63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration

[napa68]

As some of you have seen before, I recently purchased a 63 Corvette split window coupe. I had been looking casually for the last five years for the right car be it original, restored, or in need of restoration. While I do prefer original cars, the candidate to suit my specifications would be rather difficult to find in an unrestored state.
I am rather discriminating about a car to keep. I knew I wanted a Daytona Blue car, 340hp or 360hp (preferred), unhit / original body, and most of the critical components present and accounted for. While documentation would be fantastic, that requirement can REALLY narrow the field. To say nothing........ for fake documents.

Rewind to about 8 weeks ago, a friend who I colaberate with on different occasions (Ron) calls to tell me about a car he found here in Wisconsin. Ron is one of the ONLY people who I would but a car through sight unseen. After a discussion of 10 minutes about the details of this car and a little bickering on price, I committed to it. The price of the car was MORE than reasonable to assume some risks in the purchase.

I got the car home about a week later. Ron and I went through the car to do a final evaluation. 30+ beers later, I was happy on a few different levels <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

The car was to come with the original shortblock (rebuilt) that was still at the machine shop. Looking at the deck, I believe it to be a restoration block. The car did also have an incorrect transmission as well as the differential. In the big picture...........no big deal. The person selling the car was a little shady in my opinion. But....... I was looking for a specific car as opposed to making a friend. This car is UNHIT, has all the the little bits and pieces that make up a fuel injected Corvette, retains the original injection unit as well as the original distributor. The radiator support is original to the car (big stuff in a F.I. Corvette), besides many of the little characteristics of an early 63 Corvette (November 14, 1962) All of the window glass is original, trim and stainless is all there and VERY restorable.

The plans for 3532 (ending VIN#) are to have a driver while I gather the missing pieces needed for a spectacular restoration. In a short period of time, I have found the prefect transmission and differential. I have also secured the proper master cylinder, alternator,shifter, and jack. I am still looking for cylinder heads dated late August / early September of 62. Let me know if any of you have some with a fair price.

My posts on the car will be scattered until I blow the car apart. As I acquire parts, restore them, or just find a good reason, I'll throw and update out there. Here is some photos to hold you over for now.

Tim


http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2178.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2179.jpg

Currently has a 70 350 &quot;010&quot; block. Must have some parts in it cause it just hauls arse

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2173.jpg

I believe the mileage to be real

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2180.jpg

[napa68]

more................

Data tag from F.I. unit #7375

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2231.jpg

Distributor 1111022 dated October 26th 1962

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2232.jpg

Right side exhaust manifold 3797902 without heat tube

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2236.jpg

original fan clutch and pulleys

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2237.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2242.jpg

original t-stat housing

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2240.jpg

[napa68]

more.............

key details of the radiator support plus original horns

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2243.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2246.jpg

original radiator hoses

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2250.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2251.jpg

original radiator cap and horn relay

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2247.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2249.jpg

[napa68]

more yet.....
original dipstick and tube

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2252.jpg

original screws retaining air cleaner &quot;S&quot; tube to radiator support $$$$$$$$$$$$$

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2253.jpg

engine deck and casting date

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2265.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2267.jpg

T-10 trans castings

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2276.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2278.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2279.jpg

Rear diff. 3:36 ratio

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2280.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2281.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2282.jpg

[napa68]

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2283.jpg

And some details that make up an early 63 Corvette.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2259.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2260.jpg

They would just bondo up the seams in the door jambs. That was discontinued later on because of cracking.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2255.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2262.jpg

right about the time the started to cover the dash center section in vinyl (no trim on the radio)

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2261.jpg

Somebody is a disappointed football fan!

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2256.jpg

[kwhizz]

Nice Car..........That would be an &quot;Easy&quot; one!!......Oh Yeah!!......I almost forgot...........&quot;Spoiled Brat&quot;.....

[Xplantdad]

This will be neat to watch!

[napa68]

One thing I forgot to include in my post. This 63 is going to be the perfect bookend to what will complete my collection one day. This is the car that started it all for me. My Father purchased a 67 Corvette in 1974 for the sum total of $4000. He got boned. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/sick.gif I was always one of those kids who wanted to be just like his Dad. This car has been everything great about cars since I was 6 years old.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2111.jpg

[napa68]

I have managed to get some more parts in here this week.

The shifter
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2286.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2287.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2288.jpg

I cleaned up the bellhousing. Boy, is this nice.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2289.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2290.jpg

And the right AM radio. I NEVER thought I would pay this kind of money for an AM radio! Really nice though. Everything the seller said it was and more.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2318.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2319.jpg

[Fast67VelleN2O]

That block stamping looks DEAD on. I just sold a 327-250hp shortblock from a 1963 Corvette about 1000 cars after yours and the stamping looks perfect in my opinion. Wish I saved the picture of the deck stamping so you could compare.

-Matt

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

What component do you feel is not original to the car, the dates and stampings seem to line up - or is there something unique that I'm missing?

[napa68]

I myself, think the stamping on the deck would be deeper. Just from my own obsevations through the years, the stamp is more defined. But, it is just my opinion. As for the dates of the block, it is spot on.

Sill looking for a set of 461 heads from early to mid September of 62!

[olredalert]

----Its really no big deal, but the water pump has been replaced. I like this car a bunch. one of my favorite 63/64 color combos......Bill S

[napa68]

I have been collecting parts, getting after the build of the engine and transmission, and just preparing to set the drivetrain in the car for this year.

Looks like I am going to have a big project coming up with work this year so I am going to just drive the car for a year or two before I think about tearing into it.

I found the prefect virgin 461 heads!

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2349-Copy.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2351-Copy.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2350-Copy.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2352.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2353.jpg

[napa68]

I stabbed in a cam from an LT-1. I have had great success with this prior in another F.I. 63 I had. The engine is .060 over with a compression ratio of 10:1. Experience dictates with the fuel injection, I'll be just fine on pump gas with 38 degrees total timing.


http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2367.jpg


http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2369.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2368.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2370.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2373.jpg

I found some original head bolts for the exposed heads. Otherwise, it's all ARP.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2371.jpg

[napa68]

The transmission has been a real trip. After is all said and done, it WILL be brand new outside of the case. Most everything was junk. What I am going to do here (to suit my own taste) is install a wide ratio cluster. The 2.54 1st gear will work quite a bit nicer with the 3.36's while still being a good road gear. Again, experience from my prior F.I. car, there is more than enough torque and RPM range to account for the RPM drop between gears of the wide ratio cluster.


http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2359.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2355.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2358.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2354.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2356.jpg

[napa68]

And in with the new!


http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2363.jpg

Using the 2 degree sliders to keep this from popping out of gear!

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2360.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2361.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2362.jpg

[Xplantdad]

Very nice Tim!

[427TJ]

I love everything about this car! Wheelcovers, ribbed blackwalls, dark color, fuelie, split-window.

[napa68]

Got the transmission back today. I suppose I am going to stab it in this weekend.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/100_2380.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/100_2381.jpg

[Fast67VelleN2O]

That transmission has the wrong input bearing retainer for a 1963. If you're using the 3788421 bell housing... that takes the small bearing retainer. For Corvettes, the early assembly line correct piece is aluminum. Later service replacements were cast iron.

-Matt

[napa68]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fast67VelleN2O</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That transmission has the wrong input bearing retainer for a 1963. If you're using the 3788421 bell housing... that takes the small bearing retainer. For Corvettes, the early assembly line correct piece is aluminum. Later service replacements were cast iron.

-Matt </div></div>

You're right! I missed that. Thanks Matt.

