Subscribe to Corvette magazines. How-to articles are helpful and identify sources for parts and services.
Obtain Corvette mail-order catalogs. Some provide detailed drawings of parts, which can help determine what you need, how things go together, and help develop a detailed budget.
Find people who have done the same projects. Those with building experience in a similar project can help save time, headaches, and money. There's no sense reinventing the wheel if you don't have to. Most people with building experience are willing to help. But they won't be anxious to do all your homework for you.
Develop Initial Budget And PlanOutline an initial budget: Based on your objectives, theme, choice of car, and what you've learned from your research, outline a broad budget considering the estimated cost of the car, the major components you plan to use, and the labor involved (especially how much of the work you plan to do yourself). The cost of a project like this can vary widely depending on these choices. This is the best way to get an idea of what it will cost.
Evaluate your skills: Determine how much of the work must be outsourced and where you can find experienced people. The more you can do yourself, the better control you'll have over the project. Finding someone who has the time, interest, reasonable rates, and necessary skills is key for a successful project.
Determine the tools needed: Survey the tools you have and what you'll need to buy or rent. For example, to do a body-off project, you'll need a body dolly, which you can build yourself or borrow.
Evaluate the space needed: Car projects require space for the body, chassis, and parts. Having your spouse's car in the winter snow can take its toll on a relationship.
Develop a high-level project plan: This is intended to outline what the project will entail and assist in estimating the overall costs. You'll have a more detailed plan later to identify the tasks, who will do the work, and the timeframes. This preliminary plan will cover the basic construction areas to account for the big ticket items such as body and paint work, chassis and suspension, drivetrain, and interior.
Finding The Right CarInternet search: Corvette classifieds (eBay, Corvette Trader, Hemmings) and Corvette Forums (Corvette Forum, Corvette Action Center, NCRS).
Private parties/local classifieds: You might be surprised at what you can find locally, which allows a personal inspection and avoids the transport costs.
Local car clubs: Can be a great source for cars as well as information and help on the project.
Locator services: (Jim Gessner at Vette Finders, for example)
Cruise nights: Held on virtually every day of the week in many areas with some cars for sale.
Dealers: There are some well-versed and honest dealers out there, so inquire about their reputations and what to look for when evaluating their cars.
Car shows: Many have car corrals, auctions, or owners with cars for sale. Corvettes At Carlisle, for example, has hundreds of cars available from private parties as well as dealers.
Your friends: Put the word out for what you're looking for. They might know of a car for sale.
Buying The CarThe ideal car should be pretty much intact with a decent body and frame, but without its original engine and transmission. We feel a real "original" or "numbers-matching" car should not be used as a starting point. It should be restored to original condition. A basket case can often end up costing more in the long run as you discover the extent of missing, and often hard-to-find parts.
Be patient. You can spend two or three months looking for the right car with no luck. Then one pops up, often from an unlikely source. Persistence and luck usually pay off in finding the right car.