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View Full Version : My new project! 71 Stingray


fleming23
03-31-2013, 01:10 PM
Went with a friend today to pick up his uncle's 71 Stingray.

This car has been sitting for the past 6-8 years and the condition is on par with what you would expect. My friend,- and owner of the local speed shop, owned the car previously for a few years before selling it to his uncle around 2001. The car has been driven only a few hundred miles since.

It is a matching # car with all original drive-train.

I am not sure how far I plan to take it but I imagine by the next year or two it'll be in a similar condition as the Chevelle.

This will be "Lindsay's car" but lets face it, that was just my justification to buy it :p

The plan right now is to get the car running and driving (we did pour fuel in the carb and with a jump box it started right up and idled like a kitten!

The car as found, under a car cover sitting under a car port.

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0144.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0147.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0148.jpg

Loaded up on the truck after inflating the tires
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0152.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0151.jpg

fleming23
03-31-2013, 01:11 PM
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0149.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0164.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0163.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0168.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0154.jpg

flash
03-31-2013, 01:47 PM
I want that breather ,thanks to Bill I have the valve covers already .Thats a nice score ,I was expecting a major project not a very nice car such as this .Keep us posted.

grandsport
03-31-2013, 01:49 PM
Glad you posted here,as I won't post on that mean forum anymore.Very nice car really looks all there.Look in my photobucket and you will see my Lindsay's Corvette.:p

fleming23
03-31-2013, 01:51 PM
Thanks John!

Yeah, I wasn't looking for a basket case! The allure of this car is that is has not really been touched. Everything is there and seems to work. The electrical isn't all hacked up and all the vacuum stuff seems to work (and these cars have a ton!).

I assume I'll probably pull the motor this next winter to refresh everything and clean it up a bit but I will probably leave this thing mostly original.

I do love the way these steel bumper vettes look!

fleming23
03-31-2013, 01:53 PM
Glad you posted here,as I won't post on that mean forum anymore.Very nice car really looks all there.Look in my photobucket and you will see my Lindsay's Corvette.:p

Thanks Gary! I posted in both as there are two different groups of people on each but wanted to share with you all.

shadowgray396
03-31-2013, 03:14 PM
Nice score, I was expecting more of a project. Looks great.

fleming23
03-31-2013, 04:28 PM
Nice score, I was expecting more of a project. Looks great.

It looks good in photos, but I have no doubt the car will be completely gone through before I am done. I am too OCD to have a car like this that isn't just how I want it.

Part of what attracted me to this car was how complete it is.

My Chevelle was probably pretty nice in the eyes of most when I got it and it has been through everything since I have owned it.

BillsCamino
04-01-2013, 07:59 AM
Very nice Vette Eric. A great addition to the family.
Been down that road before...owned two at one time a few years ago including a survivor '68 L79 w/only 41K original miles. Got to the point I was afraid to drive it so sold it to a collector in Columbus, OH.
They don't ride as good as a Chevelle though ;)

flash
04-01-2013, 11:41 AM
A friend of mine had a 68 or 69 Stingray way back when we were teenagers and his rode somewhat rough but it was pretty fast for stock. His was totaled by a head on collision by a drunk driver in a full sized truck and he was almost killed ,we lived in the hallway at Kennestone Hospital for weeks waiting for him to come to .Never got to ride in another old vette after that .

fleming23
04-07-2013, 08:46 PM
I spent the weekend working on (and fighting with) the car to get it driving. I fought a leaky fuel sender but thanks to Bill was able to put in a new seal and get everything bolted back up.

Today I spent the day replacing weather stripping, doing some general clean up and finally polished the paint before Lindsay and I went out for her maiden voyage. Car still needs some mechanical bits (calipers are all shot) but I was able to drive it and think I am really going to like this car!

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/21CDF09C-CC40-4BC3-A778-59AECC8046DF-1275-00000076CE3E94C3.jpg

flash
04-07-2013, 10:01 PM
WOW it looks so much better ,love the wheels .

