1979 C3 Corvette Coupe Daily Driver Status Video 1 of 4

This 1979 Corvette already runs and drives, BUT it sure needs a lot of little things in order to make it into the daily driver status category. This is video 1 in the journey to fix the small things that will add up to make a huge difference.

[@dateatorjr9671]

That air fitting on the carb was priceless.... you cannot underestimate the ingenuity of Bubba!

[@imagemusic4241]

Hey Ben, D here, 36yrs old from NY, and just got my first 81 C3 driver last month. Love it and it runs great but needs a bunch little things as you know they all do. I Found your videos a few months ago and they are super helpful, informative and pleasantly personable. Thanks, and keep it up!

[@tmac022480]

Pretty much same story here. Bought my first C3 (1980) this past November. Watching all the C3 videos I can, trying to pick up tricks of the trade. I consider myself fairly handy but it still REALLY helps seeing what I need to do before I do it.

[@imagemusic4241]

Awesome. Absolutely, been watching tons of videos myself as well. Best of luck to you

[@billwilmington8284]

Love these videos of C3 and C4 Vettes! Never stop making content!

[@steves4639]

this '79 looks to be a good foundation for a nice driver...really like the bronze/oyster color combo, very classy. it's funny to me, growing up with C3's when they were new and how amazing they were at the time, and then seeing the huge decline in interest and maintenance on these cars as the newer versions appeared, leaving scads of broken down examples with 'bubba' engineering to keep them running on the cheap...but with a big side benefit for those who want one in that now you can pick one up pretty inexpensively. I am very glad to see them coming back into their own, in no small part to your involvement.

[@danklulz4064]

I’ve been subscribed for a week so far. And you’re already my favorite KZbinr so far. Keep it up man 💯

[@rayspeed]

been watching alot of your videos mate, loving them heaps, and have been looking for a C3 for a few months now, and as luck had it, I have just picked up a beautiful C3 79 model a week ago, drove it 4hrs home and absolutely loving it

[@lwoodt1]

I have been learning a lot about these cars from watching your videos. Thanks for sharing all the info.

[@bretttaylor2323]

Another great video. I have a 1972 Corvette that had not run in over 10 years. I am enjoying learning how to work on these cars from all of your videos, keep up the good work!

[@ridewithgnr2116]

Hey, Ben. Just wanted to say thanks again for responding to my radiator request. I have been watching your vids a while but not a big commenter, but I do enjoy your vids, details, and encouragement to work on my own project. I got my Dewitt's dropped in and it, fit very nicely, looks great, really open up the area nicely under the hood. The bad is it outshines everything else! Keeping my old girl brown so I kinda like the one in your garage currently.

[@RobertPerrigoOkiechopper]

Sweet ride, you have black belt in shopping for certain vehicles , you always come up with a winner/keeper. Good job.

[@DereksArcade]

I have a 79 corvette myself. Thanks for the videos. It's helped me with fixing up mine

[@vphouger]

Thank you for producing these videos. I have a 1979 C3 as well, so I watch your video with interest.

[@seminole715]

Hi Ben, great work. First day went well, thanks for the video, good stuff.

[@56ding]

i never would look at a vette before i started watching your vids.....you are a very talented man to fix those ba ba rapairs....thanks

[@ricktomek9351]

great to see a young man,that like's old school corvettes,keep up the great work dude

[@JB-sz9nj]

I really have to stop watching your videos. I already own a 1998, 1995 convertible and a 1984....and thanks to you I've been looking at C3's for sale....

[@paulreyes5810]

In Calif I have 79 new motor radiator tires brakes clean white green interior 12000.

[@rogerholland2126]

I like the size and thickness of these 79 corvette stirring wheels. I had a 79 L 82, it was a r3al sweat heart.

[@rubyred93chev]

You're absolutely right Ben, this '79 with oyster interior is truly a gem! Great choice for bringing this C3 back to decent 'driver quality'. Decent third gen video right here too! Looking forward to the series.

[@dannyspitzer1267]

Yay! Really enjoy your C3 videos ...

[@paulgunter1538]

Good looking car, can't wait to see it when it is finished !

[@keysandcarbs3654]

I broke my dipstick tube trying to remove it when I installed my headers. I used a easy out to remove the broken piece. Great video

[@MarshRat]

I'm still loving my DD 1979 after 20 years. Like you, I started out with a very long list of To-Dos but just took them one at a time and had fun (most of the time) doing them. As far a shining wheels, take them off the car. Use NeverDull to start with. Then finish up with Mothers. Will take some time but beer helps in the process. Enjoy your new ride.

