1978 Restore Question

[John A.]

I just purchased a 1978 with only 10,300 miles and it has all original equipment including tires. I noticed that on the valve cover around the oil vent tube some of the blue paint is missing. If I want to have this car judged by NCRS and Bloomington Gold do I repaint this or leave it as is. I would like to go for Bowtie and Bloomington Gold cert. but not sure if this will prevent car from reaching these levels.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1978 Restore Question

I just purchased a 1978 with only 10,300 miles and it has all original equipment including tires. I noticed that on the valve cover around the oil vent tube some of the blue paint is missing. If I want to have this car judged by NCRS and Bloomington Gold do I repaint this or leave it as is. I would like to go for Bowtie and Bloomington Gold cert. but not sure if this will prevent car from reaching these levels.

John-----


I would leave it the way it is. The negative affect that this will have on you achieving your goal is minimal. In fact, if you attempt to "repair" it, it might have a greater negative affect, overall.

[Michael W.]

Re: 1978 Restore Question

Bowtie is for original unrestored cars. Repainting is restoring!

[Tom H.]

Re: 1978 Restore Question

Ditto on the the responses you just got. They are only original once. An original valve cover with a bit of fine aging is always OK to see for me !

[John A.]

Re: 1978 Restore Question

Thanks for all the info. I am a newbie to all of this, I bought my first Vette last year a 2005. I saw this 1978 and it looks like it just rolled of the showroom floor except for the small spot on the valve cover. I hope to be able to get it judged sometime later this year at a NCRS event and maybe go for the bowtie class. I think this has the potential to become very addictive.

[Lynn H.]

Re: 1978 Restore Question

addictive is a fair term
once the fever sets in, no doctor in world can get rid of it....

[Tom H.]

Re: 1978 Restore Question

Looks like we have a monster in the making !!!! Good luck with the 78 !! Keep us posted and make sure you check in before fixing any of those pesky 78 imperfections.................... they are supposed to be there !! I know, I've got one too !!

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1978 Restore Question

Thanks for all the info. I am a newbie to all of this, I bought my first Vette last year a 2005. I saw this 1978 and it looks like it just rolled of the showroom floor except for the small spot on the valve cover. I hope to be able to get it judged sometime later this year at a NCRS event and maybe go for the bowtie class. I think this has the potential to become very addictive.

John,

Here's the engine compartment of my 72 (below).
3x a Top Flight, and a 5-Star Bowtie winner.
Despite the very popular misconception our Corvettes do NOT have to be perfect to win either award.

Patrick

[Steven B.]

Re: 1978 Restore Question

John, my '78 SA has 12,000+ on it, was ordered by my Dad and me end of summer '77 for him. Valve covers have minor scratches and I am touching nothing. 'Like was just said---they are only original once. Enjoy learning from it and sharing.
Steve

[Tom R.]

Re: 1978 Restore Question

Thanks for all the info. I am a newbie to all of this, I bought my first Vette last year a 2005. I saw this 1978 and it looks like it just rolled of the showroom floor except for the small spot on the valve cover. I hope to be able to get it judged sometime later this year at a NCRS event and maybe go for the bowtie class. I think this has the potential to become very addictive.

John

If you wish to see what you really have...get it up on a lift and study the chassis. Chassis is typically where a Corvette will lose points and where an owner by doing some TLC can minimize point loss. Look for leaks, caked crude and work to clean those up. Avoid harsh cleaning solutions because they will remove the frame finish...simple green may be as strong as you with to use.