[C1] 1960 original or restdomad
01-20-2019, 03:22 PM
#1
Cruising
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1960 original or restdomad
Hi all,
i am new to this forum and new to the corvette world. i recently purchased a 1960 corvette from a neighbor who has owned it since 1962. all original and garage kept! the only change is it has a 327 / 340 HP engine which was changed out in 1963 as it was used for drag racing when he was a teenager. also, it has american torq thrust mag wheels and the rear end ratio was changed to a 4.56, i would like to change that right away to a possible 3.55 ratio. the car is in pretty nice original condition with the original 1960 lacquer paint, interior is also nicely kept up.
my question is this: i am conflicted weather to keep it original and possibly replace the motor to the 283 block (maybe) and clean it up with minor adjustments without disturbing its originality. or, making major changes like adding an LS3 with a 6 speed transmission, disc brakes all around adding power steering and making it more driver friendly Restomod style..
if anything, i see that restomods bring in more value to the car
please help! any thoughts?
i am new to this forum and new to the corvette world. i recently purchased a 1960 corvette from a neighbor who has owned it since 1962. all original and garage kept! the only change is it has a 327 / 340 HP engine which was changed out in 1963 as it was used for drag racing when he was a teenager. also, it has american torq thrust mag wheels and the rear end ratio was changed to a 4.56, i would like to change that right away to a possible 3.55 ratio. the car is in pretty nice original condition with the original 1960 lacquer paint, interior is also nicely kept up.
my question is this: i am conflicted weather to keep it original and possibly replace the motor to the 283 block (maybe) and clean it up with minor adjustments without disturbing its originality. or, making major changes like adding an LS3 with a 6 speed transmission, disc brakes all around adding power steering and making it more driver friendly Restomod style..
if anything, i see that restomods bring in more value to the car
please help! any thoughts?
01-20-2019, 03:27 PM
#2
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are you spoiled by new cars or do you like the way a 60's cars drive
01-20-2019, 03:34 PM
#3
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definitely spoiled by new car. however, i don' mind driving the 60 the way it is but i don't see me driving it as much, as you know it is a harder driving car with a hard clutch and drum brakes that also are not what i'm used to.
i'm also looking at weather i can get more for the car if it has more of the modern features. the reality is that i would brefer a C2 corvette so this may be a stepping stone for me>
thanks
i'm also looking at weather i can get more for the car if it has more of the modern features. the reality is that i would brefer a C2 corvette so this may be a stepping stone for me>
thanks
01-20-2019, 03:36 PM
#4
Burning Brakes
It really depends what you want out of the car.
By your description, the car is not 100% original so the door is wide open. If you want comfort and reliability, the Restomod route is the only way to go. Having said that, getting it done could be a budget buster. Even though ell executed Restomod Corvettes are bringing in more dollars than originals, never build a car for the money as the odds are stacked against you - that’s why most folks will tell you to make the car for you and you alone.
By your description, the car is not 100% original so the door is wide open. If you want comfort and reliability, the Restomod route is the only way to go. Having said that, getting it done could be a budget buster. Even though ell executed Restomod Corvettes are bringing in more dollars than originals, never build a car for the money as the odds are stacked against you - that’s why most folks will tell you to make the car for you and you alone.
01-20-2019, 03:42 PM
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Welcome to the forum! I recently sold a 60 that I was going to restomod completely with new chassis and LS3 with all the goodies. I contacted 3 builders with estimates from $110 to $140k with an 8 mos to 1 year build time. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Last edited by Geralds57; 01-20-2019 at 03:43 PM.
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01-20-2019, 03:47 PM
#6
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1960 pics
Here are some pictures of the condition of the car. Overall I believe it’s in pretty decent shape, only thing missing is the correct motor, rest of the drivetrain is original
01-20-2019, 03:51 PM
#7
Melting Slicks
Welcome to the forum. What's your budget? How much of the upgrade work can you do yourself? Are you willing to put way more money into the car to make it what you want, than what it will sell for? This could be a stepping stone, or a pothole keeping you from getting the C2 that you ultimately want.
No pics seen in your last post.
No pics seen in your last post.
Last edited by Ken Sungela; 01-20-2019 at 03:52 PM.
01-20-2019, 04:31 PM
#8
If this is a "stepping" stone to a C2 and the car is original, except for motor, I'd leave it as it is, drive it, have some fun, and put your money towards a nice C2 - Regards GV
01-20-2019, 04:39 PM
#10
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pictures 1960 vette
Here is what the general condition of the car is in. The motor is the only thing missing from the Equation bit the rest of the drivetrain is original.
01-20-2019, 04:45 PM
#11
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I would leave that well alone. make it safe and have fun
01-20-2019, 04:46 PM
#12
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St. Jude Donor '05
The color, wheel finish and tires give it that perfect period look., dont change up a thing!
