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Man. That is so cool. Love it. As others have said repeatedly. It's original once. Take your take and really relish unwrapping this time capsule! Please continue to share and keep us posted.
From: Middle TN by way of KY, OH, VA, IL, CA, FL, NY, SC, HI
Tons of good advice on your great find. Since you're a car guy it's great that you found what appears to be a near time capsule. If it were mine I would consider getting it judged for a top flight/survivor/Duntov award as not many cars are hood and original enough to pass those tests. It adds value to all original cars.
2025 C2 of the Year ('64-'66) Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C2 of Year Finalist (stock)
2016 C2 of Year Finalist
I would just get it running, and exterior washed. Look for an NCRS chapter near you and have it judged. The experience will be well worth the time and you will learn a lot about the car. Save any and all parts that come with the car, as well as any original paperwork. Also, join the NCRS (National Corvette Restorers Society) forum. The guys/gals on both of these forums are the best!!!!
Bore scoped the engine, cylinders look excellent. Dumped some oil in there and let them soak, turned over the motor by hand a week later. no issues.
Did an oil change. Oil was old, but no water. Still had the cartridge filter.
Pulled the battery. Had a look at the brakes while doing so. Looks like the rotors and calipers were replaced at some point. Everything nice and clean.
Removed the pump-to-carb line (it was twisted off the carb). Easy enough, but those flares make me nervous. Happy that came apart
Pulled the tank and found the build sheet. Including a very old, unused spare tire!
The tank is in excellent shape. I don't think the build sheet is coming off without destroying it. Huge blob of glue in the middle. I like the idea of just replacing the tank, and keeping this somewhere safe.
As always, thanks for your insights and encouragement.
As many previous experienced posters have commented, go slow. I previously owned a 67 Corvette, very original, and was fortunate that I had many extremely knowledgeable Detroit area NCRS members to call upon.. Two of those folks are in the National Corvette Hall of Fame, John Hinckley and Werner Meier and they provided immense amount of knowledge on how to proceed. My car had been painted base/clear prior to my ownership, so the paint was a non-issue but I have since worked with 45+ year Chevrolet bodyman and restorer. His experience and a previous poster here about dealing with original lacquer paint has taught me that to proceed with extreme caution on trying to restore the luster to lacquer paint.
Also, you stated that the calipers may have been replaced, thoroughly check them to see if they originals as they would be valuable.
The spare tire, if as described, also could be valuable if it is original and doesn't have a DOT logo on it.
Great looking car and history! To repeat, proceed with caution on any improvements, especially on the cosmetics.
As a long time , since 1972, painter I would NOT touch that car with any mechanical means of buffing. Do it by hand, you are not in a rush to finish it for a customer. It is in super rare condition for any car that old. Welcome to the forum!
As indicated in my earlier post, this is excellent advice.
-Mounted carb
-Bought a battery. Looks like I am going to need to replace the tray. Looking a bit weak. To many acid spills I guess.
-Not a fan of the battery cables. They are the bolt-on clamp style. I prefer a nice molded set. I'll have to replace those as well.
-Turned the motor over with starter (plugs out) and built oil pressure! One step closer!
There is a swap meet at a local race track this weekend. Probably a long shot, but maybe I can find an air cleaner & base. Can someone give me a crash course on what an original '67 should look like?
Picture of the brakes below. Does this look like the correct calper/rotor?
Hopefully I am not boring anyone with the updates. Just sharing my excitement!
I know my suggestion is not correct, but give it consideration. GM used brown for positive post and black for negative. I replaced mine with RED for pos and BLACK for neg. No mistaking connections. Dennis
Contact some of the main vendors and ask for their catalogs, or simply visit their websites. Zip Products, Corvette Central, Doc Rebuild, Top Flight Automotive, Keen Corvette, Volunteer Vette.
Complete assembly:
Base only:
Decal for lid:
And, you'll need about a 3" hose from the base of the air cleaner to the crankcase vent tube.
Great find. You need to be mindful of each and every component you touch. Some items can be man handled, some require a delicate touch. That interior will clean up to better than new condition IF done properly, carefully, gently and slowly. NO OIL BASED products on the interior, especially the headliner or the dash pads. I am a fanatic with originality. I would wash the car with 2 buckets of clean water, one for washing one for dirty rags. I would clay bar the car and see how it looks. There is NO clear coat on that paint (if it's original) so you need to be careful not to burn through the paint. You don't need an expert in car detailing, you need an expert in vintage car/lacquer paint car detailing. Two different specilists. There are ink inspection marks on your chassis, paper labels on shocks, etc that you can preserve if you don't rush. All are critical to the car's preservation. The mechanical stuff is easy, the preservation of the condition of the rest of the car is critical. They're only original ONCE and more valuable IMO when original. The tank sheet needs to be stored in dark place to prevent any light from hitting it. The numerals will fade over time of not. This will be a very fun journey for you. There are lot of knowledgeable guys on this and the NCRS forum to help you with any advice needed. I would join the NCRS (National Corvette Restorer's Society) TODAY. THe knowledge of many of the members, as here, focuses on originality and preservation. GOOD LUCK!. ARA
That rotor is an inexpensive replacement because there are no rivet holes that would have secured it to the hub as a unit during assembly. All 4 rotors would have been riveted on and the rear rotors should have an extra pair of holes to adjust the parking brakes.
I'm betting your calipers have been changed and upgraded to stainless sleeved versions.
Contact some of the main vendors and ask for their catalogs, or simply visit their websites. Zip Products, Corvette Central, Doc Rebuild, Top Flight Automotive, Keen Corvette, Volunteer Vette.
Complete assembly:
Base only:
Decal for lid:
And, you'll need about a 3" hose from the base of the air cleaner to the crankcase vent tube.
I love my friend Leif, BUT if it were me i would source an original AC base and lid with original sticker. They're our there. In fact i may have an original lid i will GIVE YOU if i have one.
Dennis
