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Can A Corvette Be Built From "Scratch" ??

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Old 05-22-2017, 07:29 AM
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revneck
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Default Can A Corvette Be Built From "Scratch" ??

I noticed that a few companies are selling reproduction frames for the c1-2 era. That said, can you build (start there with the frame) a Corvette that technically never left a production line using parts offered by these various companies? Aside from the VIN tag can you buy everything needed to make your own car? Kind of like a person without a birth certificate!
Old 05-22-2017, 07:34 AM
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blue by you
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I would think so with all of the parts available today
Old 05-22-2017, 07:37 AM
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Dynra Rockets
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yes you can and many people have done it. Just look at the Cobra kitcar world - same analogy.

Legally you can title it as a non-Corvette using the MSO from the manufacturer.

Depending on your state you might even be able to incorporate a section of a genuine frame with the vin stamping and title it as a real Corvette. Lots of vintage Ferraris are done that way but do your research as not legal everywhere.

R
Old 05-22-2017, 07:38 AM
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Interesting....
Old 05-22-2017, 07:44 AM
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Alan 71
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Hi r,
If you're thinking of a car that is sort of like a 68-82 Corvette…. maybe.
If you mean a car that looks just like a 68-82 Corvette…. I think not.
There are parts that simply no one is reproducing.
For example, seat frames, exterior ss trim, door frames and internal hardware, to cite a few.
I wonder what it would cost to build a car from ALL reproduction parts?
$150,000?
Regards,
Alan
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Old 05-22-2017, 07:49 AM
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Thanks Alan! Yeah, the price would exceed the final value of the car BY A MILE! - By the way, I love reading your input on the various topics here. You knowledge of these cars is second to none!
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Old 05-22-2017, 08:05 AM
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I know you can for a C1.

Is anyone making a floor pan for a C2, or a complete C2 body?
Old 05-22-2017, 08:24 AM
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Originally Posted by jv04
I know you can for a C1.

or a complete C2 body?
There are 3-4 companies that do (although I think they all focus on the Grand Sport). There used to be a company that I believe is gone that made a C2 body to drop on a 80's midsize chassis (cutlass, regal, monte). Check the kitcar mag...

http://www.forgottenfiberglass.com/k...azine-digital/

Here is a listing for a guy in Florida for a C1 in my local CL....

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/6117073824.html

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Old 05-22-2017, 08:59 AM
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NMT1957
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Why not just buy a basket case for 2-5 K that has a VIN and Title. You would also have a ton of the small parts that are hard to find. You could still start with a frame from a supplier or even a frame that has the suspension built and ready to go.

Ned
Old 05-22-2017, 09:02 AM
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Dynra Rockets
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Originally Posted by NMT1957
2-5 K
$20k for a c1 basket case

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/6103128684.html
Old 05-22-2017, 09:09 AM
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revneck
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Originally Posted by NMT1957
Why not just buy a basket case for 2-5 K that has a VIN and Title. You would also have a ton of the small parts that are hard to find. You could still start with a frame from a supplier or even a frame that has the suspension built and ready to go.

Ned
Of course that would be the logical thing to do! But it seams like it is possible to build a car that was never sold from a dealership
Old 05-22-2017, 09:13 AM
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Originally Posted by Dynra Rockets
Ah he's looking for a C1 or C2. Sorry I was thinking C3

Ned
Old 05-22-2017, 11:44 AM
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Google "Concept 57" to see what you get to start with, of course you have to want a 57, not a 58/59/60 etc.
Old 05-22-2017, 10:42 PM
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Example: I built a 1934 fiberglass street truck using a rolling chassis....ALL aftermarket parts were available

total invested including paint job was $15,000.



Corvette........sky is the limit.....bidding starts at $30,000
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Old 05-23-2017, 12:32 PM
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I think there is a factory in China where they are making precise replicas of 67 bigblock convertibles with sidepipes. Their craftsmanship is so excellent that even the best NCRS judges cannot determine they are totally counterfeit. They get dinged a point here and there for using "reproduction" parts, but the entire vehicle is manufactured from scratch in China. (wink, wink... well, it could be true)

See, they were manufacturing so many reproduction parts (Someone would send them an original part with a request: Can you make something exactly like this for 50 cents a piece? I can sell them here in the states for $99+ shipping.) Finally they figured out they can repro the entire vehicle!

Last edited by PRNDL; 05-23-2017 at 12:35 PM.
Old 05-23-2017, 10:31 PM
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'63-67 bodies are available along with about everything to build a restomod. C3's are more plentiful so the demand just isn't there for a reproduction. The 63-67 bodies sell for $15,800 from Custom Image Corvette. www.customimagecorvettes.com

Last edited by blue67ragtop; 05-23-2017 at 10:35 PM.
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Old 05-23-2017, 10:43 PM
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I am building a C3 restomod on a custom chassis, about as "ground up" as can be done - I would have been interested in an aftermarket body had one been available - however as described above - not worth it.

Find a car that "no one" in their right mind would use - then use it. That's kinda my build in one sentence.

I'm happy to answer any questions.

Here is a link to my build

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Old 05-25-2017, 10:53 AM
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short answer, No you can't. Many parts are not available. how about a C3 firewall? although you can find them used on EBAY if you look long and hard enough.

yes on 1st gen camaro, and yes on mustangs, and yes on 55-57 Chevy, yes on 32 ford.

someone did that exercise once using the parts book from GM and determined the price to build an entire car using GM ordered parts was over 10 times the price of buying the car off the dealer lot.
Old 05-26-2017, 03:01 PM
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define from scratch, I had to replace every fiberglass panel except the floor board and firewall, to restore this car, I wanted original panels so I simply bought the used panels I needed, separated everything at the seams and replaced with original panels no Reproduction. appears as it left the factory.
Before,


After...
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Old 05-26-2017, 08:22 PM
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Did someone use that 69 convertible for target practice? That is a remarkable job!!! Lou.
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