Redone or Restored to NCRS standards. (1963 Sway bar links for example)

[Richard G.]

I like to watch C2 Corvette pricing probably like many on this site.
I was recently looking at a Corvette advertisement and the guy claimed to have spent 20K on parts and had the receipts.
I also thought his car was overpriced.

This is why;
When you purchase from the Corvette vendors there is little attention to detail and the parts might function and if you are lucky they even fit. However, NCRS members know how difficult it is to get a 50 year old Corvette back to stock. Research and documentation and then the refurbishing or replacing with NOS part is a pain and usually expensive. I believe the average buyer sees a Top Flight car go for six figures and automatically figures his Corvette is also worth that amount also. It just isn't true.

My example;
Below is all the parts, minus the rubber inserts, for a 1963 sway bar link. They are re-plated originals.



I just purchased a link kit for the rubber inserts.
The bolt size was 3/8, stock is 11/32" that is reduced to 5/16" at the threaded portion only.
The bolt thread was NC stock is NF
The bolt length was incorrect.
The spacer length was incorrect.
The spacer finish was incorrect.
The nut wasn't an extra thick one.
The finish on the nut was zinc and stock it was raw steel.
The washers stamping didn't match the orignals
The spacer lacked the "C" identification stamp.
Bolt head markings didn't match.



Pictures showing the reduced bolt diameter;



The link kit would likely function fine if installed as is but!

Getting this stuff correct, as we can, get it within out budget is difficult and requires high level of commitment.
I have nothing but respect for guys that complete these cars.
I also becomes obvious why builders make the best judges.
Spending 20K on parts means very little in my book.
I also noted a premium price on NCRS Judged cars.
Although that is not typically the goal it is a nice perk for all that work.

As many of you know many of the typical restoration part's quality is suspect.

I want to give credit to the vendors and owners that do attempt to get it right with quality and care.
My hat is off to you guys.


Rick

[Joe R.]

Re: Redone or Restored to NCRS standards. (1963 Sway bar links for example)

Richard,

Some parts are made from UN-Obtainium which is a rare metal only found on original parts and hasn't been seen since the early 50's!!!!!

Gentlemen like Richard Cohen RIP has devoted their entire life to finding the Most correct parts available to restore these Corvettes to something like the original condition. We owe people like him a debt of gratitude for their efforts!

Looks like you would be better off using the original hardware in this case with the rubber obtained in the kit.

Good luck with the project!

JR

[Gene M.]

Re: Redone or Restored to NCRS standards. (1963 Sway bar links for example)

The part where you said the car builders make better judges is partially true since they have more "exposure" to correct original configuration. The book learned person have little exposure to what is on original cars to start. Your sway bar bolts is a perfect example of what is the correct configuration compared to something just purchased and slapped on. One has to pay attention to the small details that original parts exhibit and reproduction pieces generally do not.

Restoration of original pieces is more work than just buying and bolting on. Buying an original car that is original and not screwed with is a daunting task. The more complete cars are generally lesser optioned and not big blocks that usually don't have much original. Starting with a car that retains it's original parts in restorable condition has better chances of being a SB automatic that many have no interest in. Cars that continue to change hands get each new owners hand in on departing from the original configuration. It's just a negative effect of removing originality. The 435, 425, and fueling seem to dominate the field, where are all the "regular" cars?

As I allways pointed out the second flight cars usually are more original than the restored top flight counter parts. Sadly the restoration efforts today is removal of the old and bolt on the new. The reconditioning and replating of the old original part is becoming a lost art. Corvettes built in the 50's and 60's are becoming made in china..............

[Joe R.]

Re: Redone or Restored to NCRS standards. (1963 Sway bar links for example)

The part where you said the car builders make better judges is partially true since they have more "exposure" to correct original configuration. The book learned person have little exposure to what is on original cars to start. Your sway bar bolts is a perfect example of what is the correct configuration compared to something just purchased and slapped on. One has to pay attention to the small details that original parts exhibit and reproduction pieces generally do not.

Restoration of original pieces is more work than just buying and bolting on. Buying an original car that is original and not screwed with is a daunting task. The more complete cars are generally lesser optioned and not big blocks that usually don't have much original. Starting with a car that retains it's original parts in restorable condition has better chances of being a SB automatic that many have no interest in. Cars that continue to change hands get each new owners hand in on departing from the original configuration. It's just a negative effect of removing originality. The 435, 425, and fueling seem to dominate the field, where are all the "regular" cars?

As I allways pointed out the second flight cars usually are more original than the restored top flight counter parts. Sadly the restoration efforts today is removal of the old and bolt on the new. The reconditioning and replating of the old original part is becoming a lost art. Corvettes built in the 50's and 60's are becoming made in china..............

Gene,

The reason the SB automatic Corvettes are not available anymore is because they have been converted to 435's, 425's and fuel cars. There are places in New York and Texas that specialize in conversions and restoration of those cars.
Also, they make great candidates for Resto-mods! We're seeing a lot of those at shows lately and even being judged!
Is the R in NCRS standing for Resto-mods now?

JR

PS. I'm building one too! Resto-mod that is!

[Richard G.]

Re: Redone or Restored to NCRS standards. (1963 Sway bar links for example)

The good news is I have been able to purchase parts from the Resto-mods guys!

[Gene M.]

Re: Redone or Restored to NCRS standards. (1963 Sway bar links for example)

Gene,

The reason the SB automatic Corvettes are not available anymore is because they have been converted to 435's, 425's and fuel cars. There are places in New York and Texas that specialize in conversions and restoration of those cars.
Also, they make great candidates for Resto-mods! We're seeing a lot of those at shows lately and even being judged!
Is the R in NCRS standing for Resto-mods now?

JR

PS. I'm building one too! Resto-mod that is!

Your first statement has more merit than most realize.

And your last statement is ok it is your car and you should do what you want with it. I've modified my '65 with power brakes, quicker rack and pinion manual steering, high amp alternator, slightly bigger aluminum radiator w/7 blade fan, 5 speed, radial tires w/aluminum wheels, and air conditioning. All in the interest of driving it more. I performed all changes so not to drill or cut up car so it can be returned to original if desired. Custom parts were necessary to do this. I guess it is a resto mod lite since nothing is not reversible. With hood closed it looks all 1965.

[Joe R.]

Re: Redone or Restored to NCRS standards. (1963 Sway bar links for example)

Gene,

Until someone hauls out the original chassis and replaces it with a late model frame and parts it's still just a modified Corvette. Made for driving pleasure.
It's your Corvette and only you have to like it!

JR