1BAD-LS1

Hi all, I am new to the C2 section, however I have been around the forum for a while in the C5 and forced induction sections.

I am starting to search for a mid-year small block, and would like to know what books, information, etc. you all would recommend to understand originallity, numbers matching, option codes, etc. I am reading the forum C2 for sale section and searching old posts, but can use some books and feedback to get me kickstarted.

I am looking to spend in the $40's for a nice small block car. Should I be looking at only coupes, or can you find a nice convertible in this price range? Any help is much appreciated

rahzip

One book that I found helpful was Corvette by the numbers by Alan Colvin.
What I found truly helpful was a new friend. A gentelman that does not live far from me who has been involved in Corvettes for over 30 years, and has had some very rare and valuable cars. He has been into the mid-years heavily. He was kind enough to spend some time with talking and showing me what to look for and what to avoid. He was even as kind to offer to look at cars with me when he had time. He showed me how to tell if the front fiberglass was orig. where to look for rust. how to spot fake trim tags just to name a few. Sometomes the best knowledge is not found in books, it's in people with years of experence!
Some of those people will share it if asked! Check out your local NCRS and meet some people!

Wiscane

Go to a NCRS event in your area so that you can see what a correct (stock) car looks like and then go from there. Purchase a "Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide" from NCRS as a guide to what was on a particular car when it was new.
.... After that look and see what kind of modifications you like or can live with. The closer any given car is to stock the more likely the car will have a higher price tag (i.e. an original matching numbers motor will almost always add value to a car compared to any replacement motor)
.... MOST importantly find someone that is knowlegeable about C2's that can go with you to look and shop.
Good Luck!

62Jeff

Howdy,
You'll find the folks here on the C1/C2 section to be quite helpful and friendly, many are also very very knowledgable.

Here are some thoughts:
1) Figure out what your goal is - an NCRS 100 point perfect restoration, a nice driver with maybe an non-matching number block that you don't have to worry about, a basket case, or something in between

2) You are better off financially speaking, starting with a really nice car than a project if possible

3) Watch out for rust in the "birdcage", the metal framework that runs through the rocker panels, up the A and B pillars and if you are looking a a coupe - around the roof.

4) Watch out for rust in the frame just forward of trailing arms

5) Edit - this item deleted because I'm doing more harm than good.

6) Check for working headlight motors, they are expensive to replace although easy to rebuild if thety aren't too far gone.

Jeff

JohnZ

The Noland Adams 1963-1967 Restoration & Technical Guide (Vol. II) is the best single all-around C2 reference book, and when you settle on what year you want, you should get:

The GM Assembly Manual
The GM Chassis Service Manual and Chassis Overhaul Manual (if it's a '66-'67), or the '63 Corvette Shop Manual and '64 and '65 Supplements (if it's a '63-'64-'65).
The NCRS Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide for that year car.

There are lots more books, but those above are the "core" books you should have to start your technical library, and are available from the NCRS on-line store at www.ncrs.org.

Nowhere Man

in 63 and 64 they where spot welded. after that they where rivited using "roseit" rivets

62Jeff

I've corrected my post.

Vipermike

Your information is still incorrect.

In '63 and '64 the VIN tag was spot welded. At the beginning of '65 production GM began attaching the VIN tag with standard round headed rivets. Halfway through the model year (somewhere around VIN #9000) they changed to the rosette headed rivet.

The trim tags on all mid-years were attached with round headed rivets.

kenEDMUNDS

Congratulations on wanting a c2-They are a blast. One piece or advice. When you find a car, get someone knowledgeable to look at if for you. I am in the c2 restoration business and some of the crap that gets dragged in to my shop that my customer paid ridiculous money for is scary. "Gee, it looked nice at the auction". Don't fall into that trap. Have it checked out before you buy it.

63 340HP

The place to start & finish is the recommended NCRS.org link (for nearly everything you need as far as information to purchase, and on-line advice).

Another place to start with basic information on where to look for numbers is (of all places) the AutoZOne Website on-line Repair Manual for Corvette. The "Serial Number ID" section will get you started (and the link index can substitute for a repair manual in a pinch).

The c2registry.org has good links as well and a search through the registry will yield photos of similar cars to help compare or narrow a selection.

Narrow down the features or options you want and e-mail owners with similar cars. There is considerable information (and opinion) to be found within this forum.

1BAD-LS1

Thanks for all of the great tips guys. I picked up a couple of books and will start to review the website links everyone has posted. Does anyone know of a C2 expert in the Philadelphia, NJ, DE area that would check out a car, once I narrow down the search?

Thanks again