New Member

[James S.]

Hi Ladies and Gents,

I just registered.

I am conducting a partial restoration of an original paint Honduras Maroon 1960 Vette, 4 speed, 282, 4 BBL. This car is ultra rare and has quite a history as a BG in the Air Force owned it and willed it to his daughter. The front bumper still has the 1 Star base installation decal afixed. The car is an untouched original survivor. A Corvette enthusiast from VA will be stopping by and check this neat car and give me advice on what "not" to restore; understanding that original cars in some cases have greater value.

Great web site!

Jim

[Jack C.]

Re: New Member

Welcome aboard.

[Ridge K.]

Re: New Member

Welcome aboard Jim! As many will probably tell you, a wealth of great information will be revealed to you on this board, along with advice from the best of the best.
Hope to meet you soon, Ridge Kayser.

[John F.]

Re: New Member

You'll enjoy this site. "Save the wave"!

[Stuart F.]

Re: New Member

Jim;

I third the motion. Welcome aboard. I envy your good fortune.

Stu Fox

[Bill I.]

Re: New Member

Welcome Jim. Any and I do mean any info you may need, it's here for the asking. DON'T remove the star. Bill.

[James S.]

Re: New Member

Thanks for the welcome!

I joined this site out of the need to aquire historical documentation, and the do's and don'ts of restoring a survivior Vette. I really appreciate your welcome aboard responses.

I retired from the USMC in 2004 (helicopter pilot; 29 years) and began a life long dream of opening a restoration business called Meticulous Restorations. I currently have a 1970 RA IV Judge 4 speed, black on black, a 1970 RA III Judge CV, 4 speed, sierra yellow, sandal wood top and interior, and now this ultra rare 60 Vette survivor receiving a complete concourse drive train restoration. The two Judges are receiving concourse nut and bolt body off restorations. Every bolt, nut, and washer will be exact with original correct foundary plant markings for all the attaching components. I have documented several original 69, 70 and 71 GTO Judges that were untouched survivors, so I have a pretty decent archive of all attaching hardware for those year specific cars.

For the 60 Vette, the original paint is checked somewhat, and a few deep scuffs down to the fiberglass, but other than that, she is all original down to the tag on the distributor,and the tag on the carburetor. The owner, an older gal, was not aware of the value of her Dad's car until I inspected it. The generator, voltage regulator, you name it, are all original. The car was stored outside under a shed for four years. I apppraised the car at 31K as is. When I told her the value potential, she immediately ordered her hubby to move her 2006 Audi CV out of the garage for the Vette; wise order I must say! That estimate may have been somewhat conservative after discussing this rare piece of history with some local Vette Bloomington Judge personnel.

I'll post some pictures as soon as I familiarize myself with this great web site!

Thanks again Gents.

Jim

[Stuart F.]

Re: New Member

Jim;

Great story. What ever you do, at this time, go slowly and get some good advice before you make any changes. Even, as was said before, save the Star. I often regret not being able to save my bumper sticker from White Sands which is where I was posted when I bought my 63 (still own). Being a Drag Racer for a number of years before the service, I missed out on the muscle car era while serving Uncle Sam and working contracts during 62 through 71. About all I have left, besides some old paper work, to remember that era is a RVN service ribbon decal on my front bumper and my Unit patches velcroed to my carpeting (have had to add a few from my son's who were USAF pilots in order to balance things out). You'd be surprised how good of conversation starters they are. Have had a lot of "welcome home brother's" from them.

Stu Fox

[James S.]

Re: New Member

Stu,

Thx! White Sands! Wow, there were some salvage yards still there in 96 and the owner was selling both; he had a huge lot of rare convertibles, and hard top muscle cars, etc. I too missed out as I was conducting Counter Drug ops along the border there and had no time to check out his cars.

Yes! I told the owner to save "EVERYTHING." Don't alter any of the orginal decals, etc., the star on that car will stay. The chrome on the bumpers is still pretty decent.

Jim

[Rob M.]

Re: New Member

Hi Jim,

I'm looking forward to learn about the details on your car and viewing the picture you're going to post!!!

regards,
Rob Musquetier
Cheese & Cloaks country

[Bob B.]

Bowtie, not Restoration

Jim,

If after the Corvette enthusiast from Virginia sees your car and it turns out to be as original as you say, then the best thing is to not conduct any restoration whatsoever, partial or otherwise. An original car has the potential to go through the NCRS Bowtie program and be recognized for its originality. An original car is an invaluable reference for others who are restoring cars that are not so original. Restored cars are "a dime a dozen" so the speak. Unrestored cars are disappearing daily. As they say, they are only original once. You can restore a car any time you want, but you can never make it original again once you have.

If this car really is original, it is best to preserve it and show it for what it is.

Welcome to NCRS!

Bob

[James S.]

Re: Bowtie, not Restoration

Hi Bob, I sent a PM. Jim

[Michael L.]

Re: New Member

Hi Jim
Welcome the info here is very good PLEASE Listen and do nothing before you know were you are going. A friend in our chapter is the original owner of a 72 that did not run. I told him about the Bow Tie program but at the time he did not understand how a car that did NOT run could be judged. He sent the car to a shop to get it running and the shop did him a favor SO THEY THOUGHT and detailed the engine compartment. Well in doing so they destroyed the chance of his car to receive a star on that section of the Bow Tie judging The information that can be lost on a car like this will amaze you. Even cleaning with the incorrect cleaners can cause damage. Get the Car to a Regional meet have it judged
and you will have a pretty good idea what to do
Looking forward to seeing pictures and seeing the car at a regional

[Daniel S.]

Re: New Member

Hi Jim,

Semper Fi and a Hearty Welcome Aboard! I am honored to extend this welcome as I am a new member(all of 2 weeks)! I have just bought a 66' RallyRed coupe, 4spd, air, side exhaust and knock offs, matching numbers... just a few of the goodies. This car was part of a 9yr. restoration... it looks as good underneath as above! Well, I've "blown my horn" enough as a proud, new owner....so, the point is... as nice as this coupe is... it is not original. Do all possible to preserve "Original"!

Side note... I departed 22yrs. active duty, USMC, "H53 Rotor Head" in 1994, MCAS Tustin/El Toro. Thanks for your service! Dan