New NCRS Member & New TDB User Introductions

[Richard M.]

Hello All,

Recently a Thread was started questioning how to get more folks to join in the TDB, here...."TDB Participation".

In it, some of us were brainstorming to come up with some ways of getting more of our present members, and potentially any new members, to add to our activity here on the TDB. I had some preliminary discussions with our Admins and they've agreed with the proposal for me to create this Thread.

So, with that......

We would like to invite all new Members, and those Members that have not participated here on the TDB yet, to please introduce yourselves here to this new TDB Sticky Thread. This can be a way to include some information about yourself and your Corvette interests, those being Restoration, Repair, Upgrades, Modifications, Driving, etc. Please add a few photos of your Corvette, or Corvettes.

Any years, any Corvettes apply here, from 1953 to Present. All Corvettes are welcome here in this Sticky Thread, Old, New, Original or Modified, as we also have new Judging categories to cover Modified, Race-Prepped, Restomod, etc. We love photos too so please add a few for us to see. I'm sure you'll get some "likes", even though we don't have a Like Button yet.

The TDB is specifically meant to be a "Technical" only forum for Restoration and Originality, along with some Technical aids in Repair & Restoration, but we have decided to try this out in this Thread ONLY, as a way of getting more members to participate, new or even seasoned members who haven't joined in our conversations. As our Charter requests, we must stay away from non-technical, non-original input on the "regular"(Non-Sticky) TDB threads themselves so as not to digress from our Restoration Charter. There, please keep threads technical and specific to Corvette restoration.

I'll also add a list of list NCRS available resources here when I get it compiled into a easy to understand format.

We're going to try this out for a while and if it's successful, we'll continue it, and also try to think of more ways to add to our discussion interests.

We're also going to see if we can add this Sticky Thread link into our written Publications, the Restorer and Driveline at some point. I have not talked to Vinnie about it yet, but plan to soon. I'm also thinking of a global email to all members pointing them here as well.

I have volunteered to monitor this Thread and support it with updates, etc. Feel free to PM or Email me(click my username above) if you have any questions, concerns, feedback, etc.

Regards & Welcome!

Rich
P.S. Please remember that other ideas and suggestions can be posted in the Support, Feedback & Suggestions Forum.... HERE

[Bruce M.]

Re: New NCRS Member & New TDB User Introductions

It's been a while for me as I let my membership lapse for 10 years, so I feel like a newbie. My '66 L36 4 speed convertible with the rare Trophy Blue is unrestored and has been in the family since new. It earned BG Survivor in 2013 and FL Regional Top Flight in 2014 after I first took ownership. Owning an unrestored Corvette has its unique challenges as I drive it less often with age yet try to keep it mechanically sound and ready to run. The car is very well documented, and I've come back to learn from and share information with the most knowledgeable and appreciative group in the Corvette world!

[Leif A.]

Re: New NCRS Member & New TDB User Introductions

What a very cool time capsule...love the Corvette Order paperwork. Interesting typo on that doc...date received 12-07-65 and est date of production 01-07-65 instead of 01-07-66. Amazing one owner Corvette. You must be most proud!!

[Dorsey F.]

[Jack M.]

Re: New NCRS Member & New TDB User Introductions

What a very cool time capsule...love the Corvette Order paperwork. Interesting typo on that doc...date received 12-07-65 and est date of production 01-07-65 instead of 01-07-66. Amazing one owner Corvette. You must be most proud!!

Bruce also has the very rare 395HP big block... that is, if you take the 'average' of two different HP listings on his Corvette Order #7 form.
I've seen another similar form (both AOS builds), and have wondered if it had anything to do with his EARLY 66 Order Form number...
As that EARLY order form actually had the 400HP and 450HP notations (printed prior to the corporate change to 390HP and 425HP).

[Richard M.]

Re: New NCRS Member & New TDB User Introductions

Bruce & Dorsey,

Those are great introductions here in our new Sticky. Thanks for contributing to our new Intro Platform.

Bruce, Wow what a fine example of a great midyear with some special features. I love the Corvette Order paperwork. That's a rare item to have. (I took the liberty of making a minor change to your photo of the Order copy. For safety, I blanked out the keycodes).

