My father had a 1964 Corvette in storage for many years that I recently took out of storage and began working on. Prior to taking the car out of storage, my mechanical abilities were non-existent. So if I sound like I don't know what I am talking about, it is probably because I don't know what I am talking about.
The car now runs and is starting to become a good driver. I don't see myself ever selling it so its' "value" does not really matter to me. Obviously it is always nice to improve the value, but I enjoy driving it so much, to me the value is in it being a nice driver as well as the learning process and challenges that come with working on the car.
It is a 1964 convertible with mostly original parts and only about 20,000 original miles. With every part that I take off or repair I debate about whether to try and track down an original part, refurbish the old one, or buy a new part from somewhere like Eckler's. I have come to the decision that for now I will just put in the most economical quality new parts available and turn it into a great driving car. Someday possibly I will start to put back on all the rebuilt original parts, but for now given my level of experience and goals for the car this seems like the way to go.
Is there any reason why putting on new parts is a bad idea? I mentioned Eckler's, is that as good a place as any to get parts?
Any other advice anyone is willing to volunteer would be appreciated.

 

The first thought that comes to my mind is why would you replace anything with 20K miles on the car? If the radiator is original, you'll probably have to replace that at some point. And yes, the battery. What else?

To me, the best cars are the ones that have the most original parts on them whether they shine like new or not.

 

No issue with buying new parts for your 1964 Corvette as the old ones fail. It's your car and your decision. However, I would save all of the original pieces so that you can have them rebuilt or reconditioned in the future. Even if you don't, they can be later sold to someone who wants the originality.

Besides Ecklers, I recommend that you also consider other Corvette vendors such as Long Island Corvette Supply (LICS), Paragon, Dr. Rebuild, Volunteer Vettes, Corvette Central, and Zip.

Larry

 

If I may a few suggestions: Depending on how long the '64 was in storage I'd start with the safety items first.
The Brakes: Inspect/replace shoes, wheel cyls., lines, master cyl. rubber hoses.
The fuel system: Inspect/replace the long line, rubber front & rear hoses, filters, tank
The tires: Inspect/replace them, determine replacement on age too, not just visual inspection.
As mentioned, if & when you replace anything DO NOT discard it, put it in a box for later.
As far as vendors/parts sources are concerned I order almost exclusively from Long Island Corvette Supply (LICS). Very RARELY is anything backordered. They handle '63-'67 only.
Bob L.,'64 F.I.Coupe