What's next?
Thread Starter
Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 11,775
Likes: 1,376
From: US
What's next?
could it possibly be that there's nothing worthwhile left to do on my vette? I've finished the '67, and think maybe I may actually be finished with the c5, and maybe time to move on to my next project (either restoring my '67 wildcat, or maybe picking up a '69 GTO and doing a restomod).... any thoughts ?
This is a semi complete list of what I've done:
Other than a few nits to fix, may do engine dress up, may change out the headlights for leds or something, I'm thinking may be time to put a pin in the upgrades to the c5, and move on. Obviously, I know I can get more power, go crazier on the paint, etc., but think I'm just about where I am.
Any more "must have" (emphasis on "MUST") modifications?
This is a semi complete list of what I've done:
- aa super charger/cam/tune (hp in sig)
- z06 clutch
- 4.11 gears
- short throw shifter (did this so long ago forgot what I put in)
- headers/hi flow cats/z06 cat back
- c7 z06 repro wheels, 18" fronts/19" rears
- Full body repaint (same color)
- PPF over entire car (xpel)
- new convertible top
- all new leather interior -- leather covered dash, door panels, center console, new carpet, leather covered flat bottom/top steering wheel -- pretty much every surface has been covered with matching black/red leather with dual red stitching.
- c7 seats, custom leather
- new tunes -- not earth shattering, but decent (ilx650 head unit, all new speakers, powered by 1000 wats of amp, rear 12" sub, 1200 watt amp)
Other than a few nits to fix, may do engine dress up, may change out the headlights for leds or something, I'm thinking may be time to put a pin in the upgrades to the c5, and move on. Obviously, I know I can get more power, go crazier on the paint, etc., but think I'm just about where I am.
Any more "must have" (emphasis on "MUST") modifications?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,667
could it possibly be that there's nothing worthwhile left to do on my vette? I've finished the '67, and think maybe I may actually be finished with the c5, and maybe time to move on to my next project (either restoring my '67 wildcat, or maybe picking up a '69 GTO and doing a restomod).... any thoughts ?
This is a semi complete list of what I've done:
Other than a few nits to fix, may do engine dress up, may change out the headlights for leds or something, I'm thinking may be time to put a pin in the upgrades to the c5, and move on. Obviously, I know I can get more power, go crazier on the paint, etc., but think I'm just about where I am.
Any more "must have" (emphasis on "MUST") modifications?
This is a semi complete list of what I've done:
- aa super charger/cam/tune (hp in sig)
- z06 clutch
- 4.11 gears
- short throw shifter (did this so long ago forgot what I put in)
- headers/hi flow cats/z06 cat back
- c7 z06 repro wheels, 18" fronts/19" rears
- Full body repaint (same color)
- PPF over entire car (xpel)
- new convertible top
- all new leather interior -- leather covered dash, door panels, center console, new carpet, leather covered flat bottom/top steering wheel -- pretty much every surface has been covered with matching black/red leather with dual red stitching.
- c7 seats, custom leather
- new tunes -- not earth shattering, but decent (ilx650 head unit, all new speakers, powered by 1000 wats of amp, rear 12" sub, 1200 watt amp)
Other than a few nits to fix, may do engine dress up, may change out the headlights for leds or something, I'm thinking may be time to put a pin in the upgrades to the c5, and move on. Obviously, I know I can get more power, go crazier on the paint, etc., but think I'm just about where I am.
Any more "must have" (emphasis on "MUST") modifications?
.
Thread Starter
Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 11,775
Likes: 1,376
From: US
You have a nice collection there! Most people have never heard of the Buick Wildcat. I remember a long ago girlfriend whose Uncle Jack had a Wildcat Convertible. White with a black interior. Very unappreciated musclecar from that era. His car was fast back in the day. Dont remember what options or equipment he had, other than the Vert. I vote for starting on the Buick.......
.
.
I've been maintining since I got it in the 90s, haven't really had time or resources to devote to it. But the interior is absolutly pristine, the body needs some work, chrome is excellent, and motor, other than a few leaks (to be expected) is in great shape -- 430 big block, 360hp, 475 lb*ft tq.. When I do it, I'll keep the same color scheme (black in/black out), and likely put in front bucket seats -- That was an option back then, I've already sourced the center console which had a very cool tach in the middle ... took me a few years to find a working setup.
(the funky speaker box in the center of the interior pic is just that.. a box with an amp and a blutooth receiver I built, doesn't look that great but wanted some tunes in the car while I was driving, and the 50+ year old fm radio and paper speakers weren't cutting it :-)
(
Last edited by JMG2; Oct 9, 2022 at 11:42 AM.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 260
Likes: 74
From: MN
Beautiful car. Years ago my aunt and uncle had one. Younger me thought the speed alert was a cool option. High tech for its day. As for the bench seat I would keep it. Brings back great memories of one hand on the wheel and my arm around my sweetheart.
Thread Starter
Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 11,775
Likes: 1,376
From: US
Pro
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 691
Likes: 317
From: NW OH
Other than a few nits to fix, may do engine dress up, may change out the headlights for leds or something, I'm thinking may be time to put a pin in the upgrades to the c5, and move on. Obviously, I know I can get more power, go crazier on the paint, etc., but think I'm just about where I am.
Any more "must have" (emphasis on "MUST") modifications?
Any more "must have" (emphasis on "MUST") modifications?
Thread Starter
Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 11,775
Likes: 1,376
From: US
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,767
Likes: 3,695
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
You customized your C5 to your liking. Now just drive it and enjoy it and perform repair mods when needed.
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 11,121
Likes: 672
From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
Takes me back to my younger times, but the Buicks were overlooked and underappreciated. The Buick 455 was a terror on the streets and finding one with the 1969 Muncy 4 speed was extra rare, but they were equal player on the streets, the GTO and Chevelles and the Hurst/Olds 455 were the true killers of street racing ! I always had a soft spot for Oldsmobiles, I'd keep the center console and buckets seats. They are extremally rare ! like almost all cars from the sixties, their either in a collection or in soup cans by now ! And I assume they'll be legislated out of existence soon ! 
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,667
Pro
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 691
Likes: 317
From: NW OH
I got to ride in a 97 with coil overs... more than I'd spend for my car but very impressive. setup was good tho the driver was bit ham handed, well I guess that made the ride even more impressive. My 98 still has the original shocks fwiw.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,594
Likes: 4,618
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
Drive it every day and enjoy it. Life is short and times are changing.
Thread Starter
Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 11,775
Likes: 1,376
From: US
I believe the body style did change, though the overall shape remained the same-- they got rid of some of the chrome on the sides, and it was the first (and only) year for the 430 -- they went to a 455 the next year
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,602
Likes: 3,320
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
Love the Buick! I would certainly consider upgrading all of your exterior lighting. It makes a big difference at night. You're probably fine with what you've done to the suspension, but you could always upgrade to coilovers if you plan to track the car at all. Other than that, I think you might be done!
