Would you rather - original and matching number or modified C1
12-22-2018, 03:29 AM
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Member Since: Apr 2018
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Would you rather - original and matching number or modified C1
As I unfortunately haven’t yet had the privilege to drive a c1 and I’m imbarking in purchasing one soon - wanted to get peoples options.
I want ant to be able to take the car out and obviously enjoy it and currently have found two. One is all original matching number 1959 single barrel with power glide. All mechanicals have been overhauled and rebuilt.
The other is a 1960 which has been upgraded with a 327ci with electronic points, 2 speed power glide and disc brakes etc.
what way would people go???
I want ant to be able to take the car out and obviously enjoy it and currently have found two. One is all original matching number 1959 single barrel with power glide. All mechanicals have been overhauled and rebuilt.
The other is a 1960 which has been upgraded with a 327ci with electronic points, 2 speed power glide and disc brakes etc.
what way would people go???
Popular Reply
12-22-2018, 07:32 AM
Race Director
Member Since: Feb 2007
Location: northern california
Posts: 13,613
Received 6,530 Likes
on
3,004 Posts
C2 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
I agree with Frankie on both his points.
Catalog-engineered cars with "upgrades" scare me. There is a risk that the "engineering" behind the "upgrades" neglected one or more important parameters and will fail. Too, the quality of the install depends on the skill of the person doing the work, always a big unknown.
I trust the original engineering which went into these cars. I'm not saying it reflects modern thinking because it obviously doesn't. But it does reflect the careful consideration of the engineers of the day and they were really sharp individuals.
Jim
Catalog-engineered cars with "upgrades" scare me. There is a risk that the "engineering" behind the "upgrades" neglected one or more important parameters and will fail. Too, the quality of the install depends on the skill of the person doing the work, always a big unknown.
I trust the original engineering which went into these cars. I'm not saying it reflects modern thinking because it obviously doesn't. But it does reflect the careful consideration of the engineers of the day and they were really sharp individuals.
Jim
12-22-2018, 04:49 AM
#2
Team Owner
??? I'm not hearing much difference between the two except the larger motor will hae a little more umph....
Electronic points are a wash. If it was a coin toss I'd rather have the original car all day long - no brainer for me...
Electronic points are a wash. If it was a coin toss I'd rather have the original car all day long - no brainer for me...
12-22-2018, 07:32 AM
#3
Race Director
Member Since: Feb 2007
Location: northern california
Posts: 13,613
Received 6,530 Likes
on
3,004 Posts
C2 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
I agree with Frankie on both his points.
Catalog-engineered cars with "upgrades" scare me. There is a risk that the "engineering" behind the "upgrades" neglected one or more important parameters and will fail. Too, the quality of the install depends on the skill of the person doing the work, always a big unknown.
I trust the original engineering which went into these cars. I'm not saying it reflects modern thinking because it obviously doesn't. But it does reflect the careful consideration of the engineers of the day and they were really sharp individuals.
Jim
Catalog-engineered cars with "upgrades" scare me. There is a risk that the "engineering" behind the "upgrades" neglected one or more important parameters and will fail. Too, the quality of the install depends on the skill of the person doing the work, always a big unknown.
I trust the original engineering which went into these cars. I'm not saying it reflects modern thinking because it obviously doesn't. But it does reflect the careful consideration of the engineers of the day and they were really sharp individuals.
Jim
Last edited by jim lockwood; 12-22-2018 at 07:33 AM.
The following 9 users liked this post by jim lockwood:
ah53 (12-22-2018),
blue_74 (12-23-2018),
C.T. (12-22-2018),
jimgessner (12-22-2018),
leif.anderson93 (12-22-2018),
and 4 others liked this post.
12-22-2018, 07:54 AM
#4
Team Owner
Member Since: Feb 2003
Location: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
Posts: 49,010
Received 6,944 Likes
on
4,783 Posts
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
I agree with Frankie on both his points.
Catalog-engineered cars with "upgrades" scare me. There is a risk that the "engineering" behind the "upgrades" neglected one or more important parameters and will fail. Too, the quality of the install depends on the skill of the person doing the work, always a big unknown.
I trust the original engineering which went into these cars. I'm not saying it reflects modern thinking because it obviously doesn't. But it does reflect the careful consideration of the engineers of the day and they were really sharp individuals.
