I am in the process of buying a 63SWC and would like some help from some members if possible.

I am going to have the car taken to a Scottsdale Arizona shop where they can go over the car with a fine tooth comb. Preferably a shop that has the ability to check the frame for any damage as well as ensure its straight.

Has anyone got a shop they would trust to do this, before the final buy is done?

Thanks in advance

 

I was close to buying a C2 in Phoenix and this shop was recommended to me by a forum member from Phoenix:

http://www.brightonmotorsports.com/

 

Thanks I used Brighton motors. Shane the owner is a real nice guy. Flloyd the fellow in charge of the Service is a "really nice guy". Great experience, good inspection and I am now the proud owner of a 63 Split window

 

Congratulations. Pictures!

 

Good going! Congratulations and like Jeff said , we need pics!!

 

Restoration shop is sending them to me. I will post as soon as I get them. It gets shipped out of Arizona next week and will be at my place by 3rd November. Lots of sleepless nights till then.

 

Good for you. Until the pictures come, how about letting us know what the details are....running gear, colors/int/ext, accessories.....Congrats again. You'll love it and the attention it always gets.

Tom

 

Well its a 1963 with a 327/340HP engine 4 speed. Daytona Blue with Daytona Blue interior. It sorta looks like your avatar

2 Engines with it. 350/385HP Fastburn is in it now. (No cuts or changes to the chassis)
Second engine is complete 327/340HP numbers matching. The only thing missing is the Carb and the air cleaner and I have both. I even have the original Radiator (it will need to be recored)
Some mods were made to the dash, (no extra holes drilled) but I have all the Old dash parts and will enjoy the small project this winter.
I will also be re-building the 327/340HP this winter then re-crating and storing it. I am an old engine builder. I am far more comfortable with points plugs and condensers then I am with new engines. I did all my own engine work as a young dragster nut . Now at 63 I have a big enough garage I can work till my hip or back give out.
I doubt if I ever will install the Numbers Matching engine, but it will be a complete motor include pulleys belts, alternator, PS pump etc so that if I decide to sell the car in 6-7 years, I can convert back to a show car. I need about 3 winters to do what I want to it, because I won't do anything but drive it in the summer. Frame has no rust and is straight as a die. Its been in Arizona since it was bought.
It has new carpets, new seat covers as well. So I have some work on the dash and fixing some parts around the rear window and the interior will be 100% authentic. Then the only thing that remains is the engine compartment. I will do some cleaning up but generally leave everything as is. It has an electric fan and Aluminum radiator installed now.

I had many chances over the last 3 months to buy "perfect" 63s and realized it would sit in the garage and I would be doing nothing. This one needs work but the parts are all there, to restore. I need the motivation to get off my butt. When you are in pain all the time, taking the easy way out is easy. As I get older, I am finding I am leaning more and more to the easy way. So... this will motivate me.


This is the car in Brighton Motors being checked out.

 

Congratulations on the acquisition TC233! Looks pretty sweet to me.

- Pat

 

Nice looking car! Congratulations!

 

Very, very nice. We're just about twins with those colors!! Does the 340hp engine have the 8" harmonic balancer and the 6qt. oil capacity? If so you're really lucky to have scored two great engines for your car. It's nice to have a good vision like you seem to have for your build and all the rights parts to go with it. Happy building!

 

Again, congrat's Dennis, hope to see it soon and don't forget to get every scrap of paperwork the owner can muster up....Rob

 

Always good to hear of another new SWC owner. You will have a ton of fun with this car! Enjoy!

DJ

 

I am really looking forward to it. I intend on rebuilding the 327/340 over the winter. Only thing I am missing is pushrods, lifters and a fuel pump now. (Found more stuff this weekend with right date codes)
I have a new wiring harness for a 63 with Air, so will be pulling out the dash and completely doing the wiring to ensure that the many years of Arizona did not dry out and make the wiring brittle. I am purchasing a new chrome shifter counsel that includes the cutouts for power window.
I am installing the new biometric fingerprint system in the car for both doors and Ignition.
while I am at it. So instead of the key hole in the dash, their will be a biometric fingerprint reader. While I have the dash off I will install the Air Conditioning.
Everything I do will be reverse-able. My major concern was a "straight and good frame and rust free birdcage to work with.

I am a retired electronics tech with many years of being a wrench head so this will be my hobby until I croak.
I will document the biometric fingerprint installation and post it here when finished if no one has done it before.
I have a few pieces of Vette stuff left over from my earlier days that i have carted around for years.

I have not found any reference anywhere that would help me install shoulder harnesses for the seatbelts. Anyone know where or how, or if its possible? There must be a secure attach point somewhere in the BirdCage to anchor too? Thats one mod that will stay with the car when finished. Not really interested in my wife or I doing a "face plant" into that big steering wheel

 

It has the 8inch balancer but not sure about the Oilpan......I will let you know its in a crate at the moment and heading to New York State, never really looked? A buddy of mine wants the Fast Burn engine now and is willing to give me $4900 for it.... I will have to look to see what they are worth here in Canada. Not sure to be honest. That would lower the cost of this car to a really good deal for me. So will sit on both engines and give that thought. Scared to put the numbers matching engine in at the moment, I do not intend on showing so I will probably keep the Fast Burn. hmmmmm I am sounding schizoid? lol

 

Yes he is giving me a box full, and thanks.

 

If it's indeed the original Harrison stacked-plate aluminum radiator, you'd better add a line item to your budget for a new DeWitts reproduction; stacked-plate aluminum radiators can't be re-cored.

 

Thanks I did not know that. Been out of the Radiator shop for years, I thought they could do anything

 

Pleased to learn that I didn't steer you in the wrong direction. My second Vette was a SWC. Currently have a '66 BB Coupe from Texas/Arizona. ENJOY!

 

Just got the engine, and it is the 8" balancer and the 6qt Oil pan.
Block and heads, crank are at the machine shop now. Going to be a fun winter project.