Publisher Description

The Corvette is in a league of its own. As the all-American V-8 sports car, no other high-performance American car can match it for enthusiast interest, collectability, and in many cases, performance. GM has cranked out model after memorable model continuously from 1953 to present, with the only exception being 1983. During this time, the Corvette earned a fanatical following and iconic status. Over the course of 14-year production run of the third generation, more than a half-million Corvettes were built.Many Corvettes have been driven aggressively during their lifetime while others have not been properly stored nor maintained. Whether it's hard use, neglect or just elapsed time, often these 30-years-old or older cars require a major restoration and not just simple repair. Through the pages of this book, you are expertly guided through each crucial stage of the restoration process from disassembly to inspection and parts selection to assembly. The hands-on restoration techniques for all major component groups are explained in exceptional detail for professional results, including suspension, engine, interior, body, paint, brakes, steering, electrical, and interior. Special coverage is devoted to restoring the birdcage frame and the fiberglass body. These restoration procedures are explained with extensive step-by-step captions and brilliant full-color photos so you confidently complete each step and ultimately the restoration of an entire car. In addition, the author addresses the real-world benefits and drawbacks of doing the work yourself. In addition, it will contain essential model information, VIN identification, powertrain and interior options and more. If you've been looking for the authoritative guide for restoring your 1968-1982 Stingray, then you've found it. There has been and will be a strong and flourishing restoration industry for the third-generation Corvette. Whether you're an informed owner or skilled enthusiast, this book will provide an essential information source for those who want to restore this affordable Corvette model at home.

Back Cover

Unmistakable and alluring style, excellent handling, and enormous performance from big-block power. The Corvette C3, built from 1968 to 1982, was the longest running and top selling Corvette generation in history. This iconic Stingray model, firmly ingrained in automotive consciousness, influenced the American automotive design, and for many enthusiasts became the quintessential Corvette. The 1968-1974 Corvettes were equipped with spirited small-blocks as well as high-horsepower, big-block V-8s. While these early cars bring top dollar at auction, Corvettes built from 1975 to 1982 (with a few exceptions) are plentiful, affordable, and can be upgraded to high-performance cars. Many Corvettes have been driven aggressively during their lifetime while others have not been properly stored nor maintained. Whether it's hard use, neglect, or simply elapsed time, these cars often require a major restoration, not just simple repair. Author Walt Thurn expertly guides you through each crucial stage of the restoration process, from disassembly to inspection to parts selection to assembly. He provides hands-on restoration techniques with step-by-step photos for all major component groups including suspension, engine, interior, body, paint, brakes, steering, and electrical. Special coverage is devoted to restoring the birdcage frame and the fiberglass body. The book discusses the real-world benefits and drawbacks of doing the work yourself. In addition, it contains essential model information, VIN identification, powertrain and interior options, and more. If you've been looking for the authoritative guide for restoring your 1968-1982 Stingray, you've found it.

Author Biography

Walt has been involved with the Corvette hobby since 1963 and has been a Corvette owner since 1965. He has writeen many how-to articles on street Corvettes and has covered many Corvette racing events. He has been published in VETTE, Corvette Fever, Corevette Quarterly, Corvette Enthusiast, and CorvetteMagazine.com magazines. Along with his racing coverage, he has written a number of how-to tech articles about C3, C4, C5, and C6 Corvettes.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 4 About the Author 6 Introduction 7 Chapter 1: C3 History 9 The Pre-Dawn of the C3 Corvette 9 Finally, the C3 14 Front and Rear Chrome Bumper Cars 1968-1972 15 Soft Bumper Cars 1973-1982 18 Chapter 2: Planning and Evaluation 23 Choosing the Correct Level of Restoration 23 Do-It-Yourself or Professional 25 Budget and Timeline 26 Evaluating a Corvette for Restoration 28 Project Planning 31 Parts Storage 31 Tools and Equipment 32 Chapter 3: Disassembly and Storage 34 Body/Frame Removal 34 Body Assessment 38 Interior Removal 39 Trim and Glass Removal 45 Parts Inventory 48 Chapter 4: Bodywork and Paint Preparation 49 Windshield Frame Replacement 50 Fiberglass Repairs 55 Structural Damage or Broken Parts 56 Cracked Bonding Seam 57 Excessive Door Gap 60 Damaged Body Panel 60 Bumper Covers 61 Final Sanding and Filling 62 Who Will Paint the Car? 62 Old Paint Removal 63 Chapter 5: Painting 66 Tools and Equipment 67 Supplies 68 Paint and Primer 69 Painting 69 Color Sanding 70 Chapter 6: Frame Restoration 74 Inspection 75 Engine and Transmission Removal 75 Front Suspension Removal 77 Rear Suspension Removal 82 Remaining Frame Parts Removal 86 Frame Evaluation 86 Straighten Damaged Frame Sections 87 Rust Repair 89 Paint or Powdercoating Preparation 89 Chapter 7: Suspension and Differential Reassembly 91 Front Suspension 91 Rear Suspension 99 Differential 101 Odds and Ends 108 Chapter 8: Brake System Installation 109 Brake Lines 110 Fuel Lines 111 Brakes 112 Chapter 9: Engine Rebuild or Replacement? 121 Development History 121 Engine Rebuilding Overview 123 A Portfolio of Completed Engines 133 Crate Engines 135 Chapter 10: Transmission 136 Manual Transmissions 136 Aftermarket Overdrive Transmissions 142 Chapter 11: Wiring and Interior Installation 148 Wiring 148 Electrical Troubleshooting 150 Interior 151 1968-1977 Dash Installation 151 1978-1982 Interior Installation 153 1968-1975 Convertible Top Installation 156 Chapter 12: Body Installation 158 Power Brake Booster Installation 158 Master Cylinder Installation 158 Body and Frame Preparation 159 Body Installation 161 Connect the Steering 163 Install the Headlight Doors 163 Remove the Front Bumper Cover 164 Align Frame to Body 164 Front Bumper Installation 165 Secure the Body 166 Fluid Level Check 167 Brake Bleeding 167 Exhaust System Installation 167 Vacuum Line Connections 169 Air Conditioning System 171 Odds and Ends 171 Source Guide 175

Review

"How to Restore Your C3 Corvette: 1968-1982 will prove to be enduringly popular and a 'must' for anyone planning a C3 Corvette restoration." -Midwest Book Review, December 2013-- "Midwest Book Review" (12/17/2013 12:00:00 AM)
"If a nice driver is your goal, you'll find plenty of help packed in its 176 pages." -Mike McNessor, Hemmings Classic Car, December 2013--Mike McNessor "Hemmings Classic Car" (10/21/2013 12:00:00 AM)
"In typical SA Design fashion, this soft cover book by Walt Thurn leaves no bolt unturned." -Old Cars Weekly, November 21, 2013-- "Old Cars Weekly" (11/7/2013 12:00:00 AM)
"While a single book could not hope to cover every eventuality, it will provide a useful insight into the typical problems the Corvette restorer could encounter. Essential reading for C3 owners." -Classic American, March 2014-- "Classic American" (2/13/2014 12:00:00 AM)

Long Description

This restoration guide provides in-depth, step-by-step information of common restoration procedures and features brilliant color photos so the reader can complete a bumper-to-bumper restoration in their own garage.

Review Text

"If a nice driver is your goal, you'll find plenty of help packed in its 176 pages."

Review Quote

"While a single book could not hope to cover every eventuality, it will provide a useful insight into the typical problems the Corvette restorer could encounter. Essential reading for C3 owners."

Details