Jim
Catalog-engineered cars with "upgrades" scare me. There is a risk that the "engineering" behind the "upgrades" neglected one or more important parameters and will fail. Too, the quality of the install depends on the skill of the person doing the work, always a big unknown.
I trust the original engineering which went into these cars. I'm not saying it reflects modern thinking because it obviously doesn't. But it does reflect the careful consideration of the engineers of the day and they were really sharp individuals.
Jim
12-22-2018, 08:27 AM
#5
Drifting
Member Since: Jul 2010
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 1,274
Received 423 Likes
on
249 Posts
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (track prepared))
2019 C1 of Year Finalist (track prepared)
As Frankie, Jim, and Nowhere are saying, not much difference in the "enjoyability" of the two examples you cite. I'd pick the '59 because it's more original. Are you sure you want an automatic?
Some of the guys on here really don't like the way solid axle Corvettes drive. I always wonder how many cars they've been exposed to. If a solid axle Corvette has been maintained properly, it will drive much the same as a no power steering-brakes Sting Ray, as long as they're both running fresh radial tires. If the steering and front suspension are worn out or improperly adjusted they're a real handful, like every other old car. You don't know which you're going to get until you go and look at it and drive it. Even the restored cars are seemingly often put together by guys that never heard of a torque wrench, because they drive like crap if not properly assembled.
Real tall husky guys don't fit well in them. I'm 6'2" 195 and I fit fine in my '57.
Some of the guys on here really don't like the way solid axle Corvettes drive. I always wonder how many cars they've been exposed to. If a solid axle Corvette has been maintained properly, it will drive much the same as a no power steering-brakes Sting Ray, as long as they're both running fresh radial tires. If the steering and front suspension are worn out or improperly adjusted they're a real handful, like every other old car. You don't know which you're going to get until you go and look at it and drive it. Even the restored cars are seemingly often put together by guys that never heard of a torque wrench, because they drive like crap if not properly assembled.
Real tall husky guys don't fit well in them. I'm 6'2" 195 and I fit fine in my '57.
The following 2 users liked this post by Todd H.:
jimgessner (12-22-2018),
ptjsk (12-22-2018)
12-22-2018, 08:41 AM
#6
Race Director
Member Since: Apr 2016
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 10,683
Received 4,713 Likes
on
2,998 Posts
2023 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
If I am buying a C1, I would want the original car if possible
12-22-2018, 08:42 AM
#7
Race Director
Member Since: Nov 2003
Location: Cottonwood AZ
Posts: 10,698
Received 3,048 Likes
on
1,934 Posts
C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
You guys are making a big deal over a few mods between the two cars the OP listed. Simple upgrade to a 327, disc brakes and a distributor upgrade are not a big deal. Personally I would rather have the bigger engine and disc brakes. OP only asked for a pick of the two cars listed.
Last edited by 68hemi; 12-22-2018 at 08:43 AM.
The following users liked this post:
Roger Walling (12-23-2018)
12-22-2018, 08:49 AM
#8
Racer
This is key before you even drive one. When I was selling my 57, there was more than one potential buyer I had come by that I knew wouldn’t buy the car the second I saw him get out of his car. At 6’ 1” and 175 lb, I was okay, but bigger guys around the waist were not. 58-62 do have more room than 56-57.
12-22-2018, 10:03 AM
#9
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Jul 2018
Location: San Antonio, TX/Mahopac, NY
Posts: 8,382
Received 5,554 Likes
on
2,797 Posts
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C7 of the Year Winner - Modified
Depends on how you want to use it. If your primary plan is to be judged, only drive it to shows, and crave originality (stamping, markings, and everything as it was from the factory), then stay stock with the ‘59. If you plan on driving it regularly and it is more about the drive, handling and comfort, go with the ‘60.
Personally, my ‘61 was my daily driver, so an upgraded engine, overdrive tranny, power steering, power disc brakes, small steering wheel and more comfortable/roomy seats was mandatory. Same with my ‘64 today. If outward appearance is you primary concern and you want to drive it regularly, there are upgrades you can make that don’t change the outward appearance much if at all, yet improve the driving and safety experience substantially. Good luck!
