View Full Version : 77 Corvette? WWLat-gD
OLDFLM
08-17-2011, 06:17 AM
Many of you know my Dad passed unexpectedly last November 17th... he was a car guy and loved this Forum and the FREEDOMBIRD. He left behind his 57 Woodill Wildfire that he'd had since the early 60s (Glaspar kit car / predecessor to Shelby's Corbra imo) and his 77 Corvette Stingray.
The Corvette is completely stock sans for the candy apple red paint that was done by ProTeam Corvettes in Napolean OH during a restoration by the previous owner who my Dad bought the car from 15+ years ago. The car has always been garage but seldom driven. So it's going to need all the mechanicals checked out before it goes on the road again.
Mom asked if I wanted the car and if not how much it was worth. I know 77's aren't worth much and they were down on power. And intially I wasn't interested since I already have the FREEDOMBIRD and prefer the chrome bumper 68-72 vettes. But today is the 9 month anniversay of his passing and I'm rethinking the car. I could get it, restomod it, and keep it as a memorial of him and his love of cars.
Again it's stock san the paint. And it's got a red leather interior that will have to go if the car stays red. I'm sure the paint has the usual fiberglass cracks and spiderwebs by now too so a repaint isn't out of the question.
Long post, sorry guys, just thinking out loud as I type this...
What would Lat-g do??? :lateral:
V/R,
Ty
Rick D
08-17-2011, 06:52 AM
I say rebuild it, maybe lsx and 6sp auto nice wheels repaint, nothing over the top so if you ever HAD to sell you wouldn't be to far into it cash wise that you could get your money out. Try to think how your dad would have wanted to build if he going to do it, remember he will be there watching to make sure you build it right. But I say go for it :thumbsup:
Another thought maybe look into how hard or if at all possible to change out the front and rear and put chrome bumpers on it??
69MyWay
08-17-2011, 07:53 AM
If you want a memorial to him - then you need to do what you can to preserve and or build it into how he had or wanted it.
On the other hand, if you had the kind of relationship with him where he would have wanted you to do what you think best....Then I'd paint it back candy red...then go nuts with the rest of it so it will perform as good as it looks.
There are a ton of cool things you can do with a C3 and some awesome products on the market now to make it easy.
OLDFLM
08-17-2011, 08:40 AM
VIN # is 1Z37L7S418648, just got that via text from Mom. Don't even know what it is or what it has really. It's just Dad's Corvette.
I see a driving restomod at first after getting it roadworthy again. He didn't drive or register it the last several years but before that he'd take it up to the square in Bryan OH for the local cruise nights etc. Fluids, brakes, waterpump etc will need checked.
He intially liked it orginal (even though it had the candy paint) but loved what we did with the FREEDOMBIRD and was talking with a local guy about aluminum heads and a cam for more power just before his passing. It'll definately need more power than stock!
I see a real world budget with updated suspension/shocks, wheels/tires, and better brakes over the long term. Nothing over the top though. I was very blessed with all the support recieved on the FREEDOMBIRD and Chad building it for nothing... I will be doing this myself on a post retirement budget in a 2-car garage.
Suggestions? WW:lateral: D?
69MyWay
08-17-2011, 08:49 AM
Okay then,
You could do a Edelbrock type power package (heads, cam, intake, carb, dist) with headers and a ton of detail work under the hood.
You can contact www.vbandp.com and get their full performance plus suspension that will transfrom front and rear to fiberglass transverse springs and come with new control arms...etc so that you can rebuild the whole suspension at one time. This system lets you set ride height and stiffness.
Next, I'd get a rack and pinion conversion - the stock steering is drifty and weak in these things.
Wilwood and others now make nice bolt on brakes to upgrade - or at least go with an aluminum because the old cast ones are problematic at best.
Put a set of offset trailing arms on the rear so that you can stuff a ton of rubber in the back.
OLDFLM
08-17-2011, 10:24 AM
Sounds like a good plan!! And something I can do in stages while still enjoying the car! :thumbsup: I'd love to do a chrome bumper swap and flares like your old car but that is just too over the top for my budget!
This will be a fun cruiser with updates for performance, handling and braking. It has AC so it may even turn into my sunny day driver while going thru the upgrades. Just don't want another 3 year down time while not having something fun to drive and work on.
What size tire will fit a C3 without fender flares btw? I kinda like the look of the C3 in the Digital Corvettes logo...
rwhite692
08-17-2011, 12:18 PM
Any emissions compliance issues for a 1977 vehicle, where you are?
