I never think I’m an expert at anything, but I have a lot of experience restoring cars on my own (shade tree restorer).
While gaining this experience by working on my own cars, 66 Impala, 70 Duster, 70 Chevelle, 70 Mustang, 73 Mustang (#ProjectSR73), 84 C4 Corvette, 2006 C6, and 76 C3 Corvette (#ProjectSR76) and project managing the restoration of a rare early fuel injected VW Bug and two 55 Buicks, I’ve learned a lot, and I’ve seen a lot. My 1973 Mustang comes to mind with the non-Mustang brakes. So, finding what I did when working on #ProjectSR76, I wasn’t surprised.
This discovery created a good conversation in one of the FB Groups I frequent. Let me know what you think after you watch the video.
It is nearly complete. The color conversion has taken place. Adding the new door panels will complete round one. The goal was to get rid of the awful factory smoke-gray color, which was in horrid condition, and convert it to black.
I did have to replace a few items. The emergency brake housing was trashed. The seatbelts were not fully functional and couldn’t be dyed. The dash was trash and had to be replaced, as well as the carpet and the upholstery for the seats. I saved everything that was serviceable and changed the color.
But that’s not the end. As you know, “Average Guys” restoring cars on their own have small budgets and most of the C3 Corvette owners would pass on a 1976 Stingray, especially one that was in the condition this one was. As $$$ permits, many parts will be replaced, but that might wait for a few other projects to get completed.
I am working on the Vega steering wheel that my 1976 Stingray came with. I want to convert it to fit my new steering wheel, but….well…you watch and drop me a comment.
As part of the interior color transformation, every part needs to be replaced or have the color changed, kick panels included.
I picked up a used set in black some time ago so I didn’t have to treat these.
I’m assuming that what is on #ProjectSR76 is original. The color matches, and there’s no indication it was replaced.
In this video and the pictures below, you’ll see that the right side was manually altered. The right kick panel in the used set is was not modified.
However, a quick look at the aftermarket offering and the panels are modified.
Aftermarket
As the video will show, the modification was necessary to accommodate a vacuum actuator on the right side next to the air vent.
Here is the video:
NOTE: THIS WORD PRESS SITE IS HAVING ISSUES PLAYING YOUTUBE VIDEOS. IF THIS OCCURS, CLICK ON WATCH ON YOUTUBE AND ENJOY THE VIDEO THERE!! WE ARE WORKING TO FIX THAT ISSUE.
Thanks for checking. Next up – interior T-Top panels.
I begin discussing ALL the work that has to be done to #ProjectSR76 1976 Stingray. There’s a lot!! Spreadsheets are being created and mini projects planned out.
Of course, everything is subject to funding. As you know, Average Guys have Average Budgets. There is no magic number, but no corners are cut for safety.
I created an Eckler’s project and started adding my NEEDS for #SR76. The entire carpet package is $430.00. Which isn’t bad. But the roll of the looped black carpet was only about $30. Can I make it work? Well, you’ll be the second to know.
If you have an idea or have a comment make it here or on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLWYRoUPd_SANVjRj77cwkw) or our FaceBook page.
Here is part of my discussion (with myself) on my To Do List:
If you read the title you might have thought that I’d be giving you some information on the graphics that were available on the Plymouth Duster, but it’s just the opposite.
I’m looking for some information on the graphics for the car pictured below to restore a similar car. What were the factory graphics options on Plymouth Dusters? In the picture below, is this an option or custom work?
