1977 Corvette...long-term project

Got this from a fellow Scrounger forum member.  I ran the VIN and it's a '77 that originally came with the optional 210hp L-82 engine.  I already have a free complete front clip waiting for me in Michiagn (road trip this spring?).  This one may not be able to be saved but I'm going to try and track down a title for it.  Nice thing about C3 Corvettes is the parts are PLENTY and there are a plethora of body shells around.  Worst-case I pull the shell off and replace it.  Rob said the frame is good.  

Nuts?  Sure!  But the price was right and this one is a long-term project to plunk around on once the '88 is up and running.  And if the title dead-ends I can use this one for parts.  Win-win!

Later,

Lee

I use to have a back tailight panel for one but gave it away to a guy some years ago.

Reb Stew wrote:I use to have a back tailight panel for one but gave it away to a guy some years ago.

Bummer...well, I am sure it made for some cool wall art in the guy's garage!    If anyone's got some Corvette bit laying around let me know. Condition is not important.

Later,

Lee

No wall art. He used it. His nephew stole it and went behind the floodwall in Dayton, Ky and lost control of the Vette. It slide sideways and wiped out 2 or 3 boats they had sitting dry docked.

Enjoy my friend!If you do anything at all with it,it will be better than it just setting in our field.

ferrell1cars wrote:Enjoy my friend!If you do anything at all with it,it will be better than it just setting in our field.

Thanks Rob! I am happy to get this one out of your field and on the slow road to recovery. I am trying to line up bringing it to my uncle's property sometime fairly soon. And if I can line up rear end for it that would be another big step forward. It may not look like much but I am happy to get it.

Later,

Lee

hell I should have loaded it up and brought home north......

falconwagon62 wrote:hell I should have loaded it up and brought home north......

That would have been a big help for sure LOL!   Rob and I worked out things this week though.

Later,

Lee

Be interesting to see where this go

6-71Kid wrote:Be interesting to see where this go

Honestly I'll feel 100% better once I have a rear end underneath it.    At that point the shell can be removed and the chassis sanded down, refinished and line thinsg up for a replacement shell or get new quarters bonded onto the current shell.

Later,

Lee

I've seen so many of your projects...you love punishment haha
Good luck on that one. I can see Shelly rolling her eyes LOL

TAHOE wrote:I've seen so many of your projects...you love punishment haha
Good luck on that one. I can see Shelly rolling her eyes LOL

But I make 'em shine pretty good don't I?   They don't call me the 'Rattle Can King' for nothing, Marty.

Seriously, my thoughts are to take my time and get this one together over the course of a few years. The rear-end and a new shell are the big keys. Hoping that I can get a title for it but if I cannot then I will make it a bracket car and just have fun with it or look for a rolling chassis with a title.   But, honestly, the best part is that a fellow gearhead is giving the me the chance to give this 'shark' a 2nd chance to survive. I genuinely appreciate your gesture, Rob.

Grateful,

Lee

If you would need a place for temp storage, let me know. I know I'm a ways north, but I wil have plenty of room at my new place to put it.

TAHOE wrote:If you would need a place for temp storage, let me know. I know I'm a ways north, but I wil have plenty of room at my new place to put it.

Thanks Marty! If my uncle doesn't have space then I may take you up on that. But he's got a barn I can put it in and keep it unmolested. Just need to make sure he is fine with it. Wish I could get a rear-end so that I could roll it around. I'll have a truck to go get it but a trailer is something I may need. Hoping to get it by February sometime.

Later,

Lee

since it needs a front and rear you can choose which C3 you want it to look like... personally favor the 69-70

Crucial wrote:since it needs a front and rear you can choose which C3 you want it to look like... personally favor the 69-70

The front clip I am getting for it is a '75. The chrome bumper cars are sweet but out of my budget. I will keep it as a '77 out back unless I fall into a freebie rear clip. As it stands I think the smart thing is to look for a rear shell.

Later

Lee

Your a braver man than me Lee, I've never been able to figure out how to weld that fiberglass.

Chris55 wrote:Your a braver man than me Lee, I've never been able to figure out how to weld that fiberglass.

LOL!! Me either, Chris!   I'm pretty comfy with fiberglass repair. Been a few years since I messed with it but once you know it you don't lose it.

Later,

Lee

do they still make the Gel sealer for fiberglass?

Yes they sure do:

http://www.bottompaintstore.com/fiberglass-and-gel-coat-repair-gelcoat-and-fiberglass-restoration-c-13581_13593.html

And here...

http://www.systemthree.com/store/pc/S-1-Sealer-c32.htm

And here as well...

http://www.boatersplus.com/travaco-labs-marine-tex-rm331k.html?utm_source=shopzilla&utm_medium=cse&utm_content=LS-185-RM331K&utm_campaign=shopzilla

I am not sure that I will save this rear shell though...need to see it in person and if all of the big pieces are still there.

Later,

Lee

Here's the front clip waiting for me in Michigan.  The hood is included but the headlights are not.  It was on a '72 but the owner put the correct '72 nose on his Corvette after he bought it.  The headlights are no big deal as I'm pretty close to just going with the old Eckler-style non-pop up lights.

Later,

Lee

I've been looking at this '76 rear shell. If I had $300 to make an offer I would do it. It's spot-on for what I need/am looking for.

http://louisville.craigslist.org/pts/4230931927.html

And, this seller is dreaming on the asking price but there are some useful parts I could use for my '77 like the rear suspension/diff, dash and the headlight parts:

http://lexington.craigslist.org/cto/4257904109.html

The parts are plentiful for what I need...just need the $$ to get it done.

Later,

Lee

My family is from down in Casey county. I'll see if my cousin or my ex brother in law can talk some since into him. Lol,

911TAZZ wrote:My family is from down in Casey county. I'll see if my cousin or my ex brother in law can talk some since into him. Lol,

LOL!! It would help if I had the $$ to make an offer to talk some sense into him...oh well. Sadly, I can see this car being drug out for pennies when it sits long enough and does not sell.   

Later,

Lee

let him sit on it a while. where hes located hes not going to get much interest or people who see it sitting. maybe you will have a little saved to make  him an offer