Journal Off Frame Restoration of a /435HP Corvette

Transcription

1 Journal Off Frame Restoration of a /435HP Corvette Performed at: White Post Restorations Started: August 27, 2007 The contents of this publication are the property of the Lost Caravan Corvette Club Inc. (LCCC Inc), and are provided as a reference to Corvette owners. White Post Restorations, nor LCCC Inc, nor any person or companies named herein, assume any responsibility for the accuracy of the information contain within this document, nor is responsible for any direct or indirect damages and/or injuries, to any property or persons using the information herein. One printed copy of this information may be produced for the sole use of an individual. The information and materials herein cannot be reproduced for distribution or use in a manner other than that stated without the expressed and written permission of the LCCC Inc s Board of Directors. Note the restoration of a vehicle is a serious and complex undertaking, is often expensive, is dangerous to persons and property, and is best left to trained and experienced professionals. LCCC 69 Vette Restoration Journal 1 Ver

2 History - White Post Restorations is the leading antique classic car restorer in the country. Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, White Post Restorations was founded in 1940 as a two-man repair shop for farm machinery and local cars. From its humble beginnings, White Post Restorations has grown into a professional and finely tuned operation, with indoor space for over 60 vehicles, and a history of providing the highest caliber of restoration on a broad array of vehicles. From the earliest horseless carriages, the crafting of fine automobiles were the result of a marriage of engineering, as well as the master craftsman skills such as metal working, machining, foundry, wood and leather-working, even sculpture and painting. Restoration to their original state requires re-application of workmanship by skilled master craftsmen, at their ultimate level of excellence. That's what makes White Post Restorations known world-wide as the choice for automobile restorations. At White Post Restorations, each vehicle is meticulously cared for and restored. So whether a mogul, movie star, diplomat, dignitary, or the guy next door, each vehicle receives the best professional care and restoration. Location White Post Restorations One Old Car Drive Post Office Drawer D White Post, VA Web site: White Post Restorations is just 60 miles West of Washington, D.C.; 40 minutes from Dulles International Airport and 10 miles from Winchester, Virginia. Contact Billy Thompson W. R. Thompson LCCC 69 Vette Restoration Journal 2 Ver

3 The Lost Caravan Corvette Club, Inc. Formed as the result of the great time we had during the 50 th Anniversary Corvette Caravan to Bowling Green, KY in August of 2003, the Lost Caravan Corvette Club (LCCC) has evolved from an idea of an Internet-based Corvette owner organization and a sketch of what would become our logo on a cocktail napkin, into an incorporated organization of North American Corvette owners. Annually, LCCC plans and organizes a Grand Caravan to points of interest somewhere in North America where members can join in for part or all of the trip, caravan together, and enjoy the special fellowship and camaraderie which extends to all who own America s True Sports Car Corvette while seeing the beauty, majesty, and wonders of North America. LCCC members also organize, attend, and participate in local and regional Corvette events. LCCC also offers and supports Corvette owners the option to form their own LCCC Chapter where Corvette owners & enthusiasts can come together more often and share the enjoyment of local activities, fellowship, and their Corvettes. LCCC continues to expand the opportunities and benefits of membership, including discounts offered through our sponsors and our business partners accessed from our Web site by clicking on our Hot Deals link. And speaking of our Web site it continues to expand as LCCC s primary information portal for members, Corvette owners, and Corvette enthusiasts. In addition, LCCC primary charity is the USO which supports our troops and their families. We hope you find this journal on the frame off restoration of a 1969 Corvette interesting, entertaining and useful. We invite you to check out our Web site at and take advantage of the savings and discounts offered by our Business Partners at LCCC s Hot Deals. Feel free to share this link with your family and friends so they too can save on a variety of products and services. If you own a Corvette, we hope you consider joining the LCCC and come caravan with us as we explore North America. Save the Wave! Dan Woomer LCCC Motto: Who cares if we are lost, we're driving a Corvette! LCCC Philosophy: It's all about Fun... and Caravanning Too! LCCC 69 Vette Restoration Journal 3 Ver

