stinger12

Thanks for all the nice replies guys, makes me feel good! I have made numerous mistakes throughout the rebuild - I ruined one of my bearing supports, made the mistake of using a bottle jack before I bought a floor jack...put dents in the frame rails (I've fixed them by cutting out the old metal and welding in new pieces) and many more. I replaced the bearing support with a used one from Western Corvette here in Calgary. I've also contacted GTR1999 in reference to the rear bearings and asked him several questions on the rebuild. The motor is probably going to be the last thing on the chassis. I plan on putting around 400 hp in it, so its going to be expensive. I have been finding tons of "gems" throughout the frame during the rebuild. I found probably 100 dragonfly wings in the rear differential crossmember...I almost puked when I discovered them. And then yesterday, after I finished welding, I found the treasure - 6 BABY MICE...EACH THE SIZE OF A MARBLE (again, I almost puked when I found them; no joke)!!!!! I always suspected that there were mice at one point in the frame rails because of all the fluff I had pulled out. I don't think I'll be finding anymore surprises though, because I blew out all the rails yesterday. The front end of the body is going to be replaced, the owner before me totally ruined it by "fixing" it.This project would not be happening if it wasn't for my parents - they have let me use the entire garage for the rebuild. My dad is rebuilding the differential for me and he is also going to be doing the motor; he's more experienced when it comes to that kind of stuff. Here are some more pics of when I got the car...

It also kind of bothers me when family friends come over for dinner and look at my car and ask when it will get done - because i know in their right mind that they think it will never get finished. Someone also came over and said that it looks the same as it did 2 months ago...that really hurt. Noone understands how much work and effort it takes to rebuild these vettes. I always thought the same as they did until I started my resto - beleive me, it isn't at all like you see on TV. Its greasy work and you get really dirty! My friend who used to restore cars for a living thinks I am moving much faster than he expected me to when I bought the vehicle - he's probably the only one who understands the amount of work involved because he's done it before. I'll try to keep you updated with pics.

FRSTR90

Keep your head up and don't let anyone get into the way of your drive for this project. I have not yet started my resto, but I know the feeling that you are talking about. I don't know if people are are just too stupid to realize the comments that they make are offensive or if they are just jealous. All I want to say is don't let people discourage you. You have done a great job so far, and I can not wait to see the end result!

moosie982

Stinger12, a man of vision. Congrats. Peace,,,Moosie

OURSHARK

Stinger GREAT JOB!!!! It's nice that your parents are into the car as well. You must be a fine young man. Don't get down by what people say, in the end your fine work and dedication will result in a vette you will be proud of.

Red 69

It also kind of bothers me when family friends come over for dinner and look at my car and ask when it will get done - because i know in their right mind that they think it will never get finished. Someone also came over and said that it looks the same as it did 2 months ago...that really hurt.

Forget those negative minded people, and use the negativity for motivation. When you finish the car, plan on a re-birth BBQ and invite the naysayers. Don't rub you success in, your product will speak for itself. Humility always works best. I've worked against the negative mindset all my life, and they don't change. They are seldom successful at anything because they are too preoccupied with the negative and do nothing. They are to be pitied.

You are doing great work and will have a very nice car when you are finished. Having family who can help is a very good thing, you are fortunate in that regard. Good luck with your progress and keep us posted.

stinger12

My dad actually wants to restore his own vette after mine is completed. He is really into it.

brdd

Jeremy,

I think I speak for lots of guys here when I say that, in our eyes, you are NOT 18.

Show this to your dad and please tell him to give you a pat on the back or two from all of us. And keep those pics coming!

Well Done!

ksbunting

Stinger 12,
Don't let the negative people get you down.
I started restoring my 68 in 1995 and finished it in 2005, 10 years later but now it looks like it did in 1968.
What you are doing and the quality of what you are doing takes time.
You are doing a job that will speak for itself when it is done and if you rushed it the same negative people would find fault with this or that.
This way, when it is done, it will look and be perfect and they will have nothing to say except "Great Job" if they are honest enough to admit it.
Most likely the ones who are running their mouth couldn't do half as good as you have done so don't let the ba-tar-s get you down.
Kurt

stinger12

Once again, I appreciate all the kind words. I first started off working with wood when I was around 10. I then got into working with metal a few years ago. This is probably what has helped me the most with this project - experience with various tools. Beleive it or not, I never really worked on cars before this project. I think it was forum member gyopp who built a 1977 vette using yellow accents on black. I liked his finished chassis so much that I just had to use it as a guide.

Magnet

Nice Work !! Great pictures on the progress.

The picture of the rear spindles and half shafts bring back memories.

78Vette-SA

That is not the work of a Rookie. You obviously have grease and oil in your blood. Congrats and keep it up!

I'm Batman

One suggestion - if you're not already planning on it, you might want to consider installing a pop-out rear window. They were only installed at the factory from 68-72, but the mounting points are still there through 77.

G dad

Yeah Great job man.....stay at it

Aggitated Monkey

Stinger 12,

Your doing a great job and allot of progress is in the making Don't let anyone discourage your progress; just understand that many who are not automotive enthusiast can not recognize or relate to what all of us have interest in. As the car goes back together, and when it is done, that is when they will be able to see.

jontis

Keep that good spirit. True, people that haven't done it don't have a clue to how much work and time a restoration costs but we do.

On the bright side, your works seems to come out better than mine and I was satisfied with my results. You also seem to progress a lot faster

Whenever possible, try to have the thing in drivable condition. Taking it for a spin once in a while sure helps to motivate you along the work.

stinger12

I had a chance to powdercoat some parts last night using my Eastwood powdercoating kit. I like to do small brackets and plates - nothing too big. Anything I am not comfortable with doing I take to my powdercoater. Either way, I think my results are just as good.

Trent Mayo

Helluva job buddy! I'm definately gonna take mine down to the chassis now after seeing yours. I'm sure I'll be shooting some questions your way, us young guns gotta stick together, haha (I'm 19). Great job, and keep us updated.

stinger12

It makes me feel good knowing I have gained respect from people who have been rebuilding these machines for many years. Hopefully I'll be getting my third batch of parts back from the powdercoater sometime today, If I do, I'll post some pics later on tonight.

Dobermann

I'm eighteen too and am fixing to take the body off soon, hopefully within the next month or two. Already done quite a bit to the vette, including redoing all of the brakes and rebuilding the engine (dad helped me with that one).

Scottys78

Your work looks professional