Topic: Sleeping the last 37 years...
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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Former Member
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Mohrsville, PA - USA
Joined: 8/14/2013
Posts: 6
Vette(s): 1968 Corvette coupe, Polar White (972) exterior, Bright Blue (414) interior. 327/300, Automatic.
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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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|
|UPDATED|8/27/2013 6:17:17 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
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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Lifetime MemberFor sure do not drive it with those old tires, they have to be dri rotted and will cause lots of damage if one blows.......
ebo
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!
ebo
ebo
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. 
yup - replace the tires prior to that first ride ... we have members with evidence of old tires...
|UPDATED|8/28/2013 12:57:51 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
nice find - enjoy !!
ps - this thread is useless without more pictures !!!!
|UPDATED|8/28/2013 12:57:51 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Wow! What a great find. Look forward to hearing more about the car's history and more pictures too please! 
|UPDATED|8/28/2013 5:20:41 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
|UPDATED|8/28/2013 5:20:41 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
2012101154624r.jpg)
Build Date: May 7, 1975. 383 w/267 RWHP/310 RWTQ
Former Member
Send PM
Mohrsville, PA - USA
Joined: 8/14/2013
Posts: 6
Vette(s): 1968 Corvette coupe, Polar White (972) exterior, Bright Blue (414) interior. 327/300, Automatic.
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 
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. 
|UPDATED|11/1/2014 8:24:13 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
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|
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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