1981 Corvette, automatic, with T-Tops and power windows and seats.
Restoration: Over 20k invested,receipts and more photos available.
This was a frame on restoration. The bulkrestoration work started in 2006and wentto2009, many weeknights and weekends, countless hours.Most work was completed by me and my father and some additional hands when needed. Body work and paint was done by professional body shop. Transmission and rear end sent out to professional transmission shop. Carburetor was replaced with new from vendor. 2010 started driving it and working out issues, fine tuning, swapping out bad vendor products, and then my father took the car but he has lost interest and does not want to keep it. These cars always need attention so you need to have the passion for it.
All systems were restored which includes:
Suspension - new bushings all around, including body mounts all which are difficult to replace. New gas charged shocks.
Brake System- new master cylinder,calipers, new rotors, new brake pads& parking brake shoes. Master cylinder did not need to be replaced but did so anyway, original master cylinderwill be included.
Cooling and Heating system - New radiator, heater core, water pump, new fan clutch, (also have original fan clutch works fine) belts, all new hoses and O-rings. New AC accumulator. New upgraded blower motor larger blower fan.
New GM crate motor - After pulling the engine I realized the block was cracked so I decided to go with a new motor. I have the original carburetor and rebuild kit, but decided to go with a restored carburetor to save time. All original parts will be included in sale. Smog pump is not installed.
Completely restored transmission AND rear end - This work was completed at All Star Transmission specialists in Haledon NJ, one of the best shops around.The rear ends on these always need attention and this one was no exception, including new bearings and seals. Transmission was restored with a master kit, also replaced the housing as there were signs of stress on bell housing. New drive shaft U-Joints and rear axle U-Joints.
Steering system - all tie rod ends,steering cylinder & valve.
T-Roofs - send out to have restored. A special jig is require to reassemble and align the glass to the frame, its not just as simple as new seals, makes a huge difference.
Exhaust: replaced from Cat back, new tail pipe, mufflers and hardware. New O2 sensor.
Tires - new tires were mounted back in 2010, included wheel alignment. About 4000 miles on the car since restore complete.
Body: New interior carpet, door panels,seat cushions, rear compartments, and miscellaneous items. Head light system needed new actuator valves and hoses.
About Me:
I worked in the automotive industry 15 years, including several restorations.I was a lead techat few auto garages, andeventually ran my own business until changing careers now computer system engineering.