Daily Slideshow: 1962 Corvette Was a Secret Restoration

Corvette Story

In the automotive enthusiast realm, few stories stand up to those involving relationships. Whether they be husband and wife or father and son, tales of families and their cars never cease to hit us right in the feels. So when saw the story of Mick and Sandy Parkerson's '62 Corvette at Super Chevy recently, we knew it was worth shining a light on.

Wheels Turning

Mr. Parkerson told Mrs. Parkerson that he was going to treat her C1 Corvette to a fresh paint job and an interior redo, and nothing else. Sandy had owned the car since 2012 when she bought it mechanically sound but in need of a little cosmetic work. She loved the car and drove it a lot, which got Mick thinking.  

>>Join the conversation about this C2's secret restoration right here in Corvette Forum.

Keeping a Secret

Old cars like this one aren't exactly the most comfortable, capable, or safe. So behind the scenes, he developed a plan to give the '62 the restomod treatment. It took around four months before Sandy began to get a little suspicious. Needless to say, it wasn't easy to keep the secret for the entire 18-month build process.

>>Join the conversation about this C2's secret restoration right here in Corvette Forum.

New Shoes

But judging by the finished product, we'd say the long wait was worth it. The '62 is now an entirely new car, sporting fresh paint and chrome. The wheels are Circle Racing 17x7 pieces that mimic the stock hubcap look, and they're wrapped in Diamond Back 225/50R17 whitewall tires.

>>Join the conversation about this C2's secret restoration right here in Corvette Forum.

Power Upgrade

Still, maybe Mick just threw on a new set of rolling stock for good measure? But lift the hood, and you'll quickly realize this Corvette is much more than that. There, you'll find a crate LS3, which replaces the stock 327. 

>>Join the conversation about this C2's secret restoration right here in Corvette Forum.

Pretty and Powerful

The modern mill pumps out a healthy 430 hp, and it's backed up by a 4L70E automatic transmission. A custom aluminum radiator cools the new drivetrain while ceramic coated headers and a dual exhaust take care of spent gases. 

>>Join the conversation about this C2's secret restoration right here in Corvette Forum.

Keeping a Promise

The same theme of modern yet tasteful continues inside. The interior isn't too far from stock, but there are enough added amenities to make it more comfortable. Everything is covered in fresh red leather too, covering Mick's original promise.

>>Join the conversation about this C2's secret restoration right here in Corvette Forum.

Modern Amenities

A custom center console adds cup holders and a Kenwood touchscreen. Vintage A/C controls help keep things extra cool inside, and there are even USB ports for charging today's smartphones. Toss in a backup camera and cruise control, and you've got all the amenities of a modern cruiser.

>>Join the conversation about this C2's secret restoration right here in Corvette Forum.

Almost Too Nice

Pop the trunk, and it's pretty clear this '62 Corvette is far from stock, however. The red leather stitching continues back there, making this trunk something we wouldn't want to toss dirty bags into.

>>Join the conversation about this C2's secret restoration right here in Corvette Forum.

Ultimate Surprise

Like any good resto-mod, this 'Vette has a brand new suspension from Art Morrison, too. It consists of tubular A-arms up front, a four-link out back, and coilovers at all four corners. Toss in 14-inch 6-piston Baer brakes and a 9-inch rear with 3.50 gears, and you've got the ultimate surprise gift! 

>>Join the conversation about this C2's secret restoration right here in Corvette Forum.

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