New to Forum

[Cleet H.]

hello, i am new to the forum. I am currently working on a 71 lt-1 convertible. I have posted a few pics of my project, and welcome any comments. I also know there are several things incorrect about my restoration so far such as the paint is too glossy on the frame, i used stainless fuel and brake lines, incorrect shocks, etc. But I am trying to remain mostly original, so i thought i could get a lot of help from this board. i have spent many hours searching the archives on this board and have learned quite a bit already. When i bought the car it had lived a VERY HARD life including a substantial wreck to the rear end and the motor had been rebuilt at least once, but the block and heads appear to be original - that being said i decided to put in a crate motor so i can drive the car (because I really want to DRIVE the car) w/out worrying about damaging the block. hopefully that was a legit concern for a car that appears to have LOTS of miles, but its too late to go back at this point. I plan to rebuild the motor and fully restore the car again in about 10 years or after i blow up the crate motor. I live in the Houston area and will be heading to Waco tomorrow for my first NCRS event to look at some cars the way they are suppose to be. One last thing, before I started this project I practically had no experience working on cars so if I come across as an idiot thats because I am.
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[Jim T.]

Re: New to Forum

Welcome Cleet, you have a good year and with optional engine (LT-1) to enjoy. I put a crate engine in my original owner 70 to get some more performance, still have the removed engine stored in the garage. Which crate engine did you go with? Some may not know that LT-1 partial engines were available from GM long after the last LT-1 was offered as an engine option in the C3's. When the first ZZZ crate engine was offered (1990 General Motors Performance Parts Book), the LT-1 partial engine was still available in the same parts book.

[Martin N.]

Re: New to Forum

CLEET-

Welcome. Anything you need to know I'm sure will be found right here on this board. Nice to have another C-3 owner on board. Keep us posted with updated pictures as you proceed, looks like a beautiful thing so far!

Marty

[Cleet H.]

Re: New to Forum

Jim,
Not sure what kind of crate motor i have - all I know is that it's a four bolt 350 w/ solid lifters, an aluminum intake, and a forged crankshaft. It's suppose to have around 9.5 to 1 compression and generate 330hp. I wanted it to look and sound something like the original, we'll see. It has been sitting for 9 mos. so I hope it starts - I'm suppose to start it up in a few weeks b4 I put the body back on. Speaking of the body, I've been trying to get around removing any rivets but I'm cleaning out the interior and it appears the heater/vent duct work is riveted to the firewall. Is that correct or are there some bolts/screws somewhere. I want to replace the firewall insulation and it doesn't look like I can do that w/out removing this duct work. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Tom H.]

Re: New to Forum

Glad to have you join us. Looking forward to seeing your progress. Stick around and keep us tuned in.

[Jeremy D.]

Re: New to Forum

Welcome, Cleet! I too have a '71 LT-1 Conv't I'm digging into...getting ready to re-assemble the whole rear drivetrain. Smart choice on sticking a crate block in yours if you're going to flog it.....I'm pondering a ZZ383 for my '70 coupe, I've heard really great things about it, and the price is great for that kind of GM-built HP. Have FUN at the car, and there's no question you can come up with that SOMEONE on this board can't answer. Good Luck!!

[Jim T.]

Re: New to Forum

Have not had to remove the heater/duct work on an non-airconditioned early C3 Corvette yet. Have removed it all on my 70 which has air. No rivets holding my heater/duct work. There is one different attachment that some may identfy as a rivet because of the way it appears, it is on the right side and all that has to be done is remove the nut on the opposite side of the firewall. My son's 70 Camaro I encountered the same type of fastener.

[Roy B.]

Re: New to Forum

I started this project I practically had no experience working on cars so if I come across as an idiot thats because I am
Dont be so hard on your self , we all have felt that way at some time.Great Corvette have fun , best

[Cleet H.]

Re: New to Forum

Have not had to remove the heater/duct work on an non-airconditioned early C3 Corvette yet. Have removed it all on my 70 which has air. No rivets holding my heater/duct work. There is one different attachment that some may identfy as a rivet because of the way it appears, it is on the right side and all that has to be done is remove the nut on the opposite side of the firewall. My son's 70 Camaro I encountered the same type of fastener.

I'll check that out tonight - I know which fastener your speaking of.
Thanks

[Alan S.]

Re: New to Forum

Hi Cleet,
I'm glad you've joined NCRS, and look forward to seeing you on the Tech Board. I have a 71, also. A 350/270, 4-speed, coupe, of which I'm the original owner. I finished a loooong restoration a couple of years ago.
I really enjoyed your pictures. I love to see a complete chassis with running gear. More pictures please?
Again I'm glad you're here!
Regards,
Alan
PS: Here's 1 picture of #6589.

[Cleet H.]

Re: New to Forum

Thanks Alan, i remember seeing a pick of your car on corvette forum, in fact you recommended i join NCRS if that is the same pic i remember. Anyways, your restoration looks perfect, did you have it judged? I would love to see as many pics as you are willing to share for reference purposes. I am not sure what you mean when you say complete chassis w/ running gear. I will post more pics later tonight after my daughters basketball practice. thanks again

[Rick S.]

Re: New to Forum

Cleet,
Looking at your photos and it appears you are on the correct path! Welcome to NCRS.
Regards,
Rick

[Harmon C.]

Re: New to Forum

Clete
Wecome! I also have a 71 LT-1 convertible I like the color of yours mine is white. I'm sending the body to the paint shop soon. I'm test fiting all the loose parts now. I have the body on a dolly with the doors hood and deck lid installed. I know the painter will be real happy to see 17 loose parts and a hardtop to paint. Maybe we can race to get our projects finished to keep our intrest up.
Good Luck On Your Project!!!

[Alan S.]

Re: New to Forum

Hi Cleet,
What I mean is the complete chassis with the engine and transmission in it, ready for the body to go back on.
When a chassis like that appears at an event or meet it seems to me to get the most attention.
Again, it's really good to have you here!!! I hope you're enjoying yourself at Waco.
Regards,
Alan

PS: The problem with my restoration is that it's a little too close to 'almost perfect'.