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Topic: Sleeping the last 37 years...

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Sleeping the last 37 years... (1/22)
 8/27/13 6:40pm
Pricelessjunk
Former Member

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Mohrsville, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1968 Corvette coupe, Polar White (972) exterior, Bright Blue (414) interior. 327/300, Automatic.


Joined: 8/14/2013
Posts: 6

Hello everyone,  
 
I'm new to C3VR with my first Corvette.  I just aquired a 1968 C3 thats been sleeping for the last 37 years in an old barn... 40k miles with mint interior and perfect body (yes the paints dried out). My intent is to get it running and driving as a survivor. I've been researching and have verified that all the components are the factory original parts. Since everything is original I'm wondering if using generic replacement parts for the brake calipers, master cylinder, etc would detract from the originallity and value or should I have the originals rebuilt?
 
Also any recommendations for things to check or replace before I attempt to get it running and then road worthy.
 
My current "To do" list includes:
 
- Repair / Replace emergency brake shoes & hardware  (in process) (riveted on rotors - really???)
- Repair / Replace all brake calipers, pads & rotors and rubber brake hoses
- Drain fuel tank (amazing clean inside) blow out lines, new filter, fresh gas
- Get Q-Jet Rebuilt.
- Radiator professionally flushed
- Replace motor oil, trans fluid and filters (Automatic)
- New plugs and clean points.
 
   Go for a ride 
 
All suggestions are welcome and appreciated!
 
Thank you.
 
Tim
(Pricelessjunk)
If you wonder why my member name is Pricelessjunk well... My wife saw the Corvette come in the driveway on the trailer and said "Great, another piece of Priceless Junk"  - but she really does like it...


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"Sleeping for the last 37 years..."
      Time to wake up!
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Re: Sleeping the last 37 years... (2/22)
 8/27/13 7:35pm
F4GaryGold Member
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Grapevine, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air.


Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1406

I'd try buffing out the paint and keep it a survivor.

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Re: Sleeping the last 37 years... (3/22)
 8/27/13 9:17pm
VinD'74
Former Member

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Alexandria, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1974 - 4 speed Stingray Convertible


Joined: 5/8/2013
Posts: 25

GM riveted on the rotors when it went through the assembly line. It's a good sign to have rivets as you now know they are for sure the original ones. As far as value, a running survivor is usually worth more but it depends what you are planning to do with the car whether you want to go all original or not with your parts. Either way, it looks like a great find. Best of luck with it, you're wallet is certain to get a lot lighter, so your wife is bound to rename it "the money pit" like the rest of ours!

|UPDATED|8/27/2013 6:17:17 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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Vinnie
 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/96164629@N06/sets/72157633578760337/
 
Re: Sleeping the last 37 years... (4/22)
 8/27/13 9:22pm
dwright
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Victor, NY - USA

Vette(s):
2004 Commemorative Edition Coupe, Auto w/HUD. 13K miles in 2015. Sold 1982 Red Coupe


Joined: 7/12/2004
Posts: 6833

I would keep all the original components and have them rebuilt, either now or later.
See if you can find new vintage tires.
If you decide to drop the gas tank, look for the original build sheet.
Any parts that have writing on them (like with a grease pencil), leave them on.
Leave the plugs out when you first turn it over.
Check the exhaust for mice nest.
Check the electrical for any bad connections or grounds.
Take lots of pictures.


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Re: Sleeping the last 37 years... (5/22)
 8/28/13 9:11am
eboLifetime Member
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Holland Patent, NY - USA

Vette(s):
#1 *1980 White, Red interior 14,000 mile #2 *1980 Red, Oyster interior 93,000 miles Resto project car, rebuilt to 383 stroker


Joined: 6/3/2008
Posts: 4420

For sure do not drive it with those old tires, they have to be dri rotted and will cause lots of damage if one blows.......
Every one else has given you great ideas on top of your super list.
 
Now please do tell the story of how you found this car..... this is what books are written about!
And welcome to the fold.... nice vette!
Evil Smileebo


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Re: Sleeping the last 37 years... (6/22)
 8/28/13 1:58pm
dbarnesid
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Boise, ID - USA

Vette(s):
1972 mille miglia red corvette convertible. This is a car currently under restoration. The pic above is of me and my Ph.D. candidate daughter. She, not my Vette, is my pride and joy. Smile...


Joined: 5/29/2013
Posts: 159

Wow what a find. Excellent.
 
I too would like to know the whole story.
 
In my opinion, do not even remotely think of ditching the original parts and replacing them with NAPA or brand X. Not unless you want to see the value of this car drop like a rock. It's not much more expensive to get the originals rebuilt. It just takes more time.
 
And trust me, you will spend time on this beauty.
 
