Restoration philosophy

[Daniel S.]

Hi , I am just beginning a restoration - actually a resurrection. I bought a frame and body with alot of parts - no engine and no transmission. I want a driver but wanted to know if it is worth while to assembly everything period correct or is it worth it to try and put everything as original as possible. Also I have the serial number on the body that does match the frame is there anyway I can find out how the original car was sold - i.e. options color etc. it is down to primer now. The VIN number is prefix C 00867S104225
Thanks for any input
Dan - new to this

[Keith B.]

Re: Restoration philosophy

the vin number wont tell you anything but what you already know. weather to go to period correct or original is up to you the owner and who's paying for it.

[Daniel S.]

Re: Restoration philosophy

Thanks for the reply

[Keith B.]

Re: Restoration philosophy

Just be realistic with your price goals and driving goals when your finished. And then try and stick to it and don’t go off coarse in the middle. If you never done a project like this it can be very over whelming.

[Bob R.]

Re: Restoration philosophy

I went through a similar situation with my 63. There was no originality to the car when I got it, I like cars stock so I began obtaining parts correct for a 63 but with no consideration for the dates. Eventually I decided to have the car judged and I ended up replacing a lot of items for a second time. My suggestion to you would be if you are going to try to find period correct parts you might as well look for correct dates as well. It takes a little more effort but the cost should be about the same and in the end you will have a better product.

[Terry D.]

Re: Restoration philosophy

As mentioned it is up to you and you need to decide before you start. If you decide on a driver you need to decide close to original or more modern with better drivability. A stock period correct drive train is a great driver around town, but if you are looking to travel long distance (more than 200miles at a time) you might consider newer motor and 5 speed transmission. Whatever you decide you have a big project ahead of you, plan things out and don't rush things. Good Luck

[Terry K.]

Re: Restoration philosophy

Dan:
Depending on the quantity and condition of the parts you got with the body and frame, you MAY be able to tell quite a bit about what it was born as….. I have a 60 that is about 100 later in VIN number, so I have acquired a fair amount of knowledge about that era. Will the things you find and conclusions you make be 100% for sure accurate? Probably not….. but you may be able to tell a lot.
So just starting in the middle:
- if there is an aluminum radiator with expansion tank along with the correct radiator support, then your car was likely either fuel injected or had dual 4’s.
- Is there an air intake on the left side of the driver’s side head lights? If so, it was likely Fuel Injected. If not, then it was NOT FI.
- If FI has not been ruled out by this point, are there holes in the fenders where the FI emblems would have been?
- what is the red line on the tach? If 6750 RPM (I think, my memory may not be what it used to be), then it was either FI or 2 X 4.
As I stated, these do not “insure” things, but they are pretty solid indications - if there is no evidence of trying to “fake” things. That is just one example of many things you could learn. On the other hand, the conglomeration of parts you have may not tell you anything…. I would suggest getting a 58 – 60 judging manual, and Noland Adams book, and read read read….. as they have a wealth of information.

[Daniel S.]

Re: Restoration philosophy

Guys,

thank you for your feedback it is what I am looking for - I have bought Noland Adams book and have read through my section - I have also been researching as much as I can. I really appreciate the information and support. I am totally surprised at how quickly I get responses. I hope someday I can reciprocate. PS my wife just said "more critical business stuff "corvette stuff". I guess I am not getting enough chores done.

Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: Restoration philosophy

Hi , I am just beginning a restoration - actually a resurrection. I bought a frame and body with alot of parts - no engine and no transmission. I want a driver but wanted to know if it is worth while to assembly everything period correct or is it worth it to try and put everything as original as possible. Also I have the serial number on the body that does match the frame is there anyway I can find out how the original car was sold - i.e. options color etc. it is down to primer now. The VIN number is prefix C 00867S104225
Thanks for any input
Dan - new to this

Daniel------


There's no way to determine from the VIN what options, color, interior, etc. that the car was originally built with.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Restoration philosophy

In the trunk, the original color was written with a crayon or similar on the forward bulkhead just to the left of the right side hinge.
Remnants of that writing can often be found.

Photo borrowed from Corvette Forum:

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.corvetteforum.com-vbulletin/1280x960/80-paint_crayaon_2acc2290ec74babcc666af19ed9ad06d68f2ff05.jpg

[Carl N.]

Re: Restoration philosophy

IMO, you need to include wife in project
5 day Carribian Cruise, Dinner & movie, new clothes, and diamonds never hurt. Took a couple of frame offs to realize I needed to budget for this in the restoration.

[Dan A.]

Re: Restoration philosophy

I wold like to know more about the C prefix in your cars VIN that you spoke of.

[Brian D.]

Re: Restoration philosophy

Daniel,
I'd also suggest going to as many meets nearby as you can attend.
Look at the 60s; sign up as a Judge or Observer Judge.
You'll learn a lot, and find plenty of folks willing to help you!

[David H.]

Re: Restoration philosophy

IMO, you need to include wife in project
5 day Carribian Cruise, Dinner & movie, new clothes, and diamonds never hurt. Took a couple of frame offs to realize I needed to budget for this in the restoration.

Carl

Sage advice. In my wife’s opinion, “you’re one smart cookie”!

Dave

[Daniel L.]