Featured 79 frame off!

[Ghostryder]

Hi everyone... again!

The choice has been made. I sold the 77 to clear the garage and the 79 is going to be the base for my build!

Ill post here as it moves along and I stress myself out for all of your entertainment!

Project Black Sunshine is underway!

 

[YFCvii]

 

[Rruuff Day]

Hi Again Ghost... Definitely keep us in the loop with your build... And Merry Christmas.

 

[Fred J]

Nice Ghost. Hope everything goes well. I do envy you as once I completed mine I actually missed the build project.

 

[nascar03]

Ghost.l
good luck with your project.
we’re all watching and here to help.
this will be fun.
graham

 

[Ghostryder]

Going to be fun. Just trying to find a shop close by that will drain out the AC system so that I can get this party underway!

Once the AC is drained, ill be lifting the body off and racking it while i work on everything below. Space is a bit tight. So ill need to be creative on how i pull that one off!

Ill update again soon once i get that ac thing out of the way!

 

[Ghostryder]

Kicking things off. Started tonight with a ton of penetrating fluid on all the usual spots!

Thought crossed my mind though. How does a crazy corvette rebuilding dink like me , figure out how many shims will be required at each mount when it comes time to remount the body?

 

[Rruuff Day]

We'll be watching Ghost.
And I hope that was a rhetorical question about the shims as I for one, have no idea how many you would need.... LOL

 

[Ghostryder]

Lol! Neither do I! Im a bit out from that at the moment, but i do need to figure it out eventually!

 

[Ghostryder]

Bit of a slow start, but things are moving along!

Check out that air filter! No wonder it didnt like cold start/ idle lol

 

[Ghostryder]

Today was all about the front end of the engine bay. The AC system is still charged, so I am going to pull the whole system to get it out of the way and get it purged when i can find a shop to deal with the R12. Thay way i can move along without waiting for that.

One of the headlight frames has a piece cracked off at the steel bumper, so that kinda sucks.

Should have the front end ready tomorrow, steering column out and move on to the rear end and body mounts!

And the lower panel of the bumper, likely the most broken part on c3 corvettes, was really broken as well! Lol

 

[taylorsk8]

In for a haul!

As for shims you need to level the frame to factory points and then shim until body sits level. There is no preset number of shims. The leveling points will be in the Factory AIM. If you do not have one I very strongly advise you get one.

You are probable a step ahead on me cause when I pulled my body off there wasn't even the correct rubber mounts or shims there!

T

 

[Ghostryder]

A little more progress. Front bumper most of the ac system, headlights are all out. Hoping to move on mounts this weekend and be ready to lift the body up soon!

What exacty are the stock headlight frames made out of? Its a pretty crappy material! Anyone know of a supplier of steel or aluminum replacements?

 

[TFen]

Where in AB are you? I have a 1980 in Calgary that needs some work. I'd love to stop by with some beer and take a look at your progress some day.

 

[Ghostryder]

Im in Edmonton. Progress has been a bit slow lately, but should ramp up soon!

 

[RockyPM]

@turbozig where are you? @Ghostryder could use some guidance by another C3 owner!!

 

[turbozig]

A little more progress. Front bumper most of the ac system, headlights are all out. Hoping to move on mounts this weekend and be ready to lift the body up soon!

What exacty are the stock headlight frames made out of? Its a pretty crappy material! Anyone know of a supplier of steel or aluminum replacements?

Yes the headlight frames are made out of cheap cast potmetal. I had to have both of mine welded by a TIG craftsman welder, as they both had cracks in the frames. A very common issue with these. I'm not sure if the repro ones are any better, or if fitment is an issue, a problem on alot of repro Vette parts. I would check eBay for a set of decent used ones if yours are not repairable.

 

[Ghostryder]

Ill lilely start looking at finding some used ones. These ones are a bit iffy. Ive got plenty of time tothink about it though, long way to go yet!! Lol

 

[Adrians79]

all the best with your build . Its a great challenge and well worth effort as they are unique cars that will become very desirable in the future. I have no regrets rebuilding my 79. lm very proud to drive my 79 every time I'm in it .always turns heads

 

[Ghostryder]

Been away for a bit. Getting back at it tomorrow! Hope all are safe from C19 and doing welll!