WILL it RUN and DRIVE? 1969 L-46 4-Speed Corvette Garage Find! All ORIGINAL! NUMBERS MATCHING!
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The Fram Oil Filter was TEMPORARY! And I SAVED the Original Radiator for future restoration!
How did I find this cool Vette? I called my old friend Dave C. He's got dozens of 60's-70's GM Muscle cars in his collection. He had a "lead" on this '69 Corvette that the owner "Mike" was selling in a small nearby town. I then called Mike and looked at the Vette and couldn't let it sit there any longer. The price was way below what I expected but he wanted it out of his garage so he could park in there again. It was last on the road in 2005 when he had health issues and made it difficult to keep his Vette road worthy. He did keep air in the tires and tried to get it started 7 years ago. He's very happy that he sold it to someone that would get it back on the road and go thru the gears like he did decades ago!
Thanks Mike for selling me your treasure of 50+ Years!
I put all 6 Episodes into 1 showing the journey from start to finish as I work on getting this Original Paint, Numbers Matching 1969 L-46 C-3 Corvette back on the road again after being parked for 17 years. Check out the Before and After Pictures along with me going thru the all 4 gears!
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Thanks,
Flathead Terry
Fram ,I wouldn't run it on my lawn Mower ,Wix or Baldwin filter, flush the radiator Though you can't go wrong with a new aluminum rad and a 160 thermostat .I own a 66 stingray roadster Numbers car L79 327 350 hp ,4spd ,with a 4:11 posi with 62 k on the clock will be following along to see what you do ,get rid of the plastic line on the oil gauge and change it out to copper tubing you will hate life if that plastic line lets go while cruising ,A very good explanation on cleaning the clock ,You need some hard Runs put on it to clean the cobwebs out of the motor ,go for it
Thanks for the comments Richard. NO MORE FRAM FILTERS FOR ME! I just put this cheapy one in knowing I would be replacing it with a Wix shortly after running it. Your '66 sounds awesome!
I noticed you put a fram oil filter on it!!! On an engine and car like that i would put on a original gm or a wix or a k&n filter. Much better filter material and the anti drain back valve actually works! I used to use fram cause thats what they stock in canadian tire but have noticed on my 2valve 5.4 triton timing chain rotational noise on the first 3 sec of start up before oil gets pumped back up! Once i switched to a wix or motorcraft or k&n no rattle on start up meaning instant oil pressure! Probably something to do with the anti drain back valve in the fram. Also many engine experts will also say the same from extensive testing. Once cut open the wix and k&n and motorcraft filters are beefy with more filter material and better made. The fram is just a garbage filter...
Thanks for the info Darren. I agree with you! I put this cheap Fram one on for the short initial running to collect the very old, contaminated oil. Then a better high quality oil filter soon after.
Nice! I had a 70 with a 454...I should have never sold that car.
Roger that Wyattoneable! I shouldn't have sold my 1968 Camaro RS.
Luv your simple solution to getting your Vette back on the road. I had a 1970 LS5 (454)four speed Vette thirty years ago and did the same updates. It even had your Hooker Header leg melting side pipes.
Thanks Ray! A 454 4 speed will GO! AND leg burning side pipes! Awesome!
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Nice to see a vette from Dale Chevrolet Waukesha wi. Dale was the place to go if you wanted a muscle car. I once looked at a 69 SS chevelle there. Funny thing was I got married and lived in Waukesha for 42 years. Dale was gone by 1977 .
Cool stuff Joe! It's rare to see those original emblems still on the 60's cars. Thanks for the info!
Looks in good nick for a 69er all original
I love that color green.
Great job Terry. I got a '73' I would love to get back on the road. It needs everything that you did to this one. I just don't have the money to do it.
EXCELLENT tutorial! I also have a '69 350/350hp 4 speed, same color (proves they were not ALL RED) Clock still runs ok, but nice to see step by step diagnosis/repair.
They're not all blue either. My father ordered his 69 L71 in LeMans Blue but when it arrived at the dealership it was Fathom Green. He decided to keep it instead of waiting a few more months for a blue one like he ordered.
