69ragvette

Rob, I think you got into my brain in 1974. My father had purchased a 1966 vert at the house of corvettes in reseda california when we went to their shop to have a repair done I walked around their lot and stared at a tri black 69. when I did not get the c2 car I was after I bought this 69 and planed on building the one I saw when I was 12.But I have been told by everyone I know this car will never be straight enough to paint black. cant wait to see hood on yours.

RobRace10

As far as black paint it does show imperfections as you are aware. These cars were never perfect when new and you will see some waves in the glass no matter what you do. I did a lot of prep work to get the car close, but my body shop went further with the prep and did a fantastic job on the paint and I think it looks great. My car was in very rough shape as far as the body goes, so it can be done.

69ragvette

hey guys,I think I am in big trouble I started poking around body mounts and found major rust bird cage is rusted in all four corners as in not connected. what do I do? can you section a bird cage? what do you have to remove? http://photobucket.com/bertpayne

69ragvette

was able to get right side cage rail with posts how hard is this to put in? new pics http://photobucket.com/bertpayne

69ragvette

started cutting out rust found more,did not want to do it but I had to remove clip to get to the rust body mounts .it will give me better access to clean and repair eng compartment. new pics at http://photobucket.com/bertpayne

krovette

It looks like you took pictures in my garage. I have a 73 that I bought cheep because I allways wanted a 73. It looked pretty good when I got it. The frame was rusted in two under the drivers seat, the bird cage was rusted in half under the door sills, the door hinge post were rusted almost in two. I tried to just change the part of the bird cage that was bad but ended up replacing the whole thing a year later after fighting alignment issues for a long time. I also found places under the front fenders that had masking tape on the bottm to hold the fiberglass in place while they patched it up. Right now the only thing that is still original on the car is the right door, hood, and right rear clip. Good luck on your project and remember as long as it is apart it is the time to fix it right.
I could have bought a very nice car for what I have in this car right now but I am in too deep now to give up.

69ragvette

I know exactly where your at.After buying this gem I wouldnt buy a car from my mom without having it closely inspected by an expert.I dont think theres one part they did not hack.send some pics of your car so I can get some ideas or see what to look for.thank you

69ragvette

I did it the first pic ever

69ragvette

some more pics of what a new vette owner might find if he does,nt listen to the pros when it comes to getting a knowlegable person to check it out for him. and I dont mean just someone you know who works on cars .I have been around cars all my life just not corvettes.

69ragvette

everyone says a rust hole you can stick your hand through.how about a foot? it starts like this and ends like this

69ragvette

69ragvette

installed the doors today and the gaps are as good as it gets.after all the horror stories about bird cage installs not only did I install a cage but I fabed this cage out of several pieces.this is the first vette for me and probably the worst case of bird cage rust.

flyingman21

Wow, that is really impressive to see. I can't wait to see the finished product!!!

69ragvette

thank you,It is a lot of work but with a little help from friends on the forum and and some want to you can do it

jae1971

You jumped into a major rebuild, you are doing a good job with what you had to work with Don't give up, You will end up with a very nice ride, No way i would tackle a job like that.
great job..

69ragvette

thank you,today I plan on installing the door jams and the rockers

69ragvette

jams and rockers are installed,but camera was dead will post pics later

69ragvette

hey guys I am back!I will have a few more pics of what happend this week in five days with the help of my wife and my friend harry we got some things done.I have been down with a brain tumor and other issues so instead of worring I decided to race the clock and see if I can get this done before I get done in.

roger3

Glad to see you getting er done. Thanks for more pictures.

Sorry to hear about the tumor!

Man I wish I had a shop like that to work in!

Are you re-using the 454 or going with the sbc? Any plans for the 454?

69ragvette

I decided to stay with my little motor.I had a date correct 427 435hp motor but my car was never a big block and I wanted to put the 6k into other parts.I tried to sell the 427 on here but no takers finally after a year some guy came to my house asked about the 427 and bought it.no plans for the 454 except to find it a new owner.the small block is 11.5 to 1 and gives me a little over 400 hp I have hit 7k rpm a few times and it is ok.my lease is up on my shop its 6000 sq ft for 1200 a month and I will be selling my equipment too.thank you for your nice comments