1976 Corvette Stingray: Restore, Repair, Detail: Front Bumper Alignment and Bodywork

It took three weeks to get the front bumper cover aligned with the nose and fenders, plus getting the whole front end and hood repainted so everything matched properly.

While my Corvette was having the bodywork done, I took the opportunity to have the nose emblem and the alarm switch shaved, and I am very pleased with the results.

The only issue I still have to deal with is hood alignment, but since I am planning to have the motor rebuilt (which would require hood removal anyway), I will see if the shop can manage to get it to align—and close—properly.

Here are the before & after photos.

Before:

After:

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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

Steering Column Swap

1977-1982 Corvette steering columns have several advantages over the 1968-1976 units, the most notorious being the overall length of the assembly.

When compared side-by-side, the difference is obvious and significant, even though newer columns are shorter by only 2 inches. However, that small difference translates into a HUGE benefit for the driver—especially tall drivers with long arms.

In this series of articles, I chronicle the process of modifying and rebuilding a 1978 tilt and telescoping steering column that I plan to use in my 1976 Corvette.

Here are all installments of the series.

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Front Bumper Alignment and Bodywork | DONE!