[napa68]

time this weekend (and a little ambition) to tear into the 63. I snapped some pics along the way.

junk exhaust
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/009-2.jpg

ned to send the manifolds out to have the flanges repaired. I suppose Jerry McNeisch is the best choice
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/013-2.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/018-2.jpg

Data tag on the F.I unit
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/017-2.jpg

Intake casting and dates
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/023-2.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/021-2.jpg

[napa68]

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/024-2.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/020-2.jpg

This car has the original radiator support. It's rusted more than I originally thought. I'll just have to be on the lookout for a nice used one. Please contact me if you know of one.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/031-2.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/030-2.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/034-2.jpg

[GRNDNL]

Does the radaitor support bolt in?

[napa68]

And were out!

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/035-1.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/036-1.jpg


http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/026-2.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/027-2.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/028-2.jpg

[napa68]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GRNDNL</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does the radaitor support bolt in? </div></div>

Yup! Thankfully! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

[napa68]

A little progress this week.

My 609 pump

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/003-3.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/002-2.jpg

stripping the oil pan

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/001-2.jpg

and my buddy Kevin checking the cam install

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/004-3.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/005-3.jpg

[napa68]

Then the bad news................I do believe.

Is this from a rocker stud that is not installed straight?
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/001-3.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/002-3.jpg

It can't be normal............can it? I've never seen it.

[GRNDNL]

Stop by with the radiator support, doesn't look that hard to fix from the pics.

My green plow truck had the same thing with the rockers, some of the guide plates were wrong, still ran it for years like that.

[enio45]

Possible bad (not square) grind on the top of the valve stem?

[ssl78]

The valve stem looks square it looks like the rocker arm is off center, could be bad rocker pushrod or pushh rod guide plate

[VintageMusclecar]

What brand are those rockers? I found the same issue during mock-up on a customers engine a few years ago, turned out to be the rocker arms.

[napa68]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VintageMusclecar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What brand are those rockers? I found the same issue during mock-up on a customers engine a few years ago, turned out to be the rocker arms. </div></div>

Comp Cams Eric.

[VintageMusclecar]

Tim;

Check your PM's.

Eric

[napa68]

After replies, suggestions, and some good SWAG's, I took a few more photos to answer some questions. Through it all (and cycling the valvetrain some more) I am really confused. Perhaps, my problem is not a problem.

pushrod location on the offending valve

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/002.jpg

same valve at TDC

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/004.jpg

same valve at MPOL next time around

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/007.jpg

Furthermore, I was asked by the fellow who did the heads for me about the issue. He asked for the fluctuation of center to center measurement of the rocker studs from this cylinder compared to the others. It varied from .040 to .085 from the others (with this cylinder being the widest). Am I being too critical? Is this normal? Judging by some of the replies and PM's, this may not be too unusual. While I am not going to buzz this at a regular 7000 RPM, I do not expect this to be driven like a Sunday church ride either.

Your thoughts again?

in advance......................thanks everyone!

[Unreal]

First thing you have to do is wipe all that red stuff off the valve stems. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

[kwhizz]

Put a LS in it and forget about it!!!....................

[napa68]

A good lesson......................bad rocker arms cause problems like the above. With that behind me, I moved forward.

build number on the passenger toe board

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/005-4.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/004-4.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/006-3.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/007-3.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/003-4.jpg

and were in!

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/008-3.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/009-3.jpg

[napa68]

I experienced a set back this week. After getting everything wrapped up and finding a good replacement exhaust manifold (not as easy as one would think) it came time to twist the tail. I have been looking forward to running my &quot;beater&quot; F.I. Corvette for a while. Fired right up and broke in the cam. The engine was REAL responsive and ran consistent for temp (especially given the fact it was running @ 2500 RPM in 90+ degree heat. The part that sucks............. water in the oil.

I drained the oil and placed in some clear graduated containers to find about 24oz of &quot;milk&quot; in a 6qt system. I have not started to tear down yet aside from pulling the valve covers and draining the fluids. I suppose the good news is there was no debris in the oil and the valve lash is right on from where I originally set it!

