new vette 62

I started a thread earlier on changing the motor in my 1965 Corvette to a big block from a small block. So far here is what I have accomplished; new brakes, new parking brakes, new parking brake cable, all new front bushings and ball joints, complete new wiring harness, new vintage air, rack and pinion, and the project creep goes on. I have also rebuilt the headlight motors, the gauges and dash, and other bits that needed blasted and painted. Anyway motor is out, all brake parts and clutch parts from inside to outside are out. Now for the big question should I replace the brake lines front to back and the fuel line front to back? I know this means lifting the body, nothing on this car so far has been rusty, how far away from lifting the body off am I? Then if I lift the body off just to replace these parts, how crazy am I not to paint the entire frame etc. Thanks in advance.

Bluestripe67

Oh this is project creep! You have done a truck load of work already and that can lead you on. To me this is a difficult call. Do you have the place and the space along with the necessary body support cradle? Is there something you see about the lines that is leading you to replace them? The fuel line is partially inside of the frame, so replacing it is a real task. Brake lines are no problem. If you do pull the body, that is the time to refinish the frame. Dennis

Larry P

Do it all! If you do 90% and are out driving 5 years from now, the other 10% will get you. You'll sleep better. I would not put anything back on the car unless it was new or restored to new. If anything goes wrong it will probably be my fault. You can't understand the satisfaction of driving a car you built yourself until you have done it.
Larry

csysman

Dont stop now - sounds like you've done almost all the hard work - lift the body and do the complete ... if you dont it will play in the back of your mind ( if it was me I would regret not doing it) sounds like you plan on keeping the car ..go for it

new vette 62

Other than painting the top of the frame and replacing the fuel line what else can't I get to with out lifting the body?

Larry N. Johnson

That's what I am thinking, too. Those body shims and bolts look like torture to me. I know a lot of guys do it, and to them I aplaud.

In othr words STOP CREEPING!

new vette 62

1965 Coupe originally a small block. Ok so I pulled the body off. I had the frame blasted and powder coated. It looks good. I did replace the brake lines and fuel line with new. I put the new 427 in and ran into some issues. I put on a serpentine belt system and the front pulley hits the frame. I am putting on a rack and pinion steering system and it hits the oil pan. I guess I have some options. Change the oil pan for steering clearance and use a smaller pulley for the serpentine system. Or raise the motor 1/2 inch. Raising the motor is the simplest as I have an L88 hood so clearance won't be an issue. I know it will change the drive line angle, too much I don't know. Let's have some opinions.

Pilot Dan

I know that the front crossmember on the big block cars was notched to allow for the lower pulley clearance, I am sure you could fix that. Someone else will chime in with a more detailed answer for you about the steering. Pilot Dan

claysmoker

I thought the same thing when we did the '64. My son talked me into ripping in completely apart and though it was a helluva lot more work, in the end he was right and the completed piece is well worth the aggravation and expense.

Just do it!

TC233

Lifting the body can mean lifting it 6 inches to replace the lines and mounts.... more creep lol.