Undercarriage Advice

[Leif A.]

Re: Undercarriage Advice

David,

Now, after all these terrific opinions (which are all very similar), do you still feel "lucky" that you found a hoist for the winter or do you wish you could put the lid back on Pandora's box? As I mentioned early on, whatever you do...just enjoy the ownership experience and drive the wheels off your Corvette. Have a safe and warm winter.

[David F.]

Re: Undercarriage Advice

LOL!
It just reinforces what I thought all along. Thank you to everyone for your input, it really did help. Since there really is no "right" answer, I can do what I want and enjoy it without worrying about it being the wrong decision.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Undercarriage Advice

LOL!
It just reinforces what I thought all along. Thank you to everyone for your input, it really did help. Since there really is no "right" answer, I can do what I want and enjoy it without worrying about it being the wrong decision.

Just remember that what you do will, however, impact how you proceed on any future projects.
And, you can't undo restoration. You can, however, move from preservation to restoration.

Good luck on the car.

[Kevin G.]

Re: Undercarriage Advice

Preservation

[Philip A.]

Re: Undercarriage Advice

Just remember that what you do will, however, impact how you proceed on any future projects.
And, you can't undo restoration. You can, however, move from preservation to restoration.

Good luck on the car.

Certainly a car can only be original ONCE; but ....can't undo a restoration? Never say never. There are folks that are adept and expert at adding or simulating patina. In addition, if we used and stored these cars, as originally intended, and like any other car, I am sure with enough time one could "undo a restoration"" LOL!

[Kenn S.]

Re: Undercarriage Advice

I have a '70 LS-5, which is sitting and has sat for 27 years. I grapple with this every time I see the car sitting there.

In my case, I feel I have to restore. There is rust on the frame, but I don't believe structural issues (at least not obvious ones). Everything else is as you'd expect for a car sitting somewhere--God knows where--for years.

I'm not concerned about ROI. The '80 car I'm restoring for practice is well beyond any recoup of purchase cost. But I love the '80 body style, and it's teaching me more than I could have imagined. And I'm having a blast doing it.

But I know going in to the restoration of the '70 that while I've been collecting NOS parts for years, studying everything I can get my hands on, going to meets and seeing other cars...it's nearly impossible to restore a car well enough to satisfy everyone. Somebody will tell me this rivet is wrong, the paint is wrong, the carpet is wrong...on and on. Still others would tell me the rivet is OK, the paint is acceptible (since we can't get laquer), and the carpet is fine. Judges are human with opinions, doing their best.

So I intend to please myself. I will do the very best I can do, with the best of intentions, and when I'm done I'll have a damn fine 1970 LS-5 with C60.

I'll have it judged, because I want to test what I've learned against the standard. Where I fail, it'll hurt, but I'm willing to accept that. I may or may not correct deficiences...depends on what they are. I'll try not to over-restore and fail that way, but admittedly some of the practices at the factory were appalling. I'll probably skirt some of the more aggregious things (obvious paint drips on doors, for example, which I have personally seen on original C3's).

So since I'm in the same boat as you, from me to you I would say please yourself and do what you believe is right. If you can preserve, always preserve. But if you can't, you can't. Not all cars are collectable originals, and this is the "Restorers" society after all. I understand the collectable angle and "only original once," but some cars just need restoring. Mine is one. For your car, do what you feel is most correct and don't look back.

[Leonard M.]

Re: Undercarriage Advice

Joe is correct. Sometimes originality cannot be saved or it may already be gone. I to have a crusty 1970 MI car and had my rear area disassembled. Early on I found that my trailing arms could not be salvaged, shocks were already changed to new black Delco's, one strut was bent, brake lines were new and one camber bolt snapped during removal. Since I was going through all the effort of rebuilding/replacing parts and the scraping, sanding, wire brushing and cleaning is by far the biggest part of the job; why not make it look nice. So I have a combination of original looking and safe new parts. Restored new (used) TA's, but "no part number" brake shields, powder coated spindle support and axle flange. Painted gray replacement shocks. Cast blast differential, but original tag. Replacement bare cast struts. Repainted springs with cleaned original spacers. All the hardware replaced with "original markings" new; of course the grade and size is correct, but markings are all wrong compared to my original. Cast blast half shafts with no grease fitting Delco universals. So I will have an attractive girl with a lot of makeup. And I do not plan to have it judged so it looks nice for Me.

[David F.]

Re: Undercarriage Advice

Patrick
You've seen this car so you know what I'm dealing with. I'm following the preservation route but all of the mechanicals are being gone thru. Look forward to have this on the road to enjoy this spring. Hopefully our paths will cross and you can see the progress. I can't thank you enough for the time you have given me so far.

[David F.]

Re: Undercarriage Advice

Kenn
That's why we own them....to enjoy. Good luck with your project. You have a great starting car

[John S.]

Re: Undercarriage Advice

David,
I think you have a good attitude about the whole thing. What I personally like best is that you plan on driving your car. Remember they were built to be driven. It is my opinion that these cars run better when driven on a fairly regular basis. Remember it is your car and you need to be happy and enjoy your car. That is why I have mine......to enjoy them!