Ripping Apart Our Basket Case C3 Project Corvette (The Body is Finally Off!)

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I didn't want to do it. I tried to find ways not to do it. But when we got right down to it, the only option was to pull the body off the Corvette so I can make repairs to both the chassis and the floorboards. It was a heck of a pain, but also a lot of fun along the way.
If you missed it, you can see part one of The Horsepower Monster's Corvette build project here: • I Bought a Corvette Ba...
A few of the tools I used in this video:
(Please note The Horsepower Monster may receive compensation for purchases made through these links. So thanks for your support!)
Zip Corvette Body Lift Straps: bit.ly/3vYPnUe
Milwaukee M18 Mid-Torque Impact: amzn.to/3yvE1J9
Milwaukee M12 Die Grinder: amzn.to/3M2pdFX
Milwaukee M12 Stubby Impact: amzn.to/3kV7x2X
Mid America C3 Floor Pans: bit.ly/3kZWmGp

Опубликовано:

2 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 249

@SuperDave21 2 года назад

You're fearless aren't you? lol.... Love your channel and its projects like this that capture my attention! Thanks, and good luck!

@TheHorsepowerMonster 2 года назад

Probably more foolish than fearless, but thanks for watching and the kind words!

@gsmith207 Год назад

ditto that

@deweyblanton6722 2 года назад

Spend every chance with your dad, you’ll miss him when he’s gone but you’ll cherish those memories.

@IsaacMega 4 месяца назад

THE LIFT STRATEGY GAVE ME SO MUCH HOPE. I have 2 C3 Corvettes’s one I am fixing up and a parts car. 1980 and 1981 (parts car). The car I am fixing needs a new frame, which the flooded 81 has. I thought I was gonna need a 2 post lift to get the birdcage off. But now I can just go get a 2 ton Pittsburg cherry picker and a 2x4 and be off to the races. I can’t thank you enough for making this video

@TheHorsepowerMonster 4 месяца назад

Thanks, but please note that I used a 4x4 and not a 2x4. I would at least screw a couple of 2x4's together. Good luck, and thanks for watching!

@IsaacMega 4 месяца назад

@@TheHorsepowerMonstergot it, thanks again!

@anasevi9456 2 года назад

if it wasnt for the fibreglass panels that car would have turned into a pile of dust, ugh so sad as C3's are such beauties

@Adam-nv9zo 2 года назад

The car is worth the work for sure. I've seen show cars that started in way worse shape. Keep up the hard work buddy.

@HydianWay 2 года назад

I just bought a '77 Corvette. I am going to fully restore it and videos like this really help. Thanks.

@mortem-tyrannis 2 года назад

Definitely have your work cut out for ya, good luck and god speed.

@TheHorsepowerMonster 2 года назад

Thanks!

@anti_guapo 2 года назад

This helps me so much right now. I am about to do a passenger floor pan on a c3 as well. awesome content.

@TheHorsepowerMonster 2 года назад

Thanks!

@xluke2416 2 года назад

I am currently going through the same process with a 1979 c3 here in salty western New York. I have run into every single problem you have and I have thought to myself too many times, " am i absolutely nuts". so happy this popped up in my feed.

@TheHorsepowerMonster 2 года назад

We can suffer together!

@Moonlight-ry1vu Год назад

I am redoing a 1979 C3 basket case. Can the body be reinstalled with the engine in place?

@hamidl2439 10 месяцев назад

i wish i had a garage like that to restore my 1980 good for you and all the best good jub

@guppy288 2 месяца назад

Doing the same to mine but I got lucky with the body mounts, only had to cut two😁 Good video, wish I found them earlier. -'77 Vette

@TheHorsepowerMonster 2 месяца назад

Thanks! And good luck with your build!

@ThePerfectSeason1972 Год назад

Man, an incredible amount of hard work. You are a brave soul.

@TheHorsepowerMonster Год назад

Hey thanks! At least it makes for a fun video!

@dadfood3504 2 года назад

Can't wait to see where this goes

@beasley1984 2 года назад

I have a 1982 Vette that I'm about to start restoring (body off). I have the dolly constructed and am about to start removing items to get the body off. Your video is a great learning tool! Thanks for posting.

@TheHorsepowerMonster 2 года назад

Thanks a lot! Good luck with your project!

@andrewstoffel1170 2 года назад

Love watching this as I would love to restore a C3. You think corvettes are pricey in America, just imagine what they’re like in France! Not sure that one was stored near the ocean as much as in it. Bon Courage 👍

@flinch622 2 года назад

Probably was up and down the coast alot, and maybe got baptized by a hurricane or two. It's a pain having a nice car on the coast: better wash that thing alot.

