Rookie's First Restoration Attempt...

[stinger12]

I found some rust in the birdcage and that took the cake. Too many issues with this hunk of junk. I tried to convince myself to fix it, but it just isn't worth it. I discovered some more issues with the rear clip as well. I have decided to get a used one from a friend of mine. Putting together a list of parts to get at the same time as the body. Since I've decided to start "fresh", I've also decided to make a new dolly out of metal. There were some issues with my old one. Not enough working space underneath the car, the supports weren't right, and a bunch of other things. Here is a plan I drew up. Its 2''X2" steel. It will support the rear clip - the front clip will get installed when the rear clip is mounted on the car, so there is no need for a front support right now. A 5'' caster will be underneath each support. This picture is not to scale, so it looks a little odd. The body I am getting is everything from the firewall back, but is in great condition. I'll eventually get an aftermarket one piece front clip, but that won't be for a while.

 

[stinger12]

 

[SmokinBBC]

Nice work there stinger. :thumbs:When do you get the body?

 

[stinger12]

Nice work there stinger. :thumbs:When do you get the body?

Not too sure. I'm ordering a ton of parts to stuff into the body before it gets shipped here. Mike's helping me with that. I suspect it won't be here for another month or two.

 

[turtlevette]

The vin number is on the birdcage. Doesn't that create sort of a mess?

Not being critical just curious.

 

[stinger12]

The vin number is on the birdcage. Doesn't that create sort of a mess?

Not being critical just curious.

How is it any different than replacing a rusted out frame with a good used frame? Its the same deal, the VIN number is also stamped into the frame.

 

[MYBAD79]

The VIN on the frame is very often not readable anyways... legally, the title stays with the body so if you swap your body and install a 1970 body you legally have a 1970 Vette. This might vary by state and likely it's different in Canada.....

 

[big2bird]

The vin number is on the birdcage. Doesn't that create sort of a mess?

Not being critical just curious.

How is it any different than replacing a rusted out frame with a good used frame? Its the same deal, the VIN number is also stamped into the frame.

You need to find out from the DMV first. Moving a VIN tag on a body in Calif. can get you in BIG trouble.

 

[MYBAD79]

Yes, moving a VIN tag from one car to another can get you in trouble.... now, replacing the windshield frame and not swapping the VIN tag is probably not legal either but unless they suspect your car is stolen they would never remove the windshield and cut the front fender to inspect the windshield frame welds....

 

[SMYDA]

Like said before check with your local DMV and find out for sure.

I have swapped VIN's a number of times building wrecks........
mostly in swapping truck cabs..........BUT that's here in Alabama, USA.

I can test nuclear weapons here in my back yard and no one would care.
But let me smack my kid for disrespecting an elder and I'll get thrown in jail....:lol:

Just A Note: Those fancy little rivets that hold that vin plate on can be bought from GM...
(at least the last time I inquired..some years back)
But expect to pay around a $100.00 EACH.......:bonkers:
And have plenty of documentation.

 

[stinger12]

Well, I was planning on building my exhaust system, but then I found this awesome deal on ebay for a set of hooker headers and sidepipes, already jet-hot coated. So, I am going with the side exhaust system now.:nuts:

 

[big2bird]

SBC or BBC?

 

[stinger12]

Small block. Here's the link with the details...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...m=270242683879&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=017

 

[stinger12]

Welded the wheels on the dolly tonight...

 

[saudivette]

...I have decided to get a used one from a friend of mine...

When do you think you'll get the body? What will you do with your old one? Just junk it?

 

[stinger12]

...I have decided to get a used one from a friend of mine...

When do you think you'll get the body? What will you do with your old one? Just junk it?

Probably in 1.5-2 months. I don't know what I am going to do with the old body yet...I still have to decide. For the time being, it is going into storage at my dad's office.

 

[stinger12]

Trying to keep myself busy while I wait for the body. My L-88 hood apparently came in the other day, its getting sent out with the body. I did finish welding some studs on the dolly though, dimensions are dead on:nuts:

 

[stinger12]

Just finished painting the dolly (to prevent rust). Its finally done. Turned out pretty good.

 

[MYBAD79]

looks nice, keep up the good work (and keep the pics and updates coming) :thumbs:

 

[comp]

looks nice, keep up the good work (and keep the pics and updates coming) :thumbs:

i agree

 

[Douglas Mariani]

looks nice, keep up the good work (and keep the pics and updates coming) :thumbs:

I Agree:thumbs:

 

[stinger12]

Installed the last two u-joints.

 

[stinger12]

I'm off to Dallas tomorrow:yahoo:

 

[SmokinBBC]

To pick up the body?

 

[stinger12]

To pick up the body?

No, I'm still having the body shipped here sometime in the next couple of weeks. I'm going to learn how to do bodywork.

 

[SmokinBBC]

To pick up the body?

No, I'm still having the body shipped here sometime in the next couple of weeks. I'm going to learn how to do bodywork.

Cool.....have fun.

 

[big2bird]

I'm off to Dallas tomorrow:yahoo:

Watch Karate kid. Wax on, wax off. Sand da floor. Paint da fence.:smash::smash:

 

[CrossedFlags77]

Where are you going in Dallas to learn bodywork?

 

[stinger12]

Where are you going in Dallas to learn bodywork?

tracdogg2's place

 

[MYBAD79]

Are you already back home or what ??