Now, on top of this excellent find... PLEASE do not tell us you got a killer price on it too. Please. Cry


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Re: Sleeping the last 37 years... (7/22)
 8/28/13 3:57pm
ceastham1
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greer, SC - USA

Vette(s):
C(6-5+2)VR - 1964 convertible 327/365 & 2003 convertible - 50th Anniversary Edition & 2010 3LT Coupe


Joined: 10/15/2007
Posts: 746

yup - replace the tires prior to that first ride ... we have members with evidence of old tires...
 
nice find - enjoy !!
 
ps - this thread is useless without more pictures !!!!


|UPDATED|8/28/2013 12:57:51 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Re: Sleeping the last 37 years... (8/22)
 8/28/13 8:20pm
Case75
Former Member

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, - Canada

Vette(s):
1975 Corvette 383 stroker w/Patriot 190 heads, Eagle stroker kit, Comp 279TH7 cam, DUI distributor, Edelbrock 7116 intake, Edelbrock 1806 carb, Hedman Hedders, TH400 w/TCI Breakaway 2400 stall, Transgo 1-2 shift kit.


Joined: 6/19/2012
Posts: 230

Wow! What a great find. Look forward to hearing more about the car's history and more pictures too please! Big smile

|UPDATED|8/28/2013 5:20:41 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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Build Date: May 7, 1975. 383 w/267 RWHP/310 RWTQ
Re: Sleeping the last 37 years... (9/22)
 11/1/14 11:24pm
Pricelessjunk
Former Member

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Mohrsville, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1968 Corvette coupe, Polar White (972) exterior, Bright Blue (414) interior. 327/300, Automatic.


Joined: 8/14/2013
Posts: 6

Thank you! to all who replied and provided some great information, recommendations and encouragement.... and one year later.... IT LIVES !  Yes, after sitting in an open (3 sided) dirt floor shed for 37 years, the 327 small block Chevy is purring like a kitten. The turbo hydro 400 shifts like new and overall drives like I'm sure it did last in 1975. It's kind of like having a 68 Corvette that's just 7 years old Smile I found all the original keys under the drivers seat and the protecto-plate service record book with the original owners name. So I looked him up and gave him a call... now 86 years old, he told me the story of when he ordered it new and had to wait a long time...Ordered in Sept 1967 and didn't take delivery until the end of January 1968. He said he was the only guy around the Washington D.C. area who had one of the new coupes with removable top panels.
 
I believe some cars are good and some aren't.  This is a good one. Honestly, everything I've done has been a joy. Each job has gone perfect. hard to believe but true. I've done all the work myself in one side of my 2 car garage. So far I've had the original carb professionally rebuilt, I rebuilt the brake system (master, calipers, lines, etc) all U-joints, fuel pump, exhaust system, new plugs and cleaned the points, fresh engine oil and it started right up ! Ahhh the 327 Chevy.. gotta love it.
 
So now I'm debating whether or not to  leave it with some of the paint flaking off and chrome that's pitted and dull in some places or do the all the cosmetics - new paint, new chrome etc.
 
Your thoughts are highly appreciated. Thanks again for all your support :-)  Tim.
 
 
 





|UPDATED|11/1/2014 8:24:13 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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"Sleeping for the last 37 years..."
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Re: Sleeping the last 37 years... (10/22)
 11/1/14 11:37pm
johnu
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Scottsdale, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Corvette Two-Tone Claret color, 4 spd, C7 Vert


Joined: 5/23/2007
Posts: 614

Tim, Great work! We love to look at photos!

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Re: Sleeping the last 37 years... (11/22)
 11/2/14 1:20am
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

Welcome to the group, Tim.  I have a C-3 (1981).  I am the 2nd owner and the car has 169000 original miles and running like a top!!  What a glorious find you have!!  My wife made the same comments as yours when I got my vette several years ago!!  What do they know about Vettes??  Hope to see more of you on the site and some more pics of your "barn find"

Dan


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Re: Sleeping the last 37 years... (12/22)
 11/2/14 10:29am
eboLifetime Member
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Holland Patent, NY - USA

Vette(s):
#1 *1980 White, Red interior 14,000 mile #2 *1980 Red, Oyster interior 93,000 miles Resto project car, rebuilt to 383 stroker


Joined: 6/3/2008
Posts: 4420

Wow came out nice, tough call.....what are your plans and or future plans for the car. If it's an investment thing leave it all original. If it's for judging you can get NOS chrome but leave the paint.


Now if it's for joy and the paint bugs you go ahead and have it blocked and painted and go show it off, remember only vette nuts will know if it's not original.

My 1980 has 25k original miles original paint that has factory runs, sags, drips, thin spots, dri spots, and is starting to check in some areas. I do not plan to paint it as long as I have it.

Now my Red project car (money pit) I'm going a little nuts as it's something that is my ideas and I don't care what others want..... it's mine......

So I have not helped one bit but was nice to write a bit over a nice cup of coffee this morning!

Either way now that it's running.....you better bring it to a gathering.

