1970 LT1 Vette Convertible "B Production" project

[LS6 Tommy]

I'm back again. I just finished posting my Madge project & figured I'd share a little of my friend's project. Jeff's car is a nmbers matching 1970 LT1 Corvette four speed convertible he bought when he sold our SCCA GT1 Camaro. It's an older resto that he bought to have as a nice driver. He's always loved the B Production Corvette race cars of the 70's, so now he's finally building his version of one.

For now the drivetrain is stock with a Holley HP 750, an MSD ignition & stainless steel Hooker Header sidepipes. We've already changed it over to rack & pinion steering, redid the front & rear brakes, installed HD half shafts & bigger antisway bars. Jeff installed a 200 MPH speedo, race seats, a Shark Bar & 4 point harnesses. Jeff's previous body mods include 1968 backup lights installed where the original tailpipes came out of the back, GM Endurance racing headlamp setup. a Greenwood front spoiler & a functional L88 hood/air cleaner setup.

The car is currently in the shop getting stripped & redone. It's also getting a new windshield frame & glass, L88 style front & rear fender flares & later model front fender vents that will be functional. While it's out of sevice we've been getting ready to redo the entire suspension. Jeff's putting a Dragvette composite spring 6 Link rear suspension with a brand new 3.70 geared pumpkin, front coilovers & Shark Bite forged aluminum A-Arms. He's upgrading the brake calipers with Wilwood stuff. He has Vintage Wheelworks Minilite style 17" wheels & BIG Nitto tires to fill out the L88 flares. I'll post pics as things change.

How she looked before going into the shop:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/IMG_4064-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/IMG_7016-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/IMG_7021-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/IMG_7020-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/IMG_7018-1.jpg

Getting stripped & checking the fit of the new rolling stock:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/IMG_5810-1.jpg

Front tire:


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/IMG_5828-1.jpg

On the ground, but the suspension isn't settled:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/IMG_5834-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/IMG_5840-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/IMG_5837-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/IMG_5841-1.jpg

Fender flares roughly mocked up. They'll move in & down when they're grafted in:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/jefvetthood002-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/jefvetthood006-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/jefvetthood007-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/jefvetthood008-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/jefvetthood013-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/jefvetthood015-1.jpg

More to come!

Tommy

[BulldawgMusclecars]

Nice!!!

[howehot]

Wish my car needed a 2000 mph speedometer! Love these Vettes

[LeighP]

To a numbers matching car????? Personally, I'd have chosen a pieced together non-matching project.
But, to each his own.....I also like those production style racers...should be a very cool ride when finished!

[LS6 Tommy]

Wish my car needed a 2000 mph speedometer! Love these Vettes


LOL! That's a little optimistic with a stock LT1! I edited the post.

Tommy

[LS6 Tommy]

To a numbers matching car????? Personally, I'd have chosen a pieced together non-matching project.
But, to each his own.....I also like those production style racers...should be a very cool ride when finished!


Yeah, some of the NCRS crowd would cringe. The dealership he bought it from said they would never have sold it him if they knew what he was going to do. It's by no means a perfect car, just a solid driver. It was already a good bit away from 100% stock. Other than the flares, everything he's done would be very easily reversed & he has all the parts he took off. Hey, my Malibu started as a 20k original mile, 100% original car, too...

Tommy

[vette427-sbc]

Nice to see another pro-touring vette in NJ!
FYI that drag-vette 6 link is not intended for cornering. Unless they changed the design, there is no camber curve...

[LS6 Tommy]

Nice to see another pro-touring vette in NJ!
FYI that drag-vette 6 link is not intended for cornering. Unless they changed the design, there is no camber curve...

That's the whole point of the 6 link. The stock C2/C3 IRS has too much camber gain. You can still adjust the static camber, but it stays constant through the suspension travel. Jeff put a lot of research into this project. More than one Vette racer has told him that one of the problems they had was getting even rear tire tread temps. They all had cold outside, warm center & hot inner readings. One guy he spoke to runs the same setup & he gets almost the same temp readings across the tire now & has picked up lap times.

Tommy

[sokoloka]

Another Vette project that is near to my heart. Look forward to seeing this one progress! Hopefully will get some tips for mine.

