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How to Restore Your C3 Corvette: 1968-1982
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.
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 n
Finally, the C3 n
Front and Rear Chrome Bumper Cars 1968-1972 n
Soft Bumper Cars 1973-1982 n
Chapter 2: Planning and Evaluation n
Choosing the Correct Level of Restoration n
Do-It-Yourself or Professional n
Budget and Timeline n
Evaluating a Corvette for Restoration n
Project Planning n
Parts Storage n
Tools and Equipment n
Chapter 3: Disassembly and Storage
Body/Frame Removal n
Body Assessment n
Interior Removal n
Trim and Glass Removal n
Parts Inventory n
Chapter 4: Bodywork and Paint Preparation
Windshield Frame Replacement n
Fiberglass Repairs n
Structural Damage or Broken Parts n
Cracked Bonding Seam n
Excessive Door Gap n
Damaged Body Panel n
Bumper Covers n
Final Sanding and Filling n
Who Will Paint the Car? n
Old Paint Removal n
Chapter 5: Painting
Tools and Equipment n
Supplies n
Paint and Primer n
Painting n
Color Sanding n
Chapter 6: Frame Restoration
Inspection n
Engine and Transmission Removal n
Front Suspension Removal n
Rear Suspension Removal n
Remaining Frame Parts Removal n
Frame Evaluation n
Straighten Damaged Frame Sections n
Rust Repair n
Paint or Powdercoating Preparation n
Chapter 7: Suspension and Differential Reassembly
Front Suspension n
Rear Suspension n
Differential n
Odds and Ends n
Chapter 8: Brake System Installation
Brake Lines n
Fuel Lines n
Brakes n
Chapter 9: Engine Rebuild or Replacement?
Development History n
Engine Rebuilding Overview n
A Portfolio of Completed Engines n
Crate Engines n
Chapter 10: Transmission
Manual Transmissions n
Aftermarket Overdrive Transmissions n
Chapter 11: Wiring and Interior Installation
Wiring n
Electrical Troubleshooting n
Interior n
1968-1977 Dash Installation n
1978-1982 Interior Installation n
1968-1975 Convertible Top Installation n
Chapter 12: Body Installation
Power Brake Booster Installation n
Master Cylinder Installation n
Body and Frame Preparation n
Body Installation n
Connect the Steering n
Install the Headlight Doors n
Remove the Front Bumper Cover n
Align Frame to Body n
Front Bumper Installation n
Secure the Body n
Fluid Level Check n
Brake Bleeding n
Exhaust System Installation n
Vacuum Line Connections n
Air Conditioning System n
Odds and Ends n
Source Guide
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