4 Introduction to the Project & Players A warm welcome and greetings to all LCCCers and all Corvette enthusiasts. My name is Michael Witt and I am employed at White Post Restoration. I am also a lifetime member of the Lost Caravan Corvette Club (LCCC). With much consideration, cooperation and support of Billy, W.R., and Billy Ray Thompson of White Post Restoration, our project car owner, and Lost Caravan Corvette Club s National President Dan Woomer, I hope to bring you a start to finish full frame off restoration of a 1969 Corvette. I will photograph and write about the progress from the delivery of the Vette to White Post Restoration to finished project delivered back to the happy owner. Dan has committed to help with the journal submission editing, integration of the photos, and the production of the journal publication to a dedicated area on the LCCC Web site at: Description of Project Vette Have I got your interest? Hope so. So let s check out the project Vette. We are starting with a1969 Can-Am White Black Interior Stingray T-Top Coupe, with the L cubic inch power plant, with compression pistons, a Holley 6-pack (that s three two barrel carburetors) with a stock rating of 435 horsepower and 460 Lbs of torque, married to a M- 22 Muncie Rock-Crusher 4-speed Manual, Close ratio, Heavy Duty Transmission. This Vette is one of only 2,722 Vettes factory equipped with the L71. In addition, the Vette was equipped with the following options: Genuine Leather Seats (no RPO # - Interior Code 402), Soft Ray Tinted Glass - all windows (A01), Power Windows (A31), Headrests (A82), Custom Shoulder Belts standard equipment with coupes (A85), Special Front and Rear Suspension (F41), Positraction Rear Axle all ratios (G81), Power Brakes (J50), Transistor Ignition System (K66), Side mounted Exhaust System (N14), Tilt-Telescopic Steering Column (N37), Power Steering (N40), 8 inch Rally Wheel Covers (No RPO #), Front Fender Trim (TJ2), Alarm System (UA6), Speed Warning Indicator (U15), and a AM-FM Radio, stereo (U79). Note, the RPO A82 while required as an optional purchase early in the 1969 model year, after January 1, 1969 it became a standard item, which could be deleted for credit. One thing added to the 1969 Corvette was the headlight washers. Other upgrades changes from the 1968 model were: The word Stingray (one word in script) was added to the front fenders. The exterior door openers were redesigned eliminating the separate release button. Optional side mounted exhausts and side fender vent trim differentiated the 1969 Vette from the preceding model. This model year introduced the 350 Cubic Inch Displacement engines, a steering column ignition switch (moved from the dash as found on the 1968 model), and an 8 inch wheel width. The steering wheel diameter was reduced from 16 inches to 15 inches, and Map Pockets were added to the front of the dash on the passenger side. This Vette does not have the Special Heavy Duty Breaks (J56), the Engine Block Heater (K05), the Aluminum Cylinder Heads with L71 (L89), a Rear Window Defroster (C50), Air Conditioning (C60), Deluxe Wheel Covers (P02), AM-FM Radio (U69), nor the Special L88 aluminum Block (ZL1). With our 1 st look over, we don t know what the original tires were as delivered from the factory. The three options were: Red Strip Tires - F70X15 nylon (PT6), White Strip Tires LCCC 69 Vette Restoration Journal 4 Ver

5 - F70X15 nylon (PT7), White Letter Tires - F70X15 nylon (PU9). We also don t know if this Vette was assembled with the Heavy Duty Clutch (MA6). Since only 102 Vettes came so equipped from the factory, we suspect our project Vette came with the standard clutch. This Stingray is showing very low mileage at only 9,900 on the odometer. The Vette has a repaint, blocked off heater core, some bogus wiring, and a missing air pump pulley and belt. These are some of the at first glance items noted during our initial inspection. Overall, the project is a fine candidate for restoration. The low miles look to be very enjoyable miles! So let s have at it. As a long time Corvette enthusiast (I own a 1968 Convertible), and the team leader for this restoration, I m looking forward to jumping into this project. Restorations like these often take a year or more to complete. And as you will see by this journal, such restorations are labor intensive, requiring experienced technicians and craftsmen to complete With only 9,900 miles on the odometer, this is a really low mileage 69 Vette. Note the Speed Warning Indicator Is set to 140MPH. a 1 st class job. White Post Restorations is world renown for their professionalism, skill, craftsmanship, and attention to detail, which is why our customer entrusted his Vette to us for this restoration. We honor and respect such trust and confidence in our ability and as you will see, we will deliver a 1 st class restoration. At White Post Restorations, our work week runs from Tuesday to Friday with a minimum of ten hour days. My plan is to provide a day by day report, deleting working time I will need to occasionally spend on other customer s vehicles. With that said, here we go! LCCC 69 Vette Restoration Journal 5 Ver