Jack wanted to see photos:

Car Disassembled:


Frame sandblasted:


Frame Primed:


Frame Painted:


Disassembly Begun:


& I'm reassembling the front suspension right now....compressing Corvette springs is a real pain (literally)!

More photos as the process continues if anybody's interested....

Oh boy, nice paint job. Durn, wish I was there to help out.

Yep - Rickey did good - again...but, you'll notice I'm having to do some additional touch up as I disassemble & reassemble...look at the last photo, left frame rail right behind motor mount where I removed the power steering....had to clean, sand, prime & repaint underneath the pump.

Tony

Please stop posting "foreign" porn.

Pat

Nice work! Here's a pic of a Vette one of my clients restored.
It ran at Le Mans in 1962.
Just thought I'd add to the Vette porn.

Two rails, four wheels an' a board.

Ain't they all! Well, up until they stopped building them in St. Louis.

NEVER EVER COMPLAIN ABOUT MGB COIL SPRINGS AGAIN!!

After 3 days of dinging with them, the Corvette's springs are compressed...I had to get a friend over to help....now I can finish the front end rebuild! & today all the new parts for my power steering arrived.

WHEW!! My front suspension, brakes & power steering assembly are all finished - everything that could wear out is now new! Did you know the power steering in a Corvette has 6 tie rod ends? Yep, 6!

& I scored a used set of Hooker Headers & Sidepipes off the internet for 1/4 the cost new!!

Parts to recondition the rear end are on order & I'm starting to drop everything Wednesday.

You know, it is actually fun to work on something that's completely alien to me....every step is a learning experience...& I've found a great group of guys on line who are willing to help a newbie out with technical issues.

Gotta take my laptop down to the computer shop to delete & reinstall my photo program..it has gotten corrupted & won't lete me delete it or repair the problem in it...so, when I've done that, I'll add photos.

Oh, never try to use a sprained wrist before it is fully healed!

Ok, what is the status now, how about SSnake and the MG midget? Does the MG TF run and is it driveable?

Was just at bodyshop about SSSnake....its ready for epoxy primer but we're doing some modifications to the trunk....gotta get this Corvette frame out of my garage so I have room to put fluids in the '63 Midget & fire it up.

Photos when you get the epoxy on it please. All the way around.

AYE, M'Lord....once I get my photo software uncorrupted also.

So, the chassis is completely rebuilt & awaiting my decision on tires...once I can roll itaround, we'll drop the engine & tranny in & take it to the body shop to mate the body to it.

Now the real fun begins: my chassis is now a roller & I'm beginning to focus on my engine & transmission modifications.

'77 Corvette getting an '86 Corvette TPI engine with a built '78 Monte Carlo SS 200-4R automatic transmission with overdrive.

Right now I'm working on fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump to handle the pressure needed for the injection system....at the same time, my transmission is getting beefed up & rebuilt....& my engine comes home Thursday!

Automatic transmission, Tony?

Yep, automatic.

Tony;

Just curious, why a 200 and not a 700 trans?

Dave

200 drops right in same space as original trans using same mounts....don't have to cut driveshaft......& we're beefing the 200 up so it'll hold 350hp.

It'll make one fast cruiser, that's for sure!

Hopefully, it'll roll out of the garage this week for photos.....right now, I'm having problems with the spare tire carrier.....& I'm trying to decide what to do with fue tanks since I'm going from a carbureated engine to a TPI one.

Rolled the completed chassis out into the sun today for first time....next is ga
tank work:

This is really looking great and I love the wheels. Why didn't you take the entire front end apart, and then have all the parts and frame blasted? Just curious.

I had the rolling chassis pressure washed & then sandblasted & then primed & painted......when I took it home, everything was clean....I put it on jackstands & started disassembling pieces for cleaning & rebuild....so, I'd take, for example, the A-arms apart, sand blast, inspect, paint & rebuild......6 months I spent on every item attached to the frame.....everything is nowe new or rebuilt.