[@jimbomac55]

I think that I’m the first guy in NH to use the term “bubba”! Thanks, Ben! Love all of the videos!

[@southernstyle067]

Looking forward to getting me a C3 one day. By the time I do, I will be able to work on it after all of your great videos. Thanks. I wonder why Bubba didn't use a hose clamp on that exhaust. Lol

[@fleetwin1]

Finally, a nice vette worthy of your efforts! Attention to detail is the key for sure, otherwise nice cars end up like this through years of amateur repairs. I love that air tool nipple on the carb, bubba was truly imaginative on this one!Yeah, this one will never be a great performer, but it will be a nice car to drive and enjoy...Keep this one for yourself....

[@dsinclairTUBE]

I love your mentions of Bubba - it runs through all of your videos and reminds me of the same stuff I see on my cars up here in Michigan. However - Bubba doesn't live here...

[@toddselph5992]

Definitely get rid of that air cleaner. haha. Really enjoy your videos

[@timomick912]

Very good video Ben.

[@MrPcatt]

I love the color combination

[@OldCarAlley]

Sounds really good.

[@xxxmissmuffinxxx]

I love the colour as well that will polish up nicely. :) By the way hello from Oxford England.

[@paliacho9]

A bolt in place f the dipstick tube. Holy moly. Great vid.

[@TheCorvetteBen]

When you think you have seen it all... Then something like this happens

[@TimeToBeKind]

I like the alligator skin steering wheel cover the sun gave you.

[@ydavevr4]

Those exhaust welds are something else. I would be worried about stress from engine movement on that solid exhaust, since bubba didn't find it necessary to add a flex joint.

[@Shane-Singleton]

I get the whole engine mods thing but I love opening a hood and seeing a totally unmolested factory setup.

[@collectiveleak]

Stfu about "molested" engine bays. My dad is 55 years old and had his 78 for about 25 years. Got it completely kitted out. Straight piped thumper cam, got a new engine in it with painted red piston covers, airfilter, stinger hood. I can go on. His old as enjoys his corvette and I enjoy helping him work on it. It ain't molested, its customized. A small block is a small block is a small block, you can hardly ever go wrong with it

[@dariusgideon9204]

i know Im randomly asking but does anybody know a trick to log back into an instagram account?? I somehow lost my account password. I love any help you can offer me.

[@fordeden638]

@Darius Gideon instablaster ;)

[@dariusgideon9204]

@Ford Eden i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and Im in the hacking process atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@dariusgideon9204]

@Ford Eden It did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thanks so much you really help me out !

[@dadams19111]

Thanks for another c3 video

[@JeffKirschensteiner]

Love the white board. I was thinking I need to do the same.

[@resurrectionmotors2421]

Love that color I don't know if you could hear it or not but the whole time the video was playing I could hear the car tell me in background tell Ben to bring me to you in Baton Rouge

[@TheCorvetteBen]

It is possible. It'll be for sale when I'm done.

[@stevevarholy2011]

Nice color combo.

[@rockerpat1085]

Hay Ben I subbed your channel the other day looking at your caddy. I uploaded a video of my 76 last week, stop by and check it out. I'm with you about the air cleaner. Had one of those kill an engine. Wing nut down the back barrels!!! Boom!!! The first thing under the hood that bugged me is the one tooth off distributor. I hope you fix that as well. My Vette was a 1300 dollar basket case, 20 grand later and it still needs interior:( Anyway Keep Rocking!!!

[@mikenbdg]

Nice video as usual

[@billyferguson8846]

Great video

[@davidtrevi2914]

I enjoy your videos. They're awesome, but you always show a before and after. Will you ever show the details too? It would help out other corvette c3 users in understanding any pitfalls and how to work the repairs. Newbie here.

[@AJ67901]

great video, much more fun to watch than the Mercury vids. It will be neat to watch you bring it back up to the looker it can be.

[@TheCorvetteBen]

Lots of people would argue that for sure. Pretty much a love em or hate em kinda deal with the C3s I make videos on.

[@racerxnk]

Great looking car there, should be a quick sale when you get it done.

[@kapekodbob]

Like your vids Ben.

