Restoring an older 68 corvette roadster

[Whosurdaddy209]

I picked this car up on eBay a while back, along with about 15 frames and interiors, my theory is someone bought them for their engines and super chargers, and left the rest of the parts in a big box, this particular car has seen better days, but it was built with very little glue and acrylic paint so everything stripped very easy in some purple power, I’m not a big fan of the big supercharger but I do have a lot of L-88 intakes and hoods in the parts bin now. I think I’m going to modify it to be a 69, there’s a really nice blue on blue roadster I’ve seen on google that I want to build this after, the only major change from the real car to the model is I’m going to give it side exhaust.

[Slotto]

What a great transformation 

[Whosurdaddy209]

I tried a bit of an experiment with the engine, I know none of this will be seen once it’s built but I know it’s there?

[Oldcarfan27]

That's cool! Maybe you could put pins on the heads and make them removable. 

Edited September 22, 2022 by Oldcarfan27

[espo]

You can always have the detailed partially assembled engine on a display stand next to the restored model. 

[slusher]

Man, that engine looks so realistic..

[Whosurdaddy209]

I got the engine pretty much finished, I still have to install the fan and paint the foam rubber seal around the air cleaner, but other than that it’s pretty well finished. I used snap buttons I found in the sewing section at Walmart for the pulleys, and electric tape for the belt, and the MCG photo etch engine set for the alternator bracket and wire looms. Next on the bench is the frame and suspension.

[Calb56]

Really digging that engine.

[deuces wild]

I love the L-88 427...??

[Whosurdaddy209]

I was working on trying to repair the interior tub, but the fire wall was glued in place along with the passenger seat, after a couple hours I decided to just use a new one from my parts bin. Along with a new seat and some 69 door panels, the car already had a 69 dash so I just sanded away the radio and touched up a few glue spots. The steering wheel is photoetch with a wood rim made from a popsicle stick. I used blue embossing powder for the carpet and a push pin for the shifter. I also painted the frame while I was at it, I used the same blue for the overspray on the bottom.

[TransAmMike]

I just happened to look in at your 'Vette transformation.  Being a huge Corvette fan I gotta say you are doing great Anthony.  That engine work is supurb?

[Vintage AMT]

Your engine is awesome as all get out, and you have the correct size plug wires!! Way to go. toooo many folks on here are using way to large wire .

Alex

[XYHARRY]

I've never thought of building a 3rd generation vette but your build has got me thinking. Great job and nice detail.

Cheers, David. ??

[Whosurdaddy209]

1 hour ago, Vintage AMT said:

Your engine is awesome as all get out, and you have the correct size plug wires!! Way to go. toooo many folks on here are using way to large wire .

Alex

Thanks, I think I went through about 20 different gauges of wire before I found these. It’s 36 gauge but it’s an off brand I got on eBay, I got 30 yards for $10

[David G.]

I love these old rescue/refurbish projects. The engine, chassis and interior all look fabulous!

David G.

[Whosurdaddy209]

I glued the inner fenders in the wheel wells of the body and painted the inside flat black, then did a quick mock up with the body on the frame to make sure everything would go together properly. After that I rechromed the bumpers, wheels and exhaust. 

[Straightliner59]

On 9/21/2022 at 4:20 PM, Whosurdaddy209 said:

I tried a bit of an experiment with the engine, I know none of this will be seen once it’s built but I know it’s there?

 

 

 

 

 

That looks very cool! I've been thinking about doing that, forever, and never got around to it. Nice job!

[dino246gt]

WOW! It's looking fantastic! That engine, sweet! What a great save of the old "glue bomb", nice!

 

[bytownshaker]

I really like this build,the engine detail is excellent (I like the aluminum block and heads). 

 

[slusher]

Your engine looks great and nice blue on your interior!

[robertw]

That engine is a work of art. Your effort has proven that any glue bomb can be restored into a pride of place model. Keep it up.

[Whosurdaddy209]

I had I bit of a minor set back, I painted and cleared the body, and after it dried I noticed a big speck of dirt on the top of the fender, so as I was trying to sand it smooth with some 3600 paper it broke through. I touched it up with my airbrush, the paint blended fantastic, I really like using this createx and wicked colors paint, I just have to let it cure till my next day off and then I can re-clear it and hopefully I won’t have anymore issues. Fingers crossed 

[David G.]

Tour metal bits look great, just the right sheen, color and shading.

The paint repair looks good too. In the photos I can't tell where the damage was.

David G.

[Calb56]

This is looking great.

I re-read your post about the engine, using snaps for the pullys was an ingenious touch.

[Whosurdaddy209]

38 minutes ago, Calb56 said:

I re-read your post about the engine, using snaps for the pullys was an ingenious touch.

Thanks, I was looking at photoetch pulleys but they’re pretty pricey for what you get, I just happened to see these at Walmart one day, for $3 you get 3 sizes in black or silver