What to do
05-18-2017, 06:46 AM
#1
Team Owner
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What to do
OK, here is the hypothetical situation (prompted by me actually looking at a car like this).
Suppose one of us is considering the purchase of a 64 convertible.
The car is a 250hp, automatic, AM radio, and no other option car. The original color paint (one repaint) is decent looking from 5 feet away.
Not exceptionally desirable, but you get the idea.
So, the plan is to turn this car into a decent performing (up the horsepower) automatic trans car with P/S, P/B, and A/C. All add on stuff, with no real consideration of originality.
The justification is that if 1) the car is not a matching number correct original engine car, or 2) the car has taken some hits in it's past and the repair work is evident (by looking underneath).
The problem is that 1) the car is a correct matching number, correct engine car, and 2) the body is a no hit body, and 3) there is no rust to speak of.
So we have an extremely original car, with a no hit body, and no real "originality" issues.
How do you bring yourself to modify a nice original car like this?
so, do you:
1. Say it's my car,I'll do what I want, and then modify it as you please (heck, it's not like I am destroying a "valuable" original car).
OR
2. Sell it and find a car more appropriate to the modifications you want to make.
Inquiring minds....
Suppose one of us is considering the purchase of a 64 convertible.
The car is a 250hp, automatic, AM radio, and no other option car. The original color paint (one repaint) is decent looking from 5 feet away.
Not exceptionally desirable, but you get the idea.
So, the plan is to turn this car into a decent performing (up the horsepower) automatic trans car with P/S, P/B, and A/C. All add on stuff, with no real consideration of originality.
The justification is that if 1) the car is not a matching number correct original engine car, or 2) the car has taken some hits in it's past and the repair work is evident (by looking underneath).
The problem is that 1) the car is a correct matching number, correct engine car, and 2) the body is a no hit body, and 3) there is no rust to speak of.
So we have an extremely original car, with a no hit body, and no real "originality" issues.
How do you bring yourself to modify a nice original car like this?
so, do you:
1. Say it's my car,I'll do what I want, and then modify it as you please (heck, it's not like I am destroying a "valuable" original car).
OR
2. Sell it and find a car more appropriate to the modifications you want to make.
Inquiring minds....
05-18-2017, 06:59 AM
#3
Race Director
Member Since: Oct 2004
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2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
2 gets my vote. I'm not a fan of hacking up original cars. IMO to sell it and find a more appropriate candidate to mod makes more sense.
05-18-2017, 07:01 AM
#4
Drifting
A lot of the stuff you are talking about can be bolted on with no permanent damage to the car. Save the old parts and let the next owner decide if they want to bring it back to original.
Gerry
Gerry
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ragedout (05-29-2021)
05-18-2017, 07:20 AM
#7
Drifting
A no hit body makes it a rare bird and price of admission, OE is icing on the cake. Do nothing to diminish its intrinsic value....unless you hate corvettes.
05-18-2017, 07:43 AM
#8
Team Owner
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Remove the engine and trans and store them, put in a crate 350 and TH350, and P/S. P/B and A/C. No permanent modifications.
The original colors (Silver Blue w/ dark blue interior) are not hideous, and the paint looks good enough to leave it this way. Interior could use a bit of help.
05-18-2017, 08:04 AM
#9
Melting Slicks
there is a lot of thing not answered.
1- If you own the car. then you know its history that is a better starting point then buying something you don't know.
2- Is it about money at the end or fun. if its money I guess stock. If your keeping it to have fun make it for that.
3- I would think if left stock you would not drive it as much as if you
were to upgrade it.
4- If you keep the body stock and the interior stock and did all the changes you listed keep in mind putting disc breaks and a split master cylinder in for safety. If you were to sell it you would get a bigger buying group.
It is hard for me not to say change it. There is nothing left untouched on my 65 but the doors and the interior but I just love the look of a C2 inside. To me it looks custom. What ever you do you want to do it for you not anybody else. I never plan on selling mine so I'm good with all I did.
