How to Restore Your Corvette 1968-1982

The Corvette is in a league of its own. As the all-American V-8 sports car, no other high-performance American car can match it for enthusiast interest, collectability, and in many cases, performance. GM has cranked out model after memorable model continuously from 1953 to present, with the only exception being 1983. During this time, the Corvette earned a fanatical following and iconic status. Over the course of 14-year production run of the third generation, more than a half-million Corvettes were built.

Many Corvettes have been driven aggressively during their lifetime while others have not been properly stored nor maintained. Whether it's hard use, neglect or just elapsed time, often these 30-years-old or older cars require a major restoration and not just simple repair. Through the pages of this book, you are expertly guided through each crucial stage of the restoration process from disassembly to inspection and parts selection to assembly. The hands-on restoration techniques for all major component groups are explained in exceptional detail for professional results, including suspension, engine, interior, body, paint, brakes, steering, electrical, and interior. Special coverage is devoted to restoring the birdcage frame and the fiberglass body. These restoration procedures are explained with extensive step-by-step captions and brilliant full-color photos so you confidently complete each step and ultimately the restoration of an entire car. In addition, the author addresses the real-world benefits and drawbacks of doing the work yourself. In addition, it will contain essential model information, VIN identification, powertrain and interior options and more. If you've been looking for the authoritative guide for restoring your 1968-1982 Stingray, then you've found it.

There has been and will be a strong and flourishing restoration industry for the third-generation Corvette. Whether you're an informed owner or skilled enthusiast, this book will provide an essential information source for those who want to restore this affordable Corvette model at home.

“"While a single book could not hope to cover every eventuality, it will provide a useful insight into the typical problems the Corvette restorer could encounter. Essential reading for C3 owners."”

"How to Restore Your C3 Corvette: 1968-1982 will prove to be enduringly popular and a 'must' for anyone planning a C3 Corvette restoration." -Midwest Book Review, December 2013-- "Midwest Book Review" (12/17/2013 12:00:00 AM)
"If a nice driver is your goal, you'll find plenty of help packed in its 176 pages." -Mike McNessor, Hemmings Classic Car, December 2013--Mike McNessor "Hemmings Classic Car" (10/21/2013 12:00:00 AM)
"In typical SA Design fashion, this soft cover book by Walt Thurn leaves no bolt unturned." -Old Cars Weekly, November 21, 2013-- "Old Cars Weekly" (11/7/2013 12:00:00 AM)
-Classic American, March 2014-- "Classic American" (2/13/2014 12:00:00 AM)

Walt has been involved with the Corvette hobby since 1963 and has been a Corvette owner since 1965. He has writeen many how-to articles on street Corvettes and has covered many Corvette racing events. He has been published in VETTE, Corvette Fever, Corevette Quarterly, Corvette Enthusiast, and CorvetteMagazine.com magazines. Along with his racing coverage, he has written a number of how-to tech articles about C3, C4, C5, and C6 Corvettes.

Unmistakable and alluring style, excellent handling, and enormous performance from big-block power. The Corvette C3, built from 1968 to 1982, was the longest running and top selling Corvette generation in history. This iconic Stingray model, firmly ingrained in automotive consciousness, influenced the American automotive design, and for many enthusiasts became the quintessential Corvette. The 1968-1974 Corvettes were equipped with spirited small-blocks as well as high-horsepower, big-block V-8s. While these early cars bring top dollar at auction, Corvettes built from 1975 to 1982 (with a few exceptions) are plentiful, affordable, and can be upgraded to high-performance cars. Many Corvettes have been driven aggressively during their lifetime while others have not been properly stored nor maintained. Whether it's hard use, neglect, or simply elapsed time, these cars often require a major restoration, not just simple repair. Author Walt Thurn expertly guides you through each crucial stage of the restoration process, from disassembly to inspection to parts selection to assembly. He provides hands-on restoration techniques with step-by-step photos for all major component groups including suspension, engine, interior, body, paint, brakes, steering, and electrical. Special coverage is devoted to restoring the birdcage frame and the fiberglass body. The book discusses the real-world benefits and drawbacks of doing the work yourself. In addition, it contains essential model information, VIN identification, powertrain and interior options, and more. If you've been looking for the authoritative guide for restoring your 1968-1982 Stingray, you've found it.

This restoration guide provides in-depth, step-by-step information of common restoration procedures and features brilliant color photos so the reader can complete a bumper-to-bumper restoration in their own garage.

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