modified vs. numbers matching
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,277
Likes: 0
From: Hoboken NJ
modified vs. numbers matching
are there any people here that dont think that classic corvettes should be modified. and are there others that believe that either modified or matching numbers they are all cool. i always wondered what was the general consensus with classic cars.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 8,032
Likes: 20
From: Schaumburg, Il, USA IL
Re: modified vs. numbers matching (wsaracen)
I voted for modding, but that's not to say I'd like to see an all original
car modded (I wouldn't) or cars restored to "original" condition.
The car I bought was modded in the 60's and a lot of the original parts
are long gone. I don't think there is anything wrong with modding it. I
still would like it to appear "original" but I refuse to pay extra for the same
product just because the numbers match (at least for my car). I've always
wondered if I added up the difference in buying "correct" parts if that would offset the cost of a correct/non-correct car. Either way, it would still
be a fake and I refuse to compound the problems we already have.
car modded (I wouldn't) or cars restored to "original" condition.
The car I bought was modded in the 60's and a lot of the original parts
are long gone. I don't think there is anything wrong with modding it. I
still would like it to appear "original" but I refuse to pay extra for the same
product just because the numbers match (at least for my car). I've always
wondered if I added up the difference in buying "correct" parts if that would offset the cost of a correct/non-correct car. Either way, it would still
be a fake and I refuse to compound the problems we already have.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,848
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta, Ga, Fulton
Re: modified vs. numbers matching (Top_Notch)
"I don't think there is anything wrong with modding it. I
still would like it to appear "original" but I refuse to pay extra for the same
product just because the numbers match" Ditto to Top Notch
I will even go a step further. I bought a very original, very very tired out numbers matcher from a guy who likely could not put his shoes on right let alone restore a car. Anyway mechanically the car was truly burned out. Engine was beat, transmission needed major work, rear spring was shot, original shocks. Wonderful wonderful ...... boy it sure was original. Good thing I did not pay what the guy could have asked if he was not crying and sobbing so hard about how expensive restoration work was to farm out.
I just rolled up my sleaves and loaded in "top notch" stuff and made a great driver out of it. Kept all the original parts but one of these days I am going to stub my toe just one time too many or move and that junk likely could be gone.
still would like it to appear "original" but I refuse to pay extra for the same
product just because the numbers match" Ditto to Top Notch
I will even go a step further. I bought a very original, very very tired out numbers matcher from a guy who likely could not put his shoes on right let alone restore a car. Anyway mechanically the car was truly burned out. Engine was beat, transmission needed major work, rear spring was shot, original shocks. Wonderful wonderful ...... boy it sure was original. Good thing I did not pay what the guy could have asked if he was not crying and sobbing so hard about how expensive restoration work was to farm out.
I just rolled up my sleaves and loaded in "top notch" stuff and made a great driver out of it. Kept all the original parts but one of these days I am going to stub my toe just one time too many or move and that junk likely could be gone.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 1
From: Sarasota FL
Re: modified vs. numbers matching (TheOman)
I voted for mild mods as this is what my 57 is. If the car had low mileage and everything matched I might think different, but the original owner did quite a bit of fiddling and tweaking over the 34 years he owned it. I'm not about to throw that good work away by returning the car to absolutely stock. It's just too much fun to drive!! :D :D :D
All of the mods I've made (and will make soon) are bolt-on and help to make the car handle and perform better without "spoiling" what I consider to be the best styled Corvette.
