Hi Guys,

Did any of you had to restore your Vette after it was damage by FIRE? Well any restoration knowledge of the engine compartment for that matter can be helpful.

My 71 caught fire when fuel the carburettor leaked (one lousy mechanic! - seems that if you don't work on your car yourself you only end up paying someone else to mess it up for you ) ANYWAY, I am in this situation now. Most of the damage is on the top and towards the windshield. There are no engine daage, but the engine compartment has to be restored. I am particular about the detailing of the compartment.

Do any of you have any advise?

The car has to be fixed by a certified panelbeater - but these people are no Corvette experts. I would like to provide them with as much info & detail as possible.

For instance, where were all the decals located (I know you guys are frowning now - "The engine burnt and you worry about the decals? Have you gone mad?" - Guys, it is a woman thing - My baby has to look pretty). I do have more "butch" questions as well, such as ... hmmm ... oh yeah! Do bushings contain any form of rubber/ polyurethane (someting that can melt)? Are the valves all metal, or do some of them contain plasic "stuff"? Which parts are metal outside and "melting pieces" inside, which I can lookout for?

I am busy compiling a list by using three catalogues (ZIP, Ecklers & 'vette America) to try and see if I can get all the parts listed. What a job! (You need plenty of these to get through it).

Are there any web sites, which could be helpful?

Your assitance is appreciated!

Thanx,
Elmien

I worked on a friend of a friends car who bought an 86 that his wife got angry and put a rag in the gas tank and a match....I didnt explode but, the best thing to do is probably to find a parts car or a used complete front clip and section it at the doors. Depending how hot it got you may need to replace control arm bushings. I kind of doubt it thpugh because they are pretty durable. You should put it on an alignment rack and check it.....Sorry and have fun!!

I hope his x-wife (cannot imagine him staying married to her) got life in prison for setting his baby on fire.

The damage is luckily not that much. Engine is fine - not even all the rubber pipes have burnt (but I will replace them none the less).
Spare cars are not readily available here, and to import can become very expensive. I will have to be very careful on what to order and what to replace locally for now.

I have seen good reviews on "Corvette Restoration Guide 1968-1982" from Richard Prince (Amazon.com). I will also get myself the '71 wiring diagram. Any other books/ aids recommended?

Thanx!
Elmien

If you could post a photo like you have the picture of your car, people could take a look at the damage and give you some advice. Take off the air cleaner so we can see the firewall, etc. better.

Mark

i agree a photo would greatly help

When you take the photo make sure that the lighting is good. Take the photo outside in the sun.
I guess a good lesson for all of us is to make sure that we have detailed pictures of our engine. I have noticed that in many books the photos that are said to be original are not.
It is a shame that things like this can happen to our babies.
Happy Holidays!