New member with a bunch of 68 questions

[Charles B.]

In July 07 I purchased a 68 coupe with around 30K miles. Both heads are cracked and 2 cylinders had a mixture of water and antifreeze in them. It had been garaged since 1975. After pulling the engine I decided to go ahead and pull the body for a frame up restore. Originally, I was of the opinion that I should replace EVERY rubber part on the car. After observing, in this forum, some of the challenges with replacing the bushings in the A-arms I am questioning my sanity in attempting this. The tank sheet was intact and I am wanting to not destroy the integrity of the car and have everything on the underside remain "as original." It is a 327/350 4 speed. It will be an "occasional" driver. How far should I go on the restore? As we speak, the body is on a dolly. What is the "AIM" that I see referenced for part numbers? Where are GM part numbers located? This forum has been extremely beneficial from just reading the other postings. I should have joined last year.

[Roy B.]

Re: New member with a bunch of 68 questions

You'll get 100 opinions ,(a driver) just do what's necessary and enjoy your Corvette, or go nuts spend Maga bucks take years and then you'll never drive it. Can you spell Trailer queen.

[Joe L.]

Re: New member with a bunch of 68 questions

In July 07 I purchased a 68 coupe with around 30K miles. Both heads are cracked and 2 cylinders had a mixture of water and antifreeze in them. It had been garaged since 1975. After pulling the engine I decided to go ahead and pull the body for a frame up restore. Originally, I was of the opinion that I should replace EVERY rubber part on the car. After observing, in this forum, some of the challenges with replacing the bushings in the A-arms I am questioning my sanity in attempting this. The tank sheet was intact and I am wanting to not destroy the integrity of the car and have everything on the underside remain "as original." It is a 327/350 4 speed. It will be an "occasional" driver. How far should I go on the restore? As we speak, the body is on a dolly. What is the "AIM" that I see referenced for part numbers? Where are GM part numbers located? This forum has been extremely beneficial from just reading the other postings. I should have joined last year.

Charles----

I would replace virtually all of the rubber components on the chassis. Replacing the a-arm bushings is not all that difficult. However, if you don't want to do it, send them out to a shop like Bairs or Van Steel. They'll replace the bushings and the ball joints, if needed, and you'll get them back looking like new.

The "AIM" is the abbreviation for "Assembly Instruction Manual". This is the actual document used at the St. Louis factory to aid in the assembly of the car. These manuals are year-specific. You can obtain a copy of the 68 manual from the NCRS Bookstore for a modest cost. You ABSOLUTELY MUST have this manual if you are as deep into restoring the car as you say (i.e. body off frame). In fact, you should have it no matter what sort of work you're doing on the car. However, this manual will provide NO information regarding overhaul of major mechanical components of the car (e.g. engine, transmission, differential, trailing arms, etc.). For those, you need the GM service and overhaul manuals which are also available from the NCRS Bookstore.

If the heads are cracked, they may be repairable. However, the cost of repair may exceed the cost of finding a good set of used heads of the proper casting number (3917291 or 3917292) and properly dated. You should do all possible to save the block if it has the original stamped numbers on the engine pad. Even if it needs costly repair, it will be worthwhile.

[Michael M.]

Re: New member with a bunch of 68 questions

Yes, the AIM is invaluable. Also, if you intend on rebuilding the bottom end of the engine, make sure the machine shop doesn't deck the block and thereby remove the numbers on the engine pad stamp. If the block needs to be decked, then you should have a discussion with the machine shop regarding this issue before they do the work.

[Terry B.]

Re: New member with a bunch of 68 questions

Charles,

Welcome fellow '68 owner! I've had mine for 8 years. We did a frame off in 2006 and earned Top Flight in 2007. The AIM is invaluable but so is the '68 Judging Manual that you can purchase at the NCRS Bookstore. Don't throw away anything until you are sure you absolutely have a better part. Don't ask me how I know.

If you have questions or want to compare notes, please contact me. There are a number of challenges in restoring any Corvette but the '68 had a number of one year only parts that make it more interesting. Enjoy the hunt and the journey!

[David D.]

Re: New member with a bunch of 68 questions

You'll get 100 opinions ,(a driver) just do what's necessary and enjoy your Corvette, or go nuts spend Maga bucks take years and then you'll never drive it. Can you spell Trailer queen.

I have to agree with Roy. The only thing I'd add is regarding the motor....

I would pick up a Crate motor (smooth, reliable, warrantied), install and enjoy your car....If you have the time/patience and funds, you can then take your time and locate the correct parts and rebuild your motor to any level you desire. Then either bag it or re-install and sell the crate.

Bottomline - Get her back on the road and ENJOY the hobby. Life is tooooooo short.

JMHO - David

[Mark R.]

Re: New member with a bunch of 68 questions

Charles,

Welcome to the NCRS and the wonderful world of Corvettes !

I fully agree with those members who suggest getting the car on the road and enjoying it, while you grow in the hobby. If at all possible, join a local NCRS chapter. The assistance and sharing of knowledge that takes place on the chapter level is just great. Have lots of fun with your "shark" car.

Mark

[Charles B.]

Re: New member with a bunch of 68 questions

Thanks to the replies. All info is very helpful!! What is the preferred blasting media? How does aluminum oxide work? Should I use a metal prep on the frame prior to painting?

[Richard D.]

Re: New member with a bunch of 68 questions

Charles, another '68 owner here.

Got mine in '03, and could not have done all that I've done to get it fixed up without the help of the great folks on this board.

I have the AIM in a database format for the '68 (ExCel) that you can sort though by part number or description (if you think you need it). Also have the hardcopy, you definitely need this, Joe's right about that! I found the service manual for 68 real helpful too.

A fellow member offered them in a number of years back, and I took him up on it. I wish I remembered his name so I could give him credit now, it has been very helpful to me.

If any of you other guys want it also, just email me.

Also, call this number and get the Restoration Package for your car from GM if it's still available -

To get a free GM free restoration package for your car call
800-222-1020, hit Prompt number 3
You need the year and VIN of your car - make sure you tell them you are calling to get your FREE Restoration Package

I did, and it had a lot of great info.

Regards,

Rich