groovyjay

Ok, it finally happened, it took long time to get where it is now, but now when I look at it, the time spend has been well worth it.


Now I have one body dolly going spare!!! It served it purpose well so my friend will be picking it up tomorrow his going to do body off job on his 1978 next winter.

Putting the body back on was much easier than I thought it would be and definately way easier than taking it off which I think is bit odd. Main reason for the task being so easy is that we used big truck with hydraulic lift crane and four point belts to move it around.

Now some pics with explanations...

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...1-0183_img.jpg

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...1-0190_img.jpg

Let's start with the preparations. I installed the fuel lines at this point for obvious reasons. I haven't installed the pump yet, 'cause friend of mine is making me a custom made bracket for it, out of aluminum of course :yesnod: The lines you see in the pics came with the EFI kit and they were good quality lines so I decided to stick to them instead of braided lines. However I'm using braided lines from fire wall to the EFI and back to get nice clean look.

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...1-0184_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...1-0185_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...1-0186_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...1-0187_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...1-0188_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...1-0189_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...1-0191_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...1-0192_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...1-0194_img.jpg

On above pics you see the Stahl headers installed, the clutch linkage in place.

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...1-0196_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...1-0197_img.jpg

Here is two shots of the heim joint clutch linkage rod end we had custom made to fit the Lakewood's HD clutch fork (see my earlier thread about the matter). Now it's totally adjustable and is much tougher than the speed direct's unit.

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...1-0195_img.jpg

The body didn't need too much of attention at this point, just a quick check to see that everything was ok. Since everything is removed at this point there isn't that many things to check :smash:

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...1-0193_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...1-0198_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...1-0199_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...1-0200_img.jpg

How to install Poly body mounts? Here's few shots how we did it. I got the bushings from VB&P.

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0201_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0202_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0203_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0204_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0205_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0206_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0207_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0208_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0209_img.jpg

My body and frame saw some daylight first time in 2.5 years! Thanks god I had wheels installed under the body dolly, it made huge difference when we were moving the body around.

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0210_img.jpg

Here you can see the truck and we used to lift the body back on, this is something I want to recommend for everyone thinking about doing body off. It made everything so much easier. You can just conserntrate on putting the body on right spot and not lifting it till your back aches. :lol:

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0211_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0212_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0213_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0214_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0215_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0216_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0217_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0218_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0219_img.jpg

When was the last time you saw C3 flying up in the air? :lol: Here you can see shots of the lifting places. We only had three guys to put the body back on, ok four the guy operating the crane was fourth ;) . One on each side and one in front, everyone needs to check that all the body mountings will meet.

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0220_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0221_img.jpg

After we landed the body back on we jacked the rear up and took the tires of this gave us more room to tighten the body mount bolts. I think the inner fenders and the frame looks :cool:

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0222_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0223_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0224_img.jpg

Few shots of the rear of the car and how the gas tank lined up just fine.

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0225_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0226_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0227_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0228_img.jpg

Here you can see how the Stahls stick out under the frame, can't wait get the sidepipes finished! :chevy

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0230_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0231_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0232_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0233_img.jpg

The car is back in the carage, in one piece! It was getting pretty late so the pics turned out bit dark in colour. I'll take some better ones for my next update.

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0234_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0235_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0236_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0237_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0238_img.jpg

20" wheels anyone? Here ya go... They are 10" wide with 5.5 BS and 285/30/20 Pirellis on them. They are inside the body lines just like I planned and I can assure that these blurry pics wont do any justice on how good they really look!

Overall we had the best time yesterday working on the car and it gave me some extra boost to work on the car even harder. Today I'va allready installed the front bumber brackets and I'm going to do the same to the rear bumber later today.

Big shouts for all you guys and gals who have been most supportive, and the amount of information I've recieved from is worth more than money could buy :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

So, whadda ya think?

Jay

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update continues....

I took some engine and front bumber bracket shots today so here it goes:

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0239_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0240_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0241_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0242_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0248_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0249_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0256_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0257_img.jpg

Here's few shots of the engine is place, you can also see the aluminum block plate that is temporately atteched with tape. I think the Edelbrock Elite series dress up kit turned out nice. I'm not going to put the alternator and A/C compressor back untill I get my new waterpump here, which is Edelbrock's polished Victor sr.

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0255_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0254_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0253_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0252_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0243_img.jpg

Here's few pics of how everything cleared everything with new steering, taller valve covers etc.

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0244_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0245_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0246_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0247_img.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gro...2-0250_img.jpg

Here's pics of the front end bumber support. It's so nice to put it all together when everything's nice and clean, no rust, no dirt.

Ok, that's all for now talk to you soon.

