Alan,
I'm always amazed by your pictures. Just curious, what do you mean by the last statement . What type of changes did you make? Looks like maybe side pipes, anything else?

 

Hi pws,
My goal in the restoration was to use absolutely as many of the original parts as possible, and to restore every part as well as I could (with a $ budget) in the manner it originally was. I don't really think there was any part or fastener that didn't get some attention.
Things that were painted are still painted, but more carefully and with more surface prep.
Things that were chrome plated were replated but at a higher level than what was factory finish in 1971.
I stripped the frame by hand and then had it powder coated. I then roughed the entire frame with 400 paper and sprayed #1613 which gives I believe a look similar but nicer than what was originally on the frame.
I repainted all the exposed areas of the birdcage in enamel I had matched to the paint originlly on the cage.
I did the same quality of work on parts that would never be seen once the car was assembled.
The list goes on for 10 + years.
It was right for me but I realize not for many other people.
Here's 3 pictures that illustrate what I did but also show how loony I am.
Thanks for your interest!
Regards,
Alan

PS: I put side exhaust on it shortly after I bought it. When I restored it I put them back on because I've always loved them. I'm in the process of taking them off for when I hope to have it judged later this year. They'll probably go back on.

All original parts and fasteners




All original parts.

 

just amazing is all i have to say!

 

Alan,

Happy Birthday! Your attention to detail is AMAZING!!

I'm sure you have a rear filler panel already painted and ready to go for that standard exhaust?
Are you putting the AIR back on?

Chris

 

Very well reconstructed and it was certainly not restored. Just taken apart and carefully put back together...40. Boy, the years really went by too fast.....well done 'Al.....

 

I don't care what anyone says Alan you did an amazing job on your car.
I never did understand why people would intentionally screw something up just because the factory did it that way.
One example of that is a LT-1 I saw, where the owner painted the hood stripes crooked because that was how they were before he started his restoration.
I believe in doing it, as it should have been done.

 

Hi Chris,
Fortunately I kept the original rear valance. It'll need to be repainted.
350/270 cars didn't have any AIR equipment on them in 71, so I'll not have to worry about that.

Hi GG,
I understand your point very well. Some people want it to look exactly like St. Louis built them.... flaws and all. I tried to make the car look like it would have if as much time and effort as needed was put into making each part and then carefully assembling it. The funny thing is that IF that's the way St. Louis had produced it I wouldn't have been able to afford to buy it!!!

Thanks very much to both of you for your comments.
Regards,
Alan

 

This is exactly what I have been doing...and I have to tell you people, it is not easy! These cars look like shi* from the factory. It takes a lot of dedication, determination and sacrifice.

 

Hi Alan,
If i was in your position, being the original owner, I would do it exactly the same way you approached the project. I'm just as ****, and "looney".
When the time comes to buy another Vette, it will be as original as possible, and hopefully in great shape. But if not, I want to start at a good place.
Glenn

 

Hi Alan

I never realized you had it from 1971.

Happy 40th.

Your car is amazing and the photos and insight you provide are such a help to others.

I just love the photo of the tail of your car with the rest covered.

Regards

Craig

 

Fantastic Alan well done. My Vette turns 40 in Feburary this year 8 years older than me lol!!!

 

Alan-
Happy Birthday to your car and congratulations to you! WOW original owner. There can't be many guys like you with a 40 year old original owner car. That's very cool.

My car turned 40 last March but mine has had an unkown number of owners and is very un-original. I think you will smoke an NCRS judging and I can't wait to finally see some photos after you do.

 

Hi,
I posted this a while ago but should add again that while I'm the orginal owner.... it gets crazier.... it's the only Corvette I've owned, I've never driven another Corvette, I've never ridden in another Corvette, and no one has driven it but me since I picked it up from the dealer.
Regards,
Alan

 

You are not a looney. You are a perfectionist. Love it!

 

i hope your that loyal to your better half, lol, nutsy.

 

Congrats Alan So, to be clear...you don't drive your baby? Muddy

 

Happy Birthday to your car Alan and congratulations to you. Great documentation and history. Love the pictures and always enjoy seeing them when you share.

Sparty doesn't turn 40 until April 27th but not too much longer now.

Thanks again Alan.

David

 

Alan
This is more than a restoration it’s almost like a love story. You and this car have been together for 40’s very few couple last that long now days. As always thanks for sharing and for all the help that you provide.

Thank you.
Scott

 

Happy Birthday Alan!!! Amazing that you have had it since day 1! Mine turns 40 on April 16th. all original drivetrain. Needs a proper repaint...may get the whole car redone late in 2011 for my 50th birthday!!!

 

Alan,
If you're ever in the Erie,PA area in the summer months, you'll have to stop by for a ride. I'll let you drive the LT-1 then I'll take you for a ride in the 2004 Z06...