57 Corvette home from the Body Shop after 4.5 years!!!! WHAT DO I DO NEXT? WIRING????
Hey Everyone!
I bought this 57 in late summer 05 with its original engine and tranny. According to my painter it was without question an original Venetian Red Corvette with Beige interior, However when I bought her, she was black with beige interior and coves and though she looked cute, it was in rough shape.
I started this nut and bolt restoration in Nov of 05. I cataloged most of the disassembly of the Corvette onto the Corvette Forum. I pulled the body in March of 06. The car went out for paint in May of 2007 and the painter said 4 months! Meanwhile I have learned a few things along the way, like never give a painter a car you have soooo much money tied up into without a contract stating the end price, and promising a due date. I have also learned a great deal of patience, as without a contract, and with half of the cost of the paint job due at the beginning, I have basically been at this guy's mercy!
O.K. enough ranting.... He may have taken a long time, but for the most part he did pretty good work.
Here's a couple of pics snapped with my I-Phone.
So I now have this car back, and am ready for final assembly, but I have to admit I am intimidated!
It's been over 5 years since I pulled this thing apart, and pics or not... I don't remember exactly how to put it all back together and let's face it... the 57 assembly manual is not the easiest thing to read!
So, what's the first step to re-assemble?
Frame is 100% restored and bolted to body, Body is 100% restored. I need to hang pedals, attach gas and break lines, exhaust, wire the car, install the new Al Knoch interior, etc. etc. etc.... Finish building the doors, (install windows etc...) It seems like so much to do... where do I start?
Part of me wishes I could just give this to a pro to finish, but my first child (it's a boy!) is due one month from today, and I already have a TON of money invested in this Corvette. I would like to do as much myself as I can!
Thanks in advance!!!
Jacob
I bought this 57 in late summer 05 with its original engine and tranny. According to my painter it was without question an original Venetian Red Corvette with Beige interior, However when I bought her, she was black with beige interior and coves and though she looked cute, it was in rough shape.
I started this nut and bolt restoration in Nov of 05. I cataloged most of the disassembly of the Corvette onto the Corvette Forum. I pulled the body in March of 06. The car went out for paint in May of 2007 and the painter said 4 months! Meanwhile I have learned a few things along the way, like never give a painter a car you have soooo much money tied up into without a contract stating the end price, and promising a due date. I have also learned a great deal of patience, as without a contract, and with half of the cost of the paint job due at the beginning, I have basically been at this guy's mercy!
O.K. enough ranting.... He may have taken a long time, but for the most part he did pretty good work.
Here's a couple of pics snapped with my I-Phone.
So I now have this car back, and am ready for final assembly, but I have to admit I am intimidated!
It's been over 5 years since I pulled this thing apart, and pics or not... I don't remember exactly how to put it all back together and let's face it... the 57 assembly manual is not the easiest thing to read!
So, what's the first step to re-assemble?
Frame is 100% restored and bolted to body, Body is 100% restored. I need to hang pedals, attach gas and break lines, exhaust, wire the car, install the new Al Knoch interior, etc. etc. etc.... Finish building the doors, (install windows etc...) It seems like so much to do... where do I start?
Part of me wishes I could just give this to a pro to finish, but my first child (it's a boy!) is due one month from today, and I already have a TON of money invested in this Corvette. I would like to do as much myself as I can!
Thanks in advance!!!
Jacob
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