C2 Question

[David M.]

Is there any such thing as a 1963 vette coupe that is not a split window? I know Chevy also made a roadster that year but I've seen pictures of a 1963 that does not have a split window and am wondering if that is correct. Thanks.

[Mike McKown]

Some '63's don't have the split

Some had the split removed after purchase when the '64's came out and the one piece '64 glass installed. All factory coupes were two piece rear windows.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Question

Dave-----

I think that I can safely say that Chevrolet never made a 1963 Corvette coupe that was anything but a "split window" design. However, when the 1964 models came out with the "non-split window", some folks decided that they wanted to "upgrade" their cars to the "later model" configuration. Don't forget, in 1964 the 1963 "split window" design was not "classic" or "iconic". Rather, it indicated a one year old Corvette. So, there are some 1963 Corvette coupes that are probably still out there that have been "shorn" of their "split window". But, they didn't come that way from St. Louis.

[Michael H.]

Re: Some '63's don't have the split

Mike,

I was quite surprised years ago to find that the split was being removed before the new 64 even hit the street. Somewhere, I have a small hot rod magazine that showed, in several easy steps, how to remove that unsightly bar and install a one piece plexi window. The magazine was dated something like May 1963, which means the pic's were probably taken in Feb or March. I'll see if I can find it.

Other pages show how to add flairs, third tail light etc etc. Good reading 40+ years later.

[Michael H.]

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[Michael H.]

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[Michael H.]

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[Paul L.]

Re: Unsplit 5

Thanks Michael,
Whether one agrees with that conversion or not, that was a nice series of old pics. Thank you!

[Mike McKown]

Well, I thought the same thing.

But as sure as I would say that, I knew somebody would ask how they made the mouldings and glass.

I have the same magazine somewhere. Mighta' been Car Craft.

[Mark Milner]

Re: Some '63's don't have the split - this guy?

I'm not surprised that they were cutting them out earlier than the '64 model.

Remember this guy below?

Before the flares, they didn't look all that different from the stock '63 but with just enough to modivate young racers.




April 1963 - VIR

[John H.]

Re: This One Did But......

Gotta love the obvious metalflake paint job!

[Stephen W.]

Re: Unsplit 3

Okay, So what are the hoses that look like they go into the headrests?

[Michael H.]

Re: This One Did But......

Yes, and believe it or not, these are almost brand new 63's. In the next pages, they show how to radius/flair the wheel openings and the frames/suspension in the pic's are still clean shinny black. I'll post the next chapter on flairs in a day or two. You won't believe some of the other things they do to SEVERAL new 63's.

[Michael H.]

Re: This One Did But...... *NM*

[Michael H.]

Re: This One Did But...... #2 *NM*