Finally! Restoration begins.
- K.W. Bunyap
- Jan 8, 2021
- 3 min read
The covid-19 pandemic has touched all aspects of our world. Classic car restorations are not immune. Replacement parts from California and Michigan that normally take 3-5 days now take 3-5 WEEKS to arrive.
Because of all this, the place where I planned to take Gar Wood car for restoration, Hill Country Vettes, was forced into restorations that dragged on for months, preventing a spot from opening up for my car.
Finally, yesterday, January 7, 2021, one year and two months after I purchased it, the Gar Wood corvette entered the garage to begin the year-long restoration project.
Dan Martin, restoration expert, and owner of Hill Country Vettes works on C1's, C2's, C3's, and a host of other classic cars. In the last few months, I've seen several C1's, mostly C2's, and one other C3 in his shop in the Texas Hill Country. I found it amusing that today when my car rolled into the shop it joined a veritable plethora of other C3's, making a total of 2 1970 big blocks, and 2 1971 small blocks.
In the photos, you can see the 1973 Oklahoma plates that are still on the car, along with the Goodyear Polyglass tires that were put on the car on 01/28/1971. Since the right front and the left rear tires were flat, Dan put two temporary white-wall tires on to get it rolling. We knew the engine wasn't seized as we had put a wrench on it and turned it last November when it arrived in Texas. I was pleased that, with some work, Dan was able to get the car into gear as well.
You can see that my amateur wash, clay bar, polish, and wax, along with some hand polishing of the chrome, has brought out the original paint to be in very good condition, with the orange peel finish that it left the factory with still intact.
Upon the car's arrival, Dan and I sat down and discussed the gameplan for restoration. My goal is to have it judged at NCRS Regionals and Nationals and I'm trying for a top-flight car (94 points or higher.) Dan is an NCRS master judge, so I know I'm in good hands.
We're going to do a body-off restoration to perform a complete refurbishment of the rolling chassis. We plan on rebuilding all of the major components: engine, transmission, rear differential, vacuum system, brake system, fuel tank, factory A/C, exhaust reinstallation, etc. Along the way, we will try to keep whatever appears to be in good condition. For example, a new wiring harness may be required, but it may also be in great condition and not require replacement. We'll just have to wait and see.
On 08/03/1971 the original owner swapped out the car's intake manifold and Rochester carburetor for an Edelbrock intake manifold and a Holley R-4781 carburetor and added after-market side pipes. We no longer have the original carburetor or exhaust headers so we will have to hunt down date-code correct replacements. The car did come with the original exhaust pipes and mufflers, which we will reinstall, saving a bunch of point deductions over replacement exhaust pipes. Another plus, having the original chrome valve covers, which are no longer made.
Our goal is to save the original paint and just touch up the various area where there are chips, on the door edges, etc. In addition, we expect the interior to be almost brand new, needing little restoration.
We know there will be discoveries and setbacks along the way, but I can't wait to watch this transformation.
Next up will be pulling off the body. I can't wait to see what shape the tank sticker is in!
Stay tuned!
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