How to Restore Your Corvette: 1968-1982

by Walt Thurn

Overview

The Corvette is in a league of its own. As the all-American V-8 sports car, no other high-performance American car can match it for enthusiast interest, collectability, and in many cases, performance. GM has cranked out model after memorable model continuously from 1953 to present, with the only exception being 1983. During this time, the Corvette earned a fanatical following and iconic status. Over the course of 14-year production run of the third generation, more than a half-million Corvettes were built.

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781613250372
Publisher:	CarTech
Publication date:	08/01/2013
Pages:	176
Sales rank:	204,766
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Walt has been involved with the Corvette hobby since 1963 and has been a Corvette owner since 1965. He has writeen many how-to articles on street Corvettes and has covered many Corvette racing events. He has been published in VETTE, Corvette Fever, Corevette Quarterly, Corvette Enthusiast, and CorvetteMagazine.com magazines. Along with his racing coverage, he has written a number of how-to tech articles about C3, C4, C5, and C6 Corvettes.

Table of Contents

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

Editorial Reviews

"While a single book could not hope to cover every eventuality, it will provide a useful insight into the typical problems the Corvette restorer could encounter. Essential reading for C3 owners." -Classic American, March 2014

Classic American

"If a nice driver is your goal, you'll find plenty of help packed in its 176 pages." -Mike McNessor, Hemmings Classic Car, December 2013

Hemmings Classic Car - Mike McNessor

"How to Restore Your C3 Corvette: 1968-1982 will prove to be enduringly popular and a 'must' for anyone planning a C3 Corvette restoration." -Midwest Book Review, December 2013

Midwest Book Review

"In typical SA Design fashion, this soft cover book by Walt Thurn leaves no bolt unturned." -Old Cars Weekly, November 21, 2013

Old Cars Weekly

"In typical SA Design fashion, this soft cover book by Walt Thurn leaves no bolt unturned."

Old Cars Weekly - Angelo VanBogart

"How to Restore Your C3 Corvette: 1968-1982 will prove to be enduringly popular and a 'must' for anyone planning a C3 Corvette restoration."

Midwest Book Review - James Cox