1967 Corvette Restoration

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Larry Kluss
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Re: 1967 Corvette Restoration

Post by Larry Kluss »

I’ve been making steady progress on the Corvette. The rear suspension is almost done. Of course everything takes longer than I think it should, but the independent rear suspension on this car is pretty involved.

The rear underbody and frame have been refinished. The differential was in great condition and after inspection it needed only seals, cleaning, and new oil. The transverse leaf spring was refurbished, including new separators. All new bushings, u-joints, etc. were installed throughout.

The trailing arm/parking brake/spindle assemblies have been a challenge. They have been reconditioned now and all that's left is installing and setting the bearing clearances, and final assembly.
Attachments
Trailing arm/spindle assembly (spindle removed) before disassembly
Trailing arm/spindle assembly (spindle removed) before disassembly
Ready for install.
Ready for install.
P1160050a.jpg
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Re: 1967 Corvette Restoration

Post by Steve Simmons »

Wow, I had no idea they used a transverse spring. Now I feel better about my Model T! ;)
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Larry Kluss
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Re: 1967 Corvette Restoration

Post by Larry Kluss »

They still use transverse leaf springs in present day Corvettes. Some things never change, I guess. Though they are composite mono-leaf springs nowadays.
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Re: 1967 Corvette Restoration

Post by matstng »

Nice work Larry. Keep the pics coming.
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Re: 1967 Corvette Restoration

Post by matstng »

Steve Simmons wrote:Wow, I had no idea they used a transverse spring. Now I feel better about my Model T! ;)
LOL
Nice one Steve
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Larry Kluss
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Re: 1967 Corvette Restoration

Post by Larry Kluss »

It’s been quite a while since an update. Here are a few photos of where the project is at.

The rebuilt front and rear suspension, brakes, and steering are finished. The wheels are done and new tires installed. The rebuilt wiper motor and gear are in, as well as the air conditioning/heater/blower assembly. Also the new fuel tank, rear end wiring harness, taillights, bumper brackets, etc. are all installed.

Next up is to refurbish and install the engine bay wiring harness, trans cooler lines, shift lever assembly, and instrument cluster. All in preparation to install the engine.
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P1160162a.jpg (140.19 KiB) Viewed 16477 times
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Re: 1967 Corvette Restoration

Post by rally_x »

Looking good!
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Larry Kluss
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Re: 1967 Corvette Restoration

Post by Larry Kluss »

Progress has been slow the past couple of months, but the pace is starting to pick up. The motor is finally ready to go in. The headlight assemblies are in and the interior painting is done. I'm hoping to hear it run in the near future.
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Larry Kluss
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Re: 1967 Corvette Restoration

Post by Larry Kluss »

Significant milestone today. The motor is in! Next up, install the rest of the engine bay items, exhaust system, instrument cluster, etc. Then bring it to life. Also got the refaced and calibrated gauges back and assembled in the panel.
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Martin Keller
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Re: 1967 Corvette Restoration

Post by Martin Keller »

Larry,

That 427 Corvette will pass everything but a gas station with the trip setup and it sure looks good.

Gauges look real good and you even get a quarter of a tank of fuel to get it started :jester and it looks like it is warmed up already by the temp gauge.... :devil:

That is going to be one sweet Corvette when finished
Martin Keller
Ventura, Ca.
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Larry Kluss
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Re: 1967 Corvette Restoration

Post by Larry Kluss »

Here's an update on the Corvette project. After losing a month diagnosing a fuel over-pressure issue that ended up being a carburetor assembly error by yours truly, the engine finally runs! Progress has also been made on the dash.

It will be time for a short test drive once I get the rough alignment done.
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Re: 1967 Corvette Restoration

Post by Fifty Six MGA »

It's starting to look like a car! Looks great.
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Larry Kluss
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Re: 1967 Corvette Restoration

Post by Larry Kluss »

Thanks, Geoff. Since the last update, the car has been driven around the neighborhood. The carpet, headliner, radio, rear bumpers, parking lights, etc. are all in. I'm finishing up the rest of the interior trim before tackling the power windows and door assemblies. I also need to finish up a couple of things in the engine bay so I can install the hood, and finish up the front of the car.
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Larry Kluss
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Re: 1967 Corvette Restoration

Post by Larry Kluss »

The project is finally approaching the finish line. I drove it around town today for the first time. It runs strong. There are a few things that need finishing such as the door glass and panels, professional alignment, and A/C compressor and charging. Then there is a short list of things that have popped up and will need attention. All-in-all, I'm happy with the result...and so is my dad.

Larry
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tannyo
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Re: 1967 Corvette Restoration

Post by tannyo »

Nice work as usual Larry. It looks beautiful.
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Steve Simmons
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Re: 1967 Corvette Restoration

Post by Steve Simmons »

How exciting! I bet it's a hoot to drive, especially after all that work.
Martin Keller
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Re: 1967 Corvette Restoration

Post by Martin Keller »

Hi Larry,

Any more updates on the Vet. Is it finished yet.

:drive
Martin Keller
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Larry Kluss
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Re: 1967 Corvette Restoration

Post by Larry Kluss »

Martin, yes, the car is essentially finished. I do have a few things to finish up including installing the A/C compressor and figuring out why the car surges a bit at cruising speeds. We have taken it to the N.P. cruise night and Supercar Sunday. And it's going to a local Corvette show next weekend.
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Re: 1967 Corvette Restoration

Post by Martin Keller »

Larry Kluss wrote:figuring out why the car surges a bit at cruising speeds.
Hi Larry,

I know why it surges while cruising......it wants you to put your foot to the floor and let those triple carbs open up and run that 427..... :lol:
Looking forward to seeing some photos of the finished product.
:drive
Martin Keller
Ventura, Ca.
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