[@dicknixon2763]

Don't u love the way Bubba always has time and money to buy and install aftermarket valve covers and air cleaners etc. To impress his friends and Ms. Bubba but never can find the time to fix the wiring or buy the correct hose fitting and whatever. These are the things that would likely impress the Ms. And friends as they'd not leave them sitting beside the road broke down waiting for The Friends of Bubba Tow Co. to arrive with their pickup truck and 50 ft. nylon tow rope to drag it home in that 106° Texas summer weather since the air cond. never works on Bubba's car cuz he tried to update the original freon with the new stuff but being Bubba got it wrong and plugged into the high side which is why he's wearing that bandage on his head. TY Rich

[@fooledman]

Bubba loves using straight pipe and a lot of welding on that exhaust.

[@roadwarrior1450]

Should be a nice one when it's finished. 🚗

[@mjmcomputers]

Been there done that on removing a broken dipstick tube. Luckily mine was a bare block and not in a car. Copper header collector gaskets will fix that exhaust leak.

[@beachsidebum]

miss my 74 l48 4 speed i like that model over the bubble glass back the inset glass reminds me of the jag and tho mine did not but the older models glass was removable I was told

[@GarryFullerSr]

looks like a Pretty Nice vette.

[@curtisharrison395]

My uncle did alot of these cars,but he always sold.in his words,I made alot of money, but I don't care about driving them.He is a mopar .totally restored 69 roadrunner 440 6pack auto,air.Flawless

[@jacklyons2557]

The dipstick, though! I'm having trouble imagining how even Bubba could have accomplished such a feat. Don't think I've ever seen that before. Need to get out more, maybe.

[@dannyhelderdenkende6647]

New garage? Looks differents 👍😀

[@growingknowledge]

Another terrific video - where do you find the time !

[@luisaacevedo5783]

Hello Ben. I enjoy your channel and very interested in learning a few things. Just bought my first Vette and no I'm not a young man, but I have always loved cars and specially Vettes. I found a '79 and worked out a deal with the owner. I've owned it for a couple of years now but it is all stock. I want to put side pipes, 10" wide rally's for wider tires. It has the 350 smog engine and want to make it faster and make it sound good, What are your suggestions? Any input is appreciated.

[@pontiacgrandprix733]

My favorite body style, Disco Vettes, however most underpowered also, is there a fix to keeping stock block, and working the heads to get more performance, live original but hate a anchor for a motor

[@jquest43]

There's no fix.what you see is wut you git. There are no aftermarket parts for this engine. Sorry

[@capecodcuda]

Best channel

[@TheDutchTexan]

My welds would be like that... Popcorn!

[@GETUPANDGO]

It freaks me out how many corners some of these shops seem to cut

[@VinzentDk]

Bubbastuff :D Love that. Just out of curiosity: how many hours of work did this video cover? I'm amazed how much you manage to get done with all your projects. There must be at least 48 hours in a day over there in Texas :D

[@TheCorvetteBen]

Making a list helps alot

[@USCG.Brennan]

Ben, I have a CLEAN '82 with Crossfire (that works fine still) but am thinking about changing over to carboration soon. Is it a hassle?

[@hawks1ish]

Huh funny I don’t remember my dad working on this C3 😊

[@mrmaurians]

I followed your advice on buying a C4. I have a 87 manuel ,white and grey. I have had the cylinder heads rebuilt. Now Im about to have the block rebuilt. What cam can i add to increase hp without changing heads?

[@crawford323]

Do you have a system to document the improvements you do to the car and is that documentation provided for the history of the car?

[@seanbrimhall4163]

What was the solution to the "brake squeak that went away when you pushed the pedal"? My 80 has this on the left side (it chirps as a wheel rotates) and it goes away almost instantly as soon as you ease on to the brakes.

[@mcinkyt]

Does anyone make a kit to convert the fixed rear glass into the opening hatch like the 82 SE?

[@xXcashXx3]

Yo Ben get a quick jack lift not that exspensive works great especially on Corvettes use it on my c4 and Camaro all the time

[@rogerholland2126]

I never should have let mine go, live and learn. Don't know what I was thinking?

[@HorsepowerGarageVideos]

We need to see some full throttle on the test drives

[@vettekid3326]

I had a C4 that when I bought it someone had hacked the the hot wire to the distributor to add a constant on for the electric fan. I think people do this because it's the easiest key on hot wire they can find. Seen them do this with aftermarket stereo equipment also.

[@HorsepowerGarageVideos]

The fan on my Iroc had a wire ran directly from the battery with a toggle switch on it, needless to say I undid a lot of bubba wiring on my car.

[@timkanaley7510]

Hey Ben can you do a video on putting a distributor in a new crate 350 sbc all the others ive seen are kinda confusing thank its going in a 75 c3

[@michaelstratton6701]

Hey ben, how difficult is it to change the rag joint?

