I'm not sure whether the C5 General forum is the best place to ask this, but here goes.

I'm just starting a project car that will involve using a '03 C5 Z06 chassis, suspension, drivetrain, ICP, electronics, in fact nearly the whole darn car, but fitting a heavily modified C2 coupe body.
I'm aware there are many shops out there that offer replacement chassis to fit a stock body with later suspension components, but I'm really after a driving experience similar to my donor car complete with all the bells and whistles but with the styling of the old classic C2 body.

I'm also bored with restoring, and think the C2 coupe body lends itself to being an ideal candidate for modifying into a neat Vette Rod.

I'm looking to compare notes, and possibly network with, anyone who has done or wishes to attempt a similar project.

 

Other than a rebody, I haven't seen what your describing. If you're fully capable of the task, figure out how to use the windshield from the C1. The windshield rake on the C5 doesn't look right on the rebodies IMHO.

And FWIW, I think modernizing the C1 is a better way to go for many, many reasons and yes, you can end up with a modern version of a C1 that is much more enjoyable to drive. Just better suspension, rack and pinion steering and a fuel injected drive-train will make a world of difference. All of the other aspects, doors, seals, wind noise etc. will all still be an issue trying to put C1 body over a C5.

Just curious, how old are you?

 

I plan to mount the C2 birdcage on the C5 frame:- that's the plan, I'm not up to that stage yet, awaiting the arrival of the C2 coupe body.

The C2 roof, windscreen and hood will be standard, everything will need to be modified.
I figure on cutting the firewall off below the plenum chamber of the C2 and modifying to suit the attachment to the C5 firewall.
I have the added challenge of converting this project to Right Hand Drive. I am in Australia, and it needs to be converted to RHD for registering for road use.

Have done restorations to death on old Corvettes and whilst they are always sensational to look at, I'm over convincing myself they're great to drive:- sorry guys, just my opinion.

I am 54 years old

 

Sorry about the age question, I've heard some wild ideas from 16 year olds on the forum before, isolated to the C3 section though.

It sounds like you have a plan and since you're tired of the restoration game, more power to you. I've been around several modernized C2's. A couple had the original frame modified and another pair used aftermarket frames. One C2, local to where I live, has a complete C5 interior retrofitted into the car along with c4 suspension and an Lt-1 with a 700R tranny. I can do a lot of things, but I'm still not sure how the father and son team pulled the C5 interior off. Bottom line, all of the modernized C2's I've seen drive and handle like new cars. But the re-assembly and attention to detail really matters if you want a modern version of a 30-50 year old car.

After I finish honing some necessary skills on my C5, I'll be tearing my 74 vert down to the frame and modernizing her as she comes back to life with a ZR-1 theme. C5 front suspension, aftermarket 4 link rear suspension for a C4, LT-5 engine (show factor dictates an LT-5) and a lot of work on the interior. I plan on having a custom vert top made with C5/C6 material, headliner and a glass rear window, that will cost me some money, most everything else I can do myself. She'll be sleek, low and wider than stock, but the original lines of the 74 will be maintained. I'll be turning 50 before that cars done though . . . I'm 41 right now.

 

Sounds like you have a good plan for your '74 vert.

In terms of modifying our cars, I don't believe there is is a right or wrong way to go about something, there are many roads to take in order to achieve your final prefered outcome.

For me, to essentially use nearly all of the donor C5 Z06, contains costs, and it'll be like driving a C5 Z06, and for my money, it doesn't get a whole lot better than this.

Of course I am expecting some serious hurdles along the way in modifying the body to suit. I've built the thing a thousand times in my head, but reality is a whole different ball game.

I was hoping to compare notes with someone who has done the same thing. I wouldn't have thought I would have been the first person to want, or have built this car in such a way.