How to Restore a Corvette
Since 1953, the Corvette has personified power and elegance previously only found in European sports cars. With its fiberglass body construction and solid axle, the initial model was considered a renegade in design and engineering. Today less than 200 of the original 300 Corvettes manufactured in 1953 remain and are considered the rarest of the six generations of Corvettes in existence. Restoring a Corvette can be a costly and time consuming enterprise. But for vintage car enthusiasts, the rewards go well beyond the efforts.
Things You'll Need
- NCRS Technical Manual for your year
- Engine hoist
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Creeper
- Mechanics hand tools
- Body shop tools
- Safety glasses
- Grinder
Instructions
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Inspection
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1
Raise the engine from the chassis utilizing an engine hoist. Inspect engine and motor mounts while looking for fluid leaks. Inspect belts and wires for wear.
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2
Elevate the vehicle with a floor jack and lower on jack stands, being certain the weight is resting on the frame at all points. Roll under the vehicle on a creeper to inspect the undercarriage for rust and lose fittings.
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3
Remove wheels to inspect drums and rotors for possible resurfacing. Inspect calipers for signs of brake fluid leakage and wear. Check brake lines and fittings for leaks.
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4
Make a visual inspection of the body for rust and damage. Inspect windshields and side window glass for pits and cracks.
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5
Inspect the interior for wear. Remove seats to allow better access to carpets and firewall. Check that non-electrical mechanical parts are working.
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6
Make a list of parts you will need to replace. Do a part search at an aftermarket shop or on the Internet. Confirm all parts can be acquired within your budget.
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7
Determine what portions of the restoration you will perform yourself and what you will farm out to a professional. Make a cost comparison. If you are comfortable with the full demands of a mechanical and physical restoration, proceed to complete restoration.
Restoration
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8
Test the engine for timing and compression. Check the drive train and transmission. Replace parts as required or rebuild to factory specifications.
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9
Charge or replace the battery. Test all electrical components.
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10
Resurface brake shoes and rotors or replace if needed. Install new brake pads, shoes and lines if required. Replace worn tires to meet safety requirements and factory specifications.
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11
Remove all exterior chrome fixtures including bumpers. Replace or re-chrome all worn or damaged exterior chrome fixtures including bumpers and wheels.
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12
Prep the exterior for paint. Remove all exterior moldings and emblems including bumpers. While wearing safety glasses, use a grinder to remove rust and repair body damage. Sand the body in preparation for primer and paint. Rent a spray booth or have a local body shop paint it for you.
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13
Remove the carpet and all interior door panels and dashboard. Repair or replace gauges as needed. Have the seats reupholstered if required.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Visit a local salvage yard for parts you can pull yourself. This can often cut your parts cost in half
Use an on-line Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) decoder to locate your specific vehicle to match up original specifications such as interior and exterior colors.
Protect your investment by contacting the National Corvette Restorers Society to be certain that your restoration plan meets preservation requirements before you begin.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit baby blue image by Patrick Moyer from Fotolia.com
