hello

[Frank V.]

I have owned a couple of corvettes before (1986 and 1995). I recently decided to purchase a 1971 convertible. It's been a few years since I worked on cars with my own hands, but I'am hoping this will be an enjoyable pass-time. I fell in love with the Sting-ray the first time I saw it (back then!). Anyways', fixing old cars is alot harder and more expensive then it was when I was a kid. Since I started my restoration project I have run in to 3 major problems: lack of accurate information, conflicting information from various sources and lack of decent quality parts. I was buying my parts from Ecklers, because they are 3 miles from my house, but frankly, I have had alot of problems with their reproduction parts. One thing I have learned the hard-way: if you can fix a part, you're better off than buying a replacement. I'am hoping to find out how to fix what I have through these forums, and avoid some of the crummy repro stuff out there. I always learn alot of stuff from talking to people, so:
Thanks, in advance, to everybody!

[Kenneth T.]

Re: hello

Frank,
First, Welcome. I have a '71 LS5 and the folks here will help you get it right and steer you away from wasting your money, aka ecklers repop stuff. I too have found if it is original, keep it. The new stuff is not as well crafted despite the price.

[Ridge K.]

Re: hello

Welcome aboard, Frank. You are really going to enjoy the helpful tips on this board, in addition to all of the other advantages of membership in the NCRS. Hope to meet you soon, Ridge.

[D S.]

Re: hello

Welcome aboard this board. I own a '70 LS-5 and have had experiences like yourself made less painful by the knowledgable people here on the TDB. Like Kenneth said, most reporductions are worth avoiding but in many cases unavoidable so I prefer Paragon and Dr. Rebuild, for example, when I absolutely can't find the real deal parts. Others here will also give you great advice about more sources to seek. Throw nothing away when removing parts.
Ask questions, lots of them here.

[Rob M.]

Re: hello

Hi Frank,

Your name indicates you have some Dutch heritage???

greetings,
Rob.