Many Corvettes have been driven aggressively during their lifetime while others have not been properly stored nor maintained. Whether it's hard use, neglect or just elapsed time, often these 30-years-old or older cars require a major restoration and not just simple repair. Through the pages of this book, you are expertly guided through each crucial stage of the restoration process from disassembly to inspection and parts selection to assembly. The hands-on restoration techniques for all major component groups are explained in exceptional detail for professional results, including suspension, engine, interior, body, paint, brakes, steering, electrical, and interior. Special coverage is devoted to restoring the birdcage frame and the fiberglass body. These restoration procedures are explained with extensive step-by-step captions and brilliant full-color photos so you confidently complete each step and ultimately the restoration of an entire car. In addition, the author addresses the real-world benefits and drawbacks of doing the work yourself. In addition, it will contain essential model information, VIN identification, powertrain and interior options and more. If you’ve been looking for the authoritative guide for restoring your 1968-1982 Stingray, then you’ve found it.
There has been and will be a strong and flourishing restoration industry for the third-generation Corvette. Whether you're an informed owner or skilled enthusiast, this book will provide an essential information source for those who want to restore this affordable Corvette model at home.
Acknowledgments
 About the Author
 Introduction
Chapter 1: C3 History 
The Pre-Dawn of the C3 Corvette  
Finally, the C3  
Front and Rear Chrome Bumper Cars 1968-1972  
Soft Bumper Cars 1973-1982  
Chapter 2: Planning and Evaluation  
Choosing the Correct Level of Restoration  
Do-It-Yourself or Professional  
Budget and Timeline  
Evaluating a Corvette for Restoration  
Project Planning  
Parts Storage  
Tools and Equipment
Chapter 3: Disassembly and Storage
Body/Frame Removal  
Body Assessment  
Interior Removal  
Trim and Glass Removal  
Parts Inventory
Chapter 4: Bodywork and Paint Preparation 
Windshield Frame Replacement  
Fiberglass Repairs  
Structural Damage or Broken Parts  
Cracked Bonding Seam  
Excessive Door Gap  
Damaged Body Panel  
Bumper Covers  
Final Sanding and Filling  
Who Will Paint the Car?  
Old Paint Removal
Chapter 5: Painting
Tools and Equipment  
Supplies  
Paint and Primer  
Painting  
Color Sanding
Chapter 6: Frame Restoration 
Inspection  
Engine and Transmission Removal  
Front Suspension Removal  
Rear Suspension Removal  
Remaining Frame Parts Removal  
Frame Evaluation  
Straighten Damaged Frame Sections  
Rust Repair  
Paint or Powdercoating Preparation
Chapter 7: Suspension and Differential Reassembly
Front Suspension  
Rear Suspension  
Differential  
Odds and Ends
Chapter 8: Brake System Installation 
Brake Lines  
Fuel Lines  
Brakes
Chapter 9: Engine Rebuild or Replacement? 
Development History  
Engine Rebuilding Overview  
A Portfolio of Completed Engines  
Crate Engines
Chapter 10: Transmission 
Manual Transmissions  
Aftermarket Overdrive Transmissions
Chapter 11: Wiring and Interior Installation 
Wiring  
Electrical Troubleshooting  
Interior  
1968-1977 Dash Installation  
1978-1982 Interior Installation  
1968-1975 Convertible Top Installation
Chapter 12: Body Installation 
Power Brake Booster Installation  
Master Cylinder Installation  
Body and Frame Preparation  
Body Installation  
Connect the Steering  
Install the Headlight Doors  
Remove the Front Bumper Cover  
Align Frame to Body   
Front Bumper Installation   
Secure the Body   
Fluid Level Check   
Brake Bleeding   
Exhaust System Installation   
Vacuum Line Connections   
Air Conditioning System   
Odds and Ends 
Source Guide