BillsCamino
04-08-2013, 07:36 AM
Man Eric...I swear that Vette had a 50 gal gas tank when it was leaking. ;)
You noticed Greg and I moved closer to the door...
Glad I was able to provide the cure.
Thanks again for the super deal on the wheels/tires. They look great on my wagon...very happy. This car is also getting the brake booster I bought from you last fall.
And the '72 as you know gets your old bench seat.
You 'da man!!! Bowtie smiley Enjoy the Vette!!!

fleming23
04-08-2013, 09:10 AM
Thanks guys! I like the wheels too and really debated changing them but they have spacers to clear the calipers which just doesn't leave much stud for the lugs to grab hold of. That and 15" tires are becoming more and more difficult to find.

After much debate about leaving it alone, putting on Corvette Rally's or going to a larger wheel I decided to order a set of 17x8 Vintage Wheel Works V40 wheels for the car which will look like this on the car (+ center caps.) So it keeps that classic look but gives the car a bit more modern wheel & tire.

http://www.hotrodhanks.com/imagesProducts2/16894.jpg

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/members/glackore-236513-albums-newer-pics-14334-picture-dscn0445-77993.jpg

Plus, now I can show off all the new Wilwood 4 piston calipers that should show up later this week :)

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQDX8v6MuWIn14eq8LcktBy-IT1SLsjpDQVO_iMLiO2mXNwF0Tv

flash
04-08-2013, 11:04 AM
So what are your plans for the old wheels ?

fleming23
04-08-2013, 11:30 AM
So what are your plans for the old wheels ?

Well Bill left my house with 9 wheels Saturday so I should probably try to pawn them off on him :)

Ill sell them if anyone is interested. Will want to make sure the guy I bought the car from doesn't have any sentimental value attached to them first but I doubt he will.

flash
04-08-2013, 01:44 PM
What will your price be ,may be interested if Joan dont kill me first ?

fleming23
04-08-2013, 01:57 PM
What will your price be ,may be interested if Joan dont kill me first ?

Let me check with someone at the shop first but they wouldn't be very expensive. I'll PM you details but it might be a month or two before the new wheels arrive as they are not a standard backspace size and have to be made.

Ms Grumpy
04-08-2013, 07:02 PM
Eric, car looks really nice. So happy it is coming together for you.

flash, what would you put those on ? Or just as a spare set ? :)

flash
04-08-2013, 07:15 PM
Depends on the backspacing but would look good on my El Camino.

fleming23
04-09-2013, 10:25 AM
Depends on the backspacing but would look good on my El Camino.

I am not sure what the backspacing is on these either. The car should have 4" but there are small spacers behind each wheel so I'm guessing it is a little bit off.

I'll let you know when the new wheels arrive and the old ones are off and available.

fleming23
04-21-2013, 07:08 PM
Well, the wheels are sold to the guy I purchased the vehicle from.

In the past few weeks I ripped the interior out of the car to do some clean up and overall refresher.

Put new Wilwood brakes & 17" wheels on, put in a new aluminum radiator and addressed a few other small mechanical things.

Still have a couple vacuum hoses to replace but everything is working, including all the dummy lights - not sure why I fixed the seat belt button.... Might need to break that again :)

I just jumped right in to this mess. Thankfully most everything works so it wasn't too much of a headache.
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0201.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0212.jpg

New brakes going on.
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/FBAB6CA1-2F6B-4280-967C-89813D762E7F-869-0000006C40D2A24A.jpg

Old vs. new - I liked the TT look but wanted a more modern wheel/tire
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/5DBB5627-33AF-4D02-B489-0350A5A21B0A-869-0000006C423A3670.jpg

All back together and on the road!
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0234.jpg

fleming23
04-21-2013, 07:09 PM
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0236.jpg

Regardless of what anyone else may think, I really like the way it turned out! The wheels fit the car well and the Wilwood calipers blend nicely with the paint and center spokes of the rim.
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0244.jpg

And finally, I had to get Lindsay a tag just so she would believe me that I bought the car for her instead of another toy for me :)
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0247.jpg

flash
04-21-2013, 07:41 PM
WOW ,looks great with the new wheels .

shadowgray396
04-21-2013, 09:00 PM
Looks great, and I agree nice looking wheels.

fleming23
04-18-2014, 08:10 AM
Been a while since I updated this thread and lots of things have been done to the old Vette in the past 9 months.... So here y'all go, or for you northern folk, youse or yiz go.

