A 1967 Corvette, damaged by a hurricane in Florida, is now the focus of a restoration project by the team at Horsepower Depot. The car, acquired from an auction, arrived in less than ideal-condition, having endured significant flooding. The team documented their efforts to revive the classic car in a video posted on their YouTube channel.
Upon arrival, the extent of the water damage became apparent. “This thing was flooded in the hurricane that happened down in Florida,” they noted in the video. The 1967 Corvette, despite its condition, showed promise with aftermarket modifications, including widened quarters, wideneed front fenders, and an LS engine swap. The team pushed the car inside to begin a thorough inspection.
The initial assessment revealed various issues. The interior suffered, with a rusted-off seat and the team also found water damage to the fuse box.
A closer look uncovered the car’s performance upgrades. “That’s a stock frame with the Detroit Speed suspension on it,” they stated (no doubt one of Detroit Speed’s SpeedRay front suspension kits), pointing out the aftermarket components.
How many other high-end aftermarket upgrades can you spot (like the intake manifolds and master cylinder)?
Getting the Corvette running required several steps. The team drained fluids contaminated by floodwater. They addressed electrical problems, including a faulty starter wire. After installing a new starter, they focused on the fuel system.
With zero fuel pressure, they ran a temporary hot wire to the fuel pump. The engine eventually started, though it emitted smoke and displayed a broken exhaust system.
After the initial startup, the team began the cleanup process. They power-washed the underside of the car. “Surprisingly this is very nice underneath…this has absolutely like almost no signs…of this being a flood car,” they commented after cleaning.
Additionally, They also addressed the wheels, which required polishing. The team removed the headers for Cerakote due to their poor condition and also noted that the car was flooded up to the middle of the car’s gills.
Much work remains to restore the Corvette to its original condition. Horsepower Depot plans to remove and clean the rear end. They will polish the wheels and their center caps. Interior work includes replacing the amplifier and possibly the seats and carpet.