1- If you own the car. then you know its history that is a better starting point then buying something you don't know.
2- Is it about money at the end or fun. if its money I guess stock. If your keeping it to have fun make it for that.
3- I would think if left stock you would not drive it as much as if you
were to upgrade it.
4- If you keep the body stock and the interior stock and did all the changes you listed keep in mind putting disc breaks and a split master cylinder in for safety. If you were to sell it you would get a bigger buying group.
It is hard for me not to say change it. There is nothing left untouched on my 65 but the doors and the interior but I just love the look of a C2 inside. To me it looks custom. What ever you do you want to do it for you not anybody else. I never plan on selling mine so I'm good with all I did.
Last edited by FINWOLF; 05-18-2017 at 08:05 AM.
05-18-2017, 08:50 AM
#10
Team Owner
Its the age old question...some stop at adding radial tires and halogen headlights, of course then they consider LED tail lights a better sound system, etc.. Its a slippery slope.
Others assuage themselves that the mods they are doing are reversible....mostly BS. I guarantee you that there are almost NO cars whose owners have installed Vintage Air air conditioning that have taken them back to original. But if it makes the owners feel better so be it. Now, having said that, I've had my Detroit Speed headlight conversion in and out twice, swapping in the original motors/wiring...
Then there is the whole fender flare, plexiglass headlight covers, 6 tail light crowd.
NOBODY on here can tell you what you will eventually wind up doing..
My SWC took a 93% regional Second Flight award after I put everything back to original except the aftermarket A/C. THEN, I put all the mods back on the car so it was a pleasurable driver and never looked back.
Others assuage themselves that the mods they are doing are reversible....mostly BS. I guarantee you that there are almost NO cars whose owners have installed Vintage Air air conditioning that have taken them back to original. But if it makes the owners feel better so be it. Now, having said that, I've had my Detroit Speed headlight conversion in and out twice, swapping in the original motors/wiring...
Then there is the whole fender flare, plexiglass headlight covers, 6 tail light crowd.
NOBODY on here can tell you what you will eventually wind up doing..
My SWC took a 93% regional Second Flight award after I put everything back to original except the aftermarket A/C. THEN, I put all the mods back on the car so it was a pleasurable driver and never looked back.
05-18-2017, 10:24 AM
#11
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Oct 2007
Location: Richmond Kentucky
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2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2021 C2 of the Year Winner - Modified
2021 C1 of the Year Winner - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year (stock)
C2 of Year Winner (stock) 2019
2017 C1 of the Year Finalist
This is my matching number 67 coupe, L-79, all original drivetrain, no hit car originally delivered to Harry Mann Chevy in LA. I converted it to an L-88 tribute with a 427 aluminum ZL-1 engine, all the correct L-88 parts AND a real 36 gallon tank. I retained ALL the original parts and the car can be converted back to original within a few days. I enjoyed the car with the L-79 and I now enjoy it as the L-88 tribute................. when I can.
Life is short.......................and getting shorter each day. Enjoy and make every day count.
Rex
Life is short.......................and getting shorter each day. Enjoy and make every day count.Rex
Last edited by Dr L-88; 05-18-2017 at 10:27 AM.
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RJ1 (05-18-2017)
05-18-2017, 10:28 AM
#12
Safety Car
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Location: Sarver Pa
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2021 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Sounds to me like a good car to start with. There's a lot of junk out there. It's a lot more fun to be able to drive a car, have fun with it and make changes as you go. Better than years long projects.
05-18-2017, 01:03 PM
#13
Team Owner
OK, here is the hypothetical situation (prompted by me actually looking at a car like this).
Suppose one of us is considering the purchase of a 64 convertible.
The car is a 250hp, automatic, AM radio, and no other option car. The original color paint (one repaint) is decent looking from 5 feet away.
Not exceptionally desirable, but you get the idea.