All of the mods I've made (and will make soon) are bolt-on and help to make the car handle and perform better without "spoiling" what I consider to be the best styled Corvette.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: Barnegat New Jersey
Re: modified vs. numbers matching (wsaracen)
Here's how I look at it. I don't really care if a car is modified or not. I look at it for what it is. A stock looking car with minor mods is, to some people just as good as the numbers mathing original (which may be full of replacement parts that just look like the original), to other people a really tricked out car is their thing, to still others it's that all original numbers matching car. I wouldn't pay extra for a numbers matching car but a lot of people do. No one of these are the right way to look at it, you have to decide what you like and not worry about what the next guy does.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 506
Likes: 0
From: Sterling, Michigan
CI3 Car Show Winner
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: modified vs. numbers matching (wsaracen)
I voted for mild-mods although I've done most of mine original and I guess that's because so many people look at my GTO and made comments about this or that not being correct! :mad I'm doing a few mods to it now like the rear spring because I don't like the way the orignal ride's and I'm going to add a little peral to the white paint plus I've done a little modding to the engine (never fast enough) The cars weren't perfect when GM built them but close and I think some MODS will make them "PERFECT" :cool:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 0
From: Davison MI
Re: modified vs. numbers matching (wsaracen)
My 56 has the wrong engine (327) and the wrong wheels (68 vette rally's)
and thats the way I like it... Fact is, hopefully by spring it will be sporting 4 new Crager SS mag's :yesnod:
and my 77, I had a new 350 long block built to race with, I kept the original 350 just incase I wanted to go back to stock... naaaa, I like the scoop :yesnod:
so to answer your question, it makes no difference to me....
see ya at the cruis-in's......
and thats the way I like it... Fact is, hopefully by spring it will be sporting 4 new Crager SS mag's :yesnod:
and my 77, I had a new 350 long block built to race with, I kept the original 350 just incase I wanted to go back to stock... naaaa, I like the scoop :yesnod:
so to answer your question, it makes no difference to me....
see ya at the cruis-in's......
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,077
Likes: 2
From: The Garden Spot of the Garden State
Re: modified vs. numbers matching (wsaracen)
...i went with the mild mechanical mods, no body work because i think the midyear body is just flat-out perfect.....i suppose i just can't wait for some over officious (is that a word?) jerk to come over and tell me my '66 tripower big block is incorrect (uh, i have to get it back on the street, of course)...yeah, i got your numbers matching right here! :mad
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,215
Likes: 170
From: PA
Re: modified vs. numbers matching (Kid_Again)
Well I guess by my sig I need not say how I voted :lol: :lol: :lol:
mod all the way. But I will say stock is cool it takes a lot to get all the correct parts to bring them back to stock.
mod all the way. But I will say stock is cool it takes a lot to get all the correct parts to bring them back to stock.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,642
Likes: 0
From: Boerne Texas
Re: modified vs. numbers matching (wsaracen)
I really wouldn't have the heart or mind to mod the body other than wheels, maybe. Like others have said, the C2 style simply is timeless. It just doesn't need modification, IMHO.
That being said, however, the three principal bolt on mods that have been done...mono rear spring, the Demon and the Hurst...have made the car a much better driver and performer under my watch. I can't wait for the other (internal) mechanical mods that are forthcoming that also will make it a better car..... :D :D :yesnod:
*******************
*******************
Jeff
Ô66. Modified L72
ÒThe Silver BeastÓ
Keep on :seeya :seeya :cheers: :cool:
That being said, however, the three principal bolt on mods that have been done...mono rear spring, the Demon and the Hurst...have made the car a much better driver and performer under my watch. I can't wait for the other (internal) mechanical mods that are forthcoming that also will make it a better car..... :D :D :yesnod:
*******************
*******************
Jeff
Ô66. Modified L72
ÒThe Silver BeastÓ
Keep on :seeya :seeya :cheers: :cool:
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 10,343
Likes: 668
From: Beverly Hills (Pine Ridge) Florida
Re: modified vs. numbers matching (Blkblt)
Sitting here at 10PM in the evening, drinking a Drambuie and Vodka, and here comes the question we all have to ponder when we start thinking about "what if's".
Bottom line in my case, is I dislike body mods, since GM has always done right by the Vette (I can't say the same for their current offering elsewhere though).
However, in 62 (and earlier), I hated the stock wheels. Nothing enhances the early Vette's more than a good set of aftermarket wheels (original American Racing Torque-Thrust D's in my case).
