71' LS5 restoration

[William P.]

I am restoring my 71' LS5 chassis (4-spd and Conv), which I have never done before, so I'm looking for some hints and a source of information.

Is there someone who rebuilds A-frames using the original style (rivets) ball joints?

Then I need a resource for process information beyond the judging manual and AIM, any ideas?

Thanks in Advance
Bill

[Chuck S.]

Re: 71' LS5 restoration

Your profile says it's an LT1...you bought another one?

If you have a C1 and you are in flight judging, you should be fairly familiar with the drill by now. But, if you're not: Get the NCRS 70-72 TIM&JG, get the NCRS Judging Reference Manual, get the NCRS 1968-1982 Corvette Specifications Guide, get the AIM, get Dobbins' 68-72 Stingray Fact Book, get Joe Tripoli's chassis restoration book, get the Helm's chassis service manual, get Michael Antonick's Corvette Restoration, State of the Art, and other part books, fiberglass repair books, and engine/transmission/carburetor rebuild books as required.

On rebuilding the front control arms...first confirm that the ball joints really need replacing. The well-known vendor once told me not to jump too quickly into replacing the ball joints, and I took his advice; but, if you are sure they need it, that same vendor (Bair's Corvettes) can probably do the work as well as restore the rear control arms. Restoration of the rear control arms is not optional if you are wise...you'll at least know when the rear bearings were repacked. There are other vendors that re-rivet the ball joints and advertise in the Driveline

Now that you have all this information, if the car is a truly an original "survivor" as your profile indicates, then restoration should be thoughtfully considered before going ahead.

[Jeremy D.]

Re: 71' LS5 restoration

When I had the A-arms on my old '70 LT-1 done, I had Vette Brakes & Products (VBP) do mine...I had OEM bushings put in, and Delco ball joints riveted in, and they did an INCREDIBLE job. I can't remember what the bill was, but it wasn't far off of what every one else was asking, and it was done professionally. For what it's worth, I also bought a stainless parking brake kit from them. After receiving it like 2 days after I ordered it, I realized that there were some parts missing from the kit. I called them up, and they FedEx'ed Overnight a complete new kit, free of charge, AND let me keep the kit I originally bought. I guess I'm just saying that they have my business in the future and seem to really try to take care of their customers. My 2 cents worth.