Dorsey, I'm unsure if you've seen the FAQ on posting photos...(in the header main Forum page). If not, click HERE. We'd like to see some pictures of the herd if you have any.

Rich

[Kristi C.]

Re: New NCRS Member & New TDB User Introductions

Been a member since 2019, but grew up around Corvettes. My dad was always buying and selling them. The one he didn't dare sell was the '61 that eventually became mine when he passed in 2018. I called dibs on it back in 1982. My husband and I have had a blast getting her back out and about to shows around MN. It has been in my family ever since my dad bought it from the original owner in 1970 while visiting San Diego. She gave him all of the paperwork she had which includes the purchase order paperwork from the dealership. I LOVE to get her out on the road and just drive while turning heads of other drivers.

She's a rare Jewel Blue that has a nice combination of low number options. Like the unpainted coves, matching blue interior, and Powerglide transmission. She's a soft top delete as well so if I want to go cruising I really need to keep an eye on the weather. Since records weren't kept, the best we have been able to determine is that probably less than 100 were made the way she was.

My dad didn't drive her much the last 20 years he was the owner so we have some general maintenance to do to make her safe again, but that is it. We have really enjoyed learning even more about her through the NCRS and the many great people we have met at judging meets. She earned a chapter top flight award in 2021, and a regional top flight award in 2023. In addition to that she earned Survivor Gold status in 2022. She was also featured in the Restorer last summer so she make look familiar to some of you. We really look forward to continue to learn more. Not just about the '61, but other generations as well.
gigi street 2 hi res.jpggigi.jpgkristi concours.jpgfleet paper.jpg

[Richard M.]

Re: New NCRS Member & New TDB User Introductions

Kristi, Thanks for posting on our experimental introduction thread. It's very much fun to read these historical accounts, and sometimes we can learn from other owners' experiences too when they post here. The more we share, the more we can help to keep the marque alive.

Thank you for sharing the history of your Dad's car and your story of its lineage. Condolences for your loss. It is nice to know it's still with his family as a remembrance.

That beautiful Jewel Blue '61 reminds me of a fellow member's Jewel Blue '61 when he had it judged at the Winter Regional a few years ago. It's a pretty cool story as the prior owners of his car were in attendance that day and I caught them on camera and did a video of the story. I was capturing some cars on video as they were leaving the judging hanger and Bill was there and told me about it.

It's a little goofy for the first few minutes, but be patient. It'll be fun.

[Fred R.]

Re: New NCRS Member & New TDB User Introductions

Hi, I'm Fred Robel, just joined NCRS a month or so ago, we live in Northeast Lower Michigan. My introduction to Corvettes was through my father, who purchased new, a 1965 Corvette Coupe, out of MacGillivray Chevrolet, in Haslett, MI. Glen Green, green interior, 327/365 w/ close ratio 4-sp. Fun story: Money was tight when he ordered the car, so he didn't order the knock-offs, even though he wanted them. But when the car arrived at the dealership, it had the knock-offs installed. After some light wrangling with the dealer, the dealer payed half of the price of that option, and my dad paid the other half. So that car had "incorrect' wheels, even though it came from the factory with them. Anyways, that Corvette hung around, not being driven after 1974, in our garages; until he sold it for $10k in 1985. So I had a lot of play cockpit time in that car as a child.

Bringing things to the present: My father in law passed two months ago, and my wife and I have inherited his collection: A 65 convertible, a 66 coupe, a 72 coupe, 78, 80, 96, and a 2000; in addition to all the regular things you "get" to inherit. We are going to sell all except the 65 and 66. Tickling my nostalgia bone, is the fact that the 65 convertible is a 327/365 car, with the 4-speed, in Glen Green, with green interior. So, it's basically my dad's car, but as a convertible!

Attached, is a typed "build sheet" that my dad must have typed up for himself when he ordered his 65. Shows the handwritten-added knock-offs, along with two 'adjustments' by the dealership: Quick Steering Adjustment, and Quick Shift Adjustment. I don't know anything about those two line items. Do any of you? Upper right corner is info from when he sold it in 85. Also a scan of the newspaper ad he posted when he sold it. I'll also attach a photo of my dad standing next to his car.