During assembly, I must say I was not impressed with how the intake manifold fit the long block (too tall?). Could it be that far off to cause a coolant leak? I will also note cylinders 1 and 3 plugs are rather clean compared to the others. So, with that being said, is there something one of you would suggest before I dive back in? Torque on the intake and the cylinder heads were spot on. In hindsight, I have always been very lucky to have had little or no problems so I am not very experienced in troubleshooting larger issues.

Thanks,

Tim

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/003-5.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/001-4.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/004-5.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/002-4.jpg

[RPOLS3]

Man that sucks........sorry to hear about that Tim. Sounds like you may be on the right track with looking at how the intake mates up with the heads....?

Good luck.

Jake

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Did you get hardened seats installed?

[napa68]

Yes I did.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

It is possible that when they cut the heads for the hardened seats they cut into the water jacket. If you don't find a faulty gasket, I'd have the heads checked.

[napa68]

Mission accomplished! It was the fit of the intake manifold. Runs MUCH better too. Now I can get moving forward again. Still looking for a nice replacement frame!

[RPOLS3]

Great news, glad you found the problem.

Jake

[napa68]

I have had some time as of late to put in on my 63. I have found a great southern frame / chassis that is much nicer than what I have. This new frame is so nice, I can powdercoat it rather than paint it. I clicked a few pics of the chassis in addition to a quick video of the car running. Now that I have it sorted out, I am rather thrilled with how things are turning out.

It only reiterates why these cars were so sought after when they were new.

Tim

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/th_016-3.jpg (http://s1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/?action=view&amp;current=016-3.mp4)

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/019-2-1.jpg

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http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/023-1-1.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/024-2-1.jpg

[kwhizz]

Wow......Great find.....as long as there is no body on the new frame.....Dropping an LS in it would be real easy..........

[RPOLS3]

Looking good Tim!

[firstgenaddict]

Intake Water leakage... I have seen it with Angle milled heads which must have the intake mating surfaces re-cut at the proper angle in order to make the fit tight.

[napa68]

This past weekend, I elected to tear into the 63 to get moving on it. I good friend of mine who owns a restoration shop around here (Corvette Perfection) is giving me technical support and will be performing body and paint work for the project. So, here is a few pics to update where we are at.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/018-3.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/017-3.jpg

Original overspray on the floorpans

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/002-5.jpg

This is the build number which is right in front of the gas tank and has original overspray as well

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/003-6.jpg

I can only think this was for a speaker of sort. This shot is looking up from above the fuel tank into the rear floor pan. Ever seen this before?

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/008-4.jpg

A little old body work on the left rear quarter panel

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/004-Copy.jpg

And some damage repair that would be on the rear deck lid towards the left side.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/005-Copy.jpg

A little rusty in the lower birdcage, but yet relatively solid. I'll work this over some and replace the rocker cover supports. (At one time, this car had side pipes on it)

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/013-3.jpg


http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/014-3.jpg

This is what appears to be an original factory glass repair that is located at the rear of the driveshaft tunnel.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/012-3.jpg

[napa68]

This is the build number (same 33) which is located on the passenger side toe board

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/005-4.jpg

[RPOLS3]

Looking forward to seeing the progress on this one Tim. Neat car.

Jake

[napa68]

Given the state of the economy (along with the uncertainty) I elected to hold off on the full blown restoration for a year or two. I am going to continue to collect what few perfectly dated parts I need yet to say nothing for collecting $$$$$$$$$$$. I reassembled the body on my new chassis last week.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/005-5.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/010-3.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/013-4.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/016-4.jpg

Back at home again............

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/026-3.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/027-3.jpg

[napa68]

I did also come across perfectly dated and restored seat belts and voltage regulator.


http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/021-4.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/022-3.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/63%20Corvette%20L84/023-3.jpg

[Xplantdad]

Looks really nice!

[RPOLS3]

Lookin great Tim!

