darclegion

I am thinking about buying this 1976 stingray coupe that has this ugly hatchback kit. The problem is that I cant find a new 1976 rear clip (remanufactured one), I ofcourse can buy a used Rear Clip, somewhere.

I looked at lost of parts online, and they seem to stop making 76-77 rear decks for some reason, my luck.

I was wondering if anyone ever removed one, and how hard is it. The kit was a 3 part piece. If I can get the vette for a steal, I may just replace the rear clip.

Other than the hatchback, its a beautiful car.
http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/3329882612.html

I would replace the rear clip and repaint the car. If I can get the price down to a realistic level, I may have a go at it.

Any advice would be great.

How much do you think I should pay as well, if I do....which is most unlikely. But I had plans to make a custom vette, and this car may idea for cutting up to make a custom vette out of, since its no longer original.

tom

Rick Rowland

I like it as is, but then I have a vettewagon. It IS an Eckler's kit, and the Western wheels are the same as they used on cars shown in their old catalogs. The side pipes are vintage Thrush units. I don't care for them on a vette, especially compared to the factory '69 side exhaust, but you almost never see a set anymore, and when you do, they are in terrible condition. There are people in the hot rod community that want them.
As far as changing the clip, it would almost be a shame to change this car back. Love it or hate it, it IS part of Corvette/automotive history, and actually you rarely see one that is in this good of shape. IMHO, you would be better off anyway simply finding another car to customize if you don't like the style of this one. There are many C3's around for less money, that would not require a rear clip change. Best of luck, and have fun!

PhotoVette1

Judging from those pics, I'd save your money for all the mechanical work you're goanna need.

Tim H

Or you could buy mine, paint when and if ready and be lots of money and work ahead.

darclegion

Yea, I talked to him and he said its been sitting around for almost 20 years, all the hoses, belts are dry rotting, the tranny fluid drained out for some unknown reason. And it is not driveable. It sounds like the seals in the transmission are leaking and probably the rear main in the engine. I think it would be a nightmare to fix. Then on top of that, I really just dont like the hatchback. I will leave it for someone else that can appreciate it more.
With that said, I declined.

I plan on buying what I really want and saving my money for a bit.
A 1971 or 1973 Monza red Stingray with chrome pipes, low mileage, and in great condition. So I will just sit back and relax. My wife decided that it can be our next car. I have owned a 71,74 and 82.

Im a corvette man, but I have a family now, and been riding shotgun in a SUV for the past 6 years....and its killing me. But one day....I will be back in the saddle.

Cheers,
Tom

darclegion

Yea, I agree totally, especially after talking to him. He said its been sitting for 20 years. No go for me.

I want to do a custumized vette someday, but not now.

Curby

I think you made the right decision.

That is a pretty car that someone should bring back mechanically and show as a part of history.

0Willcox Corvette

You are a smart man.. and sheepishly I say dangit.. (I have a 76 rear clip..)