imported_Jon P. Nusbaum
New member
I am thinking about cleaning up the engine compartment of my father's 1972 Corvette Stingray this summer.
A little background first: My dad is the original owner. The car is in pretty good condition for being 30 years old. It has been garaged and driven, not sitting in a field or away in a shed or something. It has about 73,000 miles. About 10 years ago the engine was balanced and blueprinted and while it was out, was also painted the original Chevy orange. My dad used to race Corvettes in Ohio about 30 years ago, so he is somewhat familiar with the mechanical workings of this car, but not an expert. I am about 17 and am learning alot about how engines and cars in general work. Neither of us have done a project like this before. It will be learning process.
We are not looking to win a Concours event, just make it look good for local classic car shows. The exterior is in great shape, we are replacing the seats, carpet and door panels on the interior, so the engine is left to work on.
From reading some how-to's online on engine restoration and cleaning I have come up with a basic plan. My plan is to take off many of the accessories, such as the alternator, vacuum system, hoses, belts, carb and air cleaner assy, and wiring harness. Also, remove the hood and radiator to make some room to work. As I remove all of this I am going to bag and/or label everything and then we will decide whether we are going to replace, repaint, or replate. Then degrease/clean the engine bay. Repaint the block if neccessary (looks pretty good, may just need a good cleaning.) Then paint the engine compartment semi-gloss black. Then Re-install everything that was removed/ replaced.
Sorry, for the loooooong post.
Any changes for my plan or tips in general?
Specifically, I have read that it is good to have small parts such as brackets, hinges, or other small metal parts sandblasted before repainting? Is this neccessary in most cases or is there an alternative method?
I'm sure I will have plenty more questions as they come to me.
Thanks, Bob
A little background first: My dad is the original owner. The car is in pretty good condition for being 30 years old. It has been garaged and driven, not sitting in a field or away in a shed or something. It has about 73,000 miles. About 10 years ago the engine was balanced and blueprinted and while it was out, was also painted the original Chevy orange. My dad used to race Corvettes in Ohio about 30 years ago, so he is somewhat familiar with the mechanical workings of this car, but not an expert. I am about 17 and am learning alot about how engines and cars in general work. Neither of us have done a project like this before. It will be learning process.
We are not looking to win a Concours event, just make it look good for local classic car shows. The exterior is in great shape, we are replacing the seats, carpet and door panels on the interior, so the engine is left to work on.
From reading some how-to's online on engine restoration and cleaning I have come up with a basic plan. My plan is to take off many of the accessories, such as the alternator, vacuum system, hoses, belts, carb and air cleaner assy, and wiring harness. Also, remove the hood and radiator to make some room to work. As I remove all of this I am going to bag and/or label everything and then we will decide whether we are going to replace, repaint, or replate. Then degrease/clean the engine bay. Repaint the block if neccessary (looks pretty good, may just need a good cleaning.) Then paint the engine compartment semi-gloss black. Then Re-install everything that was removed/ replaced.
Sorry, for the loooooong post.
Any changes for my plan or tips in general?
Specifically, I have read that it is good to have small parts such as brackets, hinges, or other small metal parts sandblasted before repainting? Is this neccessary in most cases or is there an alternative method?
I'm sure I will have plenty more questions as they come to me.
Thanks, Bob
