garandfan

Well I finally made it! Mid-life crisis toy! 1970 monza red convertible. Been wanting one for years since my early years seeing the shark Vets while growing up in the late 60¡¦s and early 70¡¦s, and finally had the opportunity to get one.

It¡¦s not perfect, motor had been changed at some point, and will never be a show winner, but it¡¦s paid for.

First problem poor running motor. Replaced points, plugs, and wires. Reset the timing. I gave away my dwell meter ten years ago figuring I would never need it again!! ļ

Second problem was a split side pipe on the passenger side. Ordered new ones and installed. What a difference that made.

Third problem, Wiper door wouldn¡¦t retract fully. Used the Haynes book, and adjusted it down where it will close completely.

Forth, and yet to fix: wiper motor (wipers not working), and the heater blower motor also not working.

I plan on having it repainted in the future. I have some question for you guys:

Would any of you have recommendations for Bodyshops in the MI, IN, OH area that specializes in Corvettes?

Would you do a frame off restoration considering it has had the motor replaced?

Thanks guys, and I have enjoyed reading all of your posts.

Frank in Indiana

garandfan

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...3.jpg.orig.jpg

here's a link to a photo

Alwyn678

Car looks very nice :cheers:

garandfan

Well let's try the photo again. I don't think it worked the first time! You got to love this computer stuff!! :-)

A C

Off the frame restos are a big undertaking. I think if I was you, I would drive the car for at least one summer season before I would even consider it. After you drive it, you can figure out what is wrong with the car, and what isn't.

Read this forum and others to find out the common problem areas to check on C3's. If your frame and birdcage are in good shape, you may not want to take the body off the frame at all.

People in this forum are very different and take the work on their cars to different lengths. One thing that I think everyone has in common though, is that we all wish we could or would spend more time behind the wheel and have a little less down time. I would say fix the basic stuff, like the motor that isn't running well, and then find out about all the other minor things you need to fix. Enjoy it for now at least. Welcome to the forum! :cheers:

jerryp58

Can't help you with a shop recommendation.

Would I do a off frame restoration? Heck NO :eek: But that's me. I don't have the skill, patience, or the motivation to take on a project like that. If you do, I wouldn't let a non-original motor stop me. If you're looking to go original, I'll take those sidepipes off your hands ;)

Oh, BTW, Welcome :seeya

Crash Dummy

Frank,

Nice looking '70 vert. I agree with the above about driving the car for awhile. Although I think we would all like to have the perfect vette, it is not worth it at times when considering the investment and time to go completely through one. And unforetunately some never end up putting them back together when circumstances come up that change your course in life or the project just gets too far out of hand.

Get the minor things done first.... go enjoy it.... and then take a look at how you think a year later.

Welcome to the forum by the way! :cheers:

garandfan

I't would be a couple years down the road before any body work is done. The only real problem is that the last owner let the front coils sag and cracked the DS front fender well while in a sharp turn. It also has the typical use and abuse from 30+ years.

Frame is ok, but does show wear, no major rust problem that I can see.

My goal is to fix the mech. side of it over the next couple years, and then do the body work. I am just concerned about frame wear during that time, and what it has seen in the past. Heard too many horror stories about midwest Vets suffering frame rot!!

BTW, I'll keep the side pipes!! :-) love the sound!

Engine running great now, still need to bump the timing up a few degrees. and debating the removal of the points.

Love the site, and thanks again guys.

Semper-Fi, Frank

Eddie 70

Myself, I am not worried about original right now. I do have the original stuff stored in my garage to go back if the inclination ever comes around. I want to have a have a reliable car that will start and go wherever I want to go. Right now I have almost what I want in a drivetrain. I would like to add the Tremec 5 speed eventually. Next up for me is probably paint.
Good luck with your 70 and make sure you get registered at the 1970 Corvette Registry. http://corvetteforum.net/c3/1970regi...0registry.html

'75sting

HOW DID YOU GET THE PHOTO TO APPEAR

SmokedTires

Drive & enjoy before heading into the pit :crazy: . Once you get to know the car, pick your projects that can be accomplished and still allow you to enjoy your car. Once you start heading towards the fgrame off, it could be some time with a lot of time, $$$, & frustration before it sees the road again. :cheers:

Indy Year 25

Welcome to another Hoosier!!

I used to drive a delivery truck in your area back in 67-68. Pokagon State park, Cameron Hospital, Silver Lake, Fox Lake........

pingdashf

Nice car. Welcome to the Forum. Watch out on that gravel driveway. These cars don't think twice about slinging rocks up under themselves with all the torque they produce. I speak from unfortunate experience.

isosceles

That thing looks :cool: . welcome to the Forum. I'd do what the guys above said: drive it for a bit before you decide to take it all apart. :yesnod:

JB

Welcome! Gotta love a Monza red vert. :cheers:

JB

guppie

I vote to drive it for a while and enjoy it like the others said.
Welcome to the forum. Car looks pretty good now. :thumbs: :cheers:

'75sting

FOR THE HEATER MOTOR LOOK FOR RELAY UNDER THE HOOD SOME WHERE AROUND THE FAN MOTOR. IT SHOULD BE BOLTED DOWN. THE SIZE OF IT IS ABOUT 1 1/2" TALL, 1" WIDE, AND ABOUT 1 1/2" LONG WITH A PLUG IN THE BOTTOM http://images.cardomain.com/member_i...240_2_full.jpg :cheers:

GrandSportC3

Welcome to the Forum!!! :party: :party:

pra4sun

Welcome!

We have something in common!

:cheers:

garandfan

Nice area up here. Must have changed 100% since you used to spend time here. Lake area has wint nuts in the last 20 years!!