Table of Contents
Table Of Contents:
About the Author 5
Acknowledgments 5
Introduction 6
Chapter 1: Choose Your Corvette 7
Fiberglass Bodies 7
Handling 8
NCRS and Bloomington Gold 9
Collector Values 10
Exterior/Interior Differences 11
Options 11
Skills and Capabilities 13
Chapter 2: A Corvette by the Numbers:
What to Look For 15
Codes, Codes, Codes 16
Inspection Results 24
Analyzing a Potential Project 27
Chapter 3: Getting Started 28
Types of Restoration 28
Shop/Garage Requirements 29
Parts Cleaning 30
Paint Preparation 30
Equipment Needs 31
Sourcing Parts 32
Disassembly 33
Body Lifting 40
Chapter 4: Bodywork 41
Components to Consider 42
Inspection 42
Fiberglass Repair 45
Fiberglass Panel Replacement 51
Fiberglass Panel Removal 52
Frame Repair 55
Prepping to Paint 56
Chapter 5: Paint 59
Safety Concerns 59
Choose a Shop 60
Should You Do It Yourself? 61
Paint Types 62
NCRS or Bloomington Gold Paint Refinishing 63
Practice Applying Paint 63
Paint Facilities 64
Body Prep 65
Post-Paint Work 72
Body Reinstallation 72
Chapter 6: Engines 74
Other Factors to Consider 75
Engine Disassembly 75
Machine Shop Service 78
Short Block Assembly 81
Top End Assembly 85
Valve Adjustment 86
Alternative Engine Options 86
Bloomington Gold/NCRS Requirements 89
Chapter 7: Transmissions 90
Identification 91
Disassembly 94
Inspection 97
Assembly 99
Transmission Options 104
Chapter 8: Driveline Restoration 106
Clutch Linkage 106
Bellhousing 110
Differential 111
Driveshaft/Axleshaft Installation 118
Chapter 9: Brakes 120
1963–1965 Drum Brakes 125
Drum Brake Options 127
Hydraulic System 127
Master Cylinders 128
Brake Lines, Fittings, Hardware 128
Power or Manual Brakes? 129
Brake Fluid 130
Parking Brakes 130
Chapter 10: Suspension 133
Design Innovations 133
Alignment Terms 135
Suspension Restoration 137
Rear Wheel Bearing Service 138
Make a Plan of Attack 141
Chassis Disassembly 142
Subassembly Disassembly 144
Rear Trailing Arm Installation 145
Steering System Installation 145
Subassembly Installation 147
Component Installation 149
Chapter 11: Electrical and Wiring 151
Electrical System Inspection 152
Wiring Advances 153
Component Restoration 154
Alternators 155
Using a Multi-Meter 156
Starter Motors 156
Ignition Distributors 158
Electric Motors 160
Gauge Clusters 162
Chapter 12: Interior 164
Seat Covers 165
Headliner and Insulation 167
Cowl Vents 167
Dash Assembly 168
Carpet 170
Window Trim 171
Seats 171
Door Panels 171
Convertible Top 171
Hardtop 176
Chapter 13: Other Components 178
Fuel System 178
Mechanical Fuel Injection 180
Cooling System 181
Air Conditioning 183
Sound System 184
Ignition Shielding 184
Wheels and Tires 185
Power Steering 186
Power Windows 188
Exhaust System 189
Windshield and Glass 189
Source Guide 191