[vstol]

Always like seeing a stock corvette being converted. Keep up the good work!!

https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?81569-1971-Corvette-L-88-replica-build&p=820535&posted=1

[solarguy09]

Yeah, some of the NCRS crowd would cringe. The dealership he bought it from said they would never have sold it him if they knew what he was going to do. It's by no means a perfect car, just a solid driver. It was already a good bit away from 100% stock. Other than the flares, everything he's done would be very easily reversed & he has all the parts he took off. Hey, my Malibu started as a 20k original mile, 100% original car, too...

Tommy

Tommy, I am with you on this one... I have a number's matching car that i have owned since 1983..A true 1971 Z/28 4 speed... I changed the paint and took off the vinyl top, and in December went crazy on my bucket list. I left the factory driveline, but I too went coil overs, hotchkis, Willwoods, special wheels, ect... i did not cut up the car for tubs or a fuel cell. so it is all reversable..

I have had the car 28 years, and I will keep it until my death. let the next guy return it to stock..but once he drives it , I bet it would be tough to remove all the good stuff and put on square tires..

Love your vette

[WS6]

Is the engine still solid lifter? :D I love LT-1 vettes. So very overshadowed by the big blocks but for me, I'd rather have the LT-1. Good luck on the project. Sounds like it will be great.

[BirdsThaWord]

NICE! As an ex modified C3 owner, I still drool when I see them. I'm sure you know who I'm talking about and the cars I'm talking about, but I hope that ends up looking as wicked as Lasse car or Chris McDonalds car. I'll be watching this! Please keep us updated. Oh yeah, here's a pic of the C3 I used to have. Kinda went pro-touring, but didn't know that much about it back then:
http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/8481/dscf0025xa5.jpg

[lvrpool32]

Hmmm...yellow vette with flares ....my type of car! Just as FYI, those aren't Vintage Wheel Works...there Team III LT's.

[Dons67]

Great project -- any plans for the old wheels? I may be interested for my old Camaro

[LS6 Tommy]

Hmmm...yellow vette with flares ....my type of car! Just as FYI, those aren't Vintage Wheel Works...there Team III LT's.

Thanks. Jeff looked at so many of those type of wheels I couldn't remember wwho makes them. LOL


Great project -- any plans for the old wheels? I may be interested for my old Camaro

Unfortunatley, they've been sold.

Tommy

[LS6 Tommy]

Flares grafted to bonding strips & roughed in:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMG_5883-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMG_5892-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMG_5890-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMG_5888-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMG_5885-1.jpg

[opnwide]

Whose flares are those. I like them. They have a nicer taper to the top of the fender


and how DARE you cut up a numbers-matching classic LOL

[1Michel]

let the next guy return it to stock.
Love your vette

Hey I fully agree with you on this one.

I have a 72 coupe with a big block 4 spds, all matching numbers, I didnt hesitate a second to get the grinder out and change whatever I wanted,
I cut the frame to install a Jeep steering, broke the car in 3 pieces to get to the birdcage etc, and will be changing a whole lot of stuff like ISIS wiring, got rid of all the vaccuum BS for the pop up lights and wiper door, will probably change the huge wiper motor for a smaler modern one etc. etc. etc.

A few people busted my balls about cutting the frame of a "matching number"
and I always tell them the same thing,

You want to "preserve it" ??? then write me a fat check, bring it home and do whatever you want with it.
for now it's mine and I decide what I what to do with it!.

If Jessy James could take a Ferrari and make a pasta maker......

[LS6 Tommy]

It's been a while, but the shop has been busy with "rush" work. They just finished Lito Sheppard's 06 Z06, so now they're back to Jeff's stuff.

Block sanding cotinues on the flares:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/IMG_6552-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/IMG_6554-1.jpg


The rear valance was molded in as one piece with '68 backup lights:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/IMG_6553-1.jpg


The rear vents for the Astro Ventilation have been filled:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/IMG_6551-1.jpg

The suspension & brake parts are on order. More pics to come as we progress...

Tommy

[LS6 Tommy]

All the new suspension & brake pieces are in. The car is in primer awaiting some final sanding/tweaking. Then it's just a matter of replacing the rotted windshield frame & getting paint on her. I have pics, but I've been too busy lately to get them filed & posted. I'll get them up ASAP.

