C2 66 restoration for the newbee

[Bill H.]

[Dale Osterman]

Re: C2 66 restoration for the newbee

Bill,
It can be summed up in one word education. Learn as much as you can about the car i.e. numbers and how it was built by the factory. Go to the NCRS on line store and purchase manuals and guides and start the search to reveal the original confiquration of you car. This knowledge will lead you down the path to a top flight. It is difficult but rewarding. I have been working on a 65 coupe in my spare time for over 10 years and enjoying every minute of it.

[Chris E.]

Re: C2 66 restoration for the newbee

In terms of getting the car to Top Flight, I would say that if you know some areas where you will lose points (non-riveted A-arms, black undercarriage, etc), then the rest of the car has to compensate for those lost points. You can have up to 270 points deducted and still get Top Flight.

[Richard S.]

Re: C2 66 restoration for the newbee

Bill,

Hopefully you will buy the judging guide from NCRS and someone locally will befriend you to help you enjoy the process.

One word of advice.....DO NOT buy CORVETTE IMAGE replacement panels under any circumstances.The archives are full of good reasons.

Good luck with the project and enjoy the ride.....

[Jim K.]

Re: C2 66 restoration for the newbee

Hi Bill:
If you are the Bill Higginson that I think you are (and you must be), then I want to give you dad credit for keeping me into old cars and specifically old Corvettes. "Big Bill" Higginson was my high school auto shop teacher and although I was on the college prep path, I found a college that did NOT require a forign language (thanks Wentworth Institute in Boston) and took two years of auto shop instead. Mr. H took me from having a mechanical interest to understanding theory and practical application. He always had a story about the GM plant in Framingham and spoke often of a 63 coupe that he had in Snug harbor.
Anyway, there are many people in and around RI that can help. Join us in the New England chapter (we actually have a meeting in southern NH this weekend). Several of us are nearby RI: Dennis Sangamang, Vin Capone and myself (I'm not sure if Vin is a chapter member, but he is NCRS and RI Corvette Owners group). Best of luck to you and I hope to meet up with you soon. Say hi to your dad. Do you still have thoes two big dogs and that ski shop?
Jim Kennedy

[Alan Drake]

Re: C2 66 restoration for the newbee

Bill,
Take pictures (digital) before taking anything apart. Bag and label all removed parts and reference back to name of picture taken.

As you learn more, you can toss the incorrect parts and restore the correct ones.

It's fun.
Do not toss anything (nothing) at this point, do not ask how I know.