Personally, my ‘61 was my daily driver, so an upgraded engine, overdrive tranny, power steering, power disc brakes, small steering wheel and more comfortable/roomy seats was mandatory. Same with my ‘64 today. If outward appearance is you primary concern and you want to drive it regularly, there are upgrades you can make that don’t change the outward appearance much if at all, yet improve the driving and safety experience substantially. Good luck!
The following users liked this post:
Roger Walling (12-23-2018)
12-22-2018, 11:05 AM
#10
Team Owner
Member Since: Feb 2003
Location: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
Posts: 49,010
Received 6,944 Likes
on
4,783 Posts
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
Depends on how you want to use it. If your primary plan is to be judged, only drive it to shows, and crave originality (stamping, markings, and everything as it was from the factory), then stay stock with the ‘59. If you plan on driving it regularly and it is more about the drive, handling and comfort, go with the ‘60.
Personally, my ‘61 was my daily driver, so an upgraded engine, overdrive tranny, power steering, power disc brakes, small steering wheel and more comfortable/roomy seats was mandatory. Same with my ‘64 today. If outward appearance is you primary concern and you want to drive it regularly, there are upgrades you can make that don’t change the outward appearance much if at all, yet improve the driving and safety experience substantially. Good luck!
Personally, my ‘61 was my daily driver, so an upgraded engine, overdrive tranny, power steering, power disc brakes, small steering wheel and more comfortable/roomy seats was mandatory. Same with my ‘64 today. If outward appearance is you primary concern and you want to drive it regularly, there are upgrades you can make that don’t change the outward appearance much if at all, yet improve the driving and safety experience substantially. Good luck!
Last edited by Nowhere Man; 12-22-2018 at 11:05 AM.
12-22-2018, 11:15 AM
#11
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Jul 2018
Location: San Antonio, TX/Mahopac, NY
Posts: 8,382
Received 5,554 Likes
on
2,797 Posts
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C7 of the Year Winner - Modified
Lol, you are a broken record at a time when records are obsolete.
12-22-2018, 11:16 AM
#12
Team Owner
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: altered state
Posts: 81,242
Received 3,043 Likes
on
2,602 Posts
St. Jude Donor '05
Youll have to drive both, you may fall in love with one...or neither.
As said "restored" means nothing if the work was done by a hack. THese are old cars and need to be looked after periodically
Buy what you really like..if youre doing it for $ or what others think youre not going to enjoy it at all. Stock, what color, options or not doesnt matter.
6'3 220 Ill probably never be able to fit in one.
As said "restored" means nothing if the work was done by a hack. THese are old cars and need to be looked after periodically
Buy what you really like..if youre doing it for $ or what others think youre not going to enjoy it at all. Stock, what color, options or not doesnt matter.
6'3 220 Ill probably never be able to fit in one.
Last edited by cv67; 12-22-2018 at 11:17 AM.
12-22-2018, 11:18 AM
#13
Safety Car
Member Since: Apr 2001
Location: Sarver Pa
Posts: 4,570
Received 784 Likes
on
536 Posts
2021 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I myself would take the upgraded one . My 60 has lots of power and needs lots of stopping ability, but let's not start that pissing war about drum vs disc brakes AGAIN. "To each his own" I like Hot Rods !
12-22-2018, 11:22 AM
#14
Team Owner
Member Since: Feb 2003
Location: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
Posts: 49,010
Received 6,944 Likes
on
4,783 Posts
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
records are making a come back weather you believe it or not. But why do you find that funny. How did all those new car owners drive those cars new when they didn’t know any better. I will admit I am spoiled by new cars but when it comes to driving old cars I enjoy the simplicity that comes with it.
12-22-2018, 11:45 AM
#15
Safety Car
This is key before you even drive one. When I was selling my 57, there was more than one potential buyer I had come by that I knew wouldn’t buy the car the second I saw him get out of his car. At 6’ 1” and 175 lb, I was okay, but bigger guys around the waist were not. 58-62 do have more room than 56-57.
12-22-2018, 11:56 AM
#16
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Jul 2018
Location: San Antonio, TX/Mahopac, NY
Posts: 8,382
Received 5,554 Likes
on
2,797 Posts
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C7 of the Year Winner - Modified
records are making a come back weather you believe it or not. But why do you find that funny. How did all those new car owners drive those cars new when they didn’t know any better. I will admit I am spoiled by new cars but when it comes to driving old cars I enjoy the simplicity that comes with it.
