hikerneil

I know this question is impossible to answer, and that everyone has their own answer, but I will ask it anyway....

I own a 1965 convertible and I intend to keep it for a long time. I love the car, the year, the lines, the blue exterior and the blue interior - for me it is a car that's just perfect. That said, it's not perfect.

I am considering making some changes to the car to make it more driveable and dependable and comfortable, but I absolutely want to retain the original look of the car. I know that other owners have been thru this journey and I wonder what their recommendations are for what to do and what not to do.

For instance, I recently added power brakes and l love that change. I am considering some improvements to the suspension - but before I start that work I thought I would post here and tap on the experience from others. I'm in no hurry as I plan to have the car for a long time.

Again, I know there is no right answer to this question. There will be the purists who say I am foolish to make any changes, and there will be others who prefer a total resto-mod approach. I would just like to hear what others say are absolutely the best changes to make - given that I want to retain the original look from the outside.

Thanks.

AZDoug

Whats your budget?

$10K? $50K $100K? $150K. We can help you spend as much of your money as you want.

Doug

Nowhere Man

These cars I think are perfect in 99% stock form expect bias tires. Add radials and they drive perfect. But every system has to be rebuilt to OEM specs with no wore out parts

skids

Borgeson power steering, good tires,Global West bushings.

Rob_64-365

That is an incredible looking C2!! I am alwaus torn by this decision as well, and have stuck with originality for some reason. It is yours to do whatever you want to it, slippery slope...

Nowhere Man

If he’s spoiled from driving new cars especially newer high end European cars he will never be happy with 1960’s tech

hikerneil

For the record, I am 57 and I have had the car about a year or so. I have owned various fun cars over the years (1970 Challenger, a few modern 911's, and some others), but I just love this car and I feel I will own it longer than my normal holding period. I have NO expectation to make this car in to a modern 911 type car.

I definitely have no interest in a $100K resto-mod approach, but I would like to make a few changes and am wondering what others recommend.

Thanks.

GTOguy

What changes are you contemplating and for what reasons? I read the original post and can't tell if you want to add a trailer hitch, big speakers, or a racing engine.

Nowhere Man

I would recommend driving it with all new rubber suspension components front and back with a good radial tire. You might be surprised how well it does. Also get your steering box professional rebuilt. That makes a huge diffreance

Tampa Jerry

I can only tell you what changes I have made. I added P/S, P/B,A/C, Stereo radio and a Tremec 5 speed to my vette. My 66 black/black coupe is now enjoyable to drive in the heat of the summer on the expressway. When I was 19 and drove my 68 without any of the above, I was a happy guy. As I got older, driving without the options became a hassle, especially here in Florida. By the way, I added the above to my 68 as well. You only live once. Jerry

Tom Austin

I'll second the Global West bushings, good radial tires and Steeroids rack & pinion steering!!!

Lotsacubes

If you cruise for hours at the time on roads allowing more than 55, a TKO with .64 OD is a huge step up in enjoyment. The 36% reduction in revs was worth every penny.... particularly with side pipes. Then again mine has 3.70's. Guarantee you won't regret it ('course my guarantee is worthless). The Muncie will be in a box for my lifetime.

Beautiful car by the way.

gbvette62

How and why do you want to change it? Are you trying to improve the handling, or the ride, or do you just want to tinker and make some changes for the heck of it?

A good set of adjustable shocks, would probably be my first upgrade (after radials).

A lot of people like to switch to the fiberglass rear springs, though I'm not one of them. They will improve the ride, without effecting the handling, but they've also been known to have some longevity issues.

Poly bushings will tighten your suspension up, and may improve handling, but they also tend to squeak, ride harder and often have a short life. My personal opinion is that if you plan to autocross your car, consider the poly bushings, otherwise I think they're a waist of money. Just adding fresh rubber bushing, may have a positive effect on your car's handling.

Rear sway bars are also a popular upgrade, but to get the most out of one, a corresponding larger front bar should be added to.

Even if you already have stock power steering, the Borgeson power steering kit will improve the steering feel and road feedback. The Borgeson kit requires shortening the original column, so I like the idea of using a new aftermarket column, with Borgeson steering box, like the 63-66 tilt column available from Flaming River.

MikeM

Absent any direction from the OP about what his objectives and budget are, I would suggest he get rid of that horrible blue exterior color and install an interior color consistent with the chosen replacement exterior color.

Other than that, I'd do something to make sure the engine idled a little rough and sounded like a Corvette is supposed to sound like.

Just my opinion of course.

65Bob-bo

Don't know how hot your summer weather is but Vintage Air worked well for my '65.

J.Moore

The difference in 40 years of technology is exactly why I enjoy my stock 65 SB Coupe. No A/C, no PS, but does have PB and radial tires. It's old school and that's what makes it unique. I wouldn't change a thing on it. I still listen to the old 6x9 single speaker in the dash. Don't need no teenage stereo with subs.

If I want to enjoy newer technology I jump in my C6. Best of both worlds.

Twan Sloot

same overhere I just got some good radial tires and nothing else. the only power option is steering, love the way it drives. Also use the original 6x9 to listen to the radio

sixtysixtom

Same here. Radial tires and upgraded the original radio to transistor and a dual cone 6x9 speaker. Mostly I just listen to the side pipes. No PB,ps,or ac

Tom

JRRHINO

OHSIXX

You have a beautiful corvette. The color is very attractive. I like it.

Some good ideas above. I have done many things to my car.

Upgrading the headlight doors made me smile the most. In fact, I laughed out loud the first time they opened after installing Detroit Speed Electric Headlight Doors. I have the DS Electric Wipers too.

The Tremec is pricy, but changes the car in a big way. I also love big tires.

GM left room for much improvement on these cars. Have fun.