My rebuilt Vette took her first steps today.

[Paranoid]

Well, the engine, drivetrain and front suspension are rebuilt.

It was a very short trip into the garage, but under its own power for the first time in 2 months. I still suspect a problem with reverse so I didn't want to push things. Tranny was stuck in reverse preventing me from rotating the yoke and attaching the driveshaft.

It's still hard to me to believe that I built an engine from scratch then dissasembled an entire drivetrain and put it all back together. Now that's a first for me.

Next I have to bleed all the calipers and maybe try out that reverse gear and see if I get stuck.

[Vanity Plate Bob]

Looks great. Good luck through full recovery.

[Stallion]

Do you have any idea what's wrong with your shifting? Maybe it's the linkage into the transmission. When I dropped my tranny and put it back up there, I had that same shifting problem. It turned out to be the linkage. What else do you think it might be?

[Paranoid]

Yeah, its the shifter linkage. I have a new Hurst competition plus shifter and the reverse rod need some adjustment. I I think the threads on the rod were a little short.

I hope that's all it was.

[Stallion]

Ah, I see. Good luck with that!!

[LITEVETTE]

I know how it feels to finally get it running (me after 5 years). Enjoy it and good luck with that linkage!

[lnirenberg]

I saw your car on another thread and it is drop dead beautiful. What wheel tire combo are you using? I have read that if you use the original offset measurements to keep this style wheel inside the wheel arches you have to grind down the brakes so that they don't rub on the inside of the wheel. Any words of wisdom?

[Paranoid]

Originally Posted by lnirenberg

I saw your car on another thread and it is drop dead beautiful. What wheel tire combo are you using? I have read that if you use the original offset measurements to keep this style wheel inside the wheel arches you have to grind down the brakes so that they don't rub on the inside of the wheel. Any words of wisdom?

Thanks.

I'm using 16X8 with 4 inch backspacing. The problem with wheel fitment is the Corvette's large calipers. These are American Racing Torque Thrust II's and they clear the calipers just fine....no spacers and no grinding. Some wheels, like the Torque Thrust D's do not clear the calipers.

It all depends if the back of the wheel spokes curves or not. The TTII's are more flat than the D's.

[lnirenberg]

Thanks for the info--one more question. What tire size? Did you have to recalibrate the speedo or are they the same diameter as the original F70-15s?

[Paranoid]

I'm using 255-50-16's Goodyear Eagle HP-ultra Plus's. Not I didn't recalibrate the speedo....these tires are 26in tall.

[lnirenberg]

Instinct and a good tire plus sizing book tells me I wouldn't expect that size tire to fill the wheel openings as well as they appear to on your car--they look great. Lowered suspension perhaps?

[Paranoid]

Originally Posted by lnirenberg

Instinct and a good tire plus sizing book tells me I wouldn't expect that size tire to fill the wheel openings as well as they appear to on your car--they look great. Lowered suspension perhaps?

I lowered the front about an inch....don't think I can go ANY lower. Rear is about 27inches, front @ 26.5. AIM listes the spec's at 27-28" for both the F/R, so it's really no that much lower.

[DarkShark]

Originally Posted by 1970 Stingray

......It's still hard to me to believe that I built an engine from scratch then dissasembled an entire drivetrain and put it all back together. Now that's a first for me.......

Wow- Your Vette really looks nice, and sounds even better from what you have posted!! Great job!!!!


As for an incorrect restoration, I would say that as long as you are happy.... THAT IS WHAT COUNTS!!!

May the resto-mods live long and prosper!!!

[jrose7004]

Always liked Big Block C3's! Looks good!

[76L82]

That has got to be one of the nicest paint schemes going...chrome bumpers with gun metal gray...damn, that's nice!!