The wheels are stock Corvette rallies that have their centers but no trim rings yet.

Mighty fine.

Looks good!

I always thought it would be neat to put ~One Of These~ on a modern Corvette frame.

I have a friend, Henry Younger, who built one of those. Corvette Enthusiast followed his build....totally modern drivetrain but looks like a '57.....it was in the museum in Bolling Green for a while.

Right now I'm working on my engine....wow is fuel injection different!

& I hate to admit it but I just bought a Haynes manual for the engine alone.....said as I tuck my tail between my legs and wander off into Corvette-land.

Retro fit a Lucas sliding throttle rig to it!!

Doc, sigh.......

I'm kinda proud of this modification....my car was originally a carbureated car using a mechanical fuel pump....but, I'm using an '86 TPI engine so will be pushing 43 or so pounda of fuel via an electric fuel pump....I wanted the pump in my '77 tank so I modded the '77 pickup with an '86 pickup & in-tank pump...here are some photos:

'86 setup on left, my '77 on right:



Think about it...think...think.

My '77 pickup modded with the '86 in-tank pump:



It'll sit about 1/2" off the tank bottom with a "sock" over the pick-up end as an in-tank fuel filter....hehehe

However, have you ever had a huge V8 engine on an engine stand....it'll roll over to the heavy side in a heartbeat & 1 man can't roll it back over....just as well because the oil pan had to be removed to get all the dents out of it!

Inside of motor looks like new...took an hour to bang out the bottom of the oil pan!

Tony;
You're my HERO.
I have a '64 El Camino that I intend on changing to a TPI system.
After looking at those pics, I can now see where I will go.
I'll be speakin' with ya!

Dave

I've got a continuing thread on a couple of the Corvette sites - & I'm learning from the also.

TPI is easy to put on any small block 350...& I've found the guy to do the wiring & computer modifications - as well as the guy to provide the guts of a 200-4R transmission so it'll hold up to a hot engine.

First off, Tony, I'm running a four speed.
And, I am a mechanic (40 years), But I never thought of using my own tank and just refitting it to accommodate the fuel pump.
I used to work for the OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) and they have a few older cruisers at the training center with the LT1 engines (300 Hp 350 CID, with TPI and all wiring).
This basically solves my final problem of fuel so I can now get on with it.
Thanks, I owe you.

Dave

Nice job with that lift pump old man!

Good sound engineering from where I sit.

Well, I'm sorta like the newbie in the LBC world - I don't know enough about Corvettes to know what I can & can't do!

Dave, lemme know if I can help again - you'll probably be called upon when I start installing my 8 new injectors - only $300 for the set!

Watch this space tonight for new photos & update!

WOO-HOO!!

tap tap tap...

Today's 19 November....Started in May with an old '77 Corvette I found on the side of the road.

Now, I know there's still lots to do to the engine, but I just couldn't wait. I had to drop it into the frame. I'll do everything else from there.

&, remember, when I started rebuilding everything, I didn't know anything about Corvettes....I was the proverbial newbie! Now my rolling chassis/engine/transmission are brand new.

That's a 1986 5.7L Corvette TPI engine connected to an '88 Monte Carlo SS built 200-4R transmission

Tony....can you at least paint the block LBC green??!! LOL Lookin' good!!!

Niiiiice.

really nice Tony - congrats - nice to learn a new way of doing things too I'm sure

Impressive - and pretty too.

IMPRESSSSSSIVE!!!!!!!!!!!

Very cool. Certainly lots of room to work, even with that huge engine. Got to be fun trying your hand at something new.

Remember.... route 66 through the southwest..... can't wait to see it.

You know, I told Jerri we should drive to the ocean on what parts of 66 are left once the car is finished.

Lots of great books on driving Route 66.... Lodging... Dinning..... attractions , etc.
It's something I have always wanted to do.

Man, that engine just keeps looking better:





The distributor is on its way to Jeff right now!

That's quite the beast of a motor!

Stock L98 TPI engine has 230hp versus 180hp of 1977 engine.....but, that's with all the emissions stuff that I've removed! & we put a nice chip in my computer when we revamped it so the engine would work with my '77 electrical system.

I think you're 'bout half crazy puttin' all that time, effort 'n money into that sled... but I also know you're doin' it to a standard far in excess of what Chevy released as a finished piece.

I admire your dedicated effort.

But will it leak oil??

Better not!

Haven't seen any pics of the body ....... How's it coming along.
Any color picked yet?

Tony;

Do NOT let these nah sayers dissuade you.
I like what you're up to.
I have a small block that is going to get this induction system as well.

Dave

P.S. Did I say I like it?

Body is in 2 pieces awaiting the completed frame.....color will be 1979 MG Vermillion Red w/Silver stripes (right now!)

It ain't gonna leak.

...not so sure it'll negotiate corners well, tho.

Probably right, Doc...but, then, that's what "SSsnake" will be for!

Good. Th' 'vette for Cruisin' the Drive-thru. Ssnake fer REAL drivin'.

BINGO!! & they'll both probably come out of the body shop at about the same time!

Count me along with those impressed.

Spent the day hooking up all the computer-controlled wiring....& taking a step backwards...engine plenum is back off so I can remove & block off several sensors & connectors I don't need because I've removed all the emissions, pulled the EGR & some vacuum lines not needed, bolted up both exhaust manifolds & got 1 pipe installed & basically learned lots about fuel injection...

My wiring harness controlling the engine is about half the size it was when I sent it off to be updated....to go to a MAP sensor system (easiest way to control FI with least amount of 'stuff') I had to toss my '86 Corvette computer & use a Camaro computer....so, now, my engine thinks it's in a '92 Camaro....but the car thinks it still has it's original engine! I don't understand it all but it sure is pretty!

After T'giving, I've gotta make an EGR block-off plate & a preheat block-off plate....also I have to cut & weld 2 pipes in the plenum through which heater water ran (without them, car will run cooler, ergo faster!).

& Thursday I've an appointment to take it to hydraulic hose shop so auto trans hoses can be made....I'm using a GM 200-4R trans which is an '88 Monte Carlo SS trans with OD.....cooler pipes will go from trans thru cooler in radiator to separate cooler in front of condenser back to trans.

& they'll also make my pressurized fuel lines.

Hope to get to bodyshop in couple of weeks at most.

You know what's been the best thing about me taking on this project? I'm not getting bored doing the sdame thing over & over like I was with my MG's....never messed with big American iron before...this one is fun because I can't hurt it!

I understand the boredom bit. Trouble with me is: they're all about the same now and I don't like workin' on any of 'em! Doin' it as a daily job kinda takes th' thrill out of it. Since we shut down th' shop I've had a bit of a reprieve, tho. I'll do it in small doses... have a Jag E-Type inna shop now with fuel issues, a long time client from the old days. He insists he doesn't trust anyone else to do the work on his car and in good conscience I can't throw him to th' wolves, sooo... I wrench, he pays me.

And as far as hurtin' the 'vette, you're right! About anything you DO to it will improve it!

LOL Doc, you are bad for sure.

Well, at least he used a and not a .

I'm really impressed with the job you're doing. I've had several Vettes over the years including a '77 (with whatever the base 'cooking' engine was used that year) and I think they - Vettes in general - get a bad rap from the sporty car crowd. There are few if any cars for the money that are quicker over the road, as reliable, and as comfortable. My only gripe was with ground clearance...

Thanks, John....in '77 the L48 was base & the L82 was the upgrade.

Computer wiring for engine control is all sorted out & installed....am also working on fuel delivery system while waiting for new power steering pump and the dummy air pump pulley so I can then sort out the serpentine belt.

Whadda monstah.

I've written a prediction on a piece o' paper...

The Amazing Karnac says.........

????....well, are you gonna let us in on it?

I figure I'm doubling the horsepower from the original engine - but, it didn't have much anyway.

