1955 copper

Just thinking and wondering how many people install a Corvette Central part or other dealer parts to ether get their Corvette on the road or replace a bad part and then never change it or look for the original parts. The reason I'm asking because I see so many repro parts that will work but are not like the original design part. More then half of restored Corvettes I see getting a top flight have repro parts installed . The more this continual's new people will think those parts are original and the original part is wrong. In time many Corvettes will be a kit car. I'm not against using repro parts or the makers and know it's hard to locate them and the price will be high BUT!!!!
Maybe it doesn't matter but I like knowing I drive a original Corvette having original parts, is it just me or I'm I wrong to bring this subject up???

Lets leave or talk about MOD Corvettes "out" because I like them too.

56Heap

Original seems to have different meanings. They are only original once. If you replace a part with a NOS part it is still not original. JMO

Mike Ward

I'd say the number is 99.9% when speaking of the C1/C2 cars.

1955 copper

Once you cut your hair it's also not original but it's gets replaced with original hair.

62Jeff

What other options are there? Found any NOS seat covers lately?

That's where the value of organizations (NCRS, and your SACE) add significant value, in capturing and documenting correct versus incorrect (with a degree of error).

Is any restoration different than a kit car? Sure my 62 looks just like it did when new, but many many soft and consumable parts had to be replaced so it is merely a facsimile of what it once was. Even your own 55 is a representation of what that car was originally - unless every single part on your car today, was on that very car when it rolled off the assembly line.

RatDog

Yes, I think that's what they're trying to do with Bloomington Gold Benchmark cars. These cars are supposed to be all original and unrestored just as they left the showroom. I think there are only 100 or so that have met this designation.

-- Steve

Poorhousenext

What MOD part would you like to talk about first?

Only part on my 64 Coupe that has not been modified is the top center section. All the rest including Birdcage have been modified.

1955 copper

I might be crazy but I think a kit car is different then restored car.

I know it would be hard to find NOS seat covers, weatherstripping , oil, air and dust when they were new BUT!!!
Don't you think some one would rather use a dealer original replacement part or repro, it may not have come on the car when new but would be new and original . You replace a original NOS air cleaner , is it now not an original Corvette but a kit car?

62Jeff

I'd rather get my car on the road now and look for better parts later, than to have my restoration incomplete decades because I was only going with NOS parts. Eventually the NOS parts will dry up completely.

I was lucky, when I began restoring my 62 in 1981 I could still get a lot of parts from Chevrolet, all I had to do was provide the original part number to my parts guy and he'd hunt parts down in the warehouses for me.

oldsarge

Even most of the dealer parts are not original but non USA import replacements. Other than NOS, you pretty much have to use replacements parts, at some point in time. The best we can do, is try for USA made parts .

Ironcross

That's why we have auto parts stores, when new and something broke on these things you went to the local parts store or dealer and replaced it....original was not important to the first time owners but some of these cars have changed hands countless times without any regard to originality...I think the emphasis on original is good for bench discussions but is a waste of time and breath....I want my cars to run every time and if they need something that breaks it will be replaced with a new later improved part if feasible and not some refurbished old worn out original part from another 'original car...after a while it just becomes a game .......one that I want no 'part' of.....

92GTA

The very few reproductions parts I have used (25 parts or less I think) I have been keeping a list of. I needed them to get the car done but as I come across originals I will buy them as funds permit and replace the reproductions parts and sell the repro second hand. To me it adds to the long term value if all parts are assembly line or NOS and not reproduction. Also personally, I enjoy the game of finding all of the original or NOS parts that I need.

I also prefer original parts over NOS. For example, I would rather have a used original part from someone else's car than paying top dollar for an NOS part. Let the guys who are restoring for show have the NOS parts. Used original parts much better fit the patina of my car anyway. If they are going to throw away used original parts during their restoration in favor of NOS, I'll take the use originals all day long and save money

Some things will just never be original or NOS, like my tires, carpet, seat form & covers, rubber pieces here and there like the gas door stoppers or the door striker stoppers. Engine gaskets, carb gaskets, battery, bulbs, soft top, etc. Those things don't bother me as I would eat through them in the time I enjoy my car anyway. That's not to say that I don't have NOS of these items in boxes in my garages, some I do like carb gaskets, fuel filters, oil filters, etc. and I would never use them unless restoring my car to 100% show/trailer queen otherwise why waste them.

Of course if an original or NOS cannot be found at all, I do accept a reproduction but ONLY if it's precise, which is so few and far between it's ridiculous.

skeew

I bought a new 62 340HP 4 speed and restoration began almost immeadiately in the following order.

Clutch and throwout brg....rear tires...points and plugs. :-)

32361ARTHUR

Those of us who don't give a damn about weather something is original or not have it easy. If originality is such a big deal it must be a bummer to drive for any distance knowing that its wearing out the original parts and they won't ever be able to be replaced with anything but a repro or non original part. Also thinking the value goes down anytime you wish for AC or a better sound system or an overdrive or some other color or something else that didn't come stock. It would really be important to get the exact car you want from the start knowing you will never be able to change anything or in your mind it will be ruining it.

knockbill

very interesting topic,,,, seems there are a lot of answers, depending on who you ask, and how they use their car...
to me, original is the way it came from teh factory, any parts you change aren't original,,,oem or new old stock parts you find at carlisle are still replacement parts..
so,,, none of my cars are original,,,,,

MikeM

Well, to me......................

As long as it was a production part in the year in question, whether it came originally on my car or not, it's original. And that includes the engine or any accessories I might like.

I'm not a fan of repop, nice and shiny but I will spring for a part like that rather than pay some outrageous price for a rare original.

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

32361ARTHUR

Mike, I'm just wondering then if AC was available whenever your car was made but yours didn't come with it could you still put it in and call yours original? How about if yours came silver but they had red ones could you paint yours red and still call it original? Could you take out a powerglide and put in a four speed? Would you still call it original?

56Heap

Now you're splitting hairs

provette67

are clear bubble tops considered a repro part?

provette67