C3 Battery box repair, 1968 427/435 conv

[John Burke]

I just picked up a 1968 427/435 Convertible as a project. This is my first corvette so I will probably be frequently seeking the advice of the forum. The car has been in storage for a long time. It's reasonably presentable for now so I plan to get in driveable shape and enjoy it for the rest of the summer, then send it away for a body off restoration on it over the winter. The most imediate problem is that the floor of the battery box broke away and the battery fell right through. I did an internet search for replacement Battery trays or boxes and found nothing for a '68. Has anybody experienced this problem before? Any ideas?

It starts right up and runs reasonably well but the brakes are really bad. It seems like only one caliper is working. That should be straight forward though.

Secondly, Any advice for a shop on the east coast to do a Restoration? I am in New Jersey but dont mind shipping the car to have it done right.

Any advice is much appreciated.

[Harmon C.]

Re: C3 Battery box repair, 1968 427/435 conv

The Corvette salvage yards have lots of rear clips and should sell you a battery box. I made the cut up about 2"s and glased in the bottom of the new box. If you still have some bottem lip left just put a piece of plywood in the bottom and let the restorer fix the box.

[Jim T.]

Re: C3 Battery box repair, 1968 427/435 conv

You have so many options with the brakes. There are several places that can take your calipers on the car now and rebuild them with stainless steel sleeves so you can retain your calipers. Some sources just sell replacements and want the core exchange. www.stainlesssteelbrakes.com , vbandp.com, Lonestar, and VanSteel are only a few that will rebuild your calipers if specified to do so. Use new rubber brake hoses. The brake master cylinder is probably the original one which could use a rebuild and keep the one you have on the car since you need to start off with clean fluid. If your 68 has power brakes and they are working properly, not using racing brake pads, you should have very good brakes. www.contemporarycorvette.com may have the battery box rebuild piece you need. They sell parts from 68-82 Corvettes.

[Steve Wallach]

Re: C3 Battery box repair, 1968 427/435 conv

Eastern Corvettes - Steve Hack may be able to help you with everything you need including the Restoration.
513-553-2080

My 68 Battery Box is bad, but not as bad as yours from the sounds of it. I am in the process of a body off restoration and plan on using Black Gel Coat to restore the Battery Box area of mine.

Good Luck,

Steve