Topic: Shark Attack Resto. Plan
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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OK Crew I'm about 60 days out before I start the "RED" project restoration (body on)
ebo 2008-07-13 18:51:26
I'm putting together my attack plan. Motor has less than 1000 mile on 383 Stroker rebuild. My buddy put it back in the car with a holey oil pan. It leaks bad. I purchased one on ebay couple weeks ago.
I plan to pull motor and tranny. Then go to front and rear suspension & brakes. Remove interior seats and carpet. Then on to stripping of body, prime, block, prime seal and paint. Then redo interior as needed.
At what point should I shoe the motor and tranny back in? After stripping?
Joel what should be done to the auto trans? Rebuild with mild shift kit?
I'd love to ship it to you but your way down dare...................unless Fred (fp vetter) comes home for a visit and he can fit it in his carry on???
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Thanks Ken, I was so afraid you were going to reply with something like ya did to JP vette
I for sure knew I was not guna put it in after fresh paint.
I also need to change out the hood as it does not clear the new intake. Do they make the L88 hood for an 80?
Naww, nothing that deep. 
kstyer 2008-07-13 18:55:47
I'm not sure about the hood, but I think you can find something not factory that looks like it was.
Pulled the motor/tranny out of "BIGBRRD" early in the process after most of the front clip was removed (hood, bumper, radiator/support, and inner/outer fenders). While the motor/tranny was out the engine compartment was cleaned up and painted. Dropped it back inplace just before the body guy was ready to start bolting most of the stuff back on the car prior to priming/painting. (Click on either image for a larger version)
Norsky 2008-07-13 21:17:49
Comin' out!
Back where it should be!
Sure was a lot easier with all that body stuff out of the way...!!!
Jim Olson 
"The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave! 
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20229
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
[QUOTE=ebo]Joel what should be done to the auto trans? Rebuild with mild shift kit?[/QUOTE]
Now would be the time to "freshen" it up while ya got it all apart. Depends on how it was werking before. You can "shift kit" it if ya want, but I would recommend you go ahead and re-do the trans also, and not just put a shifting kit by itself. That way, you should be ready to roll, and not have any trans related issues after the re-assembly/paint is done.
There are also a few "upgrades" you could do, if you want to hammer down on it with the 383, and not have to pick up any stray pieces that fall on the road...a HD intermediate sprag is good insurance against scattering the trans when it hits 2nd(hard)....
Now would be the time to "freshen" it up while ya got it all apart. Depends on how it was werking before. You can "shift kit" it if ya want, but I would recommend you go ahead and re-do the trans also, and not just put a shifting kit by itself. That way, you should be ready to roll, and not have any trans related issues after the re-assembly/paint is done.
There are also a few "upgrades" you could do, if you want to hammer down on it with the 383, and not have to pick up any stray pieces that fall on the road...a HD intermediate sprag is good insurance against scattering the trans when it hits 2nd(hard)....
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Jim, I was thinking of pulling the front clip, it looks so much more workable with it gone. The car was all over the road when I brought it home, thus the thought of redoing the whole suspension.
Joel, since I did not want to wrap this thing around a pole on the way home with it I never got on it to see what this 383 would do. Total Trans rebuild is the plan, I think I have a guy lined up to do it. Any list of recomendations would be great. I'm the type that likes to do it right the first time, instead of redoing it. $$Money well spent is comfort I have no problem with. 
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20229
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
I'll shoot ya a P/M this eve....
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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