This video was great and interesting. Just Subscribed 👍
Thank you Joe!
I didn’t catch how you may have acquired the vehicle. I know it said barn find, did you run across it during some estate sale or word of mouth? I had the same vehicle and year, motor and tranny, gold convertible hard top. I sold in early 81, wished I hadn’t, but you know how that goes. You can’t keep them all. Nice video and relaxing to watch, even though you were meticulously working. Thanks for posting it.
Hey Stanley! Glad you were able to own one of these Vettes and thanks for the kind words! I updated the video description above with the details on how I found it. I have many friends that are into old cars and motorcycles like me so I started asking them and hit the jackpot when Dave gave me this lead!
"It's not WHAT you know, It's WHO you know!"
Terry what great a find it needs your touch.i would have thought it would be an electric gauge with a sending unit.that gauge is called a Borden tube gauge very high quality .thanks for the video.mike
Thanks Mike! Good info about the gauge too.
i love c3 corvettes, I own one for years. I will watch any c3 videos you make and hit like,
43:00 please don't let a foot ride on the clutch; that's the absolute reason that clutches burn out so quickly. BUT, that's a really nice job, really nice explanations and really nice footage of how to get it all done. Hats off!!!
Thanks for the tip Kevin. I didn’t realize that bad habit until I was editing the video! I have since corrected that on my '68 Camaro 4 -Speed too!
The Fram Oil Filter WAS TEMPORARY! I know it's cheap and I know that I would replace it shortly after the initial running. [I don't need any comments telling me something I already know!]
I held my tongue!!!😅😅😅😅
@@bluekoi455 Thanks for doing that Blue! I'll never use a Fram filter again!!!!
Impressive craftmanship. Not many would bother to rebuild the gauges DIY. And the clock repair, congratulations. I knew the clock worked on a similar principle with spring driven action and electric rewind of spring in my 1039 Mercury; who'd'athunk it. Was once advised I could refresh a vintage oil pressure gauge with hot Marvel Mystery Oil injected with a small gauge hypodermic syringe. It seemed to have worked.
Thanks Flatcreeker! And thanks for the tip about Marvels. I have a bottle of it and it didn't cross my mine to use it on the gauge!
I have a 71 period correct numbers matching with 31 k miles original. Still drive and a head turner .
That's crazy low miles Richie! Good to see you get it out cruisin'.
You have preform a super repair, professional work great job....
Great job. Great video. Not a bunch of bs. Nice car.
Thanks Edward. I try to stay on point without too many shenanigans!
Wow. This is seriously one of my number one dream cars. I'm not a wealthy man but I have been able to find cheap versions of my dream cars over time. But this one has not been one. They are not easy to find for reasonable money. Four speed 1971! So COOL!
Back when they used real wire, not like todays wires with 4 strands of copper
Agreed!
With those headers I would think you'll be a bit higher in power. Maybe another 30 hp or so.
Not sure how much HP they add but the side pipes are LOUD!
Excellent job Flathead Terry and Happy New Year...
Thanks Mark! Happy New Year!
Great job on getting everything done to get er road worth again Terry. When I was 10 yrs of age , 1970, my favorite Hotwheel was a 70 Corvette that looked like this car. What's a car like that worth these days Sir? Might be in the market for it. Great video. Keep um coming. Truck Driver Ray ✝️
Thanks Ray! I had tons of Hot Wheels too. Fun stuff for sure. I would value this Vette at $28-30k because of its originality. I've seen some go for far less than that though, so it really depends on condition. Thanks for watching 👀!
That's nice
Terry,
The car looks great. I've had 3 C3's, maybe 4, I'm 75. Yours sits really nice, well done...
Thanks Richard! As you know then, these C3's are fast and fun!
Curious what ya paid... great presentation and thank you
$8k.
I had no idea how a radiater flows inside. Obviously I’m not m mechanically inclined. Still I thought it was interesting you showed us.
Now ya know!
that’s a nice color I like it
Nice clean Vet. The owner stored it in a clean place .I like the small block
She a beauty! Nice to see one of my childhood dreams (in my favorite color schemes!) returned to life.
