57 vette restoration

[tony delcol]

thinking about restoring my 57 vette. would like to know how to determine original options. like HP, paint, auto ot manual? is there a manual that would be good to buy. thanks

[Terry D.]

Re: 57 vette restoration

Tony

Without the original sales receipt or window sticker it is pretty hard to tell original options. Paint color is usually found behind the passenger seat on the wall between seat and trunk. If you scape off the paint it should be written in grease pencil. Transmission wise, you should be able to tell if clutch rod bracket has been welded on later or at the factory. Horsepower is pretty tuff with the exception of a fueler. Noland Adams book is a pretty good source for info, but then so is this board. Others will surely jump in with more info, but you can also check the archives. Good Luck
Terry

[Jack H.]

Re: 57 vette restoration

On these early cars (no trim tag), lacking a prior owner audit trail leading back to the original owner and actual factory configuration of the car, you determine its configuration via 'forensic' methods (look for telltale evidence of this/that option + color).

It's a reasonable steep learning curve for a novice and that's where being a member of NCRS can help. Buy and read the 1956-57 Judging Guide and consider joining and getting active in your local NCRS Chapter. Both will pay significant dividends!

Getting to know the guys in your neck of the woods who've been there, done that, gotten the T-shirt is the big payback. In the end, it's NOT the award plaque/ribbon that you'll remember, it's the details of the restoration journey you take and the friends you make along the way that become the important memories...

Last, don't be in a huge hurry to get the job done! Take your time, question this/that, and enjoy the interaction with your car and fellow club members....

[Don Y.]

Re: 57 vette restoration

Welcome Tony!
I am in the process of a frame off on my '57 (started about a year ago) I have found some interesting items on the car while dissassembling. Get the Noland Adams C-1 book and the '57 JG as a bare minimum to start your reference library. The Colvin book on castings is also a very good reference manual. I'd be happy to share any information you think may help, good luck!

[tony delcol]

Re: 57 vette restoration

thanks Don. I hope to start soon with a frame off. how much are you doing yourself and how are you sending out. Looks like my car was red, auto, power top, and wonderbar radio. thanks.

[tony delcol]

Re: 57 vette restoration

thanks Terry and Jack. I have been looking all over for another stamp or plate.
looks like I need to get the 57 JG and join NCRS.

[Verle R.]

Re: 57 vette restoration

Tony,

Join NCRS.

Go to NCRS events with your camera and take lots of pictures of original (unrestored) as well as restored 57s.

Ask questions.

Before you start taking things off or changing things take lots of pictures.

Buy an Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM), NCRS judging manuals and other books, many available from NCRS.

I suggest you have your 57 judged at a chapter judging meet as it sets now. This will give you a specific list of things to look at.

Post some pictures here and give us a description of your car; engine, etc.

Verle

[Gary C.]

Waco Regional Oct 25-7 good learning starting

point. Check the Texas Chapter NCRS website www.ncrstexas.org for more information. Hope to see you there. Gary....

[Verle R.]

Re: Waco Regional Oct 25-7 good learning starting

Tony,

Where are you located?

Verle

[Don Y.]

Re: 57 vette restoration

Tony,
I handled the complete chassis restoration. Stripped, blasted, painted and nut and bolt plating. I also did the complete rear axle, trans and engine overhauls. The body and paint work were farmed out but the majority of the dissassemly was done in my garage. The body is painted and back on the complete chassis with a pile of work yet to do. The radio, gauges and horns were also sent out for resto.