Larry1965

New to the forum and haven't had a chance to look through everything here...will take awhile! Does anyone have experience w/Corvette Specialties in Oregon (Wilsonville area, south of Portland)? I now own a tired 1965 corvette in need of some work before I can drive it. The engine is good, but the suspension parts and brakes are, well, 45 years old. I'm looking for someone in Portland area that knows corvettes and can do the work. Thanks. feel free to point me to another part of the forum if this isn't the correct place to ask this. Larry

Bluestripe67

Welcome Larry! Your in the right place with all tech/mech questions. We have a great group of very experienced Vette nuts here. Most have been there, done that sort of thing. I can't help on the shop question, but have you completely ruled out doing some or all the work yourself? Be prepared to spend some $$ for shop work. Good luck, and ask all the question you want. Dennis

Larry1965

I can tear anything apart, it's the putting things back that is the problem! My best friend, and previous owner of my car (for 36 years) and I can do some of the work, but taking the suspension apart for some upgrades will require some tools I don't have. I'm looking at new bushings, ball joints, shocks, probably springs, certainly everything brake related. Thanks for the reply. larry

narlee

Go to Events and Regional in the Forums from the bar up above, then go to the Pacific Northwest. They are mostly C5 and
C6 guys but there will be pepole from your area and they might be able to help.

RRod

A friend used them several times for new brakes, rear suspension, rear-end rebuild and interior restoration. No complaints ..... they seem to know their NCRS stuff (if that's the level of detail you want).

They also work on non-NCRS drivers.

However, you need to do your own shop visit and interview because my friend has not needed any work for several years now.

Bluestripe67

Larry, the guys on this forum love stories about putting suff back together and solving problems should you encounter any. You can rent some of the specialized tools such as a spring compressor. Any shopgarage can press out/in the bushings. Ball joints bolt in. It's your choice, but were standing by.Then at the end of it all you can say, I did it! Dennis

Ron Miller

Plus, you'll be driving around with a LOT more cash in your pockets!!!

Larry1965

Thanks for the suggestions. I also appreciate the warm welcome from everyone.

67L36Driver

Seeing as how the front end of a C2 isn't that much different than any other chebby, most any shop specializing in brakes and alignment (Midas, Firestone, etc.) should be able to handle a vet.

The rear suspension is another matter as it requires some special parts not found on your average grocery getter.

roger newman

Pacific Corvette
2104 SE 9th Ave
Portland, OR 97214
503-239-0210
Jim Kimber
James Miller

Great guys to work with.

DucatiDon

Welcome Larry!

Nice to have another local forum member....

Dont miss Suburbans Cruise in in May!

Larry1965

Thanks guys. I think Pacific Corvette in S.E. Portland went under! Good to hear someone used Corvette Specialties, even if a few years ago. I plan on visiting soon and asking for references before doing anything. Thought about doing some work myself, but I'm afraid if I do it part time on the weekend, I may never get done what I want!! 1-2 years till I retire, but need to start now so I can drive the dang thing! Thanks guys

RRod

Thanks Larry for the update on Pacific Corvette .... sorry to hear about that. I'll have to drive by and see if at least their parts counter is still open because their phone number (503) 239-0210 this evening is still working with a recording stating they are unable to answer and to please leave a name and number for a return call.

BTW, here is a link to the NCRS NW chapter's newsletter from late 2009 that has a photo-story about Corvette Specialities of Oregon. Suggest you also contact some of the chapter's members for advice ... they won't bite:

http://nwncrs.org/newsletters/2009/f...v-Dec-2009.pdf

We all look forward to hearing about your progress regarding your shop search and your to-do list

Larry1965

Thanks for the heads up on the article etc. I'll drive by Pacific Corvette tomorrow myself to see. Thanks.

DucatiDon

I have done a lot of business with Pacific Corvette. They are often busy and cant answer the phone, so i just drop in and they usually have what I need in stock.

Jim and James are great to deal with.

If they closed up, its been very recent, and I am unaware.

Larry1965

I'm happy to say Pacific Corvette in SE Portland is alive and well, and very friendly. I dropped in with a bunch of questions, and was graciously put up with, and I was shown some of their current work on a 64 coupe. You guys are right. Very friendly and helpful and they will be getting some of my business (as in a real C2 radiator shroud tomorrow after I get paid). Thanks for the advice.

daytonablue64

I have no experience with Corvette Specialties but I've had very good experiences with parts and service help at Pacific Corvettes.
Jim Kimber has always been very helpful.
The talk about them shutting down had me very disappointed. Glad to hear there's no substance to that rumor.