OLDFLM
08-17-2011, 01:31 PM
I don't think so... I'm in Orlando FL now. :_paranoid
Car is currently in NW Ohio so I need to figure out how to get it down here.
Anybody coming from Detroit/Chicago to PRI? LOL
GregWeld
08-17-2011, 02:23 PM
I don't want to be a Debbie Downer.... but we are talking about a '77 Corvette...
There is nothing you can do to really make it cool -- especially on a budget... So if it was me -- and taking into account the "value" - there is NO monetary value to the car... only sentimental. Have it trailered down to you.... and set up in a nice garage space - and let it just be a nice reminder of your Dad.
The tires are rotted by now (after 6 years)... and the fluids all need to be changed.... Put some new tires on it - and service all the stuff and take it to the grocery store once in awhile... take it on a nice drive on Sunday... and park it again til the next time. I would not "invest" a dime in it other than to make it "serviceable".
If you want power and to go to a show - take the 'Bird....
I don't want to be a Debbie Downer.... but we are talking about a '77 Corvette...
There is nothing you can do to really make it cool -- especially on a budget... So if it was me -- and taking into account the "value" - there is NO monetary value to the car... only sentimental. Have it trailered down to you.... and set up in a nice garage space - and let it just be a nice reminder of your Dad.
The tires are rotted by now (after 6 years)... and the fluids all need to be changed.... Put some new tires on it - and service all the stuff and take it to the grocery store once in awhile... take it on a nice drive on Sunday... and park it again til the next time. I would not "invest" a dime in it other than to make it "serviceable".
If you want power and to go to a show - take the 'Bird....
I agree with Greg. The value is in the memories. And those are priceless.
Make the car safe first, brakes, tires, steering/suspension, electrical. Then some minor upgrades to the existing engine, maybe an intake, carb, headers. Maybe even a cam.
Clean it up and drive it. Any car on the road is better than a car in various piles in the garage. The upgrades I mentioned can be done on a very small budget and each one done at home over a weekend.
I'm sure whatever you do will be nice. I am glad you decided to keep it in the family.:cheers:
OLDFLM
08-18-2011, 05:29 AM
I know. Why the old man didn't keep his 71 GTX 440 6-pack or his 30 Chevy Coupe with the tri-power 389 that had a "full Racer Brown" cam, I'll never know. And don't get me started on the full dress 50s Duo Glide or the Matchless or the... :mad:
Maybe I should just have Mom sell it. I think she could get maybe $5,000 out of it. Half of what Dad paid for it years ago when it was still fresh from the restoration. Not that she really needs the $5K but I know it's not worth anything either... and I do still have the Firebird when I want to play.
Thanks for being the voice of reason Greg and Eric. :cheers:
GregWeld
08-18-2011, 08:38 AM
Ty --
If the other cars were kept.... we'd be having a completely different conversation wouldn't we? LOL
Sorry man... it just is what it is. I just personally wouldn't put effort into it unless the car stored good memories for YOU with your Dad... like the trip you took in the car when you were 10 etc. If it's just a '77 Corvette that your Dad
had... well then - that's another consideration.
If it was serviced -- would your MOM like to drive it once in awhile?
OLDFLM
08-18-2011, 09:43 AM
He bought it at some point after I left for the military... and I served over 25 years. So, I never rode in it or even saw him drive it for that matter.
I don't think it's been out of the garage for several years. It's in there now with a dust cover over it. I think it's best that I just let her sell it as she has no interest in keeping it for herself either.
Thanks again for the sage advice Greg! :thumbsup:
syborg tt
08-31-2011, 05:48 AM
Not sure but this vette looks pretty darn good
I agree fix the mechanicals and put a set of wheels & tires on it and drive the **** out of it.
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh37/charliebrown360/77CORVETTE-NITROUS2-1.jpg
OLDFLM
08-31-2011, 11:49 AM
I agree Marty!! I can't stop thinking about Dad's Vette... it would make a fun driver!! I just need to figure out how to get it down here from NW Ohio and go thru it! :thumbsup:
I agree Marty!! I can't stop thinking about Dad's Vette... it would make a fun driver!! I just need to figure out how to get it down here from NW Ohio and go thru it! :thumbsup:
Hey Ty...long time no chat. I hope you are well.
Have you checked into shipping quotes? Fuel prices have come down a bit around here anyway, I was thinking it may be a good time to save some $$$ on shipping. ??
syborg tt
08-31-2011, 02:28 PM
Hey Ty...long time no chat. I hope you are well.
Have you checked into shipping quotes? Fuel prices have come down a bit around here anyway, I was thinking it may be a good time to save some $$$ on shipping. ??
