Newbie here
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 1
Newbie here
Hi,
I am Travis from San Diego, CA. I have inherited my father 64 corvette coupe. I am not a super mechanic and the car does need a lot of work. I was wondering if anyone can tell me some good reference sites, books, or clubs to join. The engine has been rebuilt but my father had said he never fully trusted the guy that did it. I also inherited a lot of parts my father never got to change or replace. I am super excited and any help is appreciated.
I am Travis from San Diego, CA. I have inherited my father 64 corvette coupe. I am not a super mechanic and the car does need a lot of work. I was wondering if anyone can tell me some good reference sites, books, or clubs to join. The engine has been rebuilt but my father had said he never fully trusted the guy that did it. I also inherited a lot of parts my father never got to change or replace. I am super excited and any help is appreciated.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 10,247
Likes: 888
From: Hickory NC
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '17 thru '26
Welcome to the Forum, Travis, and best wishes on wanting to get your father's former C1 in tip-top shape! 
You will find lots of great members and helpful info in the C1/C2 sections at https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-1953-1967-21/.
You will find lots of great members and helpful info in the C1/C2 sections at https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-1953-1967-21/.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,415
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Moving this over to C1 & C2 Corvettes for some help.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 9,151
Likes: 481
From: "You may all go to Hell- and I will go to Texas- Davy Crockett
St. Jude Donor '12
Welcome to the forum Travis. There are lots of people here who can help you. If you are reasonably mechanically oriented, you can get tips on how to do some of the work yourself. Pictures sre always appreciated
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 33,047
Likes: 6,558
From: Rochester NY
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
Travis welcome, and good to know another '64 is in the care of someone who values it. Four suggestions:
1. Spend some time just reading through the back pages here to get an idea of what other owners are doing (and going through
).
2. Decide which items would be top priority - such as safety items like brakes - and which can be put on the back burner
3. Don't get discouraged when you find things that need work. They are old cars, but they are much more owner-repair-friendly than today's computerized vehicles
4. Don't be afraid of trying things yourself. Very few of us would say we are master mechanics or "experts" (some truly ARE) but it's amazing what you can do as you build your skill and confidence.
1. Spend some time just reading through the back pages here to get an idea of what other owners are doing (and going through
). 2. Decide which items would be top priority - such as safety items like brakes - and which can be put on the back burner
3. Don't get discouraged when you find things that need work. They are old cars, but they are much more owner-repair-friendly than today's computerized vehicles
4. Don't be afraid of trying things yourself. Very few of us would say we are master mechanics or "experts" (some truly ARE) but it's amazing what you can do as you build your skill and confidence.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 1,507
From: Willis, tx
Hi,
I am Travis from San Diego, CA. I have inherited my father 64 corvette coupe. I am not a super mechanic and the car does need a lot of work. I was wondering if anyone can tell me some good reference sites, books, or clubs to join. The engine has been rebuilt but my father had said he never fully trusted the guy that did it. I also inherited a lot of parts my father never got to change or replace. I am super excited and any help is appreciated.
I am Travis from San Diego, CA. I have inherited my father 64 corvette coupe. I am not a super mechanic and the car does need a lot of work. I was wondering if anyone can tell me some good reference sites, books, or clubs to join. The engine has been rebuilt but my father had said he never fully trusted the guy that did it. I also inherited a lot of parts my father never got to change or replace. I am super excited and any help is appreciated.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,023
Likes: 1,181
From: La Mesa CA
Hey Travis
Welcome on board!
I am in La Mesa and there are some guys here in San Diego that know these cars like the back of their hand
We have taken down these cars to the last bolt and put them back together
and would be thrilled to offer any advice or help you need
Here is my thread on my 63.
It is not worth reading but you can see what I am talking about
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1599951454
Call or text me
619 540 4506
Glenn
Welcome on board!
I am in La Mesa and there are some guys here in San Diego that know these cars like the back of their hand
We have taken down these cars to the last bolt and put them back together
and would be thrilled to offer any advice or help you need
Here is my thread on my 63.
It is not worth reading but you can see what I am talking about
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1599951454
Call or text me
619 540 4506
Glenn
Racer
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 465
Likes: 126
From: Leo, IN
Hello Travis,
Welcome from another relatively new 64 owner. I'm not a master mechanic either but you can learn tons from reading and asking questions on this site. It's one of the best online resources you'll find. I also recommend joining NCRS and reading/searching their online technical discussion board. Many of the same people are on both sites.
There are several books you can read depending on what you want to get started with. You can buy copies of 63 and 64 shop manuals as well as the assembly instruction manual for general maintenance. The NCRS technical guide will provide details if you are going for original stock restoration. The Noland Adams book is highly regarded but a bit expensive. There are others you can find by searching threads on here.
As far as clubs, you probably want to look into local classic car clubs or the local NCRS chapter. I've joined both near me and am starting to make some good contacts.
Lastly you may want to look for at least one trusted classic car repair or corvette restoration shop. I was fortunate enough to find a small restoration shop that has done several things that were beyond my capabilities. He also given me great advice on how to do things that I'm capable of tackling myself.
Enjoy your ride,
Steve
Welcome from another relatively new 64 owner. I'm not a master mechanic either but you can learn tons from reading and asking questions on this site. It's one of the best online resources you'll find. I also recommend joining NCRS and reading/searching their online technical discussion board. Many of the same people are on both sites.
There are several books you can read depending on what you want to get started with. You can buy copies of 63 and 64 shop manuals as well as the assembly instruction manual for general maintenance. The NCRS technical guide will provide details if you are going for original stock restoration. The Noland Adams book is highly regarded but a bit expensive. There are others you can find by searching threads on here.
As far as clubs, you probably want to look into local classic car clubs or the local NCRS chapter. I've joined both near me and am starting to make some good contacts.
Lastly you may want to look for at least one trusted classic car repair or corvette restoration shop. I was fortunate enough to find a small restoration shop that has done several things that were beyond my capabilities. He also given me great advice on how to do things that I'm capable of tackling myself.
Enjoy your ride,
Steve