Jake

[Material_Boy]

Tim,
Curious as to what was wrong with original frame that it could not be repaired/saved. Corvette venders out there have been offering weld in sections for the rust prone areas of midyear frames for years and which I am sure you are aware of. Is the VIN stamped on 63 frames as it is on later midyears?

Neat car and looking good!

Dave

[napa68]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Material_Boy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Tim,
Curious as to what was wrong with original frame that it could not be repaired/saved. Corvette venders out there have been offering weld in sections for the rust prone areas of midyear frames for years and which I am sure you are aware of. Is the VIN stamped on 63 frames as it is on later midyears?

Neat car and looking good!

Dave </div></div>

I was reluctant to repair the frame myself when good clean used ones could be had for less money. The amount of work to overcome the scale was a deterrant as well. You are correct about the VIN stamp on all years including 63. I am glad I took the route I did as it car required VERY little shiming.

Tim

[Material_Boy]

OK. Understood and makes perfect sense. I have been following your thread since you first posted in November 2011. please keep us updated as you move along. I love these midyears! I see we have similar tastes in cars. I have 2 67's (coupe and roadster), a 65 coupe, and a 66 L79 Nova. My 65 coupe is the exact twin to yours. It too is a 327-365 with side exhaust, knockoffs, and goldlines. It is Milano Maroon to boot!
All the best,

Dave

[firstgenaddict]

Now that you have the car in a driving condition will you try and save the numbers matching frame?

I do not know how particular the vette crowd is about numbers matching frames is it perfectly acceptable to replace one with same year frame? Would vette guys rather have a good solid original frame from another car over a repaired and sectioned born with frame?

I have worked on and am interested in midyears plus I have more customers requesting I find them so any input here is welcome.

[napa68]

It's a good question. All a matter of opinion. I suppose, one could only compare to an engine. Does one try to ressurect a POS and expect the same end result (performance)? I wanted a VERY solid car that was not pieced together. That is the simple reason I looked for a car the was unhit as opposed to something I had to hang a front or rear clip on. I'd rather deal with a rusty frame (with a good bird cage) than a bunch of busted up glass.

I personally, have no issue with a replacement frame. There have been more than a few documented cases where a person restoring a car sees a noticable difference in the weight between a solid replacement frame compared to a repaired rusty frame. IMO that is a saftey issue.

I have heard (and read) of people taking the VIN from the original frame, cutting it out and butt welding it into the replacement frame. No different than a rebody on a steel car. I have no problem representing the car as it truly is. I have a bill of sale from the replacement frame detailing the VIN number of the car it came from. For the sake of honesty and authenticity of restoration, I have stamped the frame with an original gang stamp. While it is my intent to keep this car, you never know what the future may hold and I do not want myself nor anyone else to have a problem with the car at say an auction. Much like my engine block,the frame is a stamper.

Again, this is more a philisophical point of my own. I am sure there are others who would argue with my point. Too many times, one would like to make everyone believe the car they restored or are selling is a virgin. Fact is, not near as many cars are the virgins they are represented to be. These cars were beat, crashed, raced, blown up, and driven in the salt. Believe it or not, they were not all sold in California

As for the original frame, The VIN is beyond recognition as I looked for it. The scale had it's way. That is one of the issues with a 63 as it is only stamped in one spot (At least in the early cars like mine).

I hope this answers your question.

All the best and thanks for the interest.

Tim

P.S. I consider myself lucky as I located a frame that was 2 weeks away from the production date of my car. It is my understanding 63's have 3 different frames through production. Again, authentic.

Just for clarification, this car is a REAL and validated F.I. Corvette that is Daytona Blue with it's original F.I. unit.

[firstgenaddict]

I would consider you lucky as well.

When my vette buddy was having me check the frame on a 66 roadster we picked up, he said I am 99% sure you have the original frame, I said is that a big deal? He just said it was nice and legitimized the lack of body damage and mileage/story which came along with the car.

