PlannedWaiting
Repair loose visor material
The work behind the ride
Robin’s build
One job at a time. Every wrench turn has a story.
Explore the projects ↓Projects tracked
63
Completed
37
In progress
5
Where Robin’s headed
No finish line. Just more Robin.
The goal is to make Robin a better car with every chapter, and a C5 that feels unmistakably her own. More character, more capability and the kind of presence that makes you stop for another look. This is a long-term build with no deadline, shaped by the work, the ideas and the miles along the way.
Right now, I’m getting the foundation right: sorting out the little things, catching up on repairs and making what’s already here work and feel the way it should. Those jobs might not all turn heads, but they’re what the next chapter will be built on.
Down the road, I want to explore engine upgrades and more horsepower, possibly a deeper engine build. Air suspension might become part of the story, too. The exact combination is still taking shape, and that’s part of the fun. Each decision should make Robin better to drive, more personal and a little harder to mistake for anyone else’s Corvette.
One project at a time, I’m building something that stands out because it’s Robin. Join Robin’s Squadron on Instagram ↗ and come along for the journey.
Corvette build tracker
Robin’s C5 projects
The working record for this 2001 Corvette Z06. Open a category to explore its projects, selected parts and build updates.
Interior & Cabin
10 projects · 7 complete
Interior & Cabin
10 projects · 7 complete
In progressEstimate pending
Repair driver seat movement
Latest garage note
Replaced the cracked power seat panel with a replacement that fit perfectly. The seat-track repair remains in progress.
Products: Replacement power seat panels · C5 and Z06 electric seat-track repair kit (one seat)
View project →
Completed100%
Deep-clean mats, seats and floorboards
Completed100%
Repair trunk towel hanger and install trunk net
Completed100%
Replace lighter and repair ashtray lid
Completed100%
Change shift knob and condition/install shift boot
Parts neededParts
Install handbrake handle and red-stitched boot
Completed100%
Repair fuse-panel flap
Completed100%
Vacuum behind console and wrap console wiring
Completed100%
Install red interior lighting
Electronics, Audio & Technology
8 projects · 4 complete
Electronics, Audio & Technology
8 projects · 4 complete
Completed100%
Install Wolfbox cameras and digital mirror
Added front, rear and nose-level views to solve the C5 Corvette's limited parking visibility.
View project →
Completed100%
Organize amplifier and wiring
PlannedWaiting
Install GPS
Completed100%
Install radio, console and test Bluetooth
A look inside Robin’s center console during the radio installation and Bluetooth test.
View project →
PlannedWaiting
Upgrade Bluetooth microphone and route mic wire
Completed100%
Upgrade phone mount to magnetic charging station
Installed and working great. Console removal made it a bit more work, but the finished setup was well worth the effort.
Products: Course Motorsports phone mount
View project →
PlannedWaiting
Install HUD
PlannedWaiting
Install magnetic wire holders under console
Magnetic zip-tie mounts selected to organize loose and added accessory wiring. Installation is still planned.
Products: Magnetic zip-tie mounts, 25-pack, 22mm
View project →
Battery, Power & Kill Switch
6 projects · 3 complete
Battery, Power & Kill Switch
6 projects · 3 complete
Completed100%
Install battery cover
Installed and working well. The cover fit with no modifications or adjustments.
Products: X AUTOHAUX black C5 battery cover
View project →
Completed100%
Set up battery maintainer
The battery maintainer is set up and has been working well.
Products: Battery maintainer
View project →
Parts neededParts
Install replacement battery
In progressEstimate pending
Install battery posts and disconnect
Latest garage note
All parts are already on hand. Battery-post and disconnect installation is in progress.
Products: Vgate 12-way battery wiring organizer
View project →
In progressEstimate pending
Build and install console kill switch
Latest garage note
Includes wiring, switch preparation and console notch.
View project →
Completed100%
Inspect and clean chassis grounds
Chassis grounds inspected and cleaned.
View project →
Wheels, Brakes & Suspension
10 projects · 8 complete
Wheels, Brakes & Suspension
10 projects · 8 complete
Completed100%
Repair wheel scuffs and paint inner rims red
Completed100%
Prepare and paint wheels
Black spokes, polished edges and a hidden red soul. A photo story of Robin’s red inner wheel barrels.
View project →
Completed100%
Clean rims, calipers and wheel-center hubs
Completed100%
Replace lug nuts
Completed100%
Bleed and refresh brake fluid
Parts neededParts
Replace brake rotors and pads
Completed100%
Inspect suspension bushings
Completed100%
Replace and grease sway-bar end links
Replacement suspension bar links installed. Moderate installation difficulty because access was limited.
Products: Suspension sway-bar end links
View project →
Completed100%
Install lift pucks
PlannedWaiting
Front-End Protection & Skid Pads
Products: The Bracketeer ScrapeStop skid pads
View project →
Lighting & Exterior
12 projects · 4 complete
Lighting & Exterior
12 projects · 4 complete
Completed100%
Flush-mount and adjust rear brake lights
Rear brake lights flush-mounted and adjusted for a cleaner appearance.
Products: Brake-light flush-mount kit
View project →
Completed100%
Replace third brake light
PlannedWaiting
Paint side markers and install blackout kit
PlannedWaiting
Install blackout rear-light vinyl
Completed100%
Replace front side lights
Replacement bumper lights selected for the completed front side-light refresh.
