Awakening our Sleeping (hopefully not comatose) Beauty
For those members who know my history know that in 2005 my then 15-year-old son Mick came to me and asked, “Hey dad, isn’t that a Corvette that’s been under that cover in the garage forever?” For those that haven’t heard, this 1975 Vette was stored just before he was born in 1989, right after my wife and I removed the hardware, stripped the paint right down to fibreglass and had it painted, so it’s been there close to 18 years. As soon as I heard the word “Corvette” it brought back so many memories. Keep in mind that I am the original owner. And when he asked, “Why haven’t I ever seen you drive it?”, I was at a loss for words and just didn’t have a good answer other than I was too busy at work to get it back on the road. When he asked what it would take, I totally underestimated what needed to be done. Keep in mind that I drove it up until it was parked.
Well, in 2005-2006 I replaced a ton of gaskets, did a tune-up and major clean up among many other things, and eventually gave up when I couldn’t get it to idle… even after replacing 2 Q-Jets. Fortunately my son wouldn’t give up, so I purchased another carb and got Lars to rebuild it, which ultimately solved the idling problem and gave me some short-lived motivation to do the interior.
Well, the motivation began again in the spring of 2006 when my wife surprised me with the purchase of various interior parts. Thanks to Romeo’s (1971Coupe) encouragement, I started redoing the leather seat covers. Right now my biggest obstacle is the frustration I encounter when I run into problems and I lose motivation. Hopefully you guys/gals can provide me with some when the going gets tough. I’m going to do my best to get her on the road this year and I thought I would share pictures of the progress I’ve made.
Looks like you are getting there Frank. As you know, I spent 7 1/2 years doing the total body-off restoration on my car, and there were many, many, times that all I wanted to do was get a shot gun and pump it full of lead or douse it in gasoline and burn it to the ground, but I persevered and eventually got it done, as will you.
When I get in it and go for a drive now, those memories are very hard to remember! You will get there, and it will be worth it!
4GTABODT, I'm working on it..........I'm working on it.
WYCKD14U As for "Your Vette will live forever."
That was always the plan. There's a thread about a member having a difficult decision whether to sell his vette or not since they're expecting there first born. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1641440
I was in that exact situation 18 years ago. For me,it wasn't an option, since Corvette's are in my blood.
desi, I thought about the colour orange......but its taken. The original colour was blue so my wife picked a darker shade this time. Believe it or not, it was candy apple blue once with silver base, and slight metal flake. That lasted 2 years. Oh the younger years.
Mickman, Michael, thanks for helping me awake my sleeping beauty. Maybe one day...................
Bishs, thanks for the offer, that's what this forum is all about, I appeciate it.
There still a lot to do,
I have to put the heat barrier in before the new carpet and the rest of the interior.
Entire weatherstripping.
Replace complete exhaust.
The whole power steering, control valve etc. is leaking therefore I need the rebuild.
The engine still hasn't run for more then 10 minutes so I still have to set it all up.
And I'm sure a lot more items will show up when I drive it around the block.
It's a work in progress and luck is my friend.
Last edited by Maymyvetteliveforevr; 03-07-2007 at 12:01 PM.
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Awakening our Sleeping (hopefully not comatose) Beauty
She's a beaut!! 
and yes December 31st is reserved...not get off your fat ass and get that puppy on the road 