2 times zero is still zero? LoL

How come I see dust on the frame, what kind of a shop are you running? LOL

I know, Jack...painted everything real nice & now there's dust settling on it....gotta clean it up once everything's on it & it is ready to put on the trailer.

Feels weird..I'm waiting on my distributor to return from Jeff so I can do my spark plugs & wires...& am waiting on serpentine belt to arrive....other than that, I'm ready to start on body!

Manager of hydraulic hose company was here today to see what's needed...he's going to come back with everything he needs to build my hoses here in my garage! And when I have the body on it, he'll come out to the body shop to do the AC lines.

8 months from purchase to completely rebuilt rolling chassis/engine/transmission ready to accept body again! Guess I'll go over to the body shop & start stripping the firewall, etc. Feels weird not to have a whole list of things to do to it.

Got my distributor back today - the one Jeff rebuilt for me....haven't popped the top yet but I know I'm gonna find it rebuilt with MSD guts! I'll install it tomorrow.

Spent today gutting the interior of the car...nowe that it's just an empty shell, we're going to undercoat the insides as well as the outside & I'll start laying some thermal barrier over the undercoating.

Nice project and great progress Tony. But you make me nervous just looking at the open hole on the valve cover.

Here ya go (just until my new cap arrives)...oh, you'll notice my plug wires are on as is the distributor (back from Jeff):

Ah, good to see the 710 installed. On another note, is that K&N big enough?

So say other guys who have done the conversion.

If you like math, here is K&Ns way to calculate the filter area for your engine. FAQs

A friend of mine (Mark) has a '70 GTO. He had the engine built by a "professional" and it dyno'd and 525 HP. Pretty respectable, but after driving the car for a while, Mark felt the engine was running a little lean. Putting bigger jets in only, got the car up well over 600 HP. Sometimes tinkerin' pays off.

Just a curiosity, Greg: What's th' GVW of that Goat?

'bout 400 lbs heavier than a 911 Carrera

That will be a real hand full and blast to drive when you're done Tony. It'll be nice to see a vette brought back to life and looking like new.
Roy

Today was learning how to disassemble a Corvette door w/electric windows & wire operated rear view mirror.....got 1 taken apart from 1-4pm!

Intricacies of "modern" cars!! Did a friend's Camry L.F. window motor yesterday. Ugh.

No lacerations so I deem it easier than a Honda DelSol. Not by much, tho. Under an hour, start to finish.

I was sitting in a chair with pain in my back and arms!

No lacerations either....

Lap o luxury, Tony! I wuz on me knees out in the driveway. They still ache.

This "aging" ain't fer whimps.

Wazzup with th' pain in yer arms, son?

Fell....10 stitches in left upper eyelid, wrenched back....

Back is better now, swelling is going down in eye but it hurts like h....

Yikes! Don't DO that!!! It takes too long to heal at our age.

Tell me!

Now, we're playing with this:

That's a big project! Should be cool when it is done. Did you razor blade off the paint or has it been primed over? Where do you buy your wheels for your roll around car carts?

Razor bladed it off....next is sanding.....wheels came from Harbor Freight.

Sweet engine.

Thanks, Jack.....the new right rear quarter is on the body & we're sanding it down to the original color so we can go from there....&, yes, that tan is the original color - a 1-year offering that we will NOT be using!



& the other side of the body has been repaired & is being sanded also:



Oh, you haven't seen what the inside looks like now:

Much improved!

Mmmmmmmmmmm! Visible progress is so encouraging, isn't it?

YIKES !!!! I knew your were building a Vette into a DD, I didn't know you you were BUILDING a Vette !!! Great work, that thing should turn out nice!!! I thought you were just doing some freshing up. I didn't now this thread exsisted. Well, this answers the other questions I had about your car.

You goin' w/ the factory nose and tail, or the '82 spoiler version?

Putting some later spoilers on front & rear - the pace car versions....modifying the fiberglass nose to do away with front license plate - a few other interesting things.