Sometime around August last year I drove the car over to a friend's house and he tore the entire thing apart from the firewall forward. Quite literally, there was not a single nut, bolt or screw left in the car forward of the firewall.

One last night-time cruise in the car before it was all to be torn out!

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/null_zpsf5c230ba.jpg

A final picture of my perfectly good running, numbers matching Vette that was about to be torn down

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/null_zpsc2906f40.jpg

My buddy's garage where the work is/was going to be done. I'd say it was in good hands!

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/null_zps318c0968.jpg

Let the destruction begin!
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/null_zps9eb8824b.jpg

Original engine and transmission. I've never really been one to drool over numbers cars and considering this was the "base" level car it really didn't bring any value to me. I am going to keep an eye on the motor and trans as I know the car it is going into in the event 10 or 15 years from now I kick myself for pulling a numbers car apart. If this was something rare I would have stuck the motor in the basement along with the useless 350 that came out of my Chevelle. Anyway, moving on...

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/null_zps6dd1c379.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0744.jpg

fleming23
04-18-2014, 08:10 AM
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0745.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/null_zpsaedc19c1.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0746.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0747.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0761.jpg

fleming23
04-18-2014, 08:13 AM
Repairs/beautification begins!!

Front lower valence (below front emblem)
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/null_zps51c13bc9.jpg

Firewall, obviously
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0880.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0837.jpg

Getting somewhere
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0828.jpg

Corner of firewall/fender where blower motor normally goes.
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/null_zps18cf0dd4.jpg

fleming23
04-18-2014, 08:16 AM
New seats for the Vette. Yes those are out of a Fiero! But I have a plan :)

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0864.jpg

I can't even tell you how many hours were spent on the firewall.....If you have never owned a Vette let me tell you, they were rough even brand new!

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0879.jpg

Blower motor area all cleaned up - again lots of tedious hours spent sanding, smoothing, bonding etc.

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0887.jpg

Front valence under front emblem again, all slicked and cleaned up

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/null_zpsf22ccbe9.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/null_zpsae336560.jpg

fleming23
04-18-2014, 08:19 AM
Top coat going back on! I was super impressed with how good this turned out!

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/null_zps4f94be01.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/null_zps2346deb7.jpg

Those Fiero seats again..... What was I thinking

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0932.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0933.jpg

That's what I was thinking!! Real leather (none of that pleather, or vinyl stuff) covered with C3 logos embroidered in the backs. These are so much more comfortable than what came out of the car and will fit nearly perfectly in place of the originals. The side-bolstering both in the top and bottom sections is far superior to the flat originals!

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0935.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_0944.jpg

fleming23
04-18-2014, 08:21 AM
Uh oh.... bad news! Unless you have owned a C3 in which case you pretty much expect to see something like this. Kind of like how a Chevelle that has been outside for much of its life will have rear window and/or quarter panel issues.

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/null_zps44e8cea1.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/null_zps614e28da.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/null_zpsb964ae49.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/null_zps86215be8.jpg

fleming23
04-18-2014, 08:24 AM
Progress continues!

Old versus restored headlight assembly!

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/null_zps65bbace1.jpg

Pieces beginning to go back on!

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/null_zps92185669.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/null_zpse82d146e.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/null_zpsc88ba57b.jpg

Firewall gutted and Vintage Air going in. Dynomat behind everything because these cars get HOT inside if not properly insulated!