Products: Replacement bumper lights
View project →
PlannedWaiting
Replace driver-front turn-signal bulb
One front turn-signal bulb is out. The SYLVANIA two-pack is purchased; getting behind the light is the next garage job.
Products: SYLVANIA 4157NA Long Life amber bulbs (2-pack)
View project →
Completed100%
Add red Corvette lettering to rear
Red CORVETTE lettering on Robin’s cleaned, glossy black rear bumper.
Products: C5 red bumper letter inserts
View project →
PlannedWaiting
Install front Robin logo/name
PlannedWaiting
Prepare and install Z06 exhaust enhancer plate
Stainless-steel rear accent purchased. Its substantial feel made a strong first impression; installation is still ahead.
Products: Eurosport Daytona Z06 stainless-steel exhaust enhancer plate
View project →
PlannedWaiting
Install Jake stickers
PlannedWaiting
Paint mirror interiors red
Parts neededParts
Repair driver-door lock
Driver-door lock repair is waiting on parts.
View project →
Engine Bay & Mechanical Health
9 projects · 7 complete
Engine Bay & Mechanical Health
9 projects · 7 complete
Completed100%
Inspect harmonic balancer
Completed100%
Check for head-gasket leak
No leak found in the completed check with the Block Tester Combustion Leak Test Kit.
View project →
Completed100%
Install spark-plug sleeves
Completed100%
Clean C5 drain udders
Completed100%
Install hood seal
Installed and working great: helping keep dust and dirt out of the engine bay. Easy installation with no tools needed.
Products: Hood seal
View project →
Completed100%
Detail engine bay
Parts neededParts
Install smaller red engine dress-up screws
Completed100%
Vacuum-check clutch master-cylinder system
Vacuum check completed: failed. Replacement clutch-master-cylinder parts have been ordered.
View project →
In progressEstimate pending
Install new clutch master cylinder
Latest garage note
Replacement is underway, but the clutch hydraulic line connection is still stuck. I posted on Instagram asking the Corvette community for help.
View project →
Protection, Safety & Underbody
3 projects · 2 complete
Protection, Safety & Underbody
3 projects · 2 complete
Completed100%
Install fire extinguisher and seat-rail bracket
Moved onto the seat rails to clear the carpet and trim; the tradeoff is a fixed passenger-seat position.
View project →
Completed100%
Grease door hinges, latches and strikers
Protected with marine grease.
View project →
PlannedWaiting
Install radiator protective screen
C5 radiator protective screen purchased for Robin; installation is still pending.
Products: C5 / Z06 radiator protective screen
View project →
Garage Upgrades
2 projects · 0 complete
Garage Upgrades
2 projects · 0 complete
In progressEstimate pending
Build and set up lift
Latest garage note
Lift setup is in progress, waiting on hydraulic fluid.
Products: QuickJack 6000TL portable car lift · Lift wall mount
View project →
PlannedWaiting
Install hexagon LED garage lighting
Trivoli hexagon LED lighting purchased; installation pending.
Products: Trivoli 8-grid hexagon LED garage lights
View project →
Detailing & Show Prep
3 projects · 2 complete
Detailing & Show Prep
3 projects · 2 complete
Completed100%
Clean glass, windshield and hood seam
Completed100%
Add exterior stickers
PlannedWaiting
Wash, polish and buff Robin
Installed before RobinZGarage
The question everybody asks
“What’s she got done to her?”
This Corvette didn’t arrive stock. Before she came home, someone had already given the LS6 more air, more voice, sharper shifts and a darker, more aggressive presence. These are the upgrades that came with the C5 Z06 and gave Robin a very good head start.
Power & airflow
She breathes deeper.
A Blackwing cold-air intake and Granatelli carbon-fiber air bridge give the LS6 a less-restricted path for incoming air, while adding real carbon-fiber presence under the hood.
- Blackwing cold-air intake
- Granatelli carbon-fiber air bridge
Exhaust
And she definitely has a voice.
Long-tube headers feed an X-pipe and high-flow catalytic converters, followed by an aftermarket cat-back and Megs tips. It is a complete breathing-and-sound package, not just a louder muffler.
- Long-tube headers
- X-pipe with high-flow cats
- Aftermarket cat-back
- Megs exhaust tips
Driver connection
Shorter throw. Quicker conversation.
The short-throw shifter tightens the distance between gears and makes every shift feel more deliberate. It is exactly the kind of upgrade a six-speed Z06 deserves.
- Short-throw shifter
Style & stance
Black-on-black, with purpose.
Black staggered Z06 wheels and an RK Sport rear spoiler sharpen Robin’s profile without losing the unmistakable C5 silhouette.
- Black Z06 wheels · 17-inch front / 18-inch rear
- RK Sport rear spoiler
Cabin
The cockpit got attention, too.
A fully upgraded audio system brings real sound inside the cabin, while embroidered Lloyd Z06 mats give the interior a finished, model-specific detail.
- Full upgraded audio system
- Lloyd Z06 embroidered floor mats
There’s room in the formation
Follow @robinzgarage on Instagram to join the Squadron, share your experience and ride along for the next adventure. From garage victories to days out with friends, Robin’s Squadron is about enjoying the journey together.
Robin is a proud member of
Cruisin’ Corvettes of Tallahassee
Our local Corvette club and the friends we share the road with, from cars and coffee to community visits like our Brookdale Father’s Day outing.
Visit the club website ↗