C3 Corvettes - anyone building them?

[Roadster Shop]

Who's building them? What are you building? It seems like there are a lot of nice 68-72 donor cars that are going relatively cheap (Compared to earlier Vettes and 1st gen Camaro's). Just testing the waters to see what everyone's thoughts are. I hear a lot of people talking about them, but don't see to many build threads.

[WSSix]

Thought about picking up a 75 that is a basket case and in need of major body work because I've got a lot of ideas in my head for these cars. The later vettes, even with the vertical rear window, get less love than the 68-72 cars but hold all the same potential performance wise. Back when I was working with these cars I couldn't quite get a pulse on people's desires with these cars. I think by and large, most people want them stock or close to it for whatever reason. It can't be from lack of aftermarket support to modify them that's for sure. One thing I have noticed and find strange is most vettes that get modded, only get modded with later generation vette components. It doesn't matter what generation you're referring to. People with C5s look to put C6 components on them and don't even consider aftermarket or custom parts. Same thing with the older generations and even paint choices. Vette people only look within the vette community for ideas and parts. I find it strange. Not only that but they love simple tack on stuff. I can't tell you how many people would be in love with a "custom" vette at a local show that simply had chromed or painted covers on everything. No engine, body, or suspension mods. So strange.

I do think some of the issues facing people when they are thinking of building these cars and what causes them to reconsider are so many of the parts on the cars are Corvette specific, they are small on the inside and not easily/comfortably driven long distances, and they are fiberglass. There is no easy panel replacement even thought proper panel replacement on a steel car isn't necessarily easy either. If the birdcage is rusted/rotted, it will not be easy or cheap to fix and is often hard to spot if you don't know how to look for the damage.

I'd love to see more built as these are plenty out there and so many great ways to make them look even better.

Here's something else to think about in regards to vettes. What has happened to all the 84 cars? Look up the build numbers on those cars. Then ask yourself when was the last time you saw or even heard of someone having one? It's like they simply disappeared.

[65_LS1_T56]

Originally Posted by Roadster Shop

Who's building them? What are you building? It seems like there are a lot of nice 68-72 donor cars that are going relatively cheap (Compared to earlier Vettes and 1st gen Camaro's). Just testing the waters to see what everyone's thoughts are. I hear a lot of people talking about them, but don't see to many build threads.

I think this is an untapped market. I image the reason you don't see many builds is there isn't much of a support market to do so. I've been approached by a guy that does body kits for these cars to do some suspension design work, there's not much to start with though. A full chassis would be the way to go IMO.
I think the cars have high potential style wise. I'd assume the weight balance front to rear should be favorable too..? Buggy springs have to go

[wellis77]

I'd love to do a C3, as soon as I get through the Dart.

[frankenstang]

I am helping my wife's uncle rebuild an LT1 engine for his car. He actually went to Nickey chevy back in 1973 and bought an LT1 engine over the counter. Some time around 1974 he went to a different dealer and bought a set of angle plug heads and slapped those on the car.

He also installed a Baldwin-Motion Hone-O-Drive and a couple years later installed a bunch of Ecklers (?) parts including a molded in rear spoiler. It was painted a dark green color from a Ford car after the body mods were done.

Well, the LT1 in the car spun a bearing and he yanked it out, and stuck the engine on a dolly in the corner of the garage. Traded a motorcycle for another complete LT1 and still has the car.

The 1st LT1 sat for 30 years until a month ago. I am so excited to be able to build this engine. The LT1 was such a cool motor for back then.

We will be installing a dual-disk clutch to make it easier for him to shift. The car has a ton of spider cracks in the lacquer paint that it 30+ years old, but still draws a crowd at shows due to the 'survivor' look. Sidepipes and vintage Cragars and all that.

[Ron in SoCal]

There's two or three being built on PT, iirc. Schwartz did one and Danny Popp has one too. I also saw a killer version at CAR in Norcal. They're out there, just a bit more rare.

[sevillaz28]

I will be starting on one this summer. Its a clean 68 with a 327 and 4 speed. Going to do a C5 set up on it with a stock LS1 and T-56. You can do anything to the body you want so it will be diescretely widened by about 2 1/2 inches. I may be sending it down to Newman if the money is right to help out with the C5 stuff but I need to get out of a few cars I have right now.

[southsidehacker]

Alloway's is building one in true Alloway style.

http://www.allowaysrodshop.com/News/

[XLexusTech]

building a 69 for myself is on my bucket list... i restored a few dozen for customers when i was in my 20's.

[ProTouring442]

I've had this idea in my head for a while...

An 82 SE (rear hatch opens) with the front and rear caps from a '68-'72 grafted on (chrome bumpers). I think it would make for a cool look.