The other pic(s) are of the two Corvettes I will be keeping, going forward. The Glen Green 65 Convertible; and the Mosport Green 66 Coupe. My father in law is the one that had the stripes painted on them. I guess I'll keep the stripes for now, I don't want to mess with paint work unless needed for another reason; these are definitely NOT Gold level cars, and may never be. As long as I can work them up to pass a casual open hood walk by, I'll be happy. There are some original parts hanging around that I will be reinstalling.

65 Build List and sales ad.jpg1965 Corvette Slide Scan0002.jpg65 & 66 in old garage (1).jpg65 & 66 in old garage (2).jpg

[Richard M.]

Re: New NCRS Member & New TDB User Introductions

Wecome Fred! Thanks for joining in here

Condolences to your family and go out from all of us.

That's a very nice story and lineage of his Corvette history.

I saw your photos in our Photos thread, HERE, with your Mom and the car. Almost 50 years ago. Very nice.

Very glad you've joined NCRS. It'll be fun.

Rich

[Don H.]

Re: New NCRS Member & New TDB User Introductions

Love the bookend cars, with matching opposite colors/stripes.. Welcome to the club. And thanks for your intro.

[Leif A.]

Re: New NCRS Member & New TDB User Introductions

Fred,
Welcome to the TDB and thanks for a terrific story. Both your Dad and your father-in-law had great taste in cars. Your Dad really knew how to order a car and, then, have the dealer set up the "Quick steering adjustment and Quick Shift Adjustment". He must have loved driving his Corvette. To answer your question as to what those two items are...The front spindle steering arm has two holes in it...one for manual steering and one for power steering. The hole for power steering gives you a tighter turning circle (aka quick steering). Using this hole for a non-power steering car can make steering from a standstill a bit more difficult but more responsive at speed. The quick shift adjustment shortens the "throw" between gears with the shifter. This is accomplished by moving the shifting arms attached to the transmission to different holes in the arms.
Again, your Dad wanted a true drivers' car.
Your father-in-law chose some very tasteful "day two" mods for his cars. IMHO, I'd leave them completely alone and enjoy driving them as is.
Sorry for your families loss. Enjoy those cars in your father-in-laws memory.

[Patrick H.]

Re: New NCRS Member & New TDB User Introductions

Bringing things to the present: My father in law passed two months ago, and my wife and I have inherited his collection: A 65 convertible, a 66 coupe, a 72 coupe, 78, 80, 96, and a 2000;

Hi Fred, from my place in lower Michigan.

Any pictures of the other cars in the collection?

Patrick

[Thomas S.]

Re: New NCRS Member & New TDB User Introductions

In 63 they had provisions for changing the steering and clutch mechanisms. Not sure about 65, but it sounds like what you are describing.

For steering you would relocate the tie-rod ends to a different hole in the steering linkage. The leverage would change and hence the quicker steering. The steering force would change slightly (harder) but not something you would notice if you had power steering.

The clutch pedal had a similar setup where the pivot bolt was move to a different hole. Leverage change as above and less movement to operate the clutch. Definite something an owner or dealer could have done, although the movement of the steering points would probably have involved a re-alignment.

[Ed H.]

Re: New NCRS Member & New TDB User Introductions

Kristie, I did a little research on your beautiful 61. I followed your story from the first time I saw the car at a Regional, sorry I don't recall which event I viewed your baby. My humble research indicated there were 436 all one color of Jewel Blue, 1,226 were Power Glide, Hard Top only were 2,285, and Blue Interior were 4,459. Here is the kicker your car is a late year, and Fletcher Jones Chevrolet did not sell a lot of Corvettes in Ca. Nugent Chevy sold most of the Corvettes in So. Ca. IMHO your car was well below the 100 mark. I assume the power was a base engine, if not w/o F/I badging on the fender and powerglide it may be 245 HP engine. Looking at the sales sheet it was difficult to tell if it is a Heater Delete option that would make the vette a very rare Corvette. I hope to see the car in Va. for the Duntov Award. Onward and upward. Am I correct did you do most of the work on the car, I seem to recall the Restorer story. I love to Judge C-1, I have a special fondness for the very early vette's. I have walked in your shoes, mine was a 57 270HP radio/heater delete, with an AQ 4.56 rear end Posi. It was a drag race car from 57 to 70, I found it as a basket case in 1999, 2 1/2 years later I put it through NCRS, which started my C-1 judging career. Life is good.