As the photo on the right shows, there were a couple of small cracks that will be properly repaired before the nose is assembled one last time, and some of the rivets will also be replaced.
Even though they just got started, the fit of the bumper is a hundred times better and they are making sure everything lines up perfectly, so it will look fantastic once they're done with it.
The headlight doors will be tricky since adjustments are somewhat limited and there's not a lot of room under there, but I know that anything they do will be an improvement.
Since the previous owner did not provide details as to having the bumper replaced when the car was repainted years ago, we have no way to know the reasons as to why it fits so poorly in relation to the nose of the car. Especially being a factory bumper.
Anyway, one of the guys at the shop removed and repositioned the front bumper and prepped the nose and fenders in order to eliminate the big gaps and huge bumps that made the whole area look horrible.
Glad I made the decision to have this work done, as this will bring the car to a higher quality level. In the meantime, I've also been thinking about having the motor rebuilt and talked to a shop in Orange City this morning about the subject, and they're working on a quote to have the original motor rebuilt.
I can order a crate 350 with 290 hp from Summit or Jegs for about $2,100 but I am curious to see what a speed shop would charge to rebuild mine with a few upgrades.
Even though I am not a purist when it comes to number-matching parts on my Stingray, if I can have the motor done locally for less than that of a crate engine then the decision is obvious.
As they say, these project cars are never done.
Stay tuned, and thank you for following my '76 Vette Blog!
Product Links... (#sponsored)
• How to Restore Your C3 Corvette: 1968-1982
• 1968-1982 Corvette Restoration Guide, 2nd Edition
• Corvette Black Book | 1953-2019
• 1976 Corvette Service & Overhaul Manual
• 1976 Corvette Service & Overhaul Manual CD-ROM
• 1976 Corvette Dealer Sales Brochure | GM-Licensed Reprint
• 1976 Corvette Stingray Owner's Manual | GM-Licensed Reprint
• 1976 Corvette Assembly Manual
