Joker

Hey Everyone,

I'm new to this forum and to the Corvette world. I just recently(this past weekend) purchased my very first vette. It's a 1969, Monza Red 350/300. I'm in LOVE!!!!!
It's in pretty decent shape with MOST of the numbers matching. I say most
because the engine was stolen a while back and was replaced with an engine
of the same year/model vette. It needs new carpet and basically a lot of TLC.

Anyway, I want to restore it as best I can. I'd like to do a total restoration but I really don't know where to start. Take the body off?
Take the engine out? I have a lot of time to do this and I'm not in a real hurry.

I have decent knowledge in Automobiles but mostly in the 4 wheeling world.

I'd appreciate any information I can get on a good starting point.

Sorry in advance for the newbie type questions you may be asked.:D

Thanks a lot.

Matt

Pauld

Welcome, not sure about the answers to your questions, I think it will depend on how far your restoration goes. If it is a total restoration then it is a body off and engine out job. Anyway keep posting the questions :cheers:

79-L-82

Welcome :)
It all depends on what exactly you're looking to do and how much time, effort and $$$ you are willing to part with.
Also what kind of shape it is in.

Mine doesn't need a frame off as it is in very good condition.
I am going to start with replacing the shocks and bushings to tighten up the handling a bit. Also, I'm going to be modifying mine. . .

Have fun and good luck.

fjetb

Welcome, Joker.
I am in somewhat the same position, without the free time :)
When I first got my car, January 04, it was in pretty good condition, although, it needs new seat covers, etc. I decided however, that I would methodically work through the mechanics of the car to give myself a starting point in terms of knowing the car and the condition of each of its systems. I now know that the A/C has all good parts and works good (see, I live in south Ga., and here, you start with the A/C :smash: ...I now know that the steering assembly has all good parts and works like it should...if you ask me next week, I'll be able to tell you about the brakes and the wheel bearings...my point is, start with the mechanicals on the car and go through each system, until you really know your car, then do the interior...then, :auto: ! like heck! Go luck with the journey! :hurray:

Fevre

Eng was stolen? :confused: Sounds like the eng was 'blowen' not stolen. Non the less if you like that is all that matters. Welcome aboard, have fun and start the mods! :thumbs:

Joker

Thanks for all the replys....

Maybe I should fill in the blanks the best I can.

My father bought this car about 10 years ago for roughly about $3500
with NO chrome, No T-tops, a blown 400 engine and few other odds and ends.

(FYI, I bought off of him for $8500....hope I didn't get ripped to bad.)

He replaced the Chrome, T-tops, and found a matching block in Colorado Springs.
The engine and transmission were re-built and the car was driven for a few years as is.

The car has been sitting idle in his garage for the past 2 years while he
started some body work which wasn't finished.
The Transmission has a very slight leak. The brake pedle goes to the floor board. And it needs a new paint job.
It starts right up but it has a very rough idle.

Like I said, it needs some TLC but nothing TOO major..........(yeah right :rolleyes:)

What is a decent price for a good paint job on this car?




[Modified by Joker, 4:57 PM 4/20/2004]