You bet RedBuzz Cut!
Excellent job, video, camera work, your video has helped me out very much thanks
Thanks Mike! Appreciate it!
Great job on a great car!getting to own a car of that caliber is not a thing many get to do.original right down to the paint.with your meticulous. Craftsmanship,it found its correct owner.
Thanks for the kind words Peter. As you can see on my channel, I really enjoy getting these old treasures back on the road. It takes effort but its fun to me!
My first Vette was a Fathom Green 69 RSTR W/a White Top 300 hp 350 Muncie 4spd. I drove the U NO What out of it and sold it! Cried for a few years & my Wife said I could get another one so I ended up with a Sunfire Yellow 66 Coupe W/A/C & it had a Special Hi Perf 350hp 327 4spd 4:11 Posi , Knock off wheels, Black Leather, Teak wood wheel & Power windows. NO PB but stopped on a Dime! Fun Rocket ship! I was a member of the NCRS Southwest Chapter & the Scottsdale Corvette Club. It also made the 1999 March Mid America Corvette Calendar! This vettes pretty cool! Keep it orig! Have FUN!
Cool stories and Vettes!! Glad you got that '66. Damn Sweet!
Don’t forget to drain the block. When you bench bleed the MC or bleed brakes, never push the piston to max or you will tear the seal. 32:53 that copper band is the same thing you see in tire pressure guages. The clock points will usually be worn or need filing. If they are worn you can add solder then file flat. I had to do that on my 70 Z28.
Great tips and info John! Thanks. I was aware of not pressing the Master Cylinder in too far so I was very careful when performing the bleeding.
what a find ... when u look at headers ... looks never even used huh
Mike the previous owner removed the original exhaust system and valuable side pipes in 1973 because he said they rattled. I don't recall if he told me how many miles it had on it when he did that but he ran those headers for a long time!
Good job Terry The rocker panels are from a 70 &up
Thanks Bubba!!!
That's my favorite color on Corvette.
Que mostro de carro ese era el f1 de hoy que aspecto si que motorazo .😊ese es el delco y su jodedor platino 😅
The original color for the rims is Argent Silver.
Glad to see you found RE-Man Delco Calipers. Pretty much problem free if you drive the car a frequently. Let it sit for a couple years and you'll have issues.
Es impresionante como las personas en estados unidos guardan sus autos para que despues puedan recuperar su costo 😮
That is a beautiful car and sounds absolutely awesome.
Thanks Bob!
Don't forget to reinstall the oil line to the gauge.........ask me how I know.....😖
Ha! I did some research online and that task was something I made sure was completed without oil on the carpet! Thanks for the tip though!
I’m puzzled 🤔 looks like the one from earlier last year
Happy New Year Sprayguy. Yes, you are correct! I did some editing and put all 6 individual episodes into 1 big one for convenience. (I looked at my TH-cam analytics and viewers prefer "start to finish" videos as evidenced on similar videos I've already posted in the past.) Thanks for the comment. I'm working on some new episodes so stay tuned 😎!
@@FlatheadTerry Happy New Year thanks for the explanation, I’ll be tuning in for more, I enjoy your videos
That is a very nice Corvette. All that jewel needs is to just keep cleaning it up, everywhere. Don't forget to change out the transmission gear oil with some 80W90 gear oil with the MIL-L-2105 B spec. You can use any GL-5 gear lube as long as [it] has the J2360 designation.
Don't believe the 'hype' that these types of oils eat or corrode the yellow metal synchro rings in your Corvette's Muncie. They won't. Also,
depending on how warm it is where you enjoy your Corvette, use a quality 85W140 gear oil with the same J2360 spec. for the differential.
Your Corvette will love you for doing so, and don't forget the posi additive if so equipped. Happy Corvette-ing, Cheers!
Thanks for the kind words and detailed info Viking Mike! I did change the differential oil with the Posi additive and didn't post a video on it yet. Not fun without a drain plug or cover!
