Bnowill10

Hello All,


My father passed away a couple weeks ago at the young age of 62. He left his pride and joy with me to and some day pass along to the next generation. As I always try to find the good in the bad... for all the wrong reasons, I'm now proud to be in the elite club of Corvette owners! With that being sad I'm in search of some history on "his pride and joy". I have attached a picture of the tags and the vehicle. I did some research as to what trim and color the car was originally, but that's about it. Any help with its options and the always asked question "was it a big block" would be greatly appreciated. What I can add is that the car does have the 6500rpm redline gauge and im not sure if the tank sticker is still on the vehicle. My dad has had the car for around 37 years and had it redone (mainly paint) some 35 years ago. The paint and chrome are starting to show their age. But then again this was never a trailer queen, he drove it with pride... Since the car doesn't have the 427/435 in it currently. What would be the step to restore the motor to honor my fathers passing. Numbers matching is out and I get that... but should I locate a big block with the correct casting numbers for the car from 1967 and build from there... or is there a better suggestion.


Thanks guys and gals
Sincerely,
Bryan a new elite Corvette club member!

jimh_1962

I am so sorry.

TCracingCA

I hope you will be as cool as your Dad's car and your Dad! I lost mine this year, but already have three cars of my own! He signed his car over prior to my brother in a time of death transfer thru the DMV, because he at the end had the closest relationship and had lost his 1967 Porsche 911 owned 35 years!

It is being kept original by us! With no plans to sell. But to enjoy as a memory! I was working on a biography of his life and stories for the family genealogy while I can still remember!

If it runs enjoy it! Guys that want to restore it, bother me because that usually leads to making a profit from his generosity and it gets sold instead of cherished!

Maybe the Vin shows in a registry, if your Dad did that! The trim tag only shows the colors and that it had Standard vinyl interior! You need to find paperwork to determine if it was an original big block! A knowledge guy can look it over and make an educated guess about that, but the paperwork is what is important!

Bnowill10

Thanks.... I have no plans to ever sell that's not what its about. I'd also like to add the front bumper back but I'm not sure if I could, because I don't know if it would fit and im not sure if the wheels are flared. Another question that came to mind... what is it worth? priceless I know... but I need a value to insure against any idea on the value would also be appreciated!

AkrHack

Im sorry for the loss of your Dad. Both the front and rear fenders are flared. That shouldn't effect the fit of the split front bumpers from what I can see from your pictures.

TCracingCA

Heck definitely insure it as if it was. 427/435! Declared value policy! They usually want to check on that, but us Corvette guys know more than Hagerty or the others! So far, I have never heard of them wanting an engine tear down to verify!

TCracingCA

Heck definitely insure it as if it was. 427/435! Agreed value policy! They usually want to check on that, but us Corvette guys know more than Hagerty or the others! So far, I have never heard of them wanting an engine tear down to verify!

Uou need to show us a picture of his/your engine to tell you more! Does it have tri-carbs? Also the lower hp car had tri carbs too!

SDVette

Sorry for your loss. I inherited my '61 when my Dad passed away 5 years ago. I have found restoring and driving the car to be very therapeutic in dealing with the loss.

Welcome to the forum.. You will find a bunch of great guys with a wealth of information here.

Fred

427Hotrod

Also sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. But it sounds like he passed along some good traits where you'll enjoy "his" car for years to come.

As mentioned...all fenders are flared. The rears on my car also and I like it. Bumper shouldn't be too tough except it looks like they shaved the park lights and added them to grille in the holes the bumper brackets go through. Rather than do a bunch of body work to put them back, maybe install some small LED park/turn signals in/behind the grille?

What engine is in it now? Does it run OK? It all depends on what you plan to do with it. If starting from scratch I wouldn't bother with numbers stuff or even a 427 unless I just stumbled into one. As much as I love them...a 496 is easier to build these days and allows for great power and manners. CK out Mark Jones at Vortecpro.com. He build some killer engines for great prices. Much better than a crate anything will ever be.

Keep us up to date!


JIM

warrenmj

If the car runs and drives we'll, I would just enjoy it as-is for a year or two as you learn more about Corvettes. That way you don't jump in too quick and do something you may later regret. Post questions to the forum and do a lot of searches and your knowledge will grow quickly, all the while enjoying your Dad's car

SupremeDeluxe

Sorry to hear about your loss.

Great car you have, please post more pictures and we can help interpret the details that would suggest it's original engine configuration.

856666

Hello Bryan,

Best wishes to you and your family, I too lost my father, last October.

He left you with a wonderful reminder of him that you can enjoy as is or restored.

See the attachment information from your Vin and Body tag.

Phil

856666

I just noticed, your car turned 50 this month

Celebrate with a drive

Phil

Dave Tracy

My condolences to you regarding your father. I lost mine in 2008 and still miss him. In 1970, he bought me my '64 as a bribe to stay in school. I am restoring it now. I am reminded of him every time I look at the car.

dahogan

I am sorry to hear about your dad. Welcome to the club and enjoy her while you can.

Bluestripe67

Sorry to know your dad passed away, but the memories will not. Good thoughts above. A key asset in owning one of these cars is patience. Enjoy it as is, there is a lot to learn about the personality of it. Get used to the power and respect it, otherwise, it can get you in a lot of trouble. Compared to car today, its a dinosaur. The engine you now have may be way more than you need for fun driving. Enjoy the ride! Dennis

Bnowill10

Thanks for the kind words you all. The car has a 5 year old 350 HO crate motor in it now. Runs good... but I really want to know if it was a 427/435 car and restore it to that. Not saying tommorw but over the years! What info can I help provide for someone to take a stab at the original engine size? PS this form is awesome... many nice and educated corvette fans!

856666

see this post

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...t-a-phony.html

Phil

Bnowill10

Keep It coming this is very helpful. I'll take some pic of the real axle and gauge cluster if tomorrow. Sounds like that info will be helpful

corvetteed

w/this 100%. Do not do anything but drive it this year. You'll see by hanging out w/other Corvette guys at shows just what you might want to do, or not do. You'll get a better idea of what you like.

Sorry for the passing of your father. My condolences.