@peteward8125 2 года назад

Good luck with this build !! Just think one day you’ll have something to be proud of when your driving down the road in it !!

@jamtardio Год назад

Was fun to watch, I have a 1980 c3 dark claret color with a power steering leak. There is a complete drop in rack and pinion available I've read the stock original steering design was taken from the 1957 belair and this ran from '63-'82

@gonnkrazzy 3 месяца назад

Great video.. not many hold my attention.. about to pull the body of the wife’s c3, so I can mount c4 suspension to the frame.. thanks for the tips on the removal!!!

@TheHorsepowerMonster 2 месяца назад

Thanks! Good luck with your upgrades!

@timewarpvideo6244 2 года назад

That's such a wreck!

@carrolbrooks2143 Год назад

Makes it that much more of an accomplishment when you're done!?!!😉😊😆😁

@cpnolto 2 года назад

Where did you get this thing and is it too late to take it back there? Seriously - best of luck with this "project". This is exactly the kind of C3 I was told to avoid - to run run run, not walk away from anything that looked like this car. When I was last in the market for a vette I looked at several C3's and rejected them all (and they were all in way better shape than this car) Truth is I don't have the skills, equipment, time or the money to tackle such a project. So, I bought a C5 instead and that has been mostly good. That car is going to cost you a ton of money - and that's the easy part. Good on ya dude!

@davekulberg3215 Год назад

Good video. Rust is s going to be a huge issue. I wish you the best and have some fun along the way!

@confuse9 9 месяцев назад

Hooked! Nice job on the car (about what I would do) and the video production.

@TheHorsepowerMonster 9 месяцев назад

Hey thanks! And thanks for watching!

@lothianmcadam1 Год назад

for a measly $20k (or so), you can purchase a fresh squeezed Morrison chassis for that C3 with a modern suspension!

@jaa02130 2 года назад

Awesome video! You remind me of myself because I'm going through the same process and with the same quality of tools. Harbor freight and Milwaukee #1. I haven't pulled the body yet because I wanted to do it with a gantry crane which I ordered from Harbor Freight and it just arrived. I am also doing the work by myself. You're doing great and I'll be looking forward to more videos. Take care! 81 C3 Corvette 4spd

@nikkylastephan1168 9 месяцев назад

Awesome video!

@TheHorsepowerMonster 9 месяцев назад

Thanks!

@hardball107 2 года назад

The engine is and trans is easy, just pick up a good used LS from the junk yard and swap it in. Even a 5.3 stock truck engine will put out more HP than any SBC ever installed, I've done quite a few now and you could be looking at 375hp. With just a cam change you can add 60+hp for $250, you can buy a dual plane intake manifold and run a carb on it. At least a 750 with vacuum secondary's or how about a 800cfm Quadrajet for that intake howl and the stock exhaust manifolds will probably work or Holly sells some very nice cast manifolds even shorty headers. Stick a turbo 350, 400 or a 700r4 behind the LS, all you need is a $20 adaptor for the crank to T/C and you're set. It's practically a bolt in. The rest is the challenge.

@douchedidit9222 2 года назад

Man with all that work u should just build the whole thing a budget friendly suspension kit uppers and lowers after market front and rear

@That_Ryan_Guy 2 года назад

Based on the condition of everything and the butchery done to the car...I wouldn't trust a dam line was routed correctly. Getting em out of the way may save you in the long run! =)

@deadshot4245 11 месяцев назад

truth there would be a good bet to rewire the entire car properly

@dano4572 2 года назад

I am seriously RIGHT NOW contemplating buying a 1975 vett that you cant open the engine hood and the owner is dead so I cant get any info on the motor,,, like is it broken,, first off,,, you know,,,,,, not sure if I'm gonna buy it!!! good luck with that thing!

@AndyFromm 2 года назад

Looks like good material for the crusher

@tomnekuda3818 Месяц назад

Buddy, they saw you coming. Love those years of Vettes but man, too much for me. Good you have a youtube channel and good shop. I'd be up a creek.

@edwardhale5519 2 года назад

Hey 👋 I'm. Ed Hale in Purcellville va,!!I'm restoring a 1975 same way lol.

@TheHorsepowerMonster 2 года назад

Good luck!

@CrankAddict 2 года назад

Been there. Done that. I feel your pain with this body off resto. Projects have a way of snowballing out of control.