Eric is correct - Just ship it and call it a day
OLDFLM
08-31-2011, 03:01 PM
Just a candy red 77 with a red interior...
http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/77Corvette.jpg
Thats a nice looking car Ty. Great candidate for a driver.
OLDFLM
09-02-2011, 04:58 AM
I'm thinking Team III AC Cobra type wheels for the Vette.
Affordable and I think the grey centers will complement the candy red on the car!
http://www.etwheels.com/ac/
OLDFLM
09-02-2011, 05:01 AM
VB&P's550 coil springs part # 31232 are only $89.99 a pair, lowers the front one inch with a bit stiffer ride. I had HO Racing's 550lb springs on the front of the 'bird for years and like the ride quality.
The Vette's rear can be lowered by swapping the rear leaf spring bolts on the outer ends of the spring. Stock length is 6 1/2 inch, VB&P has an 8 inch # 32306 and 10 inch part # 32332P Both kits cost just $31.99 a pair.
Wheels & Stance on a budget... BOOM! :thumbsup:
syborg tt
09-02-2011, 08:49 AM
Do it, Do it,Do it, Do it,Do it, Do it,Do it, Do it,Do it, Do it,Do it, Do it,Do it, Do it,Do it, Do it,Do it, Do it,Do it, Do it,Do it, Do it,Do it, Do it,Do it, Do it,
Did I suggest you Do it :wow:
VB&P's550 coil springs part # 31232 are only $89.99 a pair, lowers the front one inch with a bit stiffer ride. I had HO Racing's 550lb springs on the front of the 'bird for years and like the ride quality.
The Vette's rear can be lowered by swapping the rear leaf spring bolts on the outer ends of the spring. Stock length is 6 1/2 inch, VB&P has an 8 inch # 32306 and 10 inch part # 32332P Both kits cost just $31.99 a pair.
Wheels & Stance on a budget... BOOM! :thumbsup:
OLDFLM
09-02-2011, 10:04 AM
Wilwood D8-6 and/or D8-4 aluminum calipers are designed to be a direct replacement for the factory calipers. It’s a quick and easy way to shed almost 30 pounds and they maintain the look of the classic C3 Corvette styling!
Some decent rotors and pads and I'd be ready to rock and roll!
The D8-6 calipers are a 6-piston version of the D8-4, which gets you staggered piston bores over the uniform 4-piston design... but I don't know if it's worth that...
$499.50 WIL-140-10789 4-piston Front Caliper Kit w/ BP-10 pads & hoses, Clear Anodize
$499.50 WIL-140-10790 4-piston Rear Caliper Kit w/ BP-10 pads & hoses, Clear Anodize
$389.00 WIL-140-11727-D Rotors, Drilled & Slotted, Front & Rear
There are black and red color options on the Wilwood calipers, however they just add to the cost.
Brakes... check... BOOM! :thumbsup:
See, almost there already! Nice.:unibrow:
OLDFLM
09-02-2011, 10:36 AM
The original stock exhuast on the Vette will HAVE TO BE replaced... so sticking with "only upgrading where something needs fixed or replaced," I talked to Chris at Pypes.
I absolutely loved the 2.5" RacePro system I had on the Firebird before things went nuts with the SEMA thrash! Not that I'm complaining! LOL
The FREEDOMBIRD is just on a whole other level and now sports a custom mandrel bent polished stainless 3" Pypes exhaust!
http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/PRI1.jpg
Pypes has the only Header Back mandrel bent stainless system with X-pipe on the market for this car! SCC10R
http://pypesexhaust.com/sys-vette1.html
EXHAUST... check... BOOM! :thumbsup:
OLDFLM
09-02-2011, 01:01 PM
My plan is to get this car to the restomod level I had the Firebird before everything went nuts with the SEMA build.
A 77 Corvette isn't worth anything really, and I can't leave stock alone... that's boring. I'm gonna have fun with it!
Do everything myself and just upgrade what needs fixed, when it needs fixed.
I'm not going to spend $3K on VB&Ps top of the line C3 suspension... but will replace springs/shocks and lower it like I did the Firebird in it's "past life."
All stuff I can do in my garage on my back and have some fun within a set budget.
The Firebird is done and is really too nice to drive to work every sunny day like I used to...
This will be fun, remind me of Dad, and give me an excuse to get out in the garage again. :lateral:
My plan is to get this car to the restomod level I had the Firebird before everything went nuts with the SEMA build.
A 77 Corvette isn't worth anything really, and I can't leave stock alone... that's boring. I'm gonna have fun with it!
