C3 Restoration Books

[Mike R.]

I am going to be restoring a 1969 roadster. I ordered the AIM, judging guide, shop manuals but I was wondering if there was a restoration book recommended for the C3s. I am particularly interested in finishes, correct fastener identification etc.

Thanks

[Chuck S.]

Re: C3 Restoration Books

I am going to be restoring a 1969 roadster. I ordered the AIM, judging guide, shop manuals but I was wondering if there was a restoration book recommended for the C3s. I am particularly interested in finishes, correct fastener identification etc...

No book has extensive coverage of finishes and fasteners.

That's probably because, for any single part or fastener, there are likely to be several headstamps and possibly some variation in basic finishes from one car to the next in the same model year. Complete coverage for even one model year would be a compendium. Corvette Chassis Restoration Guide (Joseph A. Tripoli, Jr.) has some information for some years, but, at best, it's inadequate for restoring a car...it only gives you a flavor

As an example, phosphate finishes for a part or fastener application may be black, while others in the same application are medium or light gray. This difference in finish color CAN be due to different solutions being used, but it's less likely the reason on an identical part or fastener.

There can also be variation from residence time in the parkerizing solution, and that was likely an inexact human decision influenced by other factors (breaks, shift change, production demand, etc.). Often, you will read members discussing here the finish on certain parts...each is convinced it's one way; it's reminiscent of the blind men trying to describe an elephant. For ONE car, each is probably correct.

Unfortunately, in the areas of finishes and fasteners, your car is going to be your best reference for your car. You wil soon learn typical headstamps that were used on your car...a fastener having no headstamp is suspect, but not always. The three letter ABC pricing stamp of home stores is bogus, however, RBS, L, EL, TL, RSW, etc are genuine...DO NOT DISCARD. In fact, never discard anything...bag/tag it, keep a record of where it was installed, and keep it until your restoration is complete.

If you have a specific question, someone here can provide an answer from experience that is your next best option.

[Michael D.]

Re: C3 Restoration Books

Go here and see if you can get a copy of Rick Bizzoco's '69 Guidebook. http://www.cranescorvette.com/1969_s..._guidebook.htm

Dr. Dobbins' book is a winner.

[Mike R.]

Re: C3 Restoration Books

THanks, I just called Cranes and ordered the book.

Mike

Go here and see if you can get a copy of Rick Bizzoco's '69 Guidebook. http://www.cranescorvette.com/1969_s..._guidebook.htm

Dr. Dobbins' book is a winner.

[Phil W.]

Re: C3 Restoration Books

Motorbooks Corvette 1968-1982 Restoration Guide by Richard Prince is another good resource and a good addition to those mentioned earlier. You can never have too much reference material - money well spent.

[Alan S.]

Re: C3 Restoration Books

Hi Mike,
I've found that on many fasteners that are even quite rusty there may still be a clue to the finish to be found. It may be under the head, on the section of bolt that passed through the part or bracket, or where the nut or washer covered the threads.
So finding even a small trace or hint of finish may correspond to the finish you've read this particular fastener might have had.
Regards,
Alan

[Scott S.]

Re: C3 Restoration Books

Motorbooks Corvette 1968-1982 Restoration Guide by Richard Prince is another good resource and a good addition to those mentioned earlier. You can never have too much reference material - money well spent.

I see that there is a new/revised edition just recently released, has anyone seen it yet? If Amazon's description is correct, the newly revised edition is 224 pages, while the "old" edition is 256 pages

Did they go with smaller print?

[Alan S.]

Re: C3 Restoration Books

HiScott,
106 more pictures than the first edition AND in color!
Smaller pictures equal fewer pages? More pictures... less words are needed?
Regards,
Alan

[Scott S.]

Re: C3 Restoration Books

HiScott,
106 more pictures than the first edition AND in color!
Smaller pictures equal fewer pages? More pictures... less words are needed?
Regards,
Alan

Thanks Alan, sounds like a worthy upgrade, it's now on my list.

[Pat M.]

Re: C3 Restoration Books

As mentioned, Rick Bizzoco's 1969 Stingray Guidebook is great. Excellent reference with lots of pics.