Also take all your pictures and make a story board to display at shows.....that car has a kewl history and it's story needs to be told!

ebo



|UPDATED|11/2/2014 7:29:32 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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Re: Sleeping the last 37 years... (13/22)
 11/2/14 12:20pm
dwright
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Victor, NY - USA

Vette(s):
2004 Commemorative Edition Coupe, Auto w/HUD. 13K miles in 2015. Sold 1982 Red Coupe


Joined: 7/12/2004
Posts: 6833

Tim,
If it were me I would not touch the paint or chrome. A survivor is much rarer that a fresh old Vette. I hope you got new tires before you went on that maiden voyage.
And you MUST come to our C3VR gathering in July, 2014.



|UPDATED|11/2/2014 9:20:18 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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Re: Sleeping the last 37 years... (14/22)
 11/2/14 4:08pm
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

That looks fantastic! And to have all that history back to the original owner is a huge bonus. Thumbs UpThumbs Up
Re: Sleeping the last 37 years... (15/22)
 11/3/14 12:42pm
F4GaryGold Member
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Grapevine, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air.


Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1406

You say you rebuilt the calipers, but I imagine they are the original cast iron piston bores.  If you put it up for the winter, I would seriously think about sending off your calipers to be stainless steels sleeved.  Other than that, I'd leave the rest alone and just maintain it.  Only change things that allow the originals to be put back on.

Nice find. 

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Re: Sleeping the last 37 years... (16/22)
 11/3/14 1:58pm
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

From a historic viewpoint, I say leave that puppy alone! It's only "original" once. Thumbs Up
However....if you plan on driving, and enjoying it, then by all means, take care of the paint/chrome that it may need as you see fit. I would suggest that you fully document EVERYTHING on the car before changing/repairing anything. This will add to the value of the car down the road, even if you do restore it.
That being said, it always comes down to this...it's YOUR car, and you can do anything ya want with it. If ya don't like the paint, or chrome, then fix it....it's only money.....LOL

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Re: Sleeping the last 37 years... (17/22)
 11/14/14 3:37pm
Vman73
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Gig Harbor, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1973 L82 4 Speed Coupe - Very original, well documented driver/survivor. 2016 Bend Regional NCRS Top Flight.


Joined: 10/2/2014
Posts: 405

Wow, nice car and fantastic find. I agree with most on the post that it is only original once, but definitely drive and enjoy. Documentation and talking to the original owner is a great feeling. Have you considered taking it back to show him ?? Please post more pics or do a photobucket link, here's one to my 73.


http://s42.photobucket.com/user/jlsigmund/library/




|UPDATED|11/14/2014 12:37:41 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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Duct tape is the new Black !!
Re: Sleeping the last 37 years... (18/22)
 11/16/14 2:47pm
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

dwright said: I would keep all the original components and have them rebuilt, either now or later.
See if you can find new vintage tires.
If you decide to drop the gas tank, look for the original build sheet.
Any parts that have writing on them (like with a grease pencil), leave them on.
Leave the plugs out when you first turn it over.
Check the exhaust for mice nest.
Check the electrical for any bad connections or grounds.
Take lots of pictures.


Ya!!  We wanna see pictures of this vette!!.
Stay as stock as you can despite what others may tell you.  Mine is stock with the original engine and transmission and has about 169,000 original miles  Interior was bad so I put in new seats and carpet.

Welcome to the gang !!
Dan


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Re: Sleeping the last 37 years... (19/22)
 11/16/14 7:10pm
Pricelessjunk
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Mohrsville, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1968 Corvette coupe, Polar White (972) exterior, Bright Blue (414) interior. 327/300, Automatic.


Joined: 8/14/2013
Posts: 6

Thank you for all the nice comments and recommendations! It gives me a good sense of direction for the next steps.  At this point I'm going to replace some of the deteriorated rubber suspension parts - sway bar, rear spring and diff mount and leave everything else just as is.  I plan to drive to some gatherings next spring and summer and hopefully meet some of you. I plan to attend Corvettes at Carlisle as well.
 
Here is a link to a picture album.
 
 
Thanks again.


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Re: Sleeping the last 37 years... (20/22)
 11/16/14 10:31pm
Vman73
Former Member

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Gig Harbor, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1973 L82 4 Speed Coupe - Very original, well documented driver/survivor. 2016 Bend Regional NCRS Top Flight.


Joined: 10/2/2014
Posts: 405

Wow, great paint patina and I love the CB radio !! I wouldn't change a thing !!

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John Sigmund
valkman57@sbcglobal.net
NCRS Member 61302
NW NCRS Chapter Member



Duct tape is the new Black !!
Re: Sleeping the last 37 years... (21/22)
 1/2/15 10:05pm
cinorLifetime Member
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, - Canada

Vette(s):
1975 L48 Stingray 1992 LT1


Joined: 12/24/2013
Posts: 414

For me the best part is the day you got a hold of the 86 year old original owner. a day to remember,  you probably made him the happiest man in the world that day knowing that you will care for that car as he did and I'm sure it brought back many wonderful memories.  Bless your heart for making his day brighter and thankful he cared for the car as many of us do ours.

Enjoy the car everyday and maybe someday someone will put a smile on your face with a phone call.



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Re: Sleeping the last 37 years... (22/22)
 1/3/15 8:38am
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

Not sure how I missed this thread, but sure glad it got pulled back to the top. What an amazing story! Again, not sure of your goals for the car, but if you're planning on it being an investment, I would suggest getting judged before you do anything else to the car (other than to take it for that drive you mentioned!). Great job on the restoration so far!

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