@TheRealTomLauda 2 года назад

It looks like a massive undertaking ! Cool project, though, can't wait to see more of it.

@deanstevenson6527 2 года назад

⛵=Bust Out Another Thousand CORVETTE=Cost Over Runs Veto Every Truly Tantalising Experience.❤️ Your Work. Next door neighbour gave me Corvette love. LT1 1971. The 80 is cool. Anything fibreglass forces the other Steel parts to rust. Once you've gotten the chassis sorted, can't wait for your Epic V8.

@lowbudgetbuilds5789 2 года назад

Good luck with your c3 I have a 81 that I bought for my dad unfortunately he passed away couple of months later. Never saw or drove the car. Now I’m building a memorial car. Everything he wanted plus a twin turbo ls( that part is for me). Haven’t had to pull the body car has been sitting since early 2000’s. And just like you I’m doing all by myself. Looking forward to seeing your progress on your build

@amandagirl8042 2 года назад

should stick 2 4x4 across under the car and i set on 45 gallon (55 if you are in the us) drums then roll the chassis out from under body

@king0cans 2 года назад

The price of my Arizona iron just went up some more.

@williammcclain8438 Год назад

thank you now I have the courage

@nessie42786 2 года назад

Man if you lived in Sonoma co. CA. I’d give you a hand. I’ve got some extra skin on my knuckles to donate to the cause.

@TheHorsepowerMonster 2 года назад

I would have gladly accepted

@nessie42786 2 года назад

@@TheHorsepowerMonster you create such top quality content. It surprises me you don’t have anybody helping you out. P.S. 496ci bored and stroked for the Vette please.

@michaeltruscott9443 10 месяцев назад

I just wish I still had a garage to work in 😢

@mchristr 2 года назад

Much respect for taking on this project. There are a lot of cool parts made for modernizing a C3. I'll be following the process.

@E.T.GARAGE 2 года назад

Classic Tube should have a stainless steel brake line kit for that C3 along with fuel lines.

@russellboyd5262 2 года назад

keep those videos coming, on this c3.I own a 1977 corvette, I find these videos interesting informative.thankyou.lol

@williamcuevas2515 Год назад

Personally you did a great job.

@TheHorsepowerMonster Год назад

Thanks! And thanks for watching!

@carrolbrooks2143 Год назад

Great Job!! By the way, I'm glad I watched you do this before I got in to deep!?!! LOL

@C-64 2 года назад

I got a C3 with rust on the frame but it’s solid, I really don’t want to do this

@g.o.b.2558 2 года назад

This would be cool to intergate some C4 or C5 Corvette suspension.

@TheHorsepowerMonster 2 года назад

Yes!

@Anthony-qj7qe 2 года назад

Nice job, unfortunately this is just the beginning, its gonna get expensive$$$ if you do it right. I have a 74 and had to pretty much replace every nut and bolt on that car but not the floor pans..... good luck! 😉

@TheHorsepowerMonster 2 года назад

Thanks, is yours done?

@Anthony-qj7qe 2 года назад

@@TheHorsepowerMonster Yep pretty much after 4 years a lotta $$ and hard work I did all myself....but its never really "done" with these cars, god help you if you have to pay someone to work on it.

@Apittslife 2 года назад

From here it looks Blue not Purple. I helped restore a 1980 corvette years ago, We had it media blasted down to the Raw Fiberglass, Repairs any issues we found with the Bonded panels as well as any issues with the fiberglass its self. Then we built up all the edge gaps, & installed a Fiberglass Nose & Tail. Then sprayed new gelcoat on Her. She ended up Black with Red interior. When done, the Corvette Club said He had to park His car in the modified section of Their Show, because Corvettes never left the factory with good door gaps, Straight Body panels & No Orange peel.

@TheHorsepowerMonster 2 года назад

Ha!

@SirGriffin29 2 года назад

I bought my C3 around end of April and she looks about the same state as yours, my pans are definetly not nearly as bad. I just rebuilt the original engine. Debating pulling the body after seeing your video!

@micksterboone4517 2 года назад

Don't forget to keep track of the shims between the body mounts and the frame.

