So I have been working on the car just a bit but figured I would post some of the build here as well. I have been keeping my build site up to date at http://hotrod.sapp-family.com/blog but I will post here at times too.

That way if I get stuck or when y'all see where I am heading next you can point me in the right direction. Here are my current plans.

  • 350 Small Block Chevy (From donor 89 Corvette)
  • 700R4 Transmission (From donor 89 Corvette)
  • QA1 Shocks
  • Adjustable Rear Control Arms
  • 4 Link 8.8″ Ford Rear end 3.73 Gears



I was going to start building everything up and then remove it and then go for powder coating or paint on the frame. Noticed though that I was getting surface rust. So I hit the rust with a wire wheel and painted the frame and the front end parts with some primer and paint.








Last night I started working on the front suspension. Basically that includes the upper and lower control arms mounted to the frame. Nothing is torqued though, once I know everything is correct I will pull out the torque wrench and do the final work. I got three out of four done when the wife called me in for dinner. Once I hit the AC in the house and had a full stomach that was it for the day.



See the roll around stool on the right side of the photo above? That was a fathers day present from my wife. That really helped my back yesterday.


However, I will say that this (below) is the tool of the day! There is a weld on the inside of the rear mounting tabs for the upper control arm. I had to grind the weld back or it would hit the poly bushing and not let the control arm get into position. At least FFR was consistent because it was exactly the same on both sides.




After the front suspension I am doing the hubs and front brakes. Then petals, master cylinders, front brake lines, firewall, then steering to include the electric steering setup. I figure this list will keep me busy for at least a couple weeks. If I don't have the shocks and rear end by the time I am done with this list I will finish pulling the motor and trans from the Vette. I have some work I am thinking about doing on the motor (like a new cam) so I am putting it off until I decide what I want to do.

I am working on selling an 1976 Vette. Once that happens I will be ordering the QA1 shocks for front and back, the rear control arms, and the rear end with breaks. I am doing it that way to keep SWMBO happy and not draining the car fund too fast. So if you know someone who would like a great deal on a 1976 Stingray please send them my way.

Tim