My new project! 71 Stingray

[fleming23]

Uh oh.... bad news! Unless you have owned a C3 in which case you pretty much expect to see something like this. Kind of like how a Chevelle that has been outside for much of its life will have rear window and/or quarter panel issues.

[fleming23]

Progress continues!

Old versus restored headlight assembly!



Pieces beginning to go back on!







Firewall gutted and Vintage Air going in. Dynomat behind everything because these cars get HOT inside if not properly insulated!

[fleming23]

Inner fender before suspension install


New gauges to go in!

[fleming23]

Suspension back on and more parts going back in place



New front mono leaf suspension similar to C5, C6 & even the C7 Corvettes


Interior beginning to go back together!


Window repairs being done! All rust cut out and patch panels were put in place

[fleming23]

The frame/birdcage turned out nice!



Lower passenger corner where rust was the worst. Looks like new!


Sitting in the car to get a photo of gauges installed - I wasn't sure at first but I think I am really going to like them!!



Vintage air all installed = PITA!

[fleming23]

Organ transplant time!

The new heart! Brand new LS3 525hp crate motor!


Dropped in like it was meant to be there, although plenty of research and part buying helped make this happen!




Few tricks to make it work but nothing I was not expecting. Waterpump is super close to upper arm.





American Racing Headers going on!

[fleming23]

Dewitts LS swap radiator & electric fans installed!


Heater hose dilemma solved


Front accessories installed!


And that brings me current through yesterday! Should have this thing running soon!! I am super excited!! The new windshield still needs installed along with all the trim but I am hoping to have the motor done so it can be taken on a few legs of the Power Tour this year! The plan was to finish the rear suspension just as nice as the front before the Tour but I am not sure there will be enough time. If so, hopefully once I get back from the Tour I can get it back over to my buddy's house and we can finish the rest.

This car will likely get driven more than the Chevelle once it is done! That is until I want to go out and slam some gears in a Big Block.....

[fleming23]

Bill, if you read this - you were supposed to build an LS for your car, get bored and then sell it to me...... I got tired of waiting though

[BillsCamino]

Originally Posted by fleming23

Bill, if you read this - you were supposed to build an LS for your car, get bored and then sell it to me...... I got tired of waiting though

Eric...
I don't know how in the world you find the time, effort, and energy to accomplish all that you've have done over the past few years!!
You are my hero and I want to be just like 'ya when I grow up!!!
The Vette project is awesome.
When I bought a '68 L79 Silverstone Silver coupe a few years ago...I specifically looked over those damage prone areas...very common issue in those model years.
But, all is good now.

[fleming23]

Originally Posted by flash

Damn Eric ,you have been busy ,what is happening with the Chevelle ,the Vette looks great .

Lol! Thanks, yeah it has been quite a project! Chevelle is doing fine. It is now fuel injected with FAST XFI and I'm loving that. I have nitrous ready to go on but I want this car done first in the event I do something stupid and melt the big block....

Originally Posted by carpoor

Vette brakes front suspension parts? Looks similar to what my friend has on his 65' Roadster. I <3 ARH headers. You're going to have a great road car when finished.

Yes sir, VBP Performance Plus complete kit. The rear will be done soon hopefully. ARH has been great. The first 2 sets of headers did not fit on the driverside but 3rd time was a charm. The LS swapped C3 stuff is pretty new to them so we are kind of doing prototype installs. I'm happy with how they turned out!

Originally Posted by BillsCamino

Eric...
I don't know how in the world you find the time, effort, and energy to accomplish all that you've have done over the past few years!!
You are my hero and I want to be just like 'ya when I grow up!!!
The Vette project is awesome.
When I bought a '68 L79 Silverstone Silver coupe a few years ago...I specifically looked over those damage prone areas...very common issue in those model years.
But, all is good now.

HAHA! Right.... It is fun to look at it like this and see all the progress but this car has been somewhat of a nightmare, as are most fiberglass vettes. Just nothing fits and things that should take no more than 10 minutes take 2 hours+. Crazy....

Yeah, I've seen photos of your old 68. I knew this car had potential issues but even looking around the window you could not really see any signs of rust. The pockets behind the kick panels weren't super clean but were also not completely rusted out either. The windshield seal was actually so bad that you could see light around nearly the entire side of the glass. It was a bit of a gamble but turned out not too bad. As you said, all is good now!!

Got a little more done today.

Motor looks like it belongs in the car which I really really like! Not some hacked together crap.




Horrible photo but I like to see this kind of stuff. If only a Chevelle oil pan were that accessible....


Driver-side header to floorboard clearance at the firewall. We can help increase the gap a little but it is SNUG! At the end of the day, I'd rather it be super close than dragging the pavement!



Tomorrow should be getting the fuel system all hooked up which requires replacing the tank and installing the new tank and in-tank pump. Other than wiring up the fuel pump I hope/expect it won't be too bad.