@jfgerman9636 Год назад

First time watching your posts. Great video and very informative. So much so I’ve decided to keep my C3 search to a fully restored one 😂

@TheHorsepowerMonster Год назад

Ha! I think that proves you are quite a bit wiser than me! Thanks for watching

@gregoryjowers3629 2 года назад

Good luck my friend that’s a huge project car. God bless

@stephenmitchell3569 2 года назад

Great Dad and Son with Awesome Advice. My 1978 corvette was rust free and driven before turn to race car. No rusty bolts. You showed me how lucky I was. Need any part I will fix you up for you need a break wow you are brave!😀🇺🇸

@carrolbrooks2143 Год назад

I Have a 78 as well, it's been in storage on a Marine base in SoCal for the last 25 years!?!! My wife surprised me and had it brought to me in Washington, She's a Keeper!!!

@Alex-nh1hb Год назад

Looking at a project c3 right now, I’m curious how much money you think it’ll take to fix up. The motor and trans are rebuilt and in good condition, but the AC doesn’t work, headlights don’t go up, powers steering leaks/doesn’t work, and seats are in rough shape. Any thoughts?

@jeramiebradford1 2 года назад

You're correct about the back bumper it's a huge pain in the butt.

@AlbertPendergraff-rp7jp 6 месяцев назад

Your fram that you undercoated and the welds you saw was done but a bunch of drunks my friend because I was told my Corvette was put together by drunks and they didn't have any control over them until 1984

@tedzehnder961 2 года назад

I owned a 73 for 15 years but had a little less rust than you had so the body mounts (metal plates) only broke in 2 places..You seem to have less money than brains which isn`t all that bad,really.But starting with a bit less rust would have been more enjoyable and less stressful.It`s still gonna cost ($) you in the end.

@jameshoward139 2 года назад

I LOVE MY RED VETT, MINE HAS 400 (SB) 400 OD TRANS, REAL STREET . I"M 80 YR.OLD!! HAD MY LITTLE TOY 41YRS. (NEW) STREET RACE ONLY ON STREET!! OH YA SHE"S GOT A LITTLE JUICE FOR ADDED KICK!!!!

@dgc940 2 года назад

Im not a corvette guy but I actually know where a 74 is in a garage 69000 miles one owner and looks brand new. Belonged to a lady's late husband. It needs 0 paint 0 interior and She's wanting rid of it. But Im just not into 2 seaters. She told me he never once ever removed the t tops and never seen rain or foul weather.

@MrUltraworld 2 года назад

You're looking at a full body-off restoration on a 1980 Corvette with a ton of rust repair. That restoration is going to cost (on the low side) $50k, a Concours 1980 Corvette is going for about $30k. Do you absolutely need a 1980 Corvette?

@Randomgearhead 2 года назад

This reminds me about the scamp fiberglass camper I bought it's a POS I paid way too much for. Complete floor was rotted and after 2 years I'm still working on it and haven't camped in it yet.

@madrabbit9007 Месяц назад

As I understand, there are electric motor upgrades for the headlights. That would be at the top of my list for mods.

@damianbrennan2258 2 года назад

Those vacume pods look new on lights

@johnmeoff Год назад

good job i would use spray rust penetrating lube like zep and soak the crap out of the bolts every couple of days i did my 69 camaro by un screwing every single bolt on the car with zep

@epasternak4206 3 месяца назад

Great video. When i bought my 75 it was in better shape than this one, minimal rust. Its a ton of work but its a true joy.

@LJC5865 2 года назад

Call it Mad Max, paint flat black.. complete n 6 days. I hope not I'd like to see you working it out it's fun.

@davidblalock9945 2 года назад

Late model hemi 5.7 has heads that flow between than anything in the aftermarket. 320 cfm! Engine Masters did a video on them, and with just a cam they were pushing well over 500 on hp and torque.

@robertyates9008 Год назад

How bout a LS Swap. Gees every time I suggest something is a pricey one lol. Keep looking bro.

@kevinwisler4547 Год назад

I just stumbled across your channel. It's cool that you're a writer for the folded magazine Chevy High Performance. I miss that magazine. I learned a lot from it and Vette Magazine. I used them to fix up my 81 Corvette that I switched to a 5 speed Tremmec and rack and pinion steering. I also did some upgrades to the engine using the info obtained from CHP.

@TheHorsepowerMonster Год назад

Thanks. I really enjoyed Chevy High. Are you aware that Nick Licata, Chevy High's old editor, now produces a magazine called All Chevy Performance? It is by a publishing group called In the Garage Media. They are still doing some really good stuff. Thanks for watching!

@kevinwisler4547 Год назад

Thanks for the tip. I'll try to find All Chevy Performance and I'll be looking out for more of your videos.

