Joe's and Joanne's 72 Bryar Blue LT1 Coupe
This 72 coupe has the original LT1 engine, Muncie 4spd and 3.70 rear. This beauty is in good shape but needs a few details to make it even better. The engine compartment will be put back to original and will be detailed to look like new. In the meantime, this Bryar Blue baby will be driven and enjoyed until it is repainted and new weatherstripping installed.
Being the dash was being disassembled (to restore the clock and seatbelts and to replace the stereo) it was decided to replace the carpet and do some touch-up work. The entire interior was stripped and new carpet installed, various pieces re-dyed, the heater control rebuilt, and a new stereo installed. Looks as good as new!
Next step was to replace the exhaust and begin some clean-up/detailing underneath. While at it the tank was removed and the original Build Sheet was located. Luck has it that the sheet had actually only been glued in one spot and had folded over protecting it. The entire sheet is still legible. A second and better copy of the Build Sheet was found behind the dash between the speedometer and tach.
The original spare tire was still in the tray also. Each item will be cleaned up and the bottomwill be cleaned up and touched up. A new exhaust will be installed and then the engine compartment will be the next step in detailing and putting back to original.
Build Sheet Info: (Job No 394 in the top right corner)
After some clean-up and detail work the gas tank was reinstalled along with a complete new exhaust system and Bezels.
Engine compartment and Paint Next...
On December 21, 2005 we started to strip the car down to do the paint. The existing paint is really not that bad but is still not up to our standard. The current paint has been on the car about 15 years based on conversations with prior owners. The history of the car has been traced back all the way to the original owners. It's a long story and took a little luck but we've spoken to and gotten information from all but one of the owners. The original owner was a little surprised when we told him about his car.
Very little bodywork will need to be done. The existing paint will be sanded down and painted over as opposed to completely stripping the car. It does not need it. The chrome will be redone along with the restoration or replacement of the other exterior pieces.
The engine itself is in great shape mechanically, but cosmetically needs a good cleaning up. The engine and bay will be repainted. The aluminum valve covers and intake will be refinished, and several new items will be installed.
The original carb and distributor have already been rebuilt and are ready to install. A correct waterpump, fuel pump, and starter will be acquired along with the correct radiator and hoses for the car. After paint and the engine compartment detailed, the chassis will get a freshening up. A previous owner spent a lot of time under there and it looks pretty good.
Ready for bodywork and paint. Engine will be detailed after paint.
January 9, 2006 - On it's way to The Corvette Shop for bodywork and Paint.
February 1, 2006 - Paint is sprayed today by Paul from The Corvette Shop. Prep work included repairing all seams, rivets around hood, filling holes left by luggage rack removal, and some alignment corrections of hood and doors. After wet sanding and buffing we get to put it all back together again and detail the engine compartment.
February 3, 2006 - Paint is on and the car is in the process of being wet sanded and buffed out. May not look too pretty right now, but it will in a few days!
Painted on stripes as original, not decals
February 10, 2006 - Paint is on and time to transport. The car looks incredible thank to Paul Comeau of The Corvette Shop. Paul worked on this himself and his experience shows. Can't wait to get the chrome on and the engine compartment detailed.
July 27, 2006
Finally got some time and started putting the LT1 back together again. First though there is a lot of detail work.
Note the original Bryar Blue paint on the radiator support. The support was orignally painted along with the entire body. It was also in the car when the blackout treatment was done in the engine compartment. Every inch of the engine compartment and every component will be cleaned and either restored or repainted, including the entire engine.
Correct rear spring, rear hardware, and spring bushings installed along with detailing. Being a previous owner had already painted the rear carrier black (incorrect) it was decided to leave it and touch it up. Having already painted it kept it in great shape and there is practically no rust anywhere under the car.
Engine compartment in the process of coming together.
Front and rear chrome and trim all back in place. All the shiny stuff was either rechromed or polished. Probably didn't look this good on the showroom floor.
The engine compartment all completed. Years ago everyone ripped off and trashed all the smog (A.I.R) equipment and pump. Now, we pay thousands for restored components to put them back on. Go figure!
The engine compartment includes the correct block, heads, carb, distributor, coil, intake, exhaust manifolds, smog pump, valve covers, air cleaner, alternator, power brake booster, master cylinder, radiator. waterpump, harmonic balancer. Easily ready for NCRS Flight Judging.
And the finished product - 10/31/06!
