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1963 Split Window Custom Build Project

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Old 09-24-2015, 10:57 AM
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TNVettGuy
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Default 1963 Split Window Custom Build Project

My next project arrived last night. A non-numbers matching 1963 Split Window Coupe. The condition is about where I thought it was going to be as I did not see prior to purchasing. I already have place in line for a SRiii chassis and will be going with an LS3 setup. This build will be a custom build with different modifications and a lot of hi-tech items to boot. It took me right at a year to complete my 1954 C1 but I think it may take me a tad longer with this one.

On a side humorous note, my wife came down to the garage to see it for the first time. Before she said 'looks good' or 'what a heap', she said 'looks like you need to go with a new chassis and modern drivetrain'. I just want to say, I have never been so attracted to my wife as I was at that moment. I think I may have shed a tear.

-Matt














Old 09-24-2015, 11:31 AM
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MidShark
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Originally Posted by TNVettGuy
On a side humorous note, my wife came down to the garage to see it for the first time. Before she said 'looks good' or 'what a heap', she said 'looks like you need to go with a new chassis and modern drivetrain'. I just want to say, I have never been so attracted to my wife as I was at that moment. I think I may have shed a tear.
On the other side of the spectrum, on Sunday I sold the Camaro seats out of my '63, and my wife came out as I'm talking to the guy and says "so, is there any more crap he can sell you?"

Matt, I didn't realize that you hadn't taken possession yet. Looks pretty good from the pics. How is the body?

Rich
Old 09-24-2015, 02:34 PM
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biggd
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Looks like a pretty nice car to start with. Looking forward to future pictures.
Old 09-24-2015, 04:36 PM
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Body is good. Bridcage is great. The only thing is that there are a few body mods that I will have to correct. I was somewhat expecting to do rear quarters anyway. More to come!

Originally Posted by MidShark
On the other side of the spectrum, on Sunday I sold the Camaro seats out of my '63, and my wife came out as I'm talking to the guy and says "so, is there any more crap he can sell you?"

Matt, I didn't realize that you hadn't taken possession yet. Looks pretty good from the pics. How is the body?

Rich
Old 09-24-2015, 04:37 PM
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morly1963
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Looks good, cant wait to see the build.
Your doing what I wish I was doing-I am getting tired of having to get dated-numbers parts for my 63-just want a hot-rod c2.
Good luck!!!
Old 09-25-2015, 08:02 AM
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Nice car to start with, quite a few SRIII split window and mid year projects in the works within our group here at CF, I will enjoy watching as I build mine as well, Brian
Old 09-29-2015, 08:56 PM
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beedeepee66
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Looks like a very nice starting point. I look forward to following along.

Ben
Old 09-30-2015, 06:17 PM
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Did you notice the inserts behind the doors must have been filled in.
Are the doors 63 ,
Old 09-30-2015, 08:44 PM
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Originally Posted by rtruman
Did you notice the inserts behind the doors must have been filled in.
Are the doors 63 ,
Yes. I am going to have to recreate those. Also the front side fender vents are not correct as well. The hood is wrong as well.

I was assuming the doors were from a 1963. Do you see anything that would show you otherwise?

Thanks - Matt
Old 09-30-2015, 08:58 PM
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I like the canvas!
Old 09-30-2015, 10:51 PM
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Default 1963 Doors

What are the differences if any between 1963 Corvette doors and other
midyear Corvettes doors?
Old 10-01-2015, 06:18 AM
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The 63 doors have raised areas where the handles attach ,63 only
How did you get the windows out with out removing the stainless.
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Old 10-01-2015, 11:27 AM
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Originally Posted by rtruman
The 63 doors have raised areas where the handles attach ,63 only
How did you get the windows out with out removing the stainless.
Good to know. I will research what that looks like vs what I have and see. As for the glass, before I purchased, a limb fell on the rear glass and when the guy pulled out of the garage, I believe a chair fell from some shelves shattering the front windshield. the door glass is great
Old 10-01-2015, 02:07 PM
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Poorhousenext
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Originally Posted by TNVettGuy
Good to know. I will research what that looks like vs what I have and see. As for the glass, before I purchased, a limb fell on the rear glass and when the guy pulled out of the garage, I believe a chair fell from some shelves shattering the front windshield. the door glass is great
It's easy to tell, the door handle doesn't sit on door skin. Picture below shows them.

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Old 10-01-2015, 02:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Poorhousenext
It's easy to tell, the door handle doesn't sit on door skin. Picture below shows them.
Perfect. Thanks! Just checked mine. Looks like I have a 1963 door!

Old 01-01-2016, 08:33 PM
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Now that Mike at SRIII told me they are starting on my chassis, I better get to tearing down this car. I have gutted the interior including the doors (took the picture prior to door tear down). I am getting some lifts installed at the house next week so I can get this project into high gear. I have decided on the following:

Engine - LS3 480 HP
Transmission - T56 6 speed
Read End - Camaro ZL1 rear end
Brakes - Willwood

I just got my 2016 Z06 wheels in. They are incredible. When the chassis comes in, I will mount and take pic. Trying to keep myself organized but hen you are excited about a build, sometimes you get a little sidetracked.

I did find one hit area after I tore out the interior. It is between the passengers door and the rear end. Does not look too bad to cut out and get looking normal.

Old 01-01-2016, 09:09 PM
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I'll be following along. I was going to do this at one point but got sidetracked.

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Old 01-01-2016, 09:38 PM
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Great I will follow also
Old 01-01-2016, 10:07 PM
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I have too many projects...I need to get back on my '63 SWC.......same deal with SRIII chassis, LS7 with Kinsler cross ram, T-56, c4 front and rear....Stainless works exhaust.....
Old 01-21-2016, 01:16 AM
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Mike @ srii just sent these. The chassis is looking great. C5/C6 setup with a Camaro ZL1 rear end. This will allow for me to use the stock quarters in the rear without a quick change. The body is ready to come off the old frame and the chrome is ready to go get rechromed. Hope to soda blast the body in a few weeks.













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