@grabir01 2 года назад

1975 and older would have been the better choice. After 1975, its not a good choice at all.

@TheHorsepowerMonster 2 года назад

I definitely started out looking for an older option. But then when I couldn't find -- or afford -- any good options on my target list I decided to lean into my misery. Thanks for watching!

@wesbafguy 2 года назад

Been subscribed to this channel for a long time. Pretty fun watching you take on a restoration project! Keep up the great content.

@TheHorsepowerMonster 2 года назад

Hey thanks! Hopefully, this car is going to be a lot of fun in the near future!

@stippett129 2 года назад

Good luck with the rebuild. I know you are enjoying every moment of it!

@RadDadisRad 2 года назад

What a mess. I can’t believe how much of this car is rusted.

@st.k.4528 Год назад

Thanks for this video! I think it is a great quick tutorial.

@MrRandy3504 2 года назад

Yes you do have your work cut out for you. Your going to have to replace everything. Good luck

@sqr2024 2 года назад

lol I went through this with a 1971 Big Block car. I feel your pain.

@flinch622 2 года назад

Gotta really love a car for this much trouble. Body off was the right choice - frame is at that point of paint it... or else.

@David-xh2yt 2 года назад

You are brave to continue with this car. I would have set fire to it and murdered the seller by now. 😂

@stephenmitchell3569 2 года назад

Looking good still got tons of parts..lol.

@deanstevenson6527 2 года назад

Great work. 80s are cool. This project is great. Can't wait for your awesome new engine.

@vettegreaser6590 2 года назад

I’m enjoying the build. I hope you stick with it. I just purchased a 1970 Corvette project and watching your progress helps keep me motivated

@TheHorsepowerMonster 2 года назад

Thanks!

@midlifemotox 8 месяцев назад

OMG!!!!! Dude?? What did you buy? Best of luck to you.

@shepardw4981 Год назад

I'm surprised the old fiberglass doesn't crack when lifting it off the frame in this jury-rigged fashion

@garyforestiere7732 2 года назад

I’m restoring an 80 now not worth it you can find them in nice shape from 9 to 10 grand kicking myself !

@idessaoutlaw 2 года назад

Looks like a flood car from the coast. I used to have patience like you do.

@porschetech72901 2 года назад

you got this ... with your connections this should be a badfast toy ....

@christopherohara9421 2 года назад

I got my first c3 what a pain in the you know what I miss my 69 Camaro

@stiligru8468 2 года назад

waiting for more! seriosly, i think about v10 viper engine (on carburators) in c3, cuz for me its look like protoviper from 70s why nobody do this !!! :)

@rowdy3837 2 года назад

Great job improvising that body lift!! Gotta work with the tools you have! Can’t wait to see how this beauty turns out!

@TheHorsepowerMonster 2 года назад

Thanks!

@Headsup9550 2 года назад

I like how you said that now we can tell it's a repaint when you got the rockers off like it's not obvious in 30 other areas!lol The car was dark blue, not purple.. I don't understand why you don't want a 327? I promise you, whatever engine you end up with will not have enough power for a small journal crankshaft to be an issue! That car is definitely rough but it's good to see one getting put back on the road. Not many people seem to build the 80ish model cars..

@frankc1430 2 года назад

If the floor pans look like that then I would sure hate to see what the bird cage looks like!

@nessie42786 2 года назад

I’ve seen a bird cage on a sprint car and a late model. What is a bird cage on a C3 Vette?

@frankc1430 2 года назад

@@nessie42786 it's basically the same thing. It's the metal caging around the passenger compartment that is surrounded by fiberglass. If the birdcage in the C3 Corvette is Rusty then the car is pretty much junk.

@nessie42786 2 года назад

@@frankc1430 ok good to know, thanks. But a bird cage on a sprint or late model car is a joint on the rear axle that all the suspension links attach to. The name on the corvette makes way more sense though.

@crawford323 Год назад

What about the bird cage? Find any issues there?

@deadshot4245 11 месяцев назад

you could call this the 1 of everything build or the Rustvette

@redhead1804 2 года назад

good start on a big project. Looking forward to the next steps.

@kfm908 2 года назад

I bought a 1980 in 1997 that had been in a fairly serious accident..It was lots of work but worth it in the end.I didn't have any rust to deal with. Nothing is worse than rust.I feel for you!

@dandilts3213 Год назад

Thanks for doing what your doing, I’m learning a lot from your endeavor. I don’t know if these later vettes have the bird cage. But if it does, I hope for your sake it’s in good shape.