New 74
07-29-2012, 05:15 PM
#1
Heel & Toe
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New 74
Hey everyone. I sold my motorcycle in January, and I've been waiting to find the right vette since then. I got my 74 about almost 2 months ago, and have loved every momeny. I feel like I got a great deal, at under 5k, as the car runs well, and is in decent condition.
So far I've replaced the rear spring, brake calipers, updated to an HEI distributor, new plugs and wires, fixed the oil pressure gauge and rear lights, and installed a tach. I also had the carb rebuilt and it really runs amazing now. Fires up almost instantly, and hasnt had any issues since the rebuild on the carb. I do need to get a timing light because I think my timing is off. When cruising, if I give it some heavy gas to downshift or take off, it will take a moment and then take off, a slight hesitation. If I take off from a stop there is no hesitation or sputtering through all gears. Only occurs when holding a speed and then quickly taking off.
Glad to be a c3 owner now, I've been wanting one since I was a kid. Tons more to come!
So far I've replaced the rear spring, brake calipers, updated to an HEI distributor, new plugs and wires, fixed the oil pressure gauge and rear lights, and installed a tach. I also had the carb rebuilt and it really runs amazing now. Fires up almost instantly, and hasnt had any issues since the rebuild on the carb. I do need to get a timing light because I think my timing is off. When cruising, if I give it some heavy gas to downshift or take off, it will take a moment and then take off, a slight hesitation. If I take off from a stop there is no hesitation or sputtering through all gears. Only occurs when holding a speed and then quickly taking off.
Glad to be a c3 owner now, I've been wanting one since I was a kid. Tons more to come!
Last edited by bjs1785; 07-29-2012 at 06:08 PM.
07-29-2012, 05:24 PM
#2
Team Owner
WOW! Lovely car. Looks like brand new paint. You will have fun with that this summer.
Before you try timing/tuning it you may wish to hook up the vacuum advance.
Before you try timing/tuning it you may wish to hook up the vacuum advance.
07-29-2012, 05:33 PM
#3
Team Owner
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Hi bjs,
YES!
That really is a VERY nice looking car!
I bet you really turn some heads as you go by!
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
YES!
That really is a VERY nice looking car!
I bet you really turn some heads as you go by!
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
07-29-2012, 05:44 PM
#4
Heel & Toe
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Thanks guys! The paint looks great in the photo, I spent the day cleaning/waxing, but up close there are bubbles, scratches, and chips all over. It an old paint job, but I am waiting to get my garage built before I repaint the car (same color) Ive got a very nice cover for now and I really cant complaind though!
Yes! I will get the vacuum advance hooked up. Unfortunately, after I installed my distributor, I realized the nipple on the hook up on the distributor was broken off clean. Is it repairable, or should I just pick up a new vaccuum advance part. I think zip corvette has them around $20.
Yes! I will get the vacuum advance hooked up. Unfortunately, after I installed my distributor, I realized the nipple on the hook up on the distributor was broken off clean. Is it repairable, or should I just pick up a new vaccuum advance part. I think zip corvette has them around $20.
07-29-2012, 05:56 PM
#5
Team Owner
You can get the advance unit at a local NAPA or Autozone. Just take the old one with embossed code number with you.
Or perhaps Lars will jump in; a better option.
I don't recognize the intake without choke and EGR and the alternator is on the wrong side so perhaps a little code research is in order to get things on the up-and-up. That does not seem to be a 1974 motor.
But for $5,000 what a bargain!
Or perhaps Lars will jump in; a better option.
I don't recognize the intake without choke and EGR and the alternator is on the wrong side so perhaps a little code research is in order to get things on the up-and-up. That does not seem to be a 1974 motor.
But for $5,000 what a bargain!
Last edited by Paul L; 07-29-2012 at 07:47 PM.
07-29-2012, 09:41 PM
#8
Drifting
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2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C3 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Wow, under 5K! You done real good, son.
Nice lookin' car for sure.
Nice lookin' car for sure.
Last edited by brent319; 07-29-2012 at 09:42 PM. Reason: learning to spell today.
07-30-2012, 04:39 AM
#10
Drifting
Carb???
Congrats on a beautiful looking car. However, I'd take Paul74's advice and consider making the car look a bit closer to original. The alternator does belong on the driver's side in '74 and it was also fitted with a Quadrajet carb that had the METAL fuel line on the passenger side of the engine.
I'm guessing that you have a Holley or Edelbrock carb but whatever you have, please consider replacing the rubber fuel line with steel for safety's sake. It would sure be a shame to see that nice car ruined by an engine fire caused by a split or melted rubber fuel line.
If you move the alternator to the left, that will give you room to place an AC compressor on the right if you one day decided that the car was too hot inside ( and they all are!!! ).
Best wishes, whatever you do.
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
07-30-2012, 07:03 AM
#12
Heel & Toe
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Hey again everyone. The PO told me the motor was replaced, but was similar to the stock motor. I can get more info from him, he lives just down the street actually.
I will get steel fuel line asap, that worries me now!
The car did originally have AC. All the control are still in place, and I would love to get a new system to put in it, because with this 100 degree weather, it gets very hot in the cab. I hope the PO didnt hack any wires when the old system was removed.
Im not too concerned at this point about being completely original. PO replaced the rear bumper with an 80s style, I believe an 82, so It will never be completely original unless I replace it again.
Carb is a holley, intake is a torker II
Ill grab some interior pics this afternoon
Thanks again for all the positive words!
I will get steel fuel line asap, that worries me now!
The car did originally have AC. All the control are still in place, and I would love to get a new system to put in it, because with this 100 degree weather, it gets very hot in the cab. I hope the PO didnt hack any wires when the old system was removed.
Im not too concerned at this point about being completely original. PO replaced the rear bumper with an 80s style, I believe an 82, so It will never be completely original unless I replace it again.
Carb is a holley, intake is a torker II
Ill grab some interior pics this afternoon
Thanks again for all the positive words!
07-30-2012, 08:14 AM
#13
Drifting
Great looking Vette. You made a good deal. Now the fun begins. As long as it's running well don' dig into it real deeply. That leads to the "While I'm this far" chain of event's, until you're ready to get the particular job done. Cool Car!!
07-30-2012, 02:24 PM
#17
Racer
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07-30-2012, 06:21 PM
#20
Melting Slicks
What color is that? I have a '74 that has that same rear bumper and I'm considering painting it Black Cherry Pearl. I'm hoping that's the color you have because it might be a preview of what mine will look like.