C-1 A belated introduction with some questions.

[Larry Parylla #41143]

[Larry Parylla #41143]

[Rob M.]

Re: C-1 A belated introduction with some questions

Larry,

Congratulations, isn't it great to have a dream come true. Regarding your question (how to go about replacing a known non-original part) the only advice I can give would be to check the Technical Information Manual and Judging Guide for a description of the part, the AIM, and then any other books that you might have that could have a photo of the part. Learn what is correct, ask questions, and then go hunting for it (Paragon, ebay, Driveline, etc.)

Regarding your other question of replacing worn known original parts is one that you will have to grappel with. Some can be restored and some can't. You'll just have to decide what's best for you, your car, and what you want to do with it.

Good luck,
rob

P.S. - I am by no means an expert and would seek the advice of the members of this organization who are awesome when it comes to sharing their knowledge.

[Tracy C.]

Re: C-1 A belated introduction with some questions

Larry,

Welcome the NCRS! The Corvette really is one of those cars we find ourselves dreaming about. Glad you have made your dream a reality.

As far as replacing parts goes, it will be very difficult for those here to give a logical answer without seeing the parts first hand. Words generally do not provide enough information. Posting a pic will help on occasion, but really will not suffice in most cases.

If you are going to have the car judged, I'd recommend that you join a local chapter and get some time with your car in a judging environment to better access what is original or not. This will also provide opportunies for you to inspect other cars and to learn more about your own.

If you do not plan to have the car judged, it really boils down to a matter of your own personal taste. If you do replace a part however, always retain the old piece. Never throw it out. There are people who pay big money for original parts. (you may have seen a ratty pair of F41 shocks recently sell on eBay for almost $1900. many such examples of this lunacy exist.)

Should you decide to sell the car in the future. The old parts may add value to the new owner but if they don't you can keep them and sell 'em apart from the car on your own. Also, just because you replaced the part doesn't mean you can't put it back on at some point in the future.

Have fun with the car. After all, it is YOUR car. Enjoy it any way you see fit.

Good luck,
tc

[Larry Parylla #41143]

[Christopher R.]

Re: C-1 A belated introduction with some questions

You can get (from Al Knoch and probably others) door panels and seat coverings that are the same as originals. Don't worry about those items in that regard. When you do the seats, if you want them to look original, also rebuild the springs and use new foam.

There is some controversy on what an original gas cap looks like. The usual Corvette parts vendors sell one for under $10. I've seen others go for hundreds on EBay. If you don't know what you're doing with regard to some part like this, you're better off doing nothing until you know.

A slightly dented original cove insert is probably better than a repro. I also understand it is very difficult to replace that insert.

You're right to be concerned about how to proceed. Therefore, don't do anything that's irreversible, and don't throw anything away. This is a hobby. Do what you wanted to do when you bought the car. That is, drive it or show it. While you're doing that, you'll figure out how to proceed. You could speed up the learning process by joining your local NCRS Chapter. Most of the guys there went through the same thing you're going through now.

[Rick S.]

Re: C-1 A belated introduction with some questions

Larry, I know what you are going through. My previous car was a 66 GTO and there very little concern other that engine and maybe trans for being correct. Since I got my 67 I have wrestled with repro or retaining orginal and finally decided that I wanted to drive this old car and when replacing parts to use the best repo parts I could afford. Rick #39266 PS good luck!

[Eric Eade]

Re: C-1 A belated introduction with some questions

Larry, Welcome and congrats.
One area that will have to be addressed is if the parts that you are looking at are actually original. With 40+ years and many owners, the parts that you are debating might have already been replaced and are now worn out again. I have seen others post messages with pictures for information on "as it came from the factory condition". Everyone that uses this board has a wealth of knowledge to share.
Another thing that will take some time is to find out what parts from aftermarket are consistant with the original details of the 62. Many parts are for sale as "gm replacements" but have gone through revisions since 62 and won't resemble an original item.
It would seem to me that if you take your car to a NCRS meet and have it judged "expecting the worst" would give you a better picture of what you have.
Lastly, as others have said, don't throw anything away. Even if it is worn out, the details of the old piece will give clues to what you had and need. Changes happened through the model year and some things that were standard on your 62 might have been changed by the time my 62 was made. Thus I or others might have the wrong info for your car.
Good luck, Eric

[Jack H.]

EXCELLENT advice!

Consider doing NOTHING and having your car judged, as is, before you do anything... This will give you leg up in several areas:

(1) You'll understand the basic judging process, how things flow, what's looked for where.

(2) When judges debrief you on their findings, you can use the opportunity to ask them to show you & hopefully there'll be a car on the field that's close enough to yours with 'correct' doo-dah on it to observe (a picture IS worth 1000 words!).

(3) You'll make friends/acquaintences that you can call on later to help you track down the illusive what-not....

Most, attempt the restoration process in a vacuum, or from reading the book(s) alone--BAD move! In the end, it's not the award certificate that matters; it's the fun of taking the journey, learning, meeting fellow enthusiasts, Etc.

[Clare Carpenter]

Re: EXCELLENT advice!

"Most, attempt the restoration process in a vacuum, or from reading the book(s) alone--BAD move! In the end, it's not the award certificate that matters; it's the fun of taking the journey, learning, meeting fellow enthusiasts, Etc."

That was me in the beginning of my restoration. As a consequence, I made a few mistakes, delayed looking for needed items I didn't know I needed, and took on some rebuilding sequences incorrectly. Your car is pretty nice as is and should judge well as a 'survivor'. The judges will probably enjoy getting a look at a car like yours.

[John O.]

Re: C-1 A belated introduction with some questions

Hi Larry.I too found my dream car.A 1962 corvette.The 149th off the assembly line.I't was a major progect car.I needed some parts.Ebay worked out good and going to Carlisle in P.A. helped alot.If you do have a worn part,depends on what it is, Repo's are good.For other parts,you might be able to find used originals that are still good to use.Try going to Carlisle some day.You'll be supprised what you can find.I know I was and I did find what I needed.I'm almost done with my car.

Good Luck...........John

[Richard T.]

Re: C-1 A belated introduction with some questions

Larry, there is a correct "F-E" 1962 Corvette gas filler cap on eBay right now, but it closes in about 12 minutes. Reserve hasn't been met yet. "Buy it Now" price is quite high. Item No. 2452715376.

[Larry Parylla #41143]

[Larry Parylla #41143]

[Patrick H.]

Re: C-1 A belated introduction with some questions

Larry,

If you recall, I mentioned last week that I had seen your car on eBay. If I remember correctly, it was a very nice, very original car. Feel free to provide the link again.

One of the BEST, and I mean absolute BEST pieces of advice I've ever heard was that you shouldn't replace anything on your Corvette, and shouldn't touch it, for a year. This is assuming it's safe to drive. Why? Because your learning curve will be steep, and you will have a chance to evaluate the car in a much better frame of mind one year from now. In addition, as mentioned above, if you can have it judged and evaluted during that year all the better.

It's too easy for a new owner to get excited and to dig into the project. Invariably things happen or get done that the owner regrets later on. I've seen it happen countless times.

Does anyone ever listen to this advice? Few. But they appreciate it when they do.

Good luck on your 62.

Patrick