Project HI OFCR: 1988 Corvette coupe

So, here are the main areas that need attention on the body.  And here's the stuff to repair it right.  SMC (used on '82 and newer Corvettes) is a different critter than straight-up fiberglass.  You can use SMC-based resin/products to repair fiberglass but fiberglass resins will not adhere properly to SMC due to the flexing properties of SMC.

I'll fuss with this over the course of the next few weeks.  I have two repairs to do in the floorpans before I reinstall the carpet.  

Later,

Lee

Good really good at the fiberglass work so I can drop this off....

LOL

I'll be happy to fix that for you, Marty. Drop it by the next time you are in my neck of the woods. Or even meet up with Wayne in O-HI-O and have him bring it across the river.

Later,

Lee

P.S. If you want it painted I'll need to know the color(s).

I was just kidding, you got enough of your own stuff going on. I have to make a metal frame underneath it this time around to prevent it again. I busted it on a tree limb last time a couple months after my neighbor repaired, smoothed, and primed it DOH!

TAHOE wrote:I was just kidding, you got enough of your own stuff going on. I have to make a metal frame underneath it this time around to prevent it again. I busted it on a tree limb last time a couple months after my neighbor repaired, smoothed, and primed it  DOH!

Ah, okay no worries. That metal frame makes perfect sense. Let me know if you do need my help, buddy.

Later,

Lee

So, weekend before last me and my buddy Wayne got the cam swapped along with the timing set and the valvetrain in and adjusted. Added the fancy Erson front cover (thanks Mr. Riggs!) along with the new damper. Now I just need to drop it in place. The old cam was pretty worn out but nothing was scarred/burned. The factory timing set was very worn out. It has a Cloyes double-roller in it now. I had to use/keep the truck oil pan as the windage tray in the 'vette pan would not fit the oil pickup. The rockers are 1.5 roller tips by Proform. 1.6 RRs don't make too much sense on a TPI as it's not a high-revving motor. The extra lift doesn't help. Anyhow, here are a few pics. Still have to paint the intake base. It's on there to keep stuff out.

Later,

Lee

Oh yeah...as it's a flat-tappet cam we are using the old springs to break the cam in properly. Once that's done I'll swap in the new springs.

Later,

Lee

It's pretty.

Admin wrote:It's pretty.

Why thank you! I like to think it's a proper shade of Chevrolet Orange...I'm not a big fan of the Corporate Black look. The valve covers are the ones that were on the blown motor. It took a bit of elbow grease but they cleaned up nice.

Thanks again,

Lee

Odds and ends on the project lately. Got the pillar gauge pod in and here's a teaser. Using AutoMeter Cobalt oil pressure and water temp. The factory gauges will still be operable. I'm a firm believer in redundancy.



Otherwise, I got all of the remaining parts save for the header collectors, LEDs for the dash and go pick up the exhaust in Atlanta.









Yes, you read that right. Atlanta. It's exactly what I want for the 'vette and I cannot buy/build one cheaper. It was THAT good a deal even factoring my gas money.







Later,

Lee

Looking good Lee. Can't wait to see the finished product.looks like it will be one cool Vette.

911TAZZ wrote:Looking good Lee.  Can't wait to see the finished product.looks like it will be one cool Vette.

Thanks! It's moving along and should be on the road by spring. I juts need to get the motor in. That's the hold-up right now. But I have to fuss with getting the tranny off of the torque tube. And the cold weather and holidays slowed it down a bit.

Later,

Lee

Nanook wrote:

Yes, you read that right.  Atlanta.   It's exactly what I want for the 'vette and I cannot buy/build one cheaper.  It was THAT good a deal even factoring my gas money.  


Later,

Lee

Lee check into Fastenal shipping for that exhaust. I do not know size limits, but you may get that exhaust shipped to you for alot cheaper than gas not to mention the drive time....if you can get seller to pack it for you and drop it off at a Fastenal store.
I know some guys who ship garden tractors across country for only $150-200 which is pretty great bargain.

https://www.fastenal.com/web/en/22/third-party-logistics-(3pl

Marty, I will see if the seller is up for working with Fastenal on his end. That would be very nice to not have to make that trip but hey road tripping for car parts and meeting a fellow gear head is always fun too.

Got a few small things ordered and lining up the last few bits.

Later,

Lee

Well, I head down to Atlanta the night of Friday, March 13th after work with a few friends to get the exhaust, a proper spare and a few other bits for the '88. Drive thru the night is planned as we have to hit Silver Springs, Florida first as I have something to pick up. Here's a teaser...and it starts with the word 'free'.

Still shocked,

Lee

You should hit Garlits in Ocala.

Chris55 wrote:You should hit Garlits in Ocala.

I'd LOVE to but we simply won't have the time. It's a drive down/drive back kind of trip as we need to be back home for Sunday.

Later,

Lee

Nanook wrote:Well, I head down to Atlanta the night of Friday, March 13th after work with a few friends to get the exhaust, a proper spare and a few other bits for the '88.   Drive thru the night is planned as we have to hit Silver Springs, Florida first as I have something to pick up.   Here's a teaser...and it starts with the word 'free'.

Still shocked,

Lee

Did you drive the Delorean? it's not even March yet HAHA


A free one, looks to be 70's? Where is that one getting stored at?

Ha ha Marty! No DeLorean for me.

It IS from the 1970s! The L-48 (1st clue) has been swapped out many years go for the 305 you see in it now. It is complete. He has the rest of the engine, brackets and such. I'll share the full story when I get her here. It will be stored at my uncle's garage.

Later,

Lee

Nanook wrote:It IS from the 1970s!  The L-48 (1st clue) ....

Later,

Lee

Well, I have no idea what engine codes went with what years so no help for me hahaha

Oh, If you ever come get the tables, remind me, I have a special gift for Thomas and you, Drew and I will never "play" with it so I want to give to Thomas.....but not gonna give you any hints LOL

That tables!!!!  Ah yes I'll bug Shelly about that when I get home tonight.  Thanks!  And very cool on the gift for Thomas and I. Whatever it is I appreciate it, buddy!  

Later,

Lee

P.S. Here's a 2nd clue...

Oh that's dandy, you got some wheels too


I wouldn't worry about tables, weather is kind of bad if you haven't noticed


76-80?

Yeah, the weather messed up a table run...dangit!

It's a '76. And it does come with wheels! Red/red and stock but has some damage up front. Complete though.



Later,

Lee

How does the cage look on it?
That seems to be the bad area on that year.

Brownie wrote:How does the cage look on it?
That seems to be the bad area on that year.

I'll find out when I get there. The 'cage is the biggie...frames not as big a deal as you can locate frames fairly easily. Regardless for the cost of gas to pick it up and share some good fellowship with friends on the trip I cannot go wrong.

Later,

Lee