Sharing some pictures 64 restomod coupe
06-08-2010, 10:41 AM
#1
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Sharing some pictures 64 restomod coupe
I thought that I would share some pictures of my latest project. I just finished building this car for a customer. The car was purchased via the forum. It is a 64 coupe on a street shop chassis , LS376 (486 hp), 5 speed hurst sidewinder, C6 suspension in the rear, C5 in the front. 2010 GMC silver, with torch red leather interior. I installed C5 highback seats, and recovered in torch red leather. The center waterfall was stripped and covered in leather to match the leather dash pods. Back end was tubbed 3" on each side, and the floor raised to accept 19 X 12 spyder wheels. Gauges were all converted to electric, except for the speedometer. I used VDO gauges. Custom back was fabricated using frp board, and covered with leather or carpet. Stereo is USA6 with ipod, 600 watt amp, and bazooka tube. The tube and amp are behind the blind panel in the back. Lokar emergency brakes. American brake and steering "electric" brakes. Flaming river column (I hate it), EZ wire fuse block and wiring. Guard Dawg keyless ignition, Firgelli acctuators for the hood lift, Be Cool radiator, 16" Spal fans, Vintage air pulley system, Classic auto air.
The bodywork that had been done on this car was HORRID!! It has a one piece nose that was not put on correctly, there was bondo over rust on the "A" pillers, and the bodywork in general was a mess. The prior owner would have been very surprised, as I think that he was under the impression that the car was ready for paint. I posted a few pictures at the bottom of some of the crappy work that was done prior. I knew that I was going to have to work the back of the car for the suspension and the wheels, but the engine mounts cause the engine to sit very high in the front, and there is only about 1" clearance from the back of the block to the firewall, which also cause the front of the transmission to hit the forward tunnel (not an easy fix). I had the car delivered on Feb 3rd, and the owner is picking the car up today. Total time 999.5 hours (including paint and body). Total cost 65K plus the car and the labor. Time in my shop 4 months 4 days. Hope you enjoy the pictures.
Mike Coletta
The bodywork that had been done on this car was HORRID!! It has a one piece nose that was not put on correctly, there was bondo over rust on the "A" pillers, and the bodywork in general was a mess. The prior owner would have been very surprised, as I think that he was under the impression that the car was ready for paint. I posted a few pictures at the bottom of some of the crappy work that was done prior. I knew that I was going to have to work the back of the car for the suspension and the wheels, but the engine mounts cause the engine to sit very high in the front, and there is only about 1" clearance from the back of the block to the firewall, which also cause the front of the transmission to hit the forward tunnel (not an easy fix). I had the car delivered on Feb 3rd, and the owner is picking the car up today. Total time 999.5 hours (including paint and body). Total cost 65K plus the car and the labor. Time in my shop 4 months 4 days. Hope you enjoy the pictures.
Mike Coletta
Last edited by mike coletta; 06-10-2010 at 10:43 AM.
06-08-2010, 11:02 AM
#4
More questions.
What did you do with the windshield wiper motor? Did you convert to a remote cable drive?
Are the seat rake levers metal and chromed or plastic or?
By the way, the price seems quite reasonable considering the labor required to do this.
What did you do with the windshield wiper motor? Did you convert to a remote cable drive?
Are the seat rake levers metal and chromed or plastic or?
By the way, the price seems quite reasonable considering the labor required to do this.
06-08-2010, 12:54 PM
#5
Safety Car
Thread Starter
The vents in the back are for the original "ventilation" system. The wiper motor is on the backside of the firewall. I use a "raingear" motor and switch, and make the rest. Cost of the pieces and parts was $65,000 PLUS labor and the cost of the car, which will remain between the buyer and the seller. Labor cost was based on 1000 hours.
Mike Coletta
Mike Coletta
06-08-2010, 12:57 PM
#6
Safety Car
Nice work Mike!
I have thought about a C5/C6 rear on a couple of cars, but just have not been willing to address the clearance issues. With D44 rears starting to get harder to find, I may have to go down that road before too long!
Regards, John McGraw
I have thought about a C5/C6 rear on a couple of cars, but just have not been willing to address the clearance issues. With D44 rears starting to get harder to find, I may have to go down that road before too long!
Regards, John McGraw
06-08-2010, 07:17 PM
#10
Safety Car
Thread Starter
The car really drives nice. I think that the combination of the seats, shocks, and the C6 rear make it a lot smoother than any of the other restomods that I've built. BTW, the seat rake levers are aluminum. It has QA1 12 point adjustable shocks, set all the way to soft compression. Frankly it rides better than my truck, and WAY nicer than my 64 (on an SRIII) chassis. I'd put the seats in my car, but I think that they would look hokey in a roadster. They look like they were made for the coupe though. Thanks for all of you comments.
Mike Coletta
Mike Coletta
06-08-2010, 07:35 PM
#11
If you figure 65k for parts, 20k for the basic car, 1000 hours labor depending on the area 60 to 80 an hour your looking at a 150k plus finished. I personally wouldn't want to be buried in a 64 that deep. Don't care if you don't plan to sell... someday it will hit the auction block for probably two thirds of the invested value ( if you find the right customer )
It is true custom cars aren't for everyone and certainly as the build goes forward more options / details are added. Certainly a massive undertaking and alot of planning / engineering taking place. the 67 big block hood is too common. That car deserves a custom design.
It is true custom cars aren't for everyone and certainly as the build goes forward more options / details are added. Certainly a massive undertaking and alot of planning / engineering taking place. the 67 big block hood is too common. That car deserves a custom design.
....glad you stuck with 4 tail lights too...
06-08-2010, 08:53 PM
#14
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other then the hood, and side pipes the car looks good
06-08-2010, 11:12 PM
#16
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Beautiful job Mike, you da man!!!!!
What's next???
What's next???
06-08-2010, 11:28 PM
#17
Beautiful
After looking at some of the work that had done previously the owner is lucky he brought it to you. I don't understand all of the frame issues but it sounds like there were much better options then what he gave you to work with. The end result is a beautiful car. Great job. Greg
06-09-2010, 10:43 AM
#20
Le Mans Master
Very nice work, Mike, especially considering all the 'rework' necessary to correct things already done in a half-azz manner. I like the subtle look of the body with the late model rims that hints at what's underneath and the LS power must make it scream. I got a ride in John McGraw's modified 65 Roadster with an LS engine and man, they really do pin you back in the seat.
Mike T.
Mike T.
