I am getting my brother in-law's 64 convert at the end of Sept. to do some improvements he would like done, as he isn't too mechanically inclined. I have researched on line regarding to improve first, cooling, brakes, and steering. The car isn't "restoration" material and he wants it
to be an enjoyable summer car.
As there is SO much info out there, it would be easy to be led astray and make some bad decisions
with the wrong combinations of parts. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
#1 Zman

 

Post here for better results, I am sure the mods will move it however.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...2-corvettes-4/

 

Moved to C1/C2 Corvettes.

 

making it as close to OEM is a great start. but if your spoiled by new cars it would be best to sell it now and just buy a new car that has everything you want

 

Welcome to the CF!
Since we don't know your brother-in-laws age, power steering would be good for anyone. You can put the antiquated original system on, or convert to the Borgeson system which is a simple installation. If it doesn't have radials, put 205/75/15 name brand tires on. Is the cooling system trouble prone? Maybe the rad needs replacing. Get a DeWitts correct and perfect fit rad. Before that, flush the cooling system, replace the hoses if the age of them is unknown. Go over the brakes, bleed the system. Zero base the tune on the engine. Check the battery and cables. Check trans gear oil, diff oil. Make sure the headlights roll out. Do all the gauges work. If not that is a much more difficult task. Use the search function here to learn more about that. Dennis

 

I'll add that, if the OP's brother's goal is just a nice cruiser, rehabbing the factory drum brakes should prove to be plenty adequate, if done correctly.

And, we need photos!

Live well,

SJW

 

Understand that you are dealing with a 57 year old car. Whatever the mileage I have no doubt it's got plenty issues revolving around wear and tear of various systems and parts. These cars were very well engineered for the most part and the only real issue your car has is weak connecting rods in the engine, The best thing you can do is identify problems and correct with OE equivalent parts to get the configuration and performance back to OE standards. Doing a bunch of bubba modifications is just going to suck you into a black hole.

Before you lay a hand on anything other than driving buy a 1963 Corvette Shop Manual, '64 Corvette Shop manual Supplement, '64 AIM, and download the '64 Corvette Vehicle Information Packlage from the GM Heritage Web Site.

If performing to OE standards the cooling system, brake system, and steering system don't need to be modified, re-engineered, upgraded or whatever else you want to call it. If not, get them back to as new OE spec and performance. The same applies to everything else.

If the engine ever needs to be rebuilt replace the original weak connecting rods with a set of Eagle SIR 5700 or better.

Join NCRS, the local chapter, and get your car judged. They'll find originality and configuration issues and, likely safety issues. A judging event will get you a baseline to go from to make it a better car.

Duke

 

Go through it and ensure the brake fluid is good, brake pads and parts are replaced, check out all the suspension bushings to ensure they are in good shape, see if any gaskets on engine are leaking - replace those things needed, change the antifreeze, oil & filter....and an external electric fan....and ignore Nowhere Man....oh, and ensure the tires aren't out of date...also inspect and if needed replace the points, distributor cap, plugs and plug wires....probably a few things else.

 

Make a list of what it doesn't have and go from there. See what is needed to make the car safer and more reliable would be a good start.

Options like electronic A/C, Electronic Fuel Injection , rack & pinion power steering, power windows, Wilwood aluminum brake calipers , independent suspension and heated power seats with an 8 speaker Bluetooth stereo XM radio, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, Detroit Speed power headlights can be added later. That's what I did.

 

 

How much will all of that cost? BTW '64s have drum brakes. Maybe Wilwood makes aluminum wheel cylinders.

Duke

 

If you rebuild the suspension, many will agree NOT to use polyurethane bushings. Many of us have seen them crumble and turn to dust. Use the OEM style rubber components.

 

I did research the borgeson p/s unit and think that's the ticket. Also maybe go with disc in front and perfect the rear drums. Ideas about linings?
What m/cyl. to use with that combo? (Stock is single pot)
I've got the manuals and poured over them already. Great stuff!
Unfortunately the 327 is out of a Nova. Doesn't smoke or use oil but does leak a bit. I will pull the motor, and re-seal everything but reluctant to rebuild it. He requests NO cutting, drilling or welding.
Thanks for the suggestion about the poly bushings! That answers That!
I've got about 9 months to do it. You guys are awesome! I'll have to figure out how to attach the only pix of the car I've got.

Did I do it?

 

Yes you did. I like the 65/66 big block hood better than the 67. That is a nice upgrade that gives you any hood clearance you may need.

 

If it doesn't have power steering now, then the Borgeson is a good choice. Otherwise have the OEM cylinder rebuilt with new seals. I'd avoid the conversion to front disc brakes if you can, unless racing hard or dealing with a lot of standing water, the drum brakes will stop it just fine. If you change to discs, you have to deal with correct proportioning valve and other issues that don't really need to be dealt with.

I never thought I'd start sounding like Nowhere Man but the older I get, the more I realize the temptation to change stuff just leads to more work and not that much improvement in enjoyment.

 

Unless you have a health problem I don’t understand the need for PS

 

If he likes to cruise and not push the envelope of performance, then a dual master cylinder is a great safety upgrade. Quality radial tires, rubber bushings (as said above), good shocks, replace the rubber brake lines and hoses under the hood, and drive. If it is manual steering, power is nice but not required. Once he is using it, then see what it might need.

If he will be driving at night, then upgraded headlights (relay and halogen or LED depending on preferences) are good. Maybe even LED tail lights for better visibility.

Unless he is driving in the rain, the drums are fine. They had pretty good power, so don't modify the engine until he feels the car is too slow.

And finally, if he plans any long road trips (usually over 2-3 hours on the highway) get him earplugs to keep in the glove box. It's not the side pipes as much as the wind buffeting that can really get your ears ringing.

 

What you repeatedly fail to recognize is that with the Borgeson PS its not just about the power boost, but rather about the much quicker ratio and faster return to center as well as the proportionally increasing assist with increasing levels of input. All of that is accomplished by means of a modern steering box.

Neither the factory manual steering nor the factory so called power steering ( which is really just a power assisted manual steering by means of a hydraulic ram on the manual steering) can provide those benefits which are far beyond just the physical effort involved.

Have you ever even driven a C2 with the Borgeson conversion?

 

Tux I feel the stock box is a great feel and love the way they drive. So I can’t improve what I like. And I hate the way new cars steer.

 

NM - it’s nice that you are happy with what’s available to you to drive. We should all be happy with our choices!

You really should drive a C2 with Borgeson before you pass judgement on it.