Do everything myself and just upgrade what needs fixed, when it needs fixed.
I'm not going to spend $3K on VB&Ps top of the line C3 suspension... but will replace springs/shocks and lower it like I did the Firebird in it's "past life."
All stuff I can do in my garage on my back and have some fun within a set budget.
The Firebird is done and is really too nice to drive to work every sunny day like I used to...
This will be fun, remind me of Dad, and give me an excuse to get out in the garage again. :lateral:
I think that sounds like a fantastic plan Ty. I am glad you decided to keep it and have some fun. It would have been bad if you sold it and had regrets later. Now you can enjoy it while driving at the same time. Win win deal in my book!:thumbsup:
intocarss
09-02-2011, 02:32 PM
Keeping it will be the best thing you ever did. Your dad will always be your co pilot while cruzing it
my79f
09-02-2011, 06:03 PM
keeping it will be the best decision ever. If anything spend the money to have it shipped down, and just let it sit while you walk by it everyday. It does not cost anything for it to do that.
OLDFLM
09-02-2011, 07:59 PM
Thanks guys! I truly appreciate the support! I've struggled with the idea as you've seen in this thread. I've looked at having it shipped and have a couple of options to have friends trailer it if I pay their gas round trip loaded and empty. One way or another I'll find a way to get it down here and then go thru it. I figure it's gonna cost $750 to get it down here thru a open commercial carrier... and up to $500 to go thru the fluids, belts, hoses, tune-up items... then the brakes will need addressed right away. Mom thinks it needs new brake lines and thinks that's why Dad didn't drive it the last few years... idk but will look it over well before taking it out for a ride. So that's the plan anyway... I don't know how long it's going to take right now as my Mom is caring for my grandmother full time who is in the last stages of losing her fight with cancer. But when the time is right I'll make arrangements to either go get the Vette or have it shipped... it will wait patiently until then... with its co-pilot.
I really like that btw!! Thanks again! :lateral:
syborg tt
09-03-2011, 05:19 AM
Morning Ty,
very sorry to here about your grandmother.
I think your making the right decision with the car. Get it when you have the time and the money. Right now it's safe and warm with mom
Rick D
09-03-2011, 08:30 AM
Glad to see you going to make a nice cruser out of it I'm sure your dad would be proud, sorry to here about you grandmother I will keep her in my prayers.
Blitzwing
09-03-2011, 03:39 PM
Glad to see you keeping it. They may not be popular, but I have always felt the C3 vettes were one of the last American cars that were designed with some soul.
89 RS
09-05-2011, 09:45 PM
You've already got a cool car because of the history IMO, and now you will have something fun and different...I like it! Look forward to seeing the progress.
OLDFLM
09-06-2011, 01:41 PM
Thanks for the great advice! I'll do that as soon as Mom is finished caring for my grandmother...
OLDFLM
09-07-2011, 12:09 PM
Just got an email reply back from Greg at VB&P... he suggested their stainless sleeved brake calipers and their master brake kit #22200. Do you think I'll need a new MC?
He also suggested the very suspension upgrade I was looking at! Their Grand Touring Plus kit! He said that can be had with the KYB shocks (GRII) to save more money over the Bilsteins too.
And he recommended their power steering kit #22851 since I'm not going to upgrade to their rack system. This kit would give me everything except the pump.
What else should I look into for a 34 year old Vette that's been sitting for several years?
He also suggested the very suspension upgrade I was looking at! Their Grand Touring Plus kit! He said that can be had with the KYB shocks (GRII) to save more money over the Bilsteins too.
Don't know what the ride characteristics of a lowered 3rd gen Corvette are but if ride quality is any concern of yours, the Bilsteins are probably worth the up-charge. They aren't just another shock that is painted yellow. They know things other shock companies don't or do things other companies aren't willing or able to and if the shock is designed for that kit, it's totally worth it and you will feel it in the seat of your pants.
GregWeld
09-10-2011, 09:53 AM
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ X2
I put them on my dually and OMG it made a different truck out of it! Expensive yes -- worth it OHYes!
OLDFLM
09-12-2011, 10:00 AM
That entire GT Plus Package with the Bilsteins is just a little over a grand... still very affordable when it comes tax return time. Their master brake kit is $400 which will come first I think... only another $90 for a new MC if needed too. I think that is the current plan. Get it down here and go thru it to see what it needs and get it on the road. Then prioritize and do some small projects as funds and tax returns allow... then find some nice 17s or 18s to get the wheels/stance right and roll! :thumbsup:
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