I'm new on the C3VR since recently purchasing a 1969 coupe.  I'm sure I'll need quite a bit of advice going forward since this is also my first significant project car.  There is one issue that I can't get past right off the bat, and my wife is standing over my shoulder complaining about it as I type (and even correctling my spelling).  I can't keep my Vette in the garage due to an overwhelming smell coming from it.  It needs to come in for any work to start on it and winter is fast approaching.  The best that I think I can describe it is a combination of gasoline and grease with some mildew thrown in.  It's so strong that it permeates through our entire home within hours.  Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.  I'm so excited to start on this project and am struggling to get past this (hopefully minor) issue.  Thanks in advance for the advice and jokes! 

Welcome to the club my friend! You'll love it here! The smell you described sounds like gas fumes from the hot carb evaporating off after a drive. Well...unless you have a leak at the top gasket or the bowl is draining down thru the primary jet seals there's not much you can do. There is no emmision control on these cars so gas smell is just how they are. It shouldn't stink to long...my garage has an opening in it for access,in the ceiling, I leave it open and leave the garage door up a few inches to minimize the smell but it's definitely there..btw..I have a ridge vent so the smell goes out that way...even with the Holley I put on it recently..my q-jet took a turn for the worst so I put that on...it still stinks..the musty smell is probably the exhaust that's still in the pipes after shutting it off...a fan in the ceiling may help as well as a new door seal on the garage door...I wish I had a better answer...or one the wife would want to hear!!

Ok...my phone will only let me write so much....so here's part two...if it doesn't run and you need to work on it to get it to then go after the gas tank....get the old gas out of it..might need to come out and get cleaned and dipped too...the varnish buildup can get pretty stinky!! Tank is pretty simple to remove but I say that about everything!!. Get it checked for rust and leaks...might have a hose that's leaking too..the gas cap should say vented on it too..that should keep the pressure down with temp change..well LMK on more specifics if you need any!

Thanks!  The car had been in storage since 1986 until I bought it a couple of weeks ago.  The previous owner did pull it out two years ago to start working on it but only did the brakes and starter from what I can tell.  The odometer is only showing just over 100 miles since the last title in 1986.  I'm sure there will be some leaks and possible tank rust as well.  Before I attempt to tear into anything I want to get it to a garage and up on a lift to have a professional go through it.  I thought this would be best to identify the biggest/most important projects.  I'll then try to determine what I am capable of doing myself. I'll certainly focus on gas leaks to start off!

|UPDATED|11/25/2012 5:52:34 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Wow! Great story here...can't wait to see how the rest of the story unfolds!

I was able to locate a wet spot on the gas tank around the support above the passenger side muffler and believe there is a small leak somewhere in it.  I'll continue to poke around until I find the source.  Thanks again!

I think that is the side the sender is on. Maybe a gasket leak. What does the inside of the tank look like? If is sat that long, you may need a new tank. If so, don't forget the tank sticker is usually on the top of the original tank. If it is there, SAVE IT.

Visit your local funeral home.  They have a solution that will make the smell go away.  It may just mask it for a while until you locate the culprit but their solution will indeed make it smell better and quickly.  Same solution works very well when a mouse dies and rots under your dash.

  You may want to take the center console out and see how many little oblong droppings there are to clean up. Also take ALL the duct work apart, including the heater housing. You might be surprised at the "HOMES" you will find built in places you didn't think were accessible. Look under the seats in the spring area, in the storage compartments, especially the spare tire tub. As you fix/repair things, you will eliminate most of the culprits. The carpet may have something dried into it, mice need to recycle water also. If all else fails, purchase a spray bottle of febreze and use it up.

Thanks guys.  I took out the spare tire assembly and hacked off the mufflers (exhaust is being replaced) to get to the tank.  It was wet along the support bar on the passenger side but I didn't find where it was coming from.  I ordered a new tank to be safe and willl replace the gaskets.  Unfortunately, this was not the original tank, so no tank sticker.  There was a thick, greasy film on the tire assembly, especially on the top side of the upper part (facing the gas tank).  I'm having a hard time cleaning it off and have tried dish soap in hot water, WD-40 and engine degreaser.  I got some on my hands and have washed with soap, dish soap, shampoo, vinegar, lemon juice and everything else the internet recommends.  What is this?!?!  I assume it's buildup from leaking gasoline mixed with possibly dirt.  Any suggestions??  Removing this is key to it being garaged since the smell permeates through my whole house just by being in the garage.