1978 Darth Vader Vette

GoVetteGo · #1 08-01-2012, 05:48 PM

I was thinking about my 78 this winter - what am I going to do with it? It is not original, and I had already rebuilt the engine, suspension, drive train and brake system. Parting it out is a PITA. Then the light bulb went off --- DARTH VADER VETTE!

I will use this thread to post the progress on the customization along with pictures as I go along.

My initial thought is everything will be some shade of Black. Glossy wet single stage exterior, Flat black under carriage. Black interior.

Here are some of the ideas I have so far:

1. Install a C6 rear clip custom made for the C3 by SpeedVette in Michigan. I will take delivery of the rear clip late August at Corvettes @ Carlisle.
2. Center exiting exhaust. I will use Pypes 2 1/2" down pipes and crossover pipe. Then modify from there.
3. Motorized headlights using Miata headlight motors
4. Customize stock hood scoop into the original hood with air induction.
5. Replace front stock quarter panels with flared quarter panels from Custom Image
6. Custom side ground effects with embedded LED running lights to replace the stock rockers.
7. DeWitts Dual SPAL fans
8. Serpentine belt system - all powder coated Gloss Black
9. Custom Fiberglass dash. Seepdo, tach and all gauges will fin front of driver. Center gauge area will house a 7" LCD radio/GPS?DVD with iPod and USB ports.
10. Glassed in modified front bumper. The fake front bumper and tag area will be removed. I am thinking of a custom thin horizontal grill. Powder coated gloss black of course.
11. A pair of 6" LED lights embedded in the left & right of the C6 rear for tail lights and turn signals. Fits the theme better than the stock round lights.
12. Custom center console with a panel for LED switches for all the lights including parking, headlights and running lights.
13. Antenna hole glassed over. Using a hidden electronic antenna.
14. Shaved door handles and lock - IF I can find a suitable, dependable replacement. will need remote door locks with door poppers.Suggestions????
15. Aftermarket AC that works!!! Being all black - this thing will be HOT!

About a week or so ago, I started removing the rear clip. Using a heat gun, a putty knife and a dead blow hammer, I have separated about most of the seams holding the stock rear clip on. I am working slow so I can get the clip off in one piece. It would be nice if someone could use this to repair or restore their Vette.

Thanks for listening!

John

Some of my ideas are carved in stone - the C6 rear clip as an example - but I welcome your thought and ideas.

Red77 · #2 08-01-2012, 06:18 PM

Just make sure you always have a copy of John Williams' Imperial March from The Empire Strikes Back handy. I like it, sounds like a fun project and a great theme, at least to this Star Wars/Corvette nut.

mrvette · #3 08-01-2012, 06:48 PM

If you check my sites below you can see several shots of the vette in green with 2 tone black accent hood, and various other power coated black pieces,

GoVetteGo · #4 08-01-2012, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red77

Just make sure you always have a copy of John Williams' Imperial March from The Empire Strikes Back handy. I like it, sounds like a fun project and a great theme, at least to this Star Wars/Corvette nut.

I have the Imperial March on my Droid!!! I was having a bit of fun with the thought of having motion sensors around the car that played specific bits from the sound tracks. Imagine getting near the door and the Imperial March plays!

THANX

John

GoVetteGo · #5 08-03-2012, 04:34 PM

I got a little time to work on Darth this morning. It has been my desire from the beginning to remove the stock rear in one piece. Well, NOT!!! The seam that travels from left to right behind the rear window is a PITA. The center section is easy enough but from about 10-11" from the outside is impossible to get to.

So, Off to plan B!!!! I was able to remove the driver and passenger side rear quarter panels relatively easy.

Here's the driver side removed
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And the Passenger side removed
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Maybe with the quarter panels off, I can get better access to that blind area.
Will find out tomorrow!!

GoVetteGo · #6 08-03-2012, 04:35 PM

Anyone successfully remove a 1978 rear clip before? Any hints would be welcomed!

John

denpo · #7 08-03-2012, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoVetteGo

Anyone successfully remove a 1978 rear clip before? Any hints would be welcomed!

John

Ask 1Michel, he did it on his '72.
If you know the correct procedure to remove glued panels, are cautious and check the AIM before starting, you should be good.

clutchdust · #8 08-04-2012, 03:07 PM

I have a couple ideas. Try to incorporate something in the front that resembles Darth Vader's grill on his helmet. Also, if you're up for the expense, have custom wheels made with the imperial logo.

You could also do a black layover of the tail lights with the imperial logo as well.

SuperBuickGuy · #9 08-04-2012, 04:00 PM

funny, now I know where they came up with the idea. I looked at an H3 with wheels that had that design; and I wondered WTF?!! now I know the F

oh, and I didn't think it looked that great; but just like anything else - simply my opinion.

GoVetteGo · #10 08-04-2012, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clutchdust

I have a couple ideas. Try to incorporate something in the front that resembles Darth Vader's grill on his helmet. Also, if you're up for the expense, have custom wheels made with the imperial logo.

You could also do a black layover of the tail lights with the imperial logo as well.

Thanks clutchdust! I like the idea. Initially, my thought was to have everything black. Now I am thinking of silver hightlights - ghost painting on the quarter panels with silhouettes of Vader, Luke & Yoda.

Thanks for the ideas - the wheels would have to wait but Melikes!!!

John