#ProjectSR76 Steering Wheel Twist Part 3

I never think I’m an expert at anything, but I have a lot of experience restoring cars on my own (shade tree restorer).

While gaining this experience by working on my own cars, 66 Impala, 70 Duster, 70 Chevelle, 70 Mustang, 73 Mustang (#ProjectSR73), 84 C4 Corvette, 2006 C6, and 76 C3 Corvette (#ProjectSR76) and project managing the restoration of a rare early fuel injected VW Bug and two 55 Buicks, I’ve learned a lot, and I’ve seen a lot.  My 1973 Mustang comes to mind with the non-Mustang brakes.  So, finding what I did when working on #ProjectSR76, I wasn’t surprised.

This discovery created a good conversation in one of the FB Groups I frequent.  Let me know what you think after you watch the video.

Here ya go:

 

Tim

#PROJECTSR76 BEFORE AND AFTER INTERIOR COLOR SWAP AND REFURBISHMENT

It is nearly complete. The color conversion has taken place. Adding the new door panels will complete round one. The goal was to get rid of the awful factory smoke-gray color, which was in horrid condition, and convert it to black.

I did have to replace a few items. The emergency brake housing was trashed.  The seatbelts were not fully functional and couldn’t be dyed.  The dash was trash and had to be replaced, as well as the carpet and the upholstery for the seats. I saved everything that was serviceable and changed the color.

But that’s not the end.   As you know, “Average Guys” restoring cars on their own have small budgets and most of the C3 Corvette owners would pass on a 1976 Stingray, especially one that was in the condition this one was.  As $$$ permits, many parts will be replaced, but that might wait for a few other projects to get completed.

Take a look a this before and after.

 



 Thank for checking in!

Tim

#ProjectSR76 Steering Wheel Twist Part 1

I am working on the Vega steering wheel that my 1976 Stingray came with. I want to convert it to fit my new steering wheel, but….well…you watch and drop me a comment.

 


Thanks for checking.
Tim

#ProjectSR76 Steering Column Rap (Wrap)

The gray, drab, and ugly steering column has been dealt with. I’m not 100% happy with it.

I’ll have to rethink it. Let me know what you think.



Drop a note.
Thanks for stopping by.

Tim

Helpful Car Restoration Sources

Quick video that goes over a few must have books for your restoration projects.

 

 


 

 

Thanks for watching. Tim

#ProjectSR76 – Drivers Side Dash Bezel Part 2

Finishing up the speedometer and tach bezel on my 76 Sting Ray.

I’m pleased with the outcome. They aren’t new, but they look much better and cleaner than the old gray color.

#ProjectSR76 is looking good on the inside.

 


More coming up!!!

Tim

#ProjectSR76 Interior 6B RIGHT SIDE KICK PLATE

As part of the interior color transformation, every part needs to be replaced or have the color changed, kick panels included.

I picked up a used set in black some time ago so I didn’t have to treat these.

I’m assuming that what is on #ProjectSR76 is original.  The color matches, and there’s no indication it was replaced.

In this video and the pictures below, you’ll see that the right side was manually altered.   The right kick panel in the used set is was not modified.

However, a quick look at the aftermarket offering and the panels are modified.

Aftermarket

 

 

As the video will show, the modification was necessary to accommodate a vacuum actuator on the right side next to the air vent.

Here is the video:

 

 

NOTE: THIS WORD PRESS SITE IS HAVING ISSUES PLAYING YOUTUBE VIDEOS. IF THIS OCCURS, CLICK ON WATCH ON YOUTUBE AND ENJOY THE VIDEO THERE!! WE ARE WORKING TO FIX THAT ISSUE.

Thanks for checking. Next up – interior T-Top panels.

Tim

#SR76 Video To Do List Part 1

I begin discussing ALL the work that has to be done to #ProjectSR76 1976 Stingray.  There’s a lot!!   Spreadsheets are being created and mini projects planned out.

Of course, everything is subject to funding.   As you know, Average Guys have Average Budgets.  There is no magic number, but no corners are cut for safety.

I created an Eckler’s project and started adding my NEEDS for #SR76.  The entire carpet package is $430.00.  Which isn’t bad.  But the roll of the looped black carpet was only about $30.   Can I make it work?   Well, you’ll be the second to know.

If you have an idea or have a comment make it here or on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLWYRoUPd_SANVjRj77cwkw) or our FaceBook page.

Here is part of my discussion (with myself) on my To Do List:

 


Thanks for checking in!!!!

Tim

#SR76  
SR=Stingray  76 -1976

 

#ProjectSportsRoof – Parts Rant

Here we go again.

Ordered Mr. Gasket valve cover gaskets on line from JEGS for #ProjectSportsRoof.  Here is what I ordered:

This is how they fit:

 

So I have the car apart and thought, well let me try locally.  Here is how that went.

Called local parts store. 

First call:   O’reilly’s Auto Parts how can I help you?

                Me:  I need valve cover gaskets for a 1972 Ford 351 Cleveland.

                OAP:  What kind of car?

                Me:  Doesn’t matter any Ford 351 Cleveland

               OAP:  I have to know the kind of car.

              Me:  Ford Mustang

              OAP:   I don’t find that listed here, let me change computers.

              Me:   OK…huh?

             OAP:  I can only find 1971 Mustangs in my system.

             Me:   Thank you.  <click>

Second Call:    Auto Zone how can I help you?

                          Me:  I need valve cover gaskets for 1972 351 Cleveland.

                         AutoZ:  What kind of car?

                         Me:  Ford

                        AutoZ:  Yes but what kind of car?

                         Me:  Mustang

                         AutoZ:  What is the engine size?

                        Me:  351 Cleveland – Not a Windsor

                       AutoZ:  It is an automatic?

                         Me:  That doesn’t matter.

                       AutoZ:  Are you sure it’s 351?

                     2nd AutoZ guy:  Sorry sir he’s new what can I get for you?

                           Me:  Repeated everything above

                         2nd AutoZ guy: Yes, we don’t have them here but I can have them this afternoon

                            Me:  These are for 351 Cleveland correct?  Not a Windsor.

                           2nd AutoZ guy:  Yes.

                           Me:  Cool call me when them come in?

  2nd AutoZ guy:  Yes.

Show up 4 hours later.   The valve cover gaskets were 2 inches too long.

                            Me:  What are these for?

                           2nd AutoZ guy:  I don’t know.

                           Me:  Can you look up what I need?

                           2nd AutoZ guy:  What was it?

                           Me:  Repeated everything above.

                           2nd AutoZ guy:  Is it an automatic?

                           Me:  I gotta go.

 

Thanks for therapy !!

Tim

 

Plymouth Duster – 1972 Graphics

If you read the title you might have thought that I’d be giving you some information on the graphics that were available on the Plymouth Duster, but it’s just the opposite.

I’m looking for some information on the graphics for the car pictured below to restore a similar car.   What were the factory graphics options on Plymouth Dusters?  In the picture below, is this an option or custom work?

 

Thanks in advance.

Tim

#ProjectSportsRoof

#ProjectBeepBeep