Good going, that differential loves that sort of stuff. Here's what you do. Now that you got some fresh oil in the diff mixed in with some of the old oil, drive it for twenty miles, then use your diff/trans oil fill gun and vacuum out as much of the mixed oil out, then put more new oil in again. Do this a couple of times to make sure you have ALL fresh 85W140 or
80W90 conventional oil in there. I removed my third member and had a magnetic drain plug installed. Way easier to do the changeover maintenance. If you do as I described every 6,000 miles, the diff oil if basically always 'FRESH'. Good luck and drive that Corvette.
Did a 69 come with a smog pump?
YES it did! (my '68 Camaro did too!) The previous owner, Mike, removed it and the original exhaust manifolds. And then installed the headers and side pipes in the early 70's. The Air Pump in this video is "correct" for 1969 350's.
Thank you for all the detail. Learned quite a bit through your expertise. 👍
Thanks for your kinds words. I appreciate it!
Definitely my favorite model from GM is the STINGRAY. Long distance driving is a challenge though. Well worth it. Kudos for keeping low mileage on it.
Thanks Brian! I agree with the long distance driving. It's a challenge getting in and out of it along with very limited storage. But its damn FAST and Fun though!
You are very detailed about your work, that deserves much respect 👍 Awesome car by the way!
Thank you Lucid! Glad you appreciate my efforts!
You are very talented mechanic getting that car road ready!!!!
Thank you Andrew! I appreciate your kind comment!
Man, I like bringing cars back to life. But, A Corvette is the Best! Shawn.
Agreed!
Love the sound of the pipes!!! That's gotta be the best sound for exhaust systems!!! I had a Ford Ranger pickup and it had sidepipes and I have loved that sound ever since!!! Love the car too bro please let me know if you plan to sell it? I'd love to take it off your hands very much!!! I would treat her like the Queen she is!!!
Thanks mykec! It sounds awesome for sure. Later in this episode you can see me going thru the gears and hear a "pop". Those 50 year side pipes are very rusty and have some small holes developing so that'll need to be addressed. It's currently not for sale, but if it is, I'll let you know!
Nice work looks great was wondering about if had ac and if it worked
Good question. It do NOT have factory AC.
I bought my wife her birth year C3, a 1970 454 with AC. It's all original except for the radio, exhaust and speedo.
I would have used Allen's double strength cleaning vinegar for the rad instead of just 5%! But you probably don't know about it in the United States?
The strongest I could find was 5%. I kept the original radiator and it will get re-cored it in the future.
Did you sell the corvette? If not is it for sale?
Sorry, It is not for sale.
Subbed real working on an older car, just what i like to see, thank you
My pleasure Commodore! (Thank you for the comment and Subscribing!)
Enjoyed the video and your appreciation of matching numbers and thoroughness of updating maintenance but curious about not using a Genuine GM oil filter, there is a difference.
Thanks for the kind words Steve. As written in the description and comments, I initially used a cheap filter when I first ran it after 17 years to remove the old contaminated oil. Then changed it again to a better filter shortly after.
@@FlatheadTerry That's great news. I used to be a Chevy factory rep and remember cutting open a GM filter, unrolling the filter material and compared it and the check valve to others. Again, enjoyed the video!!!
What a great car and nicely brought back to life without overdoing it. Reminds me of one the guy at the gas station I worked at in NJ back in the mid 1970's had. Same year, same color but with the 427 engine. Had paperwork including the window sticker and consumer invoice when initially bought, I believe the MSRP as equipped was about $6,100. I wonder where it is today.
Great story and memory Leon!
Si tenenia uno de juguete 😅 pero creo que 1970 😊
how much did you pay for it if you dont
mind
Fixed calipers on vetted only can have .005 runout. Ask me how I know. Small blocks much easier than a big block. Good luck.
Good info Jason. Thanks.
You can get rid of just about all that rust on the exhaust and ground molding if you lightly dampen an SOS soap pad and scrub. In my youth i used to take old bicycle rims totally coved in rust and make them look almost new that way. But mind you, lightly tap the pad in some water to bring out the suds. Too many people over moisten the pad which removes most of the rust arrestors from the SOS pad which is makes the pads so great at removing rust.
