'68 restoration

[Eric Phillips]

All,

I have seen postings on this, but please excuse another. I have a '68 convertible L71 with *very* low original mileage. I acquired the car from the original owner and know most of the details of its history. However, the car has the following issues:

1. Hasn't been started or turned over in 10+ years. Left with 1/2 tank of gas - top of inside of the tank looks really cruddy.
2. Was stored in a polebarn that was slightly damp. Some significant surface rust on the undercarriage. I haven't tapped around to see how serious it might be. Also, looks like a mouse got into the glovebox and chewed up some paper. Squirrels also appeared to have enjoyed living on the intake manifold by the nut shells left there.
3. It is not completely original. Known exceptions: Now has Holley 3-bbl with high rise manifold and high rise hood (about 2" taller than stock 427 hood). Original carbs and manifold gone. Also gone is original smog pump.
4. There are some pretty deep scratches and gouges on both sides from when the car was stored uncovered in a residential garage. The original owner's children likely bumped it with bicycles, etc.

I would like to get it into a good driveable condition (and make it relatively pretty), but don't know how far I want to go with any type of restoration or even where I should start. I obviously want to keep it close to original. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Eric

[Steven C.]

Re: '68 restoration

Eric,

My opinion, based on my '69 convertible L71 project: Set reasonable goals based on time and money. Mine really needs a frame-off, because the fuel line (and tank) were rusted out and there is rust (surface and worse) on everything metal...BUT I realized that I don't have the time or money to do the frame-off. I know myself well enough to know that if I embarked on the frame-off, I'd never finish.

So, I am putting the car back together with the primary goal of trying to make it run. The following goal will be to make it look OK (20-footer), the third goal is to make the interior look OK. There is overlap, as I acquire pieces. I am quite close on all three, but realistically "pretty close" is still measured in weeks, not hours.

One thing that has worked for me is to make a "wish list" of parts I need for each goal. I carry it with me and pick up parts as I can.

Specifically for you: Drain the oil, replace with fresh and fresh oil filter. Remove valve covers and intake manifold/carb. Turn engine by hand to see if everything is ok. Replace plugs, clean up and replace intake and carb, freshen distributor (if TI system is still in place, consider a late model GM HEI) for this phase. Change gear oil in trans and differeential. Put in battery and try it!

Go for inexpensive paint repair at this point, likewise for interior repair. Here you'll have a running decent looking car, without spending huge bucks. At that time you can decide iof the car is feasibly restorable to NCRS, or choose a different end point.

Steve

[Steven C.]

Re: '68 restoration

Forgot to mention fuel tank: I suggest dropping the tank, flushing, and using an inside sealer if not leaking. Blow compressed air through the fuel line (disconnect from fuel pump first). If fuel line appears intact, install tank and fuel lines. You may find your tank sticker (if you don't already have it)!

The fuel line is a major decision point if rusted through, requires separating the body and frame to replace correctly. If you encounter this situation, you may want to do a full-blown frame-off since you'll have to do the hard work anyway.

Apparently the brake lines on driver's side are also a frame-off question threshold, but can be replaced with difficulty without removing body.

Steve

[Jack H.]

Re: '68 restoration

(1) Join NCRS and then join your local chapter.

(2) Get active in your local chapter and get some helpful and local assistance with your new project.

(3) Make a decision on what your end game objective is for the car (drive and enjoy, occassionally have the car judged for fun and recognition, have the car SERIOUSLY judged and put plaques and trophies on the wall) remembering that in most cases you can NOT do ALL alternatives.

(4) Set a budget for how much you're willing to spend in this hobby; on this car.

(5) Kick #3 and #4 around with your local NCRS chapter members and ITERATE to your solution path.

(6) When items 1-5 are complete, you can take your wallet out of the safe deposit box and begin working toward your goal(s), but NOT before!

[Chas Henderson #28127]

Re: '68 restoration

Eric,

Get the car in running order. There are lots of good suggestions in the archiles.

Once you have the car safe to drive, and you have it washed and waxed, DRIVE the old girl well into the fall then you can decide what path to follow. Hopefully by then you will have enjoyed the main function of owning a Corvette and have joined in a club or chapter, made new Corvette friends, purchased an AIM and service manual and have slowly educated yourself on you car. Then you can make life altering changes to your car. If you are married, it helps if your wife likes the car.

Good luck,
Chasman