'78 Big Block Resto-Rod

[matchframe]

I bought my '78 Vette in June 1985. I drove it as my daily driver for several years.



In 1991, I parked it in my backyard. In 2002, after expanding my garage to 1,200 square feet, it was time to re-build the Vette.



The re-build has been in progress since then. With family finances given other priorities, the Vette got what was left over so the progress has been very slow.

Also, I can't turn down other projects so right now I have a total of seven vehicles! Three of which are considered projects. Other than the Vette, I have a '53 Chevy Wagon that has been in our family since it was bought new.




The other project is a '73 VW Super Beetle. This was my son's first car, but since he now has an '06 Mini Cooper S, the Bug lives in the backyard. I have some bodywork to finish before I put it up for sale.



Back to the Vette, the body has been off the frame since 2003. I am almost finished with welding gussets to the frame and completeing seam welds.





Since I am building this Vette on a limited budget, I bought a wrecked tow truck for the gen 5 big block.





I shop the local Craigslist and swap meets for other parts such as four speed trans and other parts I need for the Vette. Here are a few part I have found over the years for the Vette:



Recently, I extended the body dolly so I can store the frame underneath the Vette.



What's next for the Vette project is to complete the frame welding, coating the frame, then install the suspension. Once this is done, I will be ready to drop the body back on the frame.

Next on the list I am looking for the Vette project is a long L-88 hood, aluminum heads and intake for the big block. Once I get the funds avaialable, I need to take the block to the machine shop to prep it for the build.

[iburke]

[73VetteGirl]

Dang you are one busy person.


How do you wreck a tow truck??? Sorta sounds like a joke waiting to happen.

[matchframe]

Originally Posted by 73VetteGirl

Dang you are one busy person.


How do you wreck a tow truck??? Sorta sounds like a joke waiting to happen.

I asked the same question when I bought it. Apparently they were heading to a wreck and got in a hurry and turned in front of pick up truck. They hit head-on and and both were totaled. Fortunately there was no damage to the drive trane except the radiator.

[vettecop]

That is quite a project. It is going to be awesome when it is finished!

[Dan85Vette]

Heck of an undertaking - got to love it!

[Spiderpat]

Impressive work my friend

[Altered]

So hows it coming? Somehow I missed this thread.

[matchframe]

Slowly but still progressing. I am now working on the suspension mock-up to make sure all of the welding is correct on the frame. Once this is done, I will remove the suspension and coat the frame. So far I have found one spot on the bottom side of the frame that needs a small modification. So glad I decided to mock-up the suspension!!

Once the frame is coated, I will be ready to drop the body back on the frame.

[Altered]

I cant wait to see the progress. I plan to do the big block in mine just too much else going on at the moment.

[matchframe]

Originally Posted by Altered

I cant wait to see the progress. I plan to do the big block in mine just too much else going on at the moment.

Going Big Block has always been a dream of mine. Since I will most likely not be able to afford my dream Vette of a '67 Big Block, I decided to do the next best thing.... make the Vette I have a Big Block!!

Here is a link to my latest progress: Link

[herriot]

(http://www.ikcc.ie/forum/viewtopic.php?t=718) vw beetle just a little different

[matchframe]

Update on my Vette project:

I bought an L-88 hood from Vanacor. Really well made hood for a great price!

Here are some pics: