Newbie with a 76

Tue 22 Jan 19 20:40

Newbie with a 76

Hi everyone, I´m Osvaldo and arrived in the UK last August. I also bought my 1976 C3 just a week ago! It is in driving condition but of course, need a lot of funny work of restoration.

As a newbie a have some questions for you guys that I couldn´t find an answer in the "search forums"

Let's begin.....

1) I´m trying to buy insurance but the cheaper option was with Adrian Flux for 1,300 yearly! for comprehensive insurance. I think my main issue is that I don't have a full UK/EU driving license, only an international one. Hope next week I will pass the practical test (2nd attempt even with more than 20 years of driving but in different right-handed countries) The question is maybe with a new UK full driving license the insurance will be cheaper? Classic Line and P Taylor said NO to me for my international license as well.

2) I took my car to my local mechanic in Barnet and gave me these recommendations:

Floor need welding
Anti rod bar bushes front + back, replace all bushes
Radiator support bar posted away, replace
Oil Leake's engine + trans, seal.
Brake master cylinder leaking, replace
Steering shaft rotor replace
Rear Tires replace
NSR calliper ???
Brake pipes rusty, replace
Weather Seals replace
Front wipers change

Sounds to many but I´m optimistic and I think they can be handled.
Any suggestion about a one? for example where to buy the parts? I was looking at Corvette Kingdom but they are expensive and also takes a while to have the parts here.

2) I´m collecting some manuals and I already have:
- Haynes
- User manual
- Repair & Tune-up guide 1963-1986
-Corvette 68-82 Restoration Guide, Richard Prince
- How to restore your C3 Corvette, Walt Thurn

I´m looking for the Factory Assembly but I only find it from eBay on CD and paper from the US (high shipping cost and time)
- Any other must-have manual?
- Any chance of buying from here? online in PDF?

3) The fibreglass nose of the body is damaged, any suggestion where can be repaired?

4) The Radio or Stereo: the car comes without anyone so I looked on eBay and finally I decide to buy the original one in working condition. I think probably is not the best option in terms of sound quality but there is some reproduction one with Bluetooth very expensive! anyone with the original radio that cand tell me if its possible to connect the cellphone for music, without an FM transmitter?

I really appreciate all your advice and I´m happy to be a member of this community (officially from Feb 2019).
Hope to see you soon!

Best wishes.

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Osvaldo Berger

Tue 22 Jan 19 21:26

Re: Newbie with a 76

Hello Osveldo and welcome to the forum, there is a top bloke and Vette expert (Mikes Vettes) just round the corner from you in Southgate, get him to look the car over for you before you do anything. His number is 07710 179001, are you handy with the spanners yourself?

Regarding the insurance: I hope you can get it sorted out, that is a crazy quote!

Regards

Nick

Tue 22 Jan 19 21:29

Re: Newbie with a 76

We aren't expensive, all our parts are at dollar to pound plus 10%, given the state of the dollar and import costs I don't think that is being particularly greedy for any business, not to mention the amount of stock we carry. The majority of the parts you mention there are in stock and available for next day delivery. I can have the bulk of what you need to you on Thursday...

The only item on your list I don't have in stock is the radiator core support, there are too many variations to stock, and floor pans, they are too big to store for the amount we sell.

All out of stock items are usually no more than 14 days away.

Scott, Corvette Kingdom

Wed 23 Jan 19 10:17

Re: Newbie with a 76

QUOTE: We aren't expensive, all our parts are at dollar to pound plus 10%, given the state of the dollar and import costs I don't think that is being particularly greedy for any business, not to mention the amount of stock we carry.

Last edited by Nick B on Wed 23 Jan 19 10:17; edited 1 time in total. [8 %]

Wed 23 Jan 19 13:18

Re: Newbie with a 76

Welcome Osvaldo

I would definitely take the car to a Corvette mechanic, not a "general mechanic", who will not know the specifics of Corvettes of the C3 era. Give Mikes Vettes a call for sure.

I have to say I am a little concerned that you think all the parts, and shipping seem to be expensive. Generally, Corvette parts are not pricey, and shipping is neither exorbitant or slow. I'm not sure what you are used to in Germany, but it might be an idea to have a long think about your budget and your expectations.

It should be all relatively straightforward to get put right though

--------------------
Stephen J Irons
CCCUK Lifetime Member
Corvette Club France
Corvettes of Southern California
NCM Family Member
Stephen & June's Web Site
Red Corvettes Have More Fun!

Apple IS Genisys!
The "Born-Again Greenies" are killing the planet! It's time to wake up and smell the rain-forest burning!

Wed 23 Jan 19 14:46

Re: Newbie with a 76

oberger wrote (View Post):I also bought my 1976 C3 just a week ago! It is in driving condition...

The issues your mechanic has spotted look like a long list of MOT failures to me. I realise a 40 year old car doesn't necessarily need an MOT but don't forget your car must be "roadworthy", which for practical purposes means "capable of passing an MOT" even if it doesn't need one.

An early visit to a proper Corvette specialist is recommended. I'd want to get a clear idea of the overall amount/cost of work involved before starting to chuck money into the car. No point fixing the easy stuff if there are more serious problems.

Good luck with the project! They're nice cars when working properly.

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The Stingray has landed!

Sat 26 Jan 19 11:40

Re: Newbie with a 76

Hi and welcome.
If you wanted to PM me your details I'd be happy to take another look at your insurance quote to see if there is anything further we can do.
Regards,
Dan.