Thanks for the great info Wayne! Learned something new. 🥸
Run Seafoam in the fuel and engine clean out both run better
Roger that William! The Q-Jet has since been rebuilt!
Beautiful but if you've ever driven a vette with side pipes it gets old really fast.
They're not for everyone for sure. The hardest part is not burning your leg exiting it.
To quote my gf “sometimes pretty can be painful’
They look killer, though 😉
Great video!!!
Thanks f4easy2!
Bought a 1969 big block in 1973. It needs to see some pavement after 13 years of sitting.59,000 miles.Thanks for inspiring me.
You bet Gary! It's worth the effort to get you back behind the wheel of a Big Block. Keep me posted. (flatheadterry@gmail.com)
Good job bringing the Vette back to life.
Thanks Nick! It was well worth the effort.
Great video and restoration.
Great vid..I really appreciate the part code references and especially how you break them down with text. You're actually the first person to include it in your vids that ive seen on youtube, which is surprising. I figured more creators would add it if they call it a "restoration" vid
Thank you for the nice comment! I observed that as well so I like to add these details whenever possible to help the viewer. It sure is handy!
I must say I am totally impressed with this gentleman his demeanor his calmness and his knowledge about this automobile is truly amazing to me he represents what America is all about of course I don't know him personally but I admired his presentation and couldn't stop watching great job keep up the good work I am a fan we need people like this out here to restore old american-made muscle cars God bless America 🙏👍💪😎🇺🇲
Thank you very much for the kind words and observations Michael! They help me know that the effort is appreciated!
You can use CLR (Calcium/Lime/Rust) remover (meant for home use) to clean out radiators that have crud builup and its great for clogged heater cores too.....
Thanks for the info!
Geat find. And onky 8k. Guy obviously didnt kno what he had. I used to have a 1970 red on red vert l46 that I bought used with a ton of miles from my Dad's friend it ended up blowing a valve or something so I sold it but that thing was awesome my dad told me his buddy cud get it up to 85 mph in 2nd gear I used to get rubber out of second gear and a little chirp out of 3rd I love that your car does not have the luggage rack and itsa coupe. Love that dark green color too Also small block more balanced and less nose heavy that the 454
You will be a hit at cars and coffee with that bad boy
Hey Yardman, thanks for the cool stories. They are fast rides as you know! The seller, Mike, took out a $3200 loan for this Vette in 1971 so he didn't have much money invested so he was happy with my offer. I was taking a gamble, as I didn't know if it had any major drivetrain issues or not.
Terry a credit to you sir, a fantastic tradesman.👍👍👍👍🇬🇧
Thank you Malcolm! I appreciate your kind words from the other side of the "pond"!
I never had one years ago. It was exactly like that one but blue. And automatic. I dont miss it. I never had it. Exactly like that one except it was a 77.
Cool project for sure . You're a lucky dog 🐕 for sure. Great cat !
Thanks Bud! Woof!
Pop out that back window...the only way to cruise 😊
Great Idea Rick! It sure helps with air flow.
Amazing workmanship brother
Thanks Athan!
special headers = + 15hp
Oh yeah! Its load and fast!
GR8 vídeo clip.
Thank you!
Should still have the high-compression engine
It does Steven. Thanks.
Thanks for the oil pressure gauge and clock repair footage. You are never too old to learn something new.
You bet Joe! Totally agree!
Excellent video. Very descriptive and informative! New subscriber.
Thanks Gulliver! And for subbing too!
Excellent, Professional Maintenance and repairs. The guys who do the goof ball stuff get more views.... but, you Sir... are a real Mechanic.
Thanks Harold! I appreciated your kind words.
A lot of these guys just want to get them running. But yea, there is a lot of cost/corner cutting.
New subscriber....I have a 2004 Z-06. Love your video & your Vette
Big thanks Don! Thanks for joining the mayhem!
No short cuts mechanic...great!