[@beechwood619]

L-48 = 150 hp, I got a '76.

[@spencerjenkins4034]

I did too, dropped a 383 in her and she’s riding pretty smooth

[@canadianclassics]

beechwood619 just bought a 79 vette she’s a little low on the hp but that’ll change soon hopefully lol

[@spencerjenkins4034]

Canadian Classics love towards Canada🇨🇦

[@w41duvernay]

funny you fixed the seats. Then you noticed how bad the carpet was versus the seats. Yep that will drive you crazy!

[@mp330600]

The never ending Bubba modifications continue.

[@sneakysnakepie1]

My uncle has a red 197? With under 100k t-tops, bas side pipes and a bunch of stuff redone. He's asking 3500 so I might buy it.

[@waltershaw4108]

Hey Ben I'm in need of 2 door panels for a 1980 Corvette? I'm interested in buying a set from u if u have them.

[@hectorortiz1473]

What is the price value of this C3 once you have made all the repairs?

[@edwardsgarage7427]

Ben where do you find all these Vettes? Lol

[@SurviventheOnslaught]

when you see a flywheel cover off beware i bought a 74 monte carlo with just that and it turned out the flywheel had a missing tooth

[@stevedouglas5443]

What is your issue with the air cleaner?

[@treebuzzard5796]

New sticker idea for you, Corvetteben fixing Bubba's mistakes.

[@marcuslimbaugh4592]

1977 ruff red vette. Runs drives. What is it worth?

[@jackobyuk]

do the headlight actuators work as they should?

[@TheCorvetteBen]

Yes they do!

[@performancegroup310]

I just picked up a 1979 L82/4spd with 26k original miles! It was sitting in garage for 20 years. You think it’s worth anything. Body is good. All parts are there just looks super dirty in engine compartment. Gonna have to clean clean clean.

[@canadianclassics]

Inspire Media awesome did you get a good deal? I just bought a 79 vette posted a quick video of it on my channel

[@performancegroup310]

Canadian Classics I got it for 4K! It needs some tlc. I just rebuilt the Quadra jet and it won’t hold idle. Turns over and runs great if you feather it but can’t hold idle: It was about 95% originals I just added some American racing wheelsz I know it’s rare and I want to resell it. But I’m tempted to put the reel rock carb and intake and removing the smog crap: but not sure if that will effect resale much. With such Lowe miles. I just want to drive it and have it look clean.

[@jamescasello8100]

Hi Ben....I love your videos and have seen many. I have a 79 vette, same as yours. I have two questions. Mine has a 85mph speedometer. I believe it's the wrong one, is it supposed to be 140mph like yours??. Previous owners I believe threw it in the dash. I purchased it from a very crooked, lying, sob dealer. That's why I believe he is not telling the truth. It works but the speed seems off. And can I make my timing advance 12* btc ?? Says on the sticker 4* but I saw another sticker online that says 12. If you or anyone else knows, Please enlighten me as I am not sure. Many thanks Jimmy

[@stevedouglas5443]

What was wrong with that air cleaner?

[@russellfheim]

Had 3 corvettes, please change that clear gas filter. Seen many engine fires because it. My next project will be another C3.

[@davidkornblatt991]

I like L82 better than L48.

[@montneymon-ta-knee6810]

when you drive it that extension cord is going to unplug LOL

[@paulreyes5810]

My 79 is fr sale new crate 350 white green interior 14000.

[@chadmccolm6544]

Nice wields on the mufflers looks like a bunch of bird crap lmao

[@a68rebel]

With 199 horsepower...its gonna need a new engine, right?

[@240greyhawke]

You can always tell the sound of a Chevy starter motor.

[@koolkev75]

Call it chop stick

[@harryreeves5973]

How much you asking for the c3

[@TheCorvetteBen]

Sold probably three years ago

[@JOHNBEA]

Additional punch list item: Install dead leaves in cowl.

[@TheCorvetteBen]

Be careful, you might get what you wish for

[@erictaylor7007]

Lol you make fun of my cousin Bubba! But then you go ahead and fix the exhaust rattle exactly how he would!

[@TheCorvetteBen]

... I fixed the exhaust rattle with a factory clamp, attached to the factory bracket that is made to hold the exhaust. Explain to me why this is Bubba????

[@walliehart2414]

Looks don't matter . Weld is holding . Poor folks got poor ways. They work with what they have. C3 is a great car for mechanically minded people. Iconic look .Good value .. the timing increase will cost you mpg. Looks like a decent car to me.