BTW I agree with you, I would rather deal with a non numbers frame than a bunch of bonding strips and glass panels.

I didn't know being a F body guy mostly, and I will THANK GOD we don't have serial numbers on Subframes.

[napa68]

It's been a while since I posted over the 63. I've been on the road this spring in the &quot;barn find&quot; condition and suppose I am going to continue like that for a little while. I must admit, it's kinda nice not to worry over perfect paint.

Additionally, I have been distracted by something shiny. May be a good candidate for Pure Stock?

Details to follow...............

[napa68]

I received a PM today. Sounds like an owner from the past (69-74). Pics are on the way. Will be sure to post!

Tim

[Xplantdad]

Ohhhh....a mystery! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

[napa68]

This week, I received this PM from Fred (68 Chevy II)

Hello, I would like to email you some original pictures. Your car sounds like the one I owned from 1969-74. Some of the characteristics of yours matched the accessories that I installed on mine back in the day. Unfortunatly I dont have a vin# but the color combo and side exhaust, ce short block, trans etc. was done duringmy ownership during the early 70's. This is a long shot, but if its the same one it was a local Michigan car when new. P M me your email address and I can send pictures I have. Thank you Fred Ragla

Fred emailed the photos to me and we spoke for a little bit this week. I am safe to say, this is the car. From the dates on the CE LT1 block, worked over heads, Muncie trans, small birth marks, as well as my car being delivered to Michigan. What a treat. Had a nice conversation with Fred and will have many more to follow. I am going to try to get to a Pure Stock race so we can meet. The black and white pics are from 69 and the color are from 70 after Fred painted the car. Hope you enjoy!

Tim

p.s big thanks and shout out to Bruce (xplantdad)for converting the photos into something I could post and share!


http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/3_zps7c45ae02.jpg (http://s1043.photobucket.com/user/napa68/media/3_zps7c45ae02.jpg.html)


http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/2_zps29cf9bed.jpg (http://s1043.photobucket.com/user/napa68/media/2_zps29cf9bed.jpg.html)

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/1_zps85517b61.jpg (http://s1043.photobucket.com/user/napa68/media/1_zps85517b61.jpg.html)

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/6_zpse32b25f1.jpg (http://s1043.photobucket.com/user/napa68/media/6_zpse32b25f1.jpg.html)

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/5_zpsa93b5d99.jpg (http://s1043.photobucket.com/user/napa68/media/5_zpsa93b5d99.jpg.html)

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/4_zps0f49fadd.jpg (http://s1043.photobucket.com/user/napa68/media/4_zps0f49fadd.jpg.html)

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/7_zpsef960249.jpg (http://s1043.photobucket.com/user/napa68/media/7_zpsef960249.jpg.html)

[Xplantdad]

That is awesome Tim!

Small world that this car also belonged to Fred! That's cool as heck. I love the pics. When you sent me the email...I looked at that phone number and said...Hey, that's Fred's number <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif


Thanks for sharing the pics and the story <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif

[RPOLS3]

Neat stuff Tim.

Jake

[mockingbird812]

Congrats! Fred is one of the good guys! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[68 Chevy II]

Like Tim said; All the little marks and the obvious changes are on the car. I am very happy that old car is still around! Sounds like a perfect meeting place @ Pure Stock Drags. Thank you Bruce and Sam for the kind words, and I'll see you guys in the Fall. Also, thank you to Yenko.net


Fred

[Xplantdad]

See you then Fred!

[napa68]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: napa68</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's been a while since I posted over the 63. I've been on the road this spring in the &quot;barn find&quot; condition and suppose I am going to continue like that for a little while. I must admit, it's kinda nice not to worry over perfect paint.

Additionally, I have been distracted by something shiny. May be a good candidate for Pure Stock?

Details to follow............... </div></div>

Something shiny...............

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2836_zps7ad3908a.jpg (http://s1043.photobucket.com/user/napa68/media/100_2836_zps7ad3908a.jpg.html)