Guaoooooooo quedo especial y esa salida de los gases 😅 un mostruo cuanto cuesta ahora 😊
You are a genius. The work you did on the clock was amazing. You revived a beautiful car, congratulations ! I see you bought 245/60/15 tires. Those are a little small in diameter, compared to the original factory tire size diameter for a C3. 255/60/15 or even better (for looks, not handling), are 225/70/15, which fill the wheel wells really well, like the original F70/15 bias ply tires. 245/60 ok on front if springs have settled, like yours, but definitely then you should have 255/60 on the rear to fill those wheel wells! Negative space in a wheel well is like having large door gaps. Millimeters make a difference...our eyes can discern the difference when there is even a little too much negative space. But I loved your video and learned a tremendous amount. Thank you
Thanks for the nice complements Jonas! And the feedback on the tire size. I totally agree with you. I should have taken more time to "fill the wheel wells" better. I just went with the same size that Mike had put on it years ago. The 255/60's would certainly be the right direction to go and really make it look Kool!
Why not use carb cleaner to flush oil pressure guage?
Great idea Kenny. I have some too and don't know why I didn't consider that.
I leaned on my console on my '73 cleaning and cracked it. Wonderful.
I love the '68-'77 Vettes, probably '73 is my favorite year. Great job getting this beauty back on the road.
Thanks Bob!
Naaah! 1970 by far is the best year for Corvette!!! And the most horsepower too! That's real horsepower mind you! To the wheels and not just the crank!
nice find i like it
Thanks Robert!
My cousins 72 stingray was a blast, and is still in the family and being restored. My scariest car to date has been my other cousins 66 Chevelle SS 396 turbo jet, my knee's were shaking as it was just so much raw power and torque with the 4 spd rock crusher.
Grew up with the Monte Carlo's 454, gto's, 442's, 350cu, just simple cars, and simpler times going to the beach and getting thumbs up by all people who love old muscle cars.
Thats awesome! Great to hear its being restored. How cool is that? 😎 Damn, those were and are adrenaline machines! Thanks for sharing.
One of my dream cars is this very year and spec of Vette! Well bought and great video! Thank you for all the hard work in making this excellent video and bringing us all along for the ride! That car is a peach! I would imagine they put Posi Trac rear ends in all of the Vettes and probably still do but I'm not really up on that. Is she a to wheel peeler?? Oh and one more thing. FLATHEAD TERRY ROCKS!! LOL.
Thanks for the kind words Greg. Greatly appreciated! I don't do any burn-outs, donuts, burning rubber, etc., anymore like I did when I was a wild teenager.
Why? Because then I gotta fix whatever I just broke!
I spent a lot of time rebuilding and replacing broken parts back in the 70's. (WAIT! that's what I'm still doing!)
Hi, i have a 69 with L-46 too Silver red interior rag top. Learned a lot from your vid too !! Was looking to see how side pipes like that mount to L-46, i have 70-72 alternator bracket for when i do it to my car. Thank you again for this great Vid !
Thanks Angelo. The L-46's are great rides aren't they!👍I like the Rag tops too. The one challenge with Side Pipes is that there's a chance of burning your leg getting out of it! (Don't ask me how I know!😉)
Funny, it doesn't look like a 2003 red Oldsmobile. Yep I looked up the plate.😁
Ha!
thanks tarry.. nice vid nice car.
Thanks Schummiehugo!
I would've had original brass radiator repaired.. i did that instead of replacing with an aluminum.. aluminum radiators might run a little cooler, but once they go out their done with. Originals can always be repaired.. i chose to have mine repaired at 110 bucks versus 300 for aluminum. Classic car radiator shop said smart move by me..
As I mentioned before, my two local shops wouldn't touch it as they said it was too old. I DID NOT SCRAP THE RADIATOR. Its going to stay with the Vette so it could be re-cored and restored in the future. I know there are radiator shops that can do this but quite a distance from me. Take note that I save ALL restorable parts off camera for the future. The original Q-Jet and water pump have been restored and back on this Vette.
❤Great video, so informative, great lighting and camera work! Thankyou!👍🙂
Thank you Peter!