74 Restoration

[Rob F.]

Hi I purchased a 74 Stingray Coupe. When I bought the car it was all apart and boxed in pieces. I had the frame and other parts sand blasted and painted and am now ready to put things back together. I purchased some restoration manuals and factory specs. What none of the books tells me is things like what bolt goes where. I have a box of bolts marked drive train and suspension for example and now need to indentify what goes where. Does anyone have a suggestion on where I might find this kind of information so it is not a guessing game. I also do not want to get into purchasing new bolts and fastners if I do not have to.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Rob

[Alan S.]

Re: 74 Restoration

Hi Rob,
Since you didn't mention it, I'll ask if you have the AIM (ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTION MANUAL) for your '74 car? It will be a BIG help putting your car together and give you SOME bolt sizes, but will also give you part numbers of the bolts so that you can look them up in the CORVETTE PARTS BOOK that Motorbooks International published where more sizes are given. The NCRS store sells these books as do some vendors.
I hope this helps you with your puzzle!
Regards,
Alan

[Jack C.]

Re: 74 Restoration

Rob, I concur with Alan. I am also in the process of restoring a '74. The Assembly Instruction Manual deliniates what bolts were used in what places along with torquing rates, etc. From my experience, you have to have one. The drawings are fairly detailed and contain updates from the factory when changes were made in installation/build processes. Good luck.

[Rob F.]

Re: 74 Restoration

Thanks Jack and Allan
I purchased a Corvette Central 74 Assembly Manual. I think that this is the AIM manual you are talking about but am not sure. My manual does list bolt, but as #'s and I can't find where to look up the bolts. If it is a different manual can you clarify.
I hope that your restoration job is going well. I had my frame blasted and painted, it is pretty glossy and may not requirements. I am doing this for me. I am so exited, I have wanted a vette since I was 10 years old and now I have one. It is lot of fun. I love this form as well.
Thanks for the help and good luck with the project.
Rob (49735)

[Tom R.]

Re: 74 Restoration

I had my frame blasted and painted, it is pretty glossy and may not requirements. (49735)

Hey Rob...sounds like you're having fun as well. This discussion forum has had a few very detailed threads on chassis finishes over the last few months. do a search and get acquainted with the discussion. Give you a chance to get briefed on what posters have concluded are good matches for original finishes on frame, suspension, engine compartment, etc.

[Harmon C.]

Re: 74 Restoration

Rob
When you start the assembly many bolts you will find only will fit in one place. The caliper fine thread mounting bolts, transmission to bell housing on a four speed are large,idler arm and power steering to the frame are a carrige bolt. If you have a bolt in question ask as many of us know where all the bolts go.

[Martin N.]

Re: 74 Restoration

ROB-

When I'm working on my 74 convertible I use my AIM (Assembly Instruction Manual) along with the GM "Corvette 1953-1982 Parts & Illustration Catalog". The illustrations are helpful and they also spell out bolt sizes in most cases. If you want to send me some AIM numbers on bolts you're scrathing your head over I can see if they're listed in the GM P.& I. Catalog for you. The GM service manual is also a "must have" manual to assist in your reassembly. Good luck and lets see some pictures posted when you can.

Marty