Jay


[Modified by groovyjay, 9:45 AM 8/17/2002]

PatsLs1vette

just plain ole sweet :cheers: nice job those rims look great on there. :yesnod:

Flareside

Wow Jay, looking good! Everyone should have a truck like that for Vette work :)

-Joe

7t2vette

You have provided me with much needed inspiration with your pics!!!! I hope my project turns out as well as yours!!!! :cheers:


[Modified by 7t2vette, 8:57 AM 8/17/2002]

72Shark

AWESOME! Perfect timing too....I'm planning the next project ('75-'79 Coupe...) and I'm trying to describe to my wife how it will be done. Your work on that project has been substantial, and the quality your craftsmanship and creativity shows! Great job....you get a 98 out of 100.....the other two points when I get a ride! :cheers:

JoeC427

Nice!! It's :cool: to see a garage project that looks that good. Your ride looks freakin awesome!! Good luck with the final phase. :chevy :cheers:

Paul L

Congratulations on your "new" C3. It must feel great to have things back together! And many thanks for the excellent pics. That is a photo record that many readers will archive for future reference.


[Modified by paul79, 9:59 AM 8/17/2002]

LAvetteman

Congrats!!! I am taking notes, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

groovyjay

pats406nitrovette: Thanks, clad you like the wheels. :cheers:

Flareside: Thanks Joe, how's your project coming along? Are you ready to take the old engine out and put the Monster motor in? :cheers:

7t2vette: Thanks, I'm sure yours will turn out even better than mine. :cheers:

72Shark: Thanks man, if you're planning to go to Bloomington next year I'll let you drive it, YES I'm gonna ship it to US for next summer and participate as many Corvette events as I can. :yesnod: :cheers:

tiresmoking75-427: Thanks buddy. :cheers:

Paul79: Thanks Paul for the kind words, I still have over 400 pics yet to be developed, I've been documenting my project from day one and I'm planning putting it all together in a book format one day. :cheers:

71,454,4sp: Thanks :cheers:

81vette

Jay, your car looks great. Thanks for posting all the pictures during your build-up, as it has provided a lot of inspiration and help to the rest of us to see your progress. Now just don't get to cruising around to much and forget about all your great friends here on the forum.....cause I'm sure some of us will be needing your help now that your one of the "experts."

:cheers:

Mark

67HEAVEN

Be proud. You're doing an excellent job! :cheers:

I'm taking a long time on mine as well, but after owning it for all these years, I don't feel the need to rush.

groovyjay

81vette: Thanks man for the kind words, by looking at you sig I can tell your quite a bit of expert yourself :yesnod: :cheers:

67HEAVEN: Thanks buddy. That's exactly what I thought two and half years ago, it all changed somewhere along the line :lol: :cheers:

Taijutsu

Very sweeeeet! I'm impressed. Did you have to use narrowed trailing arms to get the wheels to fit? How about the fronts? Anything we should know for future projects? Would you do anything differntly

groovyjay

Taijutsu: Thanks. Yes I used offset trailing arms I got from VB&P. The fronts are 8" wide with 255/35/20 tires so they fit with out any modifications. What future holds, new brakes, a brembo six pot set up with 14 inch discks all around, six link, MORE POWER! What would I do differently, good question, as silly as it sounds I would maybe make it all aluminum small block with some 550hp and back it up 6 Speed tranny, I would still use all the aluminum I could get my hands on! :lol: :cheers:

73454

Very nice job!

Almost ready for the next one?

:jester

groovyjay

73454: Thanks, not quite :lol: :cheers:

69L71

Great job Jay! Isn't it a rush seeing the car back in one piece afer all that work?

Do you have any close up pics of how the Richmond 6 speed fits with the crossmember? How does the shifter align with the original shifter hole? Any chance the original console will fit?

I'm toying with this on my convert and have no intention of cutting the crossmember. My measurements show it will fit but probably not without installing the engine and trans at the same time. Of course with the body off that's cake. I know the 5-speed will fit easily but the 6 is real close.

Again, great job!

groovyjay

69L71: Thanks for the kind words. Yes it's really something to see it in one piece again after all this time. Actually the tranny is "only" 5-speed richmond, and to be precise it's their Road Race version which is supposed to be even tougher than the normal version. See my earlier update to see how we fitted the tranny on the frame: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=362227

:cheers:

GrandSportC3

Great Job!!! Looking very good and clean...
:cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:

:cheers:

Olivier

terryrudy

:cool: Very :cool:

Very nice work!! I would be too scared to drive such a work of art as that! :)

You need to get some bigger calipers in those wheels! ;) :jester


I'll say it again: :cool:
-terry