HELP!!

hi. i have a 74 stingray and it is in bad shape. it used to belong to my father but he let the car sit in our backyard and rott away. He was racing the car when the engine blew. i'm deciding to try and restore the car to its full potential. i guess im asking if theres any tips you could give me when trying to rebuild the car, such as body work or engine repairs. i belive we have a 350 in it and my brother is willing to rebuild it.   i'm not the best when it comes to cars and i need help.  
   Thanks, Erika.  

best advice... take a subscription to both corvette magazines.. read up on what's happening..

there are also TONS of tech articles in the tech section above.. and put C3 into the search window...  you will find tons more..

it all totally depends on how badly the car has rotted...   i have seen them that need  to be all new outer panels..

almost anything is restorable..   but is it worth it..?????   huge amounts of money could be spent..  

spend a lot of time learning mistakes... and how to do it right.. or just how to do it.. so if you have to get it done.. you don't get ripped off..

first thing i would think...    post some good photos to someplace like photobucket..  post the link here..  so you might get some online advice..    it can get really expensive having a car towed to the various body and repair shops.. and corvette body work is slightly different than what normal body shops do..      if you can get your brother to help... thats great...

it also depends on what you classify as rotted... i have seen people say their car is rotted away.. and it was just really dirty... i have had other people call me.. tell me they just hit a deer and the car is totaled.. when i actually saw the car.. it needed a headlight assembly   and a few trim parts... not even any paint damage.. just lucky.. but they thought the car was totaled..  

I would have to agree with our brother.  I might strongly add-sounds like you may be ready to take on a full restoration.  While learning can be fun and mostly frustrating it's mainly expensive.  Follow his advise if you are going to begin this project.  With a Vette-everything is a project (and usually expensive).  HOWEVER, Always well worth it !!!!!!! read,ask questions,post,send photos and get friendly with those who know and stay away from those who blow.  Bad advise will really be expensive.  Good luck and save the wave.  Look forward to seeing that beauty pass me on the road.  

I've got pretty close to the same situation (see my Post on "Rstorinng my 75 L-82".
I have a pretty good idea on what needs to be done to it, and if I decide to go ahead I just wanted to know if the time and $ involved is worth it. The 74 / 75 vintage vettes are not really very rare (or desireable) unless you plan on keeping it and using it for a good while. The parts are fairly easy to come by either new (OEM),refurbished, or on the aftermarket.

Basically you have to decide on the following questions:

1) How much can I afford to put into the car (time and money)?
2) Just how bad off is the vehicle to start with ?
3) Do you have or have access to the required expertise for the restoration ?
4) What do you want to have when you're done (Completely Stock, Show Car, a modified car (for racing say) or something to drive around in for fun.
5) Would you you be better off selling the '74 for what ever you can (or maybe part it out) and get hold of a car that's ready to drive and that someone else has put the effort into?


Good Luck !! and I'd be interested in hearing what you decide !!