Restoring a 57 Vette
I am starting to restore a C1 57 Corvette. I bought the car in 59 because I could not afford a new 59. At the time I preferred the 59. My Vette originally had the FI but when I bought it the FI had been removed and a pair of 265 heads and a two barrel carb were on it. Back then I put the Two hump heads and dual quads on it. I drove the car until 1970 and it has been in strorage since then. Some things about the 57 I did not like, such as the waffle pattern upholstery. Other than that I plan to pretty much plan to restore it to original. Any thoughts on this? I have planned to restore this Vette in my retirement, which is now.
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Re: Restoring a 57 Vette
Joseph, I see you are a relatively new member---Welcome! Ar eyou asking for opinions on just the upholstery, stock waffle or a the original parts are still on the car.
I didn't get my '57 until Novdifferent pattern? I assume most of . '64. I have thought about major modifications a number of times but decided to keep it as delivered, with the exception of some minor internal engine work. At first I had a problem with the waffle pattern, also, as I liked plain panels and rolls better. I decided to maintain the waffle pattern and am now glad I did. I keep as much as I can original as they are only that way once. Patina is good.
I recorded all of the numbers from my origianal parts I could, back sides of door and kick panels, all mechanicals, and on the trunk lid and soft top panel under the hinges. Since yours is such an untouched car document with notes and pictures everything as this will be valuable to you and others identifying how it was.
What colors, options, etc. do you have?
Congratulations!
Steve -
Re: Restoring a 57 Vette
Steve - I repainted the car about 1960 in burgundy and had smoked gray upholstery put in. I had left the top in waffle red, which is still in the top. I stripped the car to glass about 1970 and have stripped the upholstery, except for the top. I plan to paint the Vette red with white insets. It is going to be a body-off restoration and the body is ready to come off.Comment
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Re: Restoring a 57 Vette
Joseph, I retired last year myself. After I whittled down my wife's "Honey Dew" list I began the restoration of my '56 Corvette which I have owned since 1967. My car had been well used. The original engine and transmission were long gone and body damage had been sustained on three of four corners of the vehicle. Extensive UV damage(spyder web cracking) common to '56 & '57 Corvettes was also present. I had already decided that I wanted the car to be nice. Luckily for me there are quality repro body panels now available which was not the case when I got the car painted back in 1970. I have since had most of the exterior body panels replaced by a shop in North Carolina. As of the present time my restoration continues. I am thankful that there are many restoration parts and services available that were not a few years ago. What you have to decide is how you want to use the car when you are finished refirbishing or restoring it. If you plan to have the car NCRS shown and judged, you should probably try to restore it as close as possible to its original configuration. If you just want to drive it, there is the option of putting a custom chassis with late model running gear under your body. As long as you are pleased with the end result, that is all that counts. Whatever you do hopefully will enhance the value of your Corvette. There is a lot of good information available through NCRS and this Forum to help you with whatever route you take with your car. I wish you all the best with your retirement and with your '57 Corvette. Brooks Glover (2141)Comment
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Re: Restoring a 57 Vette
Joe Where abouts in Oregon are you located? I have a very knowledgable friend in the Portland area that has collected and owns a half dozen or so 56/57's and would be a good person for you to know.
Send me a PM and I will provide his info. He is well respected and may be able to help you.
Joe Trybulec
479-435-1855Comment
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