to do or not to do restoration

[James Woods]

Hi I am the new owner of a 1980 L-82 vette with 16,00 original miles. The car is totally original except for the 2 front shocks and the paint that i will be having done soon. I am being advised that when the car returns from paint that i should treat the chassis to por-15, change all the emblems, detail the engine compartment. I have the original tires along with the build sheet, bill of sale, etc. The frame is not rotted, just surface rust and the coating would be for looks only. My question is should I do the above improvements or since the car is 99% factory original leave it in unmolested condition. Please advise me before I make a mistake I will regret.

[Jay Garris]

Re: to do or not to do restoration

Save your money. Take it to a local judged NCRS meet for Bowtie. Their only orginal once. For my money and 2 cents, I'd take an orginal car over ANY trailer queen. You have a piece of history there. Good Luck.

[Patrick H.]

Re: to do or not to do restoration

I wouln't paint it or touch it or do anything. If you want one with new paint and a shiny bottom, buy one that's already restored. As noted above, they're only original once.

My 72's frame has some mild surface rust but that didn't stop it from 3 Top Flights or the Bowtie Award. 61,000 miles and it still runs and drives like new. I was lucky that none of the prior owners wanted to repaint it or "touch up" the frame. There is a wealth of information from a car like this.

If you don't like it the way it is, sell it. Really. If you want to work on one and make it pretty and shiny, buy one that's been abused so there's no where to go but up.

Can you tell I really like original cars?

Patrick

[Doug F.]

Re: to do or not to do restoration

Patrick!! Dont touch that car!!!!!!!!!to add to the above, "you can restore many times over, but you'll only be original once.",,, doug

[Patrick H.]

Re: to do or not to do restoration

You're telling ME not to touch my car?

I think it's Mr. Woods we need to worry about.
Mine is safe and secure in a controlled environment. It sees limited use and has been used numerous times for judging schools and other events.

5th Star in 2007!!!

Patrick

[Doug F.]

Re: to do or not to do restoration

my bad, clicked on the wrong response,, yes should be mr woods

[Kevin M.]

Re: to do or not to do restoration

NO!

[Rick A.]

Re: to do or not to do restoration

don't take it to paint!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! leave the car untouched, the way you bought it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! go to a local NCRS show and start down the path to 5-star!

[Donald M.]

Re: to do or not to do restoration

James, One of the nicest Corvettes I've ever seen belonged to my neighbor up until a month ago. It was an all original red/red '64 coupe with 58K miles.It was just driven, but wll maintained for 40+ years. The paint though original, was almost like new. Yes, the frame had some surface rust and the engine compartment was greasy but that was all. Don't restore the car.
Don

[Terry F.]

I agree! Leave it alone... *NM*

[Terry F.]

Very nice! *NM*

[Patrick H.]

So...

Do you think Mr. Woods is ever going to stop by again and comment or discuss any of this with us?

My bet is not, but then I tend to be somewhat pessimistic about such things.

Patrick