First Roadster - Want to do a full restore - Where to start?

[CarlW]

I agree, get the car running and driving. Then you know what to look forward to if you take it out of service for a while.
Then do what you have started here - read, read and read. Go through the entire Tech Wiki, and then search on topics as you go.
Interior refurb, engine transmission, rear-end, removal of body etc. etc., are all topics here.

BTW, post your location in your profile, and WE NEED PICTURES!!! (or it doesn't exist!)
Welcome to the fourm- you found the best place to be!

[Natenate4s]

Welcome aboard fellow roadie! I agree with keeping it running, at least until you start the body off part of the body work if you are taking it to that level. Another idea is to keep different levels of difficulty and expenses throughout. So the months I have more cash for my car, I'd go for more expensive stuff like reupholstering my seats. Months when I'm broke, which is most months, I do a cheap, easy job, like replacing the old rusty screws. If I did all the easy stuff right away and had to wait for months till I could afford more, id feel dead in the water. Any progress is progress. And that always feels good.

[CarlW]

It sounds like everybody votes on getting it running and drive it around. It is all very exciting. I will pull the engine and tranny to fix 5th gear. I was told the clutch and rear are new and rebuilt. No clues on why 5th gear is out. As i mentioned, that inside looks bad. Somebody must have been trying to remove the dash......

Any ideas on 5 th gear.

By the way, I am in Minnesota. I would prefer to have someone tear the tranny down, but if you guys think doing it myself is ok, being a fair mechanic I will tackle that.

The chrome is almost like new, no pits, rust, dents, or scratches. The body has a minor dent in right rear from a loose jack in the trunk. No big deal. The frame appears very nice and straight. When I started it the sound was amazing....deep and smooth. I was told the carbs need adjusting, and the gas in the tank probably was refined decades ago, and will have to be purged.

The last fun car I had was a 1966 L79 Corvette Roadster. I had it for 23 years. I made a dumb mistake by selling it a few years ago. The new Roadster may not have a 350 hp engine, but sure looks cool and should be real fun to drive. I am totally revved up about this car.

[fj20spl311]

Any ideas on 5 th gear.

By the way, I am in Minnesota. I would prefer to have someone tear the tranny down, but if you guys think doing it myself is ok, being a fair mechanic I will tackle that.

You should be able to repair 5th gear if it's the common problem.

Search for 5th gear problems ...there should be several threads on the main shaft nut coming loose.

23yrRebuild posted some of the best.

[notoptoy]

I agree, if you are a reasonable mechanic, that this is tackle-able. I had never done a Transmission before, and I did mine with the books and help from 23yr rebuild and a lot of others on the forum.

Please edit your profile to include your location - at least we now know it's Minnesota! On the top right of the screen, there is a "user control panel", click on that to get tot the profile editor section. Let me know if you need help. We still need pictures too! (When you hit reply - look below the "response box" for the "browse" and "add file" boxes, again feel free to holler if you need help with that too!)

Again, Welcome!

[fj20spl311]

There are two types of 5th gear.
hear are pictures of the spline



You can compare to the other picture.

[fj20spl311]

Non Splined....Repaired by welding....
Should be honed after welding..

[Poobah]

Great comments and advice!!

Steve

[CarlW]

I will get it running....
Next question....urgent too....I have a chance to get a spare U20 and a 5 speed. The owner said the parts are out of a 2000. Where can I se the serial numbers or how to verify the engine and trams are a 2000 and 5 speed.

[jamesw]

Look on the drivers side of the block, just behind where the thermostat/water elbow comes out. There should be a flat part with 2 sections - one saying U20 and one saying the engine number.

The 5 speed is easy to tell as it does not have a removable 'inspection cover' on the bottom like the 4-speed. It also has a sealed case whereas the 4-speed has an "open hole" at the back after you take off the driveshaft.

HTH
James

[CarlW]

Look on the drivers side of the block, just behind where the thermostat/water elbow comes out. There should be a flat part with 2 sections - one saying U20 and one saying the engine number.

The 5 speed is easy to tell as it does not have a removable 'inspection cover' on the bottom like the 4-speed. It also has a sealed case whereas the 4-speed has an "open hole" at the back after you take off the driveshaft.

HTH
James

I appreciate it......thanks

[CarlW]

OK......confirmed the engine was a U20 and the trans was a five speed. I bought the engine, trans, and a number of other parts. The trans was rebuilt. The engine block looked rebuilt, but the head was disassembled. Got the header, clutch, harnesses, carbs, and a couple bins of parts. The owner had passed away, his widow sold me the collection. I am HAPPY. The plan now is to get the car running like everyone suggested, and drive it this summer. I will decide on the major restoration next year. I am now excited just to drive it. I will have to do some work on that messed up interior.

Thanks to everyone for all the help!