Also, power (as in who get's there first) is also a situation of more is better, and is never enough. Therefore, modification under the hood is a necessity (looks are important, but not because it is stock or not).
Suspension is up to the owner, since it is mostly hidden, and it is he who suffers if too extreme.
Got to take another sip of the good stuff and get off the soap box,
Bottom line in my case, is I dislike body mods, since GM has always done right by the Vette (I can't say the same for their current offering elsewhere though).
However, in 62 (and earlier), I hated the stock wheels. Nothing enhances the early Vette's more than a good set of aftermarket wheels (original American Racing Torque-Thrust D's in my case).
Also, power (as in who get's there first) is also a situation of more is better, and is never enough. Therefore, modification under the hood is a necessity (looks are important, but not because it is stock or not).
Suspension is up to the owner, since it is mostly hidden, and it is he who suffers if too extreme.
Got to take another sip of the good stuff and get off the soap box,
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 8,017
Likes: 2
From: The problem is all inside your head she said to me.
Re: modified vs. numbers matching (wsaracen)
I like the body just the way it is. More power on the older ones is just fine with me. Wheels too. Who here really listens to AM radio?:lol: Or why not radials, it is just that things have changed. Mechanicals such as brakes and A/C that is fine with me also. I can't see not having a car that can stop or keep you comfortable while enjoying it. I think a "stock" one almost looks dated compared to a mildly modded one. It could be an age thing, my pop likes his to look more stock. JMHO
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 41,793
Likes: 153
From: Houston,Texas USA
Re: modified vs. numbers matching (wsaracen)
If every one built only numbers matching cars, what would happen to all of the cars that have lost engines, transmissions, and other major componets over the years? There is room in the old car hobby, for both numbers matching and modified. My cars, I like them numbers matching.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 16,453
Likes: 3,573
From: here
Re: modified vs. numbers matching (Tom/99)
I'm in the "its your car, do what makes you happy" crowd. As long as you don't scrimp and purchase/install inferior parts. After all the vette deserves the respect of the best quality. On my 65, i'll be using the numbers matching block, and intend to maximize use of stock looking parts, but won't be afraid to use aftermarket items that will bolt in with no modifications to the car. That way, after I'm dead, if the next caretaker of the car desires all original all they have to do is install the stock stuff back on.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 370
Likes: 3
From: Flint MI
Re: modified vs. numbers matching (BobG)
Didn't all '60's come with 427's, chambered pipes, and hood scoops? :cool:
I was going to include a pic of my '60 but couldn't figure out how. Oh well. :confused:
I was going to include a pic of my '60 but couldn't figure out how. Oh well. :confused:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 1
From: Boston MA
Re: modified vs. numbers matching (wsaracen)
Mod away, make it what you want it to be so long as it makes you happy. And please DRIVE 'EM !! Too many people have spent too much on a restoration only to have their cars become trailer queens !!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 15,354
Likes: 2,726
From: Close to DC
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
Re: modified vs. numbers matching (Swamp Thang)
I'll sleep better tonight....more of you guys like myself are out there do subtle mods. Keep the body intact, tweek the suspension, juice up the motor, crank-up the music, let the side pipes roar, and drive it like you stole it! :D :crazy: :D :crazy: :D :crazy: :flag
....just drive 'em! Dennis, TOY-1
....just drive 'em! Dennis, TOY-1
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu Hawaii
Re: modified vs. numbers matching (wsaracen)
Mechanical mods and suspension mods that do not change the original look but improve ride, handling and performance get my vote as I'm a daily driver and to me it just makes sense to take advantage of some of the current technology. From the body and interior standpoint I say the stock original real McCoy look is the only way to go.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 94
From: Southgate Michigan
Re: modified vs. numbers matching (wsaracen)
Although my 63 is stock,I love six tail-lights n' flairs...and never could understand why a person had to attempt
to find an original camshaft. Modern stuff is better in some cases.
to find an original camshaft. Modern stuff is better in some cases.