So, the plan is to turn this car into a decent performing (up the horsepower) automatic trans car with P/S, P/B, and A/C. All add on stuff, with no real consideration of originality.
The justification is that if 1) the car is not a matching number correct original engine car, or 2) the car has taken some hits in it's past and the repair work is evident (by looking underneath).
The problem is that 1) the car is a correct matching number, correct engine car, and 2) the body is a no hit body, and 3) there is no rust to speak of.
So we have an extremely original car, with a no hit body, and no real "originality" issues.
How do you bring yourself to modify a nice original car like this?
so, do you:
1. Say it's my car,I'll do what I want, and then modify it as you please (heck, it's not like I am destroying a "valuable" original car).
OR
2. Sell it and find a car more appropriate to the modifications you want to make.
Inquiring minds....
Suppose one of us is considering the purchase of a 64 convertible.
The car is a 250hp, automatic, AM radio, and no other option car. The original color paint (one repaint) is decent looking from 5 feet away.
Not exceptionally desirable, but you get the idea.
So, the plan is to turn this car into a decent performing (up the horsepower) automatic trans car with P/S, P/B, and A/C. All add on stuff, with no real consideration of originality.
The justification is that if 1) the car is not a matching number correct original engine car, or 2) the car has taken some hits in it's past and the repair work is evident (by looking underneath).
The problem is that 1) the car is a correct matching number, correct engine car, and 2) the body is a no hit body, and 3) there is no rust to speak of.
So we have an extremely original car, with a no hit body, and no real "originality" issues.
How do you bring yourself to modify a nice original car like this?
so, do you:
1. Say it's my car,I'll do what I want, and then modify it as you please (heck, it's not like I am destroying a "valuable" original car).
OR
2. Sell it and find a car more appropriate to the modifications you want to make.
Inquiring minds....
And then I will answer for it at the pearly gates!
On my 3rd Corvette, it is a 43K 1968 basically just needing paint and it already has the L88 stuff on it and I am picking out a real heavy flake to my eye friendly purple paint for it!
Last edited by TCracingCA; 05-18-2017 at 01:10 PM.
05-18-2017, 01:28 PM
#14
Racer
Resto Mod
I was hunting for a donor car and did find a numbers matching 64. I just couldn't bring my self to resto mod a car that had the original block. I didn't look for originality in other pieces, so I passed. I did finally find a 64 without an original engine that I would one day resto mod. I have a 65 that has the original block and transmission that wasn't in it when I bought it but came with the car. That one I added a ZZ427, tremec 5 speed, R&P, but is all bolt on stuff that can be brought back to somewhat original as far as numbers. If the 65 had the original motor still in it I don't think I would have done it.
05-18-2017, 01:29 PM
#15
Safety Car
OK, here is the hypothetical situation (prompted by me actually looking at a car like this).
Suppose one of us is considering the purchase of a 64 convertible.
The car is a 250hp, automatic, AM radio, and no other option car. The original color paint (one repaint) is decent looking from 5 feet away.
Not exceptionally desirable, but you get the idea.
So, the plan is to turn this car into a decent performing (up the horsepower) automatic trans car with P/S, P/B, and A/C. All add on stuff, with no real consideration of originality.
The justification is that if 1) the car is not a matching number correct original engine car, or 2) the car has taken some hits in it's past and the repair work is evident (by looking underneath).
The problem is that 1) the car is a correct matching number, correct engine car, and 2) the body is a no hit body, and 3) there is no rust to speak of.
So we have an extremely original car, with a no hit body, and no real "originality" issues.
How do you bring yourself to modify a nice original car like this?
so, do you:
1. Say it's my car,I'll do what I want, and then modify it as you please (heck, it's not like I am destroying a "valuable" original car).
OR
2. Sell it and find a car more appropriate to the modifications you want to make.
Inquiring minds....
Suppose one of us is considering the purchase of a 64 convertible.
The car is a 250hp, automatic, AM radio, and no other option car. The original color paint (one repaint) is decent looking from 5 feet away.
Not exceptionally desirable, but you get the idea.
So, the plan is to turn this car into a decent performing (up the horsepower) automatic trans car with P/S, P/B, and A/C. All add on stuff, with no real consideration of originality.
The justification is that if 1) the car is not a matching number correct original engine car, or 2) the car has taken some hits in it's past and the repair work is evident (by looking underneath).
The problem is that 1) the car is a correct matching number, correct engine car, and 2) the body is a no hit body, and 3) there is no rust to speak of.
So we have an extremely original car, with a no hit body, and no real "originality" issues.
How do you bring yourself to modify a nice original car like this?
so, do you:
1. Say it's my car,I'll do what I want, and then modify it as you please (heck, it's not like I am destroying a "valuable" original car).
OR
2. Sell it and find a car more appropriate to the modifications you want to make.
Inquiring minds....
1. Are you paying a premium for the no hit original car.
2. I assume that the mods are all "reversible" and minimum to no cutting involved.
If it were me, I'd make the car what I wanted, as long as you didn't pay too much extra for the originality. The whole point of this hobby is to enjoy yourself. Life is too short and getting shorter every day. If your NCRS-itis is getting the better of you, remember that all or most of the less desirable Corvettes (as well as all others), except for those in museums, will be junked/dismantled by our descendants some day.
Last edited by 65tripleblack; 05-18-2017 at 01:30 PM.
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05-18-2017, 01:43 PM
#16
Team Owner
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This is where I am leaning as well.
Remove the engine and trans and store them, put in a crate 350 and TH350, and P/S. P/B and A/C. No permanent modifications.
The original colors (Silver Blue w/ dark blue interior) are not hideous, and the paint looks good enough to leave it this way. Interior could use a bit of help.
Remove the engine and trans and store them, put in a crate 350 and TH350, and P/S. P/B and A/C. No permanent modifications.
The original colors (Silver Blue w/ dark blue interior) are not hideous, and the paint looks good enough to leave it this way. Interior could use a bit of help.
05-18-2017, 03:06 PM
#17
Race Director
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C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Don't do a thing to it. If you are concerned about ruining an original car that someone would lust after advertise it for sale and see how sought after it is. If someone is in love with it enough to make you an offer you can live with and allow you to find a car you have no problem modifying then everyone is happy. If there are no decent offers then to me that indicates it is not that big of a deal to people and carry on with your plan. Sure there are people that have already responded telling you "don't do it" but are they willing to buy it?
05-18-2017, 03:28 PM
#18
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Two questions:
1. Are you paying a premium for the no hit original car.
2. I assume that the mods are all "reversible" and minimum to no cutting involved.
If it were me, I'd make the car what I wanted, as long as you didn't pay too much extra for the originality. The whole point of this hobby is to enjoy yourself. Life is too short and getting shorter every day. If your NCRS-itis is getting the better of you, remember that all or most of the less desirable Corvettes (as well as all others), except for those in museums, will be junked/dismantled by our descendants some day.
1. Are you paying a premium for the no hit original car.
2. I assume that the mods are all "reversible" and minimum to no cutting involved.
If it were me, I'd make the car what I wanted, as long as you didn't pay too much extra for the originality. The whole point of this hobby is to enjoy yourself. Life is too short and getting shorter every day. If your NCRS-itis is getting the better of you, remember that all or most of the less desirable Corvettes (as well as all others), except for those in museums, will be junked/dismantled by our descendants some day.
No mods that involve cutting the body would be made.
One other factor ... I cannot signifcantly decrease the value of the car. No telling how long I will have it.
Last edited by emccomas; 05-18-2017 at 03:31 PM.
05-18-2017, 03:43 PM
#20
Race Director
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I'm in this camp. Who am I to violate a piece of history that has survived for the past 53 years unmolested? With any luck, it will still have all of its integrity when I'm long gone, and be preserved for future generations. Ever try to track down an unmodified '40 Ford coupe?