Ontario Orange w/Hardtop, Custom Dark Saddle Interior

350 Base Engine, 4 speed (Numbers matching), No air.

67,000 Miles

 

I found this car behind a used car dealership and bought it back back in 1981.  It needed a little mechanical TLC (valve job and front suspension rebuild) but otherwise was an excellent running car.  I drove it regularly for about 5 years and put about 10,000 or so miles on it.  Then I got a wild hair and decided to build an LS6 big block.  Did that and quickly discovered that if I left the big block in it I'd completely destroy the car.  So, I took it out, put the original small block back in it and stripped the cheesy candy paint job on it and was preparing to paint the car.  Well, life hit...  At the time I was building a new house and having kids.  The Corvette went into storage and was most definitely on the back burner in my life at that time. 

 

Fast forward 20+ years.  My wife has been pestering the mess out of me for a "fun" car.  We've looked at convertibles but neither one of us wanted to shell out the money it'd take to have that kind of toy.  Then she says the other option is to "fix the Corvette."  A good friend and neighbor who has restored many cars of all kinds just so happended to be in the market for a big block.  And, I had one neatly bagged and tucked away in the corner of my garage.  We struck a deal!  The big block was his if he'd help me restore the ole girl.  Both of us were happy.

 

So, three weeks ago today, we pushed it down the street to his shop, which by the way has a wonderful lift and all the room and tools we'd need to do the job.  The first order of business was to check out the engine.  Mind you, the car had been stored inside, but it had been over 20 years since the 350 had run.  So, we did everything necessary to ensure a safe start-up (oil, flush gas tank and lines, fresh gas w/seafoam, plugs, wires, points, condenser, etc.) and VERY much to my surprise, she fired right up and ran as though she'd never been shut off.  I expected to at least have to rebuild the Rodchester, but NO, she ran...and ran smooth!  Of course the brakes need major attention and the exhaust pipes weren't hooked up so I couldn't drive her, but WOW - - - maybe I dodged a bullet??  We'll see...  That was exactly one week after I aired up the tires and pushed her to the garage.  Since then, we've had to do a little carb work b/c of some trash, but still no rebuild has been necessary.

 

I've ordered all new brakes (should be here today), an all new exhaust system and am making an exhaustive list of stuff I'll need.  While waiting, we've begun the body work.  It's been pretty straight forward with very little fiberglass work needed.  Mostly sanding and priming and sanding and priming and sanding and priming....you get the idea.  It's going very well.  Gonna go back with the original colors.

 

Got lots of photos, but not where I can post any yet.  So sorry, but I'll get some up soon hopefully.

 

The primary reason for the post is to ask your opinion on the best place to order parts.  So far I've ordered from Corvette Central, but there's apparently a HUGE market out there.  In your experience, who would you recommend?  

 

Thanks for your time and sorry for the long post...

 

dw   

There's lots of experience here you can profit by...and I define experience what you get when you don't get what you want!  We're all well experienced!

As far as the best vendor, that can change depending on the circumstances.  There are local sources you can use, plus you should definitely use vendors that are sponsors of the forum.  Corvette Central is great, as is Zip's, Ecklers, Corvette America and many others.  As you said, it's a huge market.

Get on all the vendor's email lists.  Many are often running specials or free shipping...take advantage of those deals.  Sometimes shipping can kill you depending on the part.

Many of the vendors sell the same merchandise, so you can see who has the best prices on them.  You don't have to get wedded to one supplier.  You have a huge selection, but not everyone is the best on every item.  Take advantage of each.  When you need parts, do some research and find out what's best for you.

Again...welcome!

 

I'll be pretty much going thru the whole car making sure all is well.  New interior as needed - seat covers w/new foam (although for 38 years old they are in amazingly good condition), carpet, door panels, center console and seals is about all she really needs - the dash and instrument cluster is all in excellent condition 'cept the clock doesn't work...never has.  I've already got new OEM badges and trim for the exterior I acquired 20+ years ago I'll finally be using.  I will have to either re-chrome the bumpers or buy new ones.  Do y'all know which is best?  I'm thinking of re-chroming just so I can say the bumpers are original w/new chrome.  I'm gonna get new beauty rings as well...the originals are kind of dimpled and one is damaged beyond repair so I'll need a good source for those.  The original center caps are in good condition.

 

So, that's my short list.  I do need to know if there is any vendor who offers complete fastener kits for the exterior.  Any advise out there and are there any particular vendors anyone has had problems with or ones you definitely not use?

 

Thanks again.