Tommy

[vstol]

very nice keep it going

https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?81569-1971-Corvette-L-88-replica-build

[LS6 Tommy]

Front brakes & suspension:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMG_7202_zps60e2c7c8-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMG_7178_zpsfbf54bd3-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMG_7203_zps69a83b8a-1.jpg


Rear brakes & suspension:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMG_7179_zpsbd8fc5cb-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMG_7193_zps3b9b1a63-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMG_7182_zps070186ab-1.jpg

Finally in primer:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMG_7196_zpsfd79a31c-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMG_7197_zpsebbb17d8-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMG_7201_zpsc270fac6-1.jpg

Getting there!

Tommy

[SPDMETL]

Nice project! Car Craft had a project Vette called Big Banana in the 70's. Couldn't find a picture to cut/paste.

[LS6 Tommy]

I know the one you're talking about. Lookie:

http://www.c3registry.org/index.php?job=ShowArticle&art_id=376&ap_page=1&supersized=1

Tommy

[srh3trinity]

I really like the look of a flared C3. I can't think of too many cars that are prettier.

[FLYNAVY53]

I realize this is bringing back a year old thread, but any update?

[LS6 Tommy]

Well, I know the car is out of the shop & Jeff sent me some grainy Kodak Instamatic photos, but he's been a recluse lately. He won't return calls or emails. IDK if he's just depressed because it took 3 times as long as the shop quoted, or what. As soon as I can update the thread, I will.

Tommy

[FLYNAVY53]

cool....it looks like an awesome build

[shortrack]

Serious love for those C3 convertibles. Next to my Chevelle the most badass car on the planet but only if they have flat black header side pipes! and flat black not chrome.

[LS6 Tommy]

Well. I just realized I have a few more recent photos. These were all taken as the car was being color sanded, so some parts of the body have a matt finish compared to others.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/IMG_8031_zps11a987d8-1.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/LS6Tommy/media/70%20LT1%20Vette%20Project/IMG_8031_zps11a987d8.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/IMG_8037_zps904bd6161-1.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/LS6Tommy/media/70%20LT1%20Vette%20Project/IMG_8037_zps904bd616-1.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/IMG_8033_zpsba0852e8-1.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/LS6Tommy/media/70%20LT1%20Vette%20Project/IMG_8033_zpsba0852e8.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/IMG_8032_zps955603ae1-1.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/LS6Tommy/media/70%20LT1%20Vette%20Project/IMG_8032_zps955603ae-1.jpg.html)

I'm gonna try to scan in the low quality photos Jeff sent me of the completed car. If they're presentable, I'll post them.

Tommy

[LS6 Tommy]

Here's the low grade photos of the mostly completed car. I edited them as best I could, considering the originals were taken with a Kodak 110 Instamatic, then scanned...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/Scan2_zps6a0dae32-1.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/LS6Tommy/media/70%20LT1%20Vette%20Project/Scan2_zps6a0dae32.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/Scan4_zpse6436858-1.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/LS6Tommy/media/70%20LT1%20Vette%20Project/Scan4_zpse6436858.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/Scan1_zps86625ba5-1.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/LS6Tommy/media/70%20LT1%20Vette%20Project/Scan1_zps86625ba5.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/Scan3_zps82ac71f5-1.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/LS6Tommy/media/70%20LT1%20Vette%20Project/Scan3_zps82ac71f5.jpg.html)

If Jeff ever speaks to me again, I'll get some real photos...

Tommy

[FLYNAVY53]

man thats a cool looking car! I just bought a British Racing Green '69 that I want to do a similar "Trans Am style" build with. Dont know why your buddy is so reluctant to post anything, I think it turned out great!

[LS6 Tommy]

It's not that he's reluctant to post, he's been unreachable. Doesn't answer the phone or respond to text messages. He sends mea text now & then to tell me about a tv show or something similar, but that's it. I really miss him & I really want a ride in that thing!

Tommy

[LS6 Tommy]

Me and Jeff went for a four hour ride last weekend & we're going to a local cruise in tonight. Real photos to come soon!

Tommy

[FLYNAVY53]

awesome, thanks!!