Like that look a lot better than the "everyones got em" bling thing.
Like that look a lot better than the "everyones got em" bling thing.
01-20-2019, 05:02 PM
#13
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Horizon Blue. I would leave it as is. 
01-20-2019, 05:04 PM
#14
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LRG, I'm a restomod guy but the pictures of your car are swaying me towards suggesting you leave it original. As previously mentioned, be prepared to drive a car with fifty-nine year old technology....Drive it a few months and see how you like it. Also, your $40K budget may be a stretch for a complete restomod project...
01-20-2019, 05:13 PM
#15
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thank you all for your input..
1-my idea of upgrading would not be a total restomod but a few things that will help performance. the rpm at 60mph is 3500 too much for freeway driving.
i will be changing the gear ratio to a a 3.70 or 3.55 any thoughts?
2-the other idea giving to me by a C1 "expert" was to put a LS2/ LS3 and 6 speed transmission and keep the old drivetrain for originality..
is this a good idea?
3- would adding disc brakes mess with the originality and value?
as you can see, i need a lot of help and direction.
thanks
thanks agian
1-my idea of upgrading would not be a total restomod but a few things that will help performance. the rpm at 60mph is 3500 too much for freeway driving.
i will be changing the gear ratio to a a 3.70 or 3.55 any thoughts?
2-the other idea giving to me by a C1 "expert" was to put a LS2/ LS3 and 6 speed transmission and keep the old drivetrain for originality..
is this a good idea?
3- would adding disc brakes mess with the originality and value?
as you can see, i need a lot of help and direction.
thanks
thanks agian
01-20-2019, 05:17 PM
#16
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changing the rear is a good idea the others are inspired by being spoiled
01-20-2019, 05:23 PM
#17
Don't change a thing! It is original only once. ( I know the engine isn't. ) That is beautiful, find a correct period intake and air cleaner, hoses, change the brake hoses, maybe some whitewall tires from diamondback and hubcaps, a better gear and posi and drive it. In my opinion unless you spend HUGE dollars on a restomod you, that you can't drive, will not see a return.
Mine has original paint and chips and I never fear driving it and parking it anyplace. The reaction when I tell people to sit in it and I'll take a picture is priceless. I couldnt do that with a show car. Plus I have been caught by rain a few times and never worried about it. My dad drove it to college and while I was a toddler.
Mine has original paint and chips and I never fear driving it and parking it anyplace. The reaction when I tell people to sit in it and I'll take a picture is priceless. I couldnt do that with a show car. Plus I have been caught by rain a few times and never worried about it. My dad drove it to college and while I was a toddler.
01-20-2019, 05:24 PM
#18
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Another vote to leave it as-is and drive it. Too nice of a car to cut up and modify. The patina your car has cannot be duplicated. You can have the special car you have now, or 'just another shiny Corvette' for a ton of coin. Your choice. I told you what mine would be.
01-20-2019, 05:31 PM
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thank you all for your input..
1-my idea of upgrading would not be a total restomod but a few things that will help performance. the rpm at 60mph is 3500 too much for freeway driving.
i will be changing the gear ratio to a a 3.70 or 3.55 any thoughts?
2-the other idea giving to me by a C1 "expert" was to put a LS2/ LS3 and 6 speed transmission and keep the old drivetrain for originality..
is this a good idea?
3- would adding disc brakes mess with the originality and value?
as you can see, i need a lot of help and direction.
thanks
thanks agian
1-my idea of upgrading would not be a total restomod but a few things that will help performance. the rpm at 60mph is 3500 too much for freeway driving.
i will be changing the gear ratio to a a 3.70 or 3.55 any thoughts?
2-the other idea giving to me by a C1 "expert" was to put a LS2/ LS3 and 6 speed transmission and keep the old drivetrain for originality..
is this a good idea?
3- would adding disc brakes mess with the originality and value?
as you can see, i need a lot of help and direction.
thanks
thanks agian
01-20-2019, 05:39 PM
#20
Cruising
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perfect! keeping it original was my first instinct.
the car came original with a 4;11 and the previous owner changed it to a 4:56
i was concerned that a 3:36 would be to high so i was considering 3:56 or 3:70 i will check with my mechanic if the 3;36 would be a good way to go with a 4 speed trans and 327
i would consider trading for a c2 of equal value and condition
thanks all for your advice
the car came original with a 4;11 and the previous owner changed it to a 4:56
i was concerned that a 3:36 would be to high so i was considering 3:56 or 3:70 i will check with my mechanic if the 3;36 would be a good way to go with a 4 speed trans and 327
i would consider trading for a c2 of equal value and condition
thanks all for your advice