My 1968 Restoration Project
11-24-2012, 06:25 PM
#1
6th Gear
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My 1968 Restoration Project
I finally bought my first Corvette, and it needs a lot of work. I plan on doing most of the work myself and have already found tons of useful information on his site that I have bookmarked.
The Story
This Corvette belonged to my neighbor and I first saw it sitting when I was 14 years old. After 10 years I finally own it. It is a 1968 convertible 4 speed with factory air conditioning. It had been in a front end accident in 1968 and my neighbor then bought it and repaired the front but not to the original style. He parked it in 1972 and has not been driven since.
Pictures
Here are some pictures of what the car looked like when I moved it over.
This is what it looked like after a preliminary cleaning
I am now working on degreasing the engine and sanding down the body.
Picture of the spark plugs, pulled them and pumped Marvel Mystery Oil into each cylinder. I'm letting it sit for a month then I'm gonna try and turn the crankshaft by hand
I do plan on doing a full body off restoration and restoring the front end to original, here's a picture of the current headlight
Thank You for all the future help to come!
The Story
This Corvette belonged to my neighbor and I first saw it sitting when I was 14 years old. After 10 years I finally own it. It is a 1968 convertible 4 speed with factory air conditioning. It had been in a front end accident in 1968 and my neighbor then bought it and repaired the front but not to the original style. He parked it in 1972 and has not been driven since.
Pictures
Here are some pictures of what the car looked like when I moved it over.
This is what it looked like after a preliminary cleaning
I am now working on degreasing the engine and sanding down the body.
Picture of the spark plugs, pulled them and pumped Marvel Mystery Oil into each cylinder. I'm letting it sit for a month then I'm gonna try and turn the crankshaft by hand
I do plan on doing a full body off restoration and restoring the front end to original, here's a picture of the current headlight
Thank You for all the future help to come!
BK3
11-24-2012, 06:45 PM
#3
Melting Slicks
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Your enthusiasm reminds me of myself 10 years ago! Congratulations on getting the car of your dreams- now be prepared for a long, twisted couple of years. It WILL be worth it in the end!
11-25-2012, 12:53 AM
#7
6th Gear
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Thanks for all the positive encouragment. I look forward to getting it on the road in the next few years, and this is def the best forum. I have to say Chevy's owners are great.
11-25-2012, 09:11 AM
#9
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11-25-2012, 09:49 AM
#10
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Hi as1,
Sounds like the start of a nice project!
I can't see the pictures either and would love to.
Good Luck as you get under way!
Regards,
Alan
Sounds like the start of a nice project!
I can't see the pictures either and would love to.
Good Luck as you get under way!
Regards,
Alan
11-25-2012, 10:00 AM
#11
Melting Slicks
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Glad to hear you got the car you've been admiring for many years. Good luck on your project. I did a body off the frame resto on my '68 a few years ago. It will be a lot of work and sometimes frustration but it will all be worth it in the end.
There's lots of '68 knowledgeable people here. Plan on getting lots of help and advice on how to spend your money!!!
There's lots of '68 knowledgeable people here. Plan on getting lots of help and advice on how to spend your money!!!
11-25-2012, 10:10 AM
#12
Pro
I have lots of photos of my 68 coupe and also have a long term resto project. Mine started as a frame off by previous owner. Current status is body work now done and in polyester primer ready for block sand and paint. Currently doing engine swap to 468 and wiring work, then paint, then interior of which I have pretty much a complete Al Knock interior including gunmetal seats recovered by him. Please post pics so we can follow along. Good Luck!
11-25-2012, 05:41 PM
#14
Melting Slicks
11-25-2012, 06:16 PM
#15
Le Mans Master
They didn't show up for me yesterday, but they do now. It's amazing what a transformation cleaning 40 years of crap off will do!
Amazing that it has sat since '72
The first thing I noticed was the old sticker on the wiper cannister. For some reason, I think it has to stay.
BTW, if/when you drop the gas tank, and you probably should for something that has sat so long, keep in mind the build sticker could still be there, glued to the top. Be careful with it, and be careful with that 68 ONLY A/C center bezel...it's worth a small fortune if it's not broken. There are a lot of 68 specific parts, so don't throw anything out, even if you think it's junk.
Nice project! I like it!
Amazing that it has sat since '72
The first thing I noticed was the old sticker on the wiper cannister. For some reason, I think it has to stay.BTW, if/when you drop the gas tank, and you probably should for something that has sat so long, keep in mind the build sticker could still be there, glued to the top. Be careful with it, and be careful with that 68 ONLY A/C center bezel...it's worth a small fortune if it's not broken. There are a lot of 68 specific parts, so don't throw anything out, even if you think it's junk.
Nice project! I like it!
11-25-2012, 09:15 PM
#18
Safety Car
They didn't show up for me yesterday, but they do now. It's amazing what a transformation cleaning 40 years of crap off will do!
Amazing that it has sat since '72 The first thing I noticed was the old sticker on the wiper cannister. For some reason, I think it has to stay.
BTW, if/when you drop the gas tank, and you probably should for something that has sat so long, keep in mind the build sticker could still be there, glued to the top. Be careful with it, and be careful with that 68 ONLY A/C center bezel...it's worth a small fortune if it's not broken. There are a lot of 68 specific parts, so don't throw anything out, even if you think it's junk.
Nice project! I like it!
Amazing that it has sat since '72
The first thing I noticed was the old sticker on the wiper cannister. For some reason, I think it has to stay.BTW, if/when you drop the gas tank, and you probably should for something that has sat so long, keep in mind the build sticker could still be there, glued to the top. Be careful with it, and be careful with that 68 ONLY A/C center bezel...it's worth a small fortune if it's not broken. There are a lot of 68 specific parts, so don't throw anything out, even if you think it's junk.
Nice project! I like it!
with Joe. That A/C center instrument cluster bezel - if OE and not broken at the thin section - is like GOLD. Again. don't throw anything away. BK3 
. This is the place to get answers. Good luck.
we have another 68 on board