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/null_zps717763c7.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/E7D073EA-21DE-4E88-90FE-15C0020BBA92.jpg

fleming23
04-18-2014, 08:26 AM
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/0077A65E-6C56-4FD6-A5CA-75C2D366A289.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/6B24083D-D01F-4799-BF35-EDB1C3429237.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/D8FC24B6-8AC3-4719-93FF-3A8F98492275.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/44A0A47E-1F19-4ED0-82DD-323142B27C61.jpg

Inner fender before suspension install
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/A2AB8D0F-CEF9-45E5-B044-2A604758610F.jpg

New gauges to go in!
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/C7E7FF53-4974-45C1-B4E1-B438D81958F6.jpg

fleming23
04-18-2014, 08:31 AM
Suspension back on and more parts going back in place

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/59248BF2-517C-4947-905E-A0DF5AC492CF.jpg

New front mono leaf suspension similar to C5, C6 & even the C7 Corvettes
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/A1FB0745-186B-48AF-B0DC-077B42502D5F.jpg

Interior beginning to go back together!
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/111436B0-C4D6-459C-B71B-42CD1A68BB4B.jpg

Window repairs being done! All rust cut out and patch panels were put in place
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/790726B6-C9D6-498A-A99E-952239FE01A9.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/621869EA-EC40-4D2F-A0B6-AABC3CE19D56.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/3D845F65-AE63-432E-9C0C-B82A9337C885.jpg

fleming23
04-18-2014, 08:32 AM
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/B552E03F-1EE1-4329-ADAA-F512C5263660.jpg

The frame/birdcage turned out nice!

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/8C2A408C-615B-4CAB-93F0-4F4B42A689FA.jpg

Lower passenger corner where rust was the worst. Looks like new!
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/DDD4B381-9E17-4629-BA2A-DDD450279C6C.jpg

Sitting in the car to get a photo of gauges installed - I wasn't sure at first but I think I am really going to like them!!

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/8BACE221-97C3-4C26-B502-C3AAB3260ACF.jpg

Vintage air all installed = PITA!
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/DF8CC555-274E-401A-8DEF-F175FA38C633.jpg

fleming23
04-18-2014, 08:39 AM
Organ transplant time!

The new heart! Brand new LS3 525hp crate motor!
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/06146F4C-C6B7-4ECE-96BB-AD664119EAC1.jpg

Dropped in like it was meant to be there, although plenty of research and part buying helped make this happen!
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/0FE6EE86-31D2-45DB-A58F-3F8B3A3669A6.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_1293.jpg

Few tricks to make it work but nothing I was not expecting. Waterpump is super close to upper arm.

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_1295.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_1297.jpg

American Racing Headers going on!
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_1300.jpg

fleming23
04-18-2014, 08:45 AM
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_1306.jpg

Dewitts LS swap radiator & electric fans installed!
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/01061DFB-4670-4D66-947A-6243AE2D9AD2.jpg

Heater hose dilemma solved
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/ACE23394-F72C-4017-A918-C91C7D53A843.jpg

Front accessories installed!
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_3346.jpg

And that brings me current through yesterday! Should have this thing running soon!! I am super excited!! The new windshield still needs installed along with all the trim but I am hoping to have the motor done so it can be taken on a few legs of the Power Tour this year! The plan was to finish the rear suspension just as nice as the front before the Tour but I am not sure there will be enough time. If so, hopefully once I get back from the Tour I can get it back over to my buddy's house and we can finish the rest.

This car will likely get driven more than the Chevelle once it is done! That is until I want to go out and slam some gears in a Big Block.....

fleming23
04-18-2014, 09:26 AM
Bill, if you read this - you were supposed to build an LS for your car, get bored and then sell it to me...... I got tired of waiting though ;)

shadowgray396
04-18-2014, 09:52 AM
Looking good. I like the wagon Bill is building:banana:

flash
04-18-2014, 02:49 PM
Damn Eric ,you have been busy ,what is happening with the Chevelle ,the Vette looks great .

carpoor
04-18-2014, 02:53 PM
Vette brakes front suspension parts? Looks similar to what my friend has on his 65' Roadster. I <3 ARH headers. You're going to have a great road car when finished.

BillsCamino
04-18-2014, 02:59 PM
Bill, if you read this - you were supposed to build an LS for your car, get bored and then sell it to me...... I got tired of waiting though ;)


Eric...
I don't know how in the world you find the time, effort, and energy to accomplish all that you've have done over the past few years!!
You are my hero and I want to be just like 'ya when I grow up!!! :ntwrthy:
The Vette project is awesome.
When I bought a '68 L79 Silverstone Silver coupe a few years ago...I specifically looked over those damage prone areas...very common issue in those model years.
But, all is good now. :cool:

fleming23
04-18-2014, 08:15 PM
Damn Eric ,you have been busy ,what is happening with the Chevelle ,the Vette looks great .

Lol! Thanks, yeah it has been quite a project! Chevelle is doing fine. It is now fuel injected with FAST XFI and I'm loving that. I have nitrous ready to go on but I want this car done first in the event I do something stupid and melt the big block....

Vette brakes front suspension parts? Looks similar to what my friend has on his 65' Roadster. I <3 ARH headers. You're going to have a great road car when finished.

Yes sir, VBP Performance Plus complete kit. The rear will be done soon hopefully. ARH has been great. The first 2 sets of headers did not fit on the driverside but 3rd time was a charm. The LS swapped C3 stuff is pretty new to them so we are kind of doing prototype installs. I'm happy with how they turned out!

Eric...
I don't know how in the world you find the time, effort, and energy to accomplish all that you've have done over the past few years!!
You are my hero and I want to be just like 'ya when I grow up!!! :ntwrthy:
The Vette project is awesome.
When I bought a '68 L79 Silverstone Silver coupe a few years ago...I specifically looked over those damage prone areas...very common issue in those model years.
But, all is good now. :cool:

HAHA! Right.... It is fun to look at it like this and see all the progress but this car has been somewhat of a nightmare, as are most fiberglass vettes. Just nothing fits and things that should take no more than 10 minutes take 2 hours+. Crazy....

Yeah, I've seen photos of your old 68. I knew this car had potential issues but even looking around the window you could not really see any signs of rust. The pockets behind the kick panels weren't super clean but were also not completely rusted out either. The windshield seal was actually so bad that you could see light around nearly the entire side of the glass. It was a bit of a gamble but turned out not too bad. As you said, all is good now!!

Got a little more done today.

Motor looks like it belongs in the car which I really really like! Not some hacked together crap.
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_1336.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_1337.jpg

Horrible photo but I like to see this kind of stuff. If only a Chevelle oil pan were that accessible....
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_1342.jpg

Driver-side header to floorboard clearance at the firewall. We can help increase the gap a little but it is SNUG! At the end of the day, I'd rather it be super close than dragging the pavement!

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/efleming_23/1971%20Corvette%20Stingray/IMG_1339.jpg

Tomorrow should be getting the fuel system all hooked up which requires replacing the tank and installing the new tank and in-tank pump. Other than wiring up the fuel pump I hope/expect it won't be too bad.

mestorod70
04-21-2014, 11:00 AM
Looks like a great project...the suspension should make a huge difference.
Can i ask how come you didnt go with a rack n pinion steering.

fleming23
04-21-2014, 12:52 PM
Looks like a great project...the suspension should make a huge difference.
Can i ask how come you didnt go with a rack n pinion steering.

Honestly, there was not much incentive to do a rack on the car. First was the expense of adding a rack and second was desire to simplify the front not knowing what was going to fit with the LS motor and 3rd, less moving/serviceable parts.

The Borgeson box that was installed is much like the Jeep Grand Cherokee box that we do on our Chevelles. It provides a modern feel and great response. In fact if you look up the winner of this year's Goodguys Autocross Championship it was a 72 Corvette with a Borgeson box rather than a rack & pinion. A beautiful car too! If I planned on putting fender flares on my car, I would want it to look very much like his!

http://i.imgur.com/VEVpCxx.jpg

mestorod70
04-24-2014, 11:43 AM
Built this in 2006
just sold it

fleming23
05-03-2014, 08:12 PM
Making progress!

Instead of photos here is a video of today's progress

http://youtu.be/rAuyujZ8Tuw

shadowgray396
05-03-2014, 08:50 PM
Like it. That was sweet. Like the water bottle walking across the dyno. Nice look ing car too.

BillsCamino
05-03-2014, 08:55 PM
Love it!!!!!!!