bizzoco. Its kind of expensive but absolutely the best book to get after the Judging Manual and Assembly Manual.

Kenny #31871

[Patrick H.]

Re: 69 Restoration

That's the 69 book I was referring to, but couldn't remember the name. :)

Thanks

Patrick

[Patrick H.]

Re: 69 Restoration

That's the 69 book I was referring to, but couldn't remember the name. :)

Thanks

Patrick

[Roberto L.]

Re: 69 Restoration

You may check this site http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/faculty/bi...corvettet.html in reference to this book. All my best from Argentina Roberto NCRS #30019 RMC

[Roberto L.]

Re: 69 Restoration

You may check this site http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/faculty/bi...corvettet.html in reference to this book. All my best from Argentina Roberto NCRS #30019 RMC

[Roberto L.]

Re: 69 Restoration

Sorry for other post but remembered that a book titled Corvette Chasis Resto Guide By J.A. Tripoli Jr happened to use a lot of 69 photos for reference. I have the book and is very good for chasis detail/resto. Best from Argentina Roberto NCRS #30019 RMC

[Roberto L.]

Re: 69 Restoration

Sorry for other post but remembered that a book titled Corvette Chasis Resto Guide By J.A. Tripoli Jr happened to use a lot of 69 photos for reference. I have the book and is very good for chasis detail/resto. Best from Argentina Roberto NCRS #30019 RMC