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Topic: I never make things easy, either

in Forum: C3 Body


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I never make things easy, either (17/27)
 4/12/10 5:16am
manget1Lifetime Member
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Indianapolis, IN - USA

Vette(s):
Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses. 2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible


Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2418

Dennis, thanks for the tip on ACI.  I went to their site and saw some interesting things - I'll try to give them a call.

John and Jim - the bonus (essentially) was for 'employee of the year' not "Employee of the decade" so while it was nice, not enough to cover a new car.  Jim, it would allow me to get a one piece front end (and perhaps even a stinger hood), but it might not leave much for the ensuing body work and paint.

The best advice/insight (and worst news to me) came from ebo and tux on the point that as hard as silver can be to match (especially being probably 10+ years old), it might require a full paint job to be done if I go anywhere past the nose itself (options 1 or 2).  Oh well, if that's to be, then I guess the '80-82 tail would have to go on now too....
 
This could end up being a really extreme case of 'while I'm here...' syndrome!
 
Then again, if I have to paint, who says it has to stay silver....Ermm


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I never make things easy, either (18/27)
 4/12/10 12:26pm
manchestersharkLifetime Member
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Equinunk, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.


Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2381

I agree on the color problem, seem many of them that have needed lots a TLC. Do not forget the two piece rear bumper is a "ONE OF" so keeping it might be a determining factor. If mama says it is OK, go for the entire car if you want a up-grade. Then you can take two to the get togethers! After all this is AMERICA, build it like you want it.  Lots of them have hidden things changed and think nothing of it. Why not change the cosmetics?  I say GO FOR IT.

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I never make things easy, either (19/27)
 4/12/10 12:53pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

There are "bolt on" pseudo bumper covers for the earlier rubber bumper cars, to make them look like the '80-'82 cars. You WILL have to remove the steel front bumper tho...at least the one's that I have done this on required it to be removed. That leaves you with NO protection in the front.
The rear covers have also required some "modifications" to the rear aluminuminum bumper, and supports, but you don't have to completely remove it.

I hate to see ya do this to a low mileage car, but...it IS your car, and you can do what ya want, and...it CAN be returned to "original" if you stay with the bolt on stuff, and don't glass it in...
You did ax for opinions...



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I never make things easy, either (20/27)
 4/12/10 8:00pm
Jeffm
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Sebago Lake, ME - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Silver Anniversary L82 4spd (M21) Red Leather. Pace Car is in the hands of a new caretaker.


Joined: 2/15/2007
Posts: 964

[QUOTE=Adams' Apple]

I hate to see ya do this to a low mileage car, but...it IS your car, and you can do what ya want, and...it CAN be returned to "original" if you stay with the bolt on stuff, and don't glass it in...
You did ax for opinions...

[/QUOTE]

I'm, and this is my personal opinion, with Joel on this one. On one side of it i look at the small amount of '74 verts made and wonder how many are left in any degree of original condition. I've seen your car, Marshall, and it is a very nice ride. On the other side of it you look at some of them sweet big buck C2 restomods at shows and you just stand there and drool.  I think if there were no mods at car shows it might get boring after a while.
But, you own it so it's all your call.
If you're going to buy parts, glass them in, and paint the entire car, I would think that kind of money would go a long ways towards finding a nice '80-82 in todays market.
And if you don't have room in the garage for another Vette the wifes car can sit outside.Smile
Jeffm2010-04-12 17:03:11
I never make things easy, either (21/27)
 4/12/10 10:17pm
lbbounder
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Florence, KY - USA

Vette(s):
1977 Coupe; yellow, 4 speed, one option car with original engine


Joined: 9/9/2007
Posts: 143

I have seen your car and it is great as is, but if you like the 80-82 nose and tail bolt 'em on; you can remove them later if you like. It's your car to do with as you please; after all I put a SS nose on my '06 Crew Cab and I love it. 
 
 


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current
1977 Coupe
 
gone but not forgotten
1996 Grand Sport
1984 coupe 
1974 coupe
1964 roadster

I never make things easy, either (22/27)
 4/12/10 10:22pm
lbbounder
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Florence, KY - USA

Vette(s):
1977 Coupe; yellow, 4 speed, one option car with original engine


Joined: 9/9/2007
Posts: 143

I
 I have seen your car and it is great as is, but if you like the 80-82 nose and tail bolt 'em on; you can remove them later if you like. It's your car to do with as you please; after all I put a SS nose on my '06 Crew Cab and I love it. 
 


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current
1977 Coupe
 
gone but not forgotten
1996 Grand Sport
1984 coupe 
1974 coupe
1964 roadster

I never make things easy, either (23/27)
 4/12/10 10:43pm
dskopp
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Oak Creek, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops, Going to remain as Stock as possible. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vetts Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!!


Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1958

My view is this:  Original means just that.  It is the way it came from the factory.  I chose to keep my 81 as original as I can.  No use messing with a good thing!!  I love the "shark" body style.  I could not find Billy Mitchell's shark to buy, so I got the next best thing!!  Ta-Daaaaaa the 1981 Great White Shark!!  See ya all in Holland with the shark!!
Dan


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I never make things easy, either (24/27)
 4/13/10 5:00am
manget1Lifetime Member
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Indianapolis, IN - USA

Vette(s):
Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses. 2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible


Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2418

I do appreciate all of the comments - even the ones that go against the direction I'm thinking - really.  I don't like the idea of cutting fenders (even though they are not original) and I do like the idea of trying to figure out how to make any changes reversible.  A full front end (without tilt-up, Norsky) would get me that, but not sure that's where I want to go.  I've been surfing e-bay for some cheap 80 front fenders, but no luck so far.

I DID find a picture of a 74 (not a convertible) that had the 80-82 style nose added with no other modifications (no spoilers, etc).  Now I have some idea what it would look like if I went simple:

 http://www.ridelust.com/corvettes/1974-corvette/

What do you think?
 
I also spoke on the phone to the folks at ACI yesterday (along with some regional midwest restoration shops) and I have an appointment to talk to a local restoration place later this week.  Just trying to get as much info as possible.  No decisions made yet


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I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!


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I never make things easy, either (25/27)
 4/13/10 3:35pm
KeBo
Former Member

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Kendall Park, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1981 - 59 Beige over Cinnebar leather. Edlebrock top end, 2200 stall w/shift kit, 3:55s, Mufflex maniback exhaust, nice stereo, 16 in AREs w/BFGs


Joined: 3/9/2005
Posts: 789

Personally - As long as its not a super rare car and your keeping it, do what makes ya happy BUT I really like the 74 as-is...  If ya ever get a jonsing for an 81, I'll trade ya!   Going against all wisdom, I went NUTS w/my 81. I have over 33k in the car.  Its your car build it to love it and enjoy!
I never make things easy, either (26/27)
 4/13/10 9:28pm
greypoupon69Lifetime Member
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Irving, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1 -1969 Corvette Coupe Riverside Gold, black interior,MN,A/C,350/350,PS,PB,window cranks. #2 -2000 C5, black/black, 6 sp, Bose system & lots of buttons.


Joined: 8/21/2004
Posts: 4273

Just put a chrome bumper on it..................Rolling On The Floor Laughing


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I never make things easy, either (27/27)
 4/13/10 9:44pm
dskopp
Limited Member
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Oak Creek, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops, Going to remain as Stock as possible. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vetts Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!!


Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1958

And a pooper too !!!!
DanRolling On The Floor Laughing


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