Engine restoration (long)

[Bob S.]

I am thinking about cleaning up the engine compartment of my father's 1972 Corvette Stingray this summer.

A little background first: My dad is the original owner. The car is in pretty good condition for being 30 years old. It has been garaged and driven, not sitting in a field or away in a shed or something. It has about 73,000 miles. About 10 years ago the engine was balanced and blueprinted and while it was out, was also painted the original Chevy orange. My dad used to race Corvettes in Ohio about 30 years ago, so he is somewhat familiar with the mechanical workings of this car, but not an expert. I am about 17 and am learning alot about how engines and cars in general work. Neither of us have done a project like this before. It will be learning process.

We are not looking to win a Concours event, just make it look good for local classic car shows. The exterior is in great shape, we are replacing the seats, carpet and door panels on the interior, so the engine is left to work on.

From reading some how-to's online on engine restoration and cleaning I have come up with a basic plan. My plan is to take off many of the accessories, such as the alternator, vacuum system, hoses, belts, carb and air cleaner assy, and wiring harness. Also, remove the hood and radiator to make some room to work. As I remove all of this I am going to bag and/or label everything and then we will decide whether we are going to replace, repaint, or replate. Then degrease/clean the engine bay. Repaint the block if neccessary (looks pretty good, may just need a good cleaning.) Then paint the engine compartment semi-gloss black. Then Re-install everything that was removed/ replaced.

Sorry, for the loooooong post.

Any changes for my plan or tips in general?

Specifically, I have read that it is good to have small parts such as brackets, hinges, or other small metal parts sandblasted before repainting? Is this neccessary in most cases or is there an alternative method?

I'm sure I will have plenty more questions as they come to me.

Thanks, Bob

[73GRAND]

Well Bob, what are you waiting for, get to it. Your plan sounds great. The only things you want to do are:
1. Take plenty of pictures before you dissassemble, so you can refer back to them for re-assembling.
2. Research the originial colors of parts and seek out the right paint. Most of the paints needed are available in spray cans. Make sure you get them in the right brillance, i.e. gloss,semi-gloss or flat
3. Have fun with your Dad, if you get frustrated take a break.
4. Take plenty of pictures afterward to post.

[mark cummins]

You Might Want to check out Eastwood company.com
Lots of paints,cad plate,powderPaints etc
Good Luck..Have Fun!

[Luster]

Also, check out this thread about

Engine Bay Painting & Clearcoating......

When one of my collegues said incredulously, in dis-belief..."Did you paint your transmission!!!!!????????!!!!!"

I calmly replied. "Doesn't everyone?"

Him: "You've got some serious issues!"

Me: "Thank you."

Good luck and have fun...........wish I could be there to help!

[Brad B.]

I agree, sounds like a perfect plan. Do everything methodically. You will be well rewarded if you spend the research time to get the parts painted in the accurate factory original colors and "sheens". There are many different color blacks and silvers and companies like Eastwoods and specialty comanies that cater to Corvettes will have the right paints and reproduction engine compartment tags and stickers to make everything look just like it did when it was brand new.

This could be an exciting restoration project. And it doesn't have to be expensive either. But do the research. Check out the Vette specialist companies. I know there are a couple big ones. Do a www.Google.com search. Or go to our other forums and ask for help. You'll get it, I'm sure.

Best of luck! Keep us up to date. We want pics of the progress pics!

[Nick T.]

Excellent plan Bob!

Good luck and have fun!

[Bob S.]

Well we already had the MidAmerica Assembly Manual that includes extensive diagrams of just about everything. Also, I ordered the Chilton's Repair Manual and a Corvette Restoration book that got good reviews on Amazon. Hopefully they will help.
I also vistited a vette forum and they advised getting a laminated wiring diagram that's like 17" x 22" for under 10 bucks, another valuable resource. Also, I ordered both of MidAmerica's and Eckler's free catalogs (big corvette part suppliers.)

It might be a while 'til I get this under way, but when I do I'll let you guys know.

Thaks for the link Luster, I remember reading that when you posted it.

Thanks for all the help guys.

Bob S.