You and I represent two ends of this hobby. What was good enough in the 60’s is not good enough for me today. We are both aligned that these are great vehicles, but I believe if I can add modern performance, comfort and safety while preserving the beauty of the original design I should do it. The GM designers in the ‘60 were limited by the technology of the time. I am not. We both show our position across multiple threads where you question anyone who wants to change or upgrade from original and I encourage people to pursue their own originality. Your response is predictably, “If you want modern performance and comfort, buy a modern car.” This position completely misses the point. The design, the simplicity, and the rawness of the experience can be preserved while making the car yours and unique in its own way to please your personal vision. It is not about either/or, it is about both.
The following 3 users liked this post by Factoid:
12-22-2018, 12:23 PM
#17
Team Owner
Member Since: Feb 2003
Location: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
Posts: 49,010
Received 6,944 Likes
on
4,783 Posts
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
No but to tell people these cars are no fun in stock form is where I have a problem. I agree you can make these cars into anything your bank account can pay for. But not everyone wants a reto mod and not everyone wants a stock car. I get that. But let people figure that on there own by getting a base line of what stock is. My biggest regret on my Chevelle is I never drove one without power steering, power brakes and disk brakes. But I added all that to mine. If I driven it without all that I might not ever needed to up grade. I driven Corvettes with both and I could care less either way. And your responses are predecitble too. So let’s agree to disagree. But there is plenty of room in this hobby for both guys like us. We just need to respect OUR opinions
Last edited by Nowhere Man; 12-22-2018 at 12:24 PM.
The following users liked this post:
Roger Walling (12-23-2018)
12-22-2018, 12:29 PM
#18
Team Owner
The C1 in original trim is truly like driving a "fast tractor"
That was the allure of it in my '61.... I'm C1-sized at well under 6' and 175lbs with my shoes on....it does make a difference...
I won't get into the urinary competition about engines, but as I stated, gimme the original motor over the "mystery mill" that may or may not be a dog or have cobbled together parts....
There is the consideration of future value and I would think, all else being equal, the original car is the better expenditure of funds... But opinions are like......mmm....what's that saying again ?
That was the allure of it in my '61.... I'm C1-sized at well under 6' and 175lbs with my shoes on....it does make a difference...
I won't get into the urinary competition about engines, but as I stated, gimme the original motor over the "mystery mill" that may or may not be a dog or have cobbled together parts....
There is the consideration of future value and I would think, all else being equal, the original car is the better expenditure of funds... But opinions are like......mmm....what's that saying again ?
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; 12-22-2018 at 12:30 PM.
12-22-2018, 12:59 PM
#19
Pro
Here's my 2 cent.
I would not buy a vette with a power glide transmission again unless I was unable to drive a manual. For me, driving a sports or muscle car with a manual is a much better driving experience and may be harder to sell in the future.
if the car is not completely original you won't feel guilty about making performance and safety upgrades.
I would not buy a vette with a power glide transmission again unless I was unable to drive a manual. For me, driving a sports or muscle car with a manual is a much better driving experience and may be harder to sell in the future.
if the car is not completely original you won't feel guilty about making performance and safety upgrades.
12-22-2018, 01:08 PM
#20
Administrator
Member Since: Jul 2000
Location: About 1100 miles from where I call home. Blue lives matter.
Posts: 51,422
Received 5,331 Likes
on
2,775 Posts
As I unfortunately haven’t yet had the privilege to drive a c1 and I’m imbarking in purchasing one soon - wanted to get peoples options.
I want ant to be able to take the car out and obviously enjoy it and currently have found two. One is all original matching number 1959 single barrel with power glide. All mechanicals have been overhauled and rebuilt.
The other is a 1960 which has been upgraded with a 327ci with electronic points, 2 speed power glide and disc brakes etc.
what way would people go???
I want ant to be able to take the car out and obviously enjoy it and currently have found two. One is all original matching number 1959 single barrel with power glide. All mechanicals have been overhauled and rebuilt.
The other is a 1960 which has been upgraded with a 327ci with electronic points, 2 speed power glide and disc brakes etc.
what way would people go???
I liked my 1958 to be as stock as possible, but as Frankie says, they are like driving a tractor. Radial tires are a must.
