Unbolt the crossmember from...
Unbolt the crossmember from the frame, disconnect the exhaust at the engine, and loosen the rear hangar. You can now drop the entire exhaust system in one piece.
Once your list is complete, you can start hunting for parts. While you can literally spend days online looking at parts and prices, we decided to take a shortcut and call the guys at Summit Racing. They had everything we needed in stock, with guaranteed low prices and same-day shipping. It seemed as though every time we blinked, a fresh shipment of performance parts had showed up at our doorstep. It was like Christmas in July.
For the Corvette restoration parts such as the big-block springs, the ball joints, the tie-rod ends, that sweet triangular air cleaner, and just about everything else that popped up during the removal process, we called the guys at Volunteer Vette. They speak Corvette fluently and had everything we needed, including a few items we didn't even know we needed.
What's Ahead
In our next installment, we'll begin our big-block buildup in earnest, starting with a custom- made, Tri-power fuel-injection system by F&B Throttle Bodies. We'll also meet legendary engine builders Lamar and Rob Walden, who will be testing our AFR aluminum oval-port heads on their flow bench, selecting our custom Comp camshaft, and assembling this cutting-edge powerplant. Don't miss it.
A hydraulic transmission jack...
A hydraulic transmission jack makes trans removal a snap.
Cherry picker–style engine...
Cherry picker–style engine hoists are inexpensive, available at most rental centers, and capable of easily removing your old small-block. Be sure to guide the engine out to avoid damaging the body and firewall.
With the engine and trans...
With the engine and trans out of the way, it’s easy to see how more than 40 years of wear can degrade the appearance of your engine bay.
This previous repair to the...
This previous repair to the trans tunnel will need to be fixed correctly before painting the underside.
Another small hole, this one...
Another small hole, this one in the firewall, will also need to be repaired. Note the factory-marked “PB” letters, denoting an original power-brake car.
To prevent overspray, the...
To prevent overspray, the body shop tapes, masks, and “bags” the whole car before performing any priming or painting.
Metal parts, such as the radiator...
Metal parts, such as the radiator support and frame start, are first given a coat of gray-oxide primer.
Finally, a low-pressure gun...
Finally, a low-pressure gun is used to spray the satin black for an as-new finish.