[LS6 Tommy]

Some more recent photos:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/IMG_1715_zpsf581e8b5-1.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/LS6Tommy/media/70%20LT1%20Vette%20Project/IMG_1715_zpsf581e8b5.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/IMG_1718_zps37359dd1-1.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/LS6Tommy/media/70%20LT1%20Vette%20Project/IMG_1718_zps37359dd1.jpg.html)


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/IMG_1712_zps403d6ce1-1.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/LS6Tommy/media/70%20LT1%20Vette%20Project/IMG_1712_zps403d6ce1.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/IMG_1711_zps422c6094-1.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/LS6Tommy/media/70%20LT1%20Vette%20Project/IMG_1711_zps422c6094.jpg.html)

Tommy

[vstol]

Front brakes & suspension:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMG_7202_zps60e2c7c8-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMG_7178_zpsfbf54bd3-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMG_7203_zps69a83b8a-1.jpg


Rear brakes & suspension:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMG_7179_zpsbd8fc5cb-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMG_7193_zps3b9b1a63-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMG_7182_zps070186ab-1.jpg

Finally in primer:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMG_7196_zpsfd79a31c-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMG_7197_zpsebbb17d8-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMG_7201_zpsc270fac6-1.jpg

Getting there!

Tommy
Was it a PITA to get the body over the rear frame brace with the rear valance glassed in? I am a day away from making that decision to glass mine in but not sure how hard it will be to get the body over the rear frame brace on my car. Thanks Kevin
https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/81569-1971-Corvette-L-88-replica-build

[LS6 Tommy]

Was it a PITA to get the body over the rear frame brace with the rear valance glassed in? I am a day away from making that decision to glass mine in but not sure how hard it will be to get the body over the rear frame brace on my car. Thanks Kevin
https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/81569-1971-Corvette-L-88-replica-build

Kevin, we never had the body off the frame, so I can't really answer that for you. Sorry!

Tommy

[Tig]

Wow, it looks amazing.
Great work.

[68Roadster]

Great car, and glad to see you have it back!

[71VETTEWI]

How did the fenders fit?

[LS6 Tommy]

As I get better pics I'll post them. I've been out of work since June, so I've been focusing on finding work and I haven't spent much time with Jeff. The fenders & quarter panels were a good fit, but the body shop opted to just cut the flares out of them & blend them into the existing fenders & quarter panels. They also added a lip to the inside of the wheel well openings like the OEM wheel wells instead of just having a pointed edge like the race flares.

Tommy

[LS6 Tommy]

Well, update time! Jeff is innthe process of havingna pump gas hydro roller 383 built so he can retire the LT1. It runs well, but puffs a little oil smoke out the driver side pipe. He also ordered a Legend LGT 700 from Jody and had custom '67 style fiberglass side vents put in to drop more weight. The stock 70-73 side vents weigh a ton! Pics asap!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/4bf57f99ef89e7432387adf05a3f8fb7_zpsolvj-1.jpg

Tommy

[FLYNAVY53]

is the LGT-700 still available? I thought I read a thread somewhere saying they had gone under

[LS6 Tommy]

I read that too. I have an idea where the rumors are coming from, but I'm not going into detail as some of the people involved are members here and I don't like to speak about vendors in public on a personal level. Jeff ordered his not much more than a month ago and I got mine a year ago last December. We both are dealing with Jody.

Tommy

[FLYNAVY53]

If you don't mind my asking, who is Jody? I don't need all the he said, she said details of the rumors, Im justifying to find out if I can still actually order the transmission and have it show up in a reasonable amount of time.

Thanks

[LS6 Tommy]

We've been working with Jody Haag from Jody's Transmissions. He's been great for us so far. He's also a member.

http://www.jodystransmissions.com

Tommy

[FLYNAVY53]

Awesome, thanks Tommy.

[LS6 Tommy]

Jeff's 383 got finished, he bought a TKX and the car is currenty at Pheonix Rod & Custom in Hackettstown getting everything swapped over. He's really looking forward to getting it back. The engine dynoed at 526 hp. It should be a huge improvement over the tired original LT1 that has been in the car since he bought it. I'm really excited, too!

Here's how the 383 looked when we went to drop it off at Pheonix:

195018

Tommy