Chasing the Local legendary cars.

[Charley Lillard]

For years people around here have talked about the old guy with all the Vettes locked up in a shop and a barn. They have supposedly been there for years and if you approach him he tells you they are very valuable and not for sale. Some had said they saw them through the window of the closed up shop. 3 days ago I got a call that the cars were for sale. Out the door I went. It is about 20 miles from here. I get there and the door is open and a 40ish fella asks what I want. As I am staring at a midyear Vette behind him I explain the call I recieved. He says yes they are for sale and goes to get his Mom. Turns out her husband is now 86 and has Alzheimers. She wants to sell the cars and move into town. They moved up from Southern Ca years ago and brought their collection of 7 Vettes with them. They bought them as investments on advise from a Brother. They sold 2 of them years earlier. Looking at registrations, last time one was driven was in 1985. Two 63 Split Windows, two 67 Coupes and a 56 that was last registered in 74. These are true barn cars. Here are some pics.

[Charley Lillard]

56 covered with Owl Crap. There was a dead Barn owl behind it.

[Charley Lillard]

56 Engine..nice and clean eh ?

[Charley Lillard]

56 Interior

[Charley Lillard]

Killer custom roof paint.

[Charley Lillard]

Yellow 67 Coupe..327 300 hp, auto, ac, power windows

[Charley Lillard]

Yellow 67 Interior. 46 K Miles.

[Charley Lillard]

Nice tire and loveseat pic.

[Charley Lillard]

Silver 67 with about 51K miles and supposedly orig paint. The Son had started it before I got there , then all the crud in the fuel system clogged everything up. 327, 4 speed pw car.

[Charley Lillard]

Harry Mann

[Charley Lillard]

Engine with the very cool Toilet paper oil filter.

[Charley Lillard]

Very nice interior and for some reason it has a Teak Wheel.

[Charley Lillard]

63 Split window. Was silver blue but changed to red. 250 hp 327, auto, ps, pb, pw.

[Charley Lillard]

decent interior.

[Charley Lillard]

Really Cool Kelsey Hayes Magstar wheels.

[Charley Lillard]

250 hp engine with the very rare Shasta Cola option.

[Charley Lillard]

Green 63 Splitwindow that is supposed to be Tuxedo Black. Has FI unit on a 300 hp engine.

[Charley Lillard]

FI engine

[Charley Lillard]

Interior.

[Charley Lillard]

Last registered in 84

[Charley Lillard]

Green one outside.

[Charley Lillard]

I am the Lucky Guy in the middle with a couple very nice folks.

[Enoch]

Nice finds Charley, the fuel unit is an early style. And the smog set-up on the yellow car is worth a pretty penny too.
So now we know why you putting up the other building, so you can open a classic car sales shop. You could call it Charleys Angels. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif.
Rich

[Charley Lillard]

63 leaking Rotten Fuel in my trailer. Now my Trailer and Barn stinks like Shellac.

[Charley Lillard]

56 outside

[JChlupsa]

Better can that gas, would bring a mint on Ebay listed as SUNOCO 260

[Charley Lillard]

After two days they are all here.

[Charley Lillard]

I almost hate to even wash the 56.

[Charley Lillard]

56 has the very rare Cast iron Powerglide in the trunk option.

[Charley Lillard]

Mags on the Red 63 look killer.

[Enoch]

Trans in the trunk same as the F-40 see chevrolet was ahead of it's time.

[Charley Lillard]

And no I did not steal these cars. I paid what they were asking and it was a bunch. We around here have been wanting to get our hands on these cars for so long that logic went out the window. Ahh the smell of rotten gas.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[JChlupsa]

Now all you have to find is the one that is said to be inside a bricked in climate controlled room with just a window for viewing the car and a small section that can be removed to allow a small person to crawl in and open the exhaust posts and start the car. Keep searching its said to be in Calif somewhere. I want to say its a 55 if im not mistaken

Nice find Charley and no doubt the Yellow one was the one that sealed the deal on the lot.

[x44d80]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing the pics. I think it's really great to see these cars before resto. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Enoch]

Is it safe to assume that we will be seeing a pro touring corvette in the near future? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[Mr. T]

Charley,

Curiosity has gotten ahold of me. Do you know why the son didn't want to keep any of the Vetts?

[hvychev]

Charley you are unbeliveable......man you have really out done your self this time!!!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Charley Lillard]

The Son is a Stepson and their are other children that wanted to be given the cars but the Parents told them from the getgo that they are investments and will be sold when it is time. The money will go toward a Home closer to Medical attention. All the midyears have orig. engines so they will probably never be Pro-touring cars.

[budnate]

Congrats, bet the old adrenalin was pumping as you went into the different buildings, There have been quite a few cars pop out of garages and barns this last year, ya gotta Love that musty interior smell! oh BTW http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/CharleySucks.gif

Bud.

[55chevy]

Awesome score Charley.. Are they all going in for full resto's or you just going to clean them up a bit? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Charley Lillard]

I have not really had time to evaluate them to decide on a plan of attack. I have visions of driving that 56 with the paint left the way it is. The Green one could either be restored or left as a Hotrod. The red 63 doesn not need resto. The 67's don't really need restoring, but they will need to have the fuel and brake systems gone through. And heater cores and radiators and Batteries and on and on. I have other stuff to drive so these could just sit around and get tinkered with.

[Chris396]

Leave those mags on! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/CharleySucks.gif

[John]

...What a find...You might go ahead and start on a "third" barn....at the rate your going... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[elonblock]

Charley,

Congratulations on your treasures!!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Looking at the pictures is like watching an episode
from the "Twilight Zone"!

Very cool!

How did you feel, when you opened the barn door, and looked
at the cars for the first time????

Did you have to pinch yourself, to make sure you weren't
dreaming....or something totally different?http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

Elon

[Charley Lillard]

Thanks. Still pinching myself. Still sorting through Keys. At least one has the owners manual and Protecto plate. The red 63 was sold to a Brue K Arnold in Pasadena and has the owner protection plan. He bought it at Angelus Chevrolet Co on Figueroa St in Los Angeles on March 4 1963. The Title I got for it was issued in 1974 to the People I bought it from.

[Mr70]

What a nice story and Pictures to boot!
I'll bet those NCRS guys will be knocking on your door again this month... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[jimbo]

They were bought as "investments",do you know what they paid for them originally?

[Charley Lillard]

I think I remember them saying they had to pay about 4000.00 for the Yellow 67 Coupe. I peeked inside the red 63 gas tank this morning and the gas still smells good. The owner used to start them up once in awhile but as he got older it just became too much work. They said they all ran fine when they parked them.

[427TJ]

Keep the original CA plates and dealer frames on them too. My opinion is leave them pretty much as-is. Yes, clean them up (owl dung is not really a "patina" item) and then preserve them as time capsules.

Those K-H mags are so cool on that '63---leave them on the car! Just put on a new set of belted pinstripe whitewalls.

Oh, and the "327" on the green 63's plates is very cool. "FLV 327" almost sounds like "FueLie Vette 327."

What a score. I can almost hear Jan and Dean coming from the radio in the red '63.

[COPO]

Charley, congrats and what an awesome find. These are the best stories that keep us all on the look out for the diamond or in your case diamonds in the barn. Thanks for sharing! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/CharleySucks.gif

[JoeG]

Speechless---The hairs are standing up on the back of my neck just looking at the photos ,it must have been GREAT just standing around those vettes stuck in time http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[DjD]

You going to be out at the GG show next weekend with the '56 Charlie? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif Nice find, I think the vettes will agument your rental fleet very nicely!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/CharleySucks.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Pantera]

If that trailer is ruined by the smell I just might take it off your hands. I have been looking at alum trailers and that looks like a good one.

[Eddie M.]

Congrats Charley.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif nice to see more cars coming back to life

[jfkheat]

Congratulations on a great find. There is a guy about a mile from me that has 3 Vettes sitting around his house, a 58, a 63 split window and a 71. Also has 2 40 Ford coupes. I was told the 58 and 63 have been sitting for 20 or more years. About 1 year ago he covered them with tarps, but they are in rough shape. I talked to the owner a few months ago about them. He will never sell the cars. It's a shame.
James

[olredalert]

------So,Charlie,,,Does this mean we will see you at Bloomington Gold? Last weekend in June. You will have a long parts list to fill by then. I sell all the BG T-shirts (for 19 years) and will give you one if you show up........Bill S

[MosportGreen66]

Nice Find Charley! Are any of the cars going to be for sale?

-Dan

[Belair62]

Charlet isn't even going to wash them !!!Cool deal Charley..I love those Magstars....

[Charley Lillard]

I put a battery in the red 63 and cranked it till I had oil pressure, stepped on the gas a couple times and it fired right up. Then it died and didn't want to start until I figured out that it was now out of gas. Added a couple gallons and dumped a bit in the carb and it runs fine. Step on the brakes and nothing. Check the master cylinder and it is empty. Add brake fluid and.........still no brakes. Put the auto trans in gear and it goes nowhere. Check the tranny fluid and nothing. Add two quarts and we have liftoff. Drove around the barn using the parking brake to stop. Power windows work, headlight doors and lights work. Power steering sounds like it needs fluid. Alternator, gas guage and tach works. Took it out and blew the walnuts from the squirrels out of it and washed it. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[DjD]

WOW!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif So do I look for a red split window next weekend then?

[COPO PETE]

Wow! What a great find. Congrats. I love the cars in barns stories!
Peter

[micky69396]

Looks like your building a bigger toy box in the back of the car.

[VintageMusclecar]

I saw this post last night and I still haven't got my jaw back off the floor. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

Huge congrats! This is the kind of thing most of us can only dream about.

Eric

[TimG]

Charley, I heard about these care in 1992 and went to his house. He told me that "no one gets to see my cars". I let him know that a friend of his told me to stop by. He aksed me if I had a Corvette and, of course we started talking about my cars. He said "wait here" and got the keys to the barn and told me to follow him. As we were going in he said "when you leave here, you've seen nothing, right?"
I said "right". He told me about some guy that came around writing a book and he told him to get lost. That guy was Noland Adams. I asked Noland about his visit and he said the guy told him to leave, he did not want anything published about his cars. He turned out to be very kind and once in the barn, he enjoyed telling me about the cars.
I have often wondered what happened to all of them and am glad that they are in good hands. I think that the red '63 and the two '67's are canidates for Survivor status, even if the yellow one has a repaint. Can't wait to see them again.

[Charley Lillard]

Yellow one just fired up a minute ago but accelerator pump is leaking. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Mr70]

You should return it & get your money back..... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Charley Lillard]

Accelerator pump stopped leaking but it does need some tuning. It cleaned up nicely. Carb kit tomorrow if I have the time. Another one with no brakes but the hand brake works..

[Charley Lillard]

It is so futuristic...

[Mr. T]

No doubt Charley, looks very nice, brand new looking. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Charley Lillard]

Grill has like a hardened coating of wax on it.

[Charley Lillard]

Has a soft top that just needs a little TLC.

[Belair62]

Those coupes look really good in that yellow.

[Charley Lillard]

Was a power top car. The top switch is still under the dash.

[Charley Lillard]

Check out the throttle linkage and Generator driven tach

[1967Z28