Jeff Lilly of Jeff Lilly Restorations in San Antonio, Texas, has been a contributor to Corvette Fever for some time. A while back, Jeff ran across these photos of a '72 LS5 chassis that he had built years ago and asked me if I could use them in some way. I decided that our annual concours restoration issue would be a great place to publish these incredibly detailed photos of this C3 chassis. This is how a C3 can be built to look correct and still hold up to the elements.
Enjoy!
The ultimate example of an...
The ultimate example of an LS5 chassis built to withstand time and elements
A. Smog pump ports are plugged....
A. Smog pump ports are plugged. AIR system to be installed after body drop.
B. Firestone bias-ply tires were correct option in 1972.
C. Frame stamps were painted on frames while they were upside-down to mount suspension on assembly line.
A. Natural brass finish on...
A. Natural brass finish on brake proportion valve clear-coated for longevity.
B. Natural finish steering pump cap. Note yellow inspection mark.
A. 454 exhaust manifolds painted...
A. 454 exhaust manifolds painted with 1200F cast-iron paint for lifetime longevity.
B. Outer tie rods assembled in quick steer position to original Corvette specs.
A. Bare steel paint used to...
A. Bare steel paint used to emulate raw steel for no rust maintenance.
B. Cast-iron paint used to emulate raw iron for no rust maintenance.
Note: Inspection marks were reapplied in exact locations.
Driveshaft part number location...
Driveshaft part number location stamp
Stainless steel exhaust upgrade...
Stainless steel exhaust upgrade for lifetime use
Gray phosphate leaf-sprin...
Gray phosphate leaf-spring
Gray finish tube-type sho...
Gray finish tube-type shocks
A. Original shielded plug...
A. Original shielded plug wires with radio ground wire
B. Cad plated plug wire heat shields
C. Original full flow AC oil filter
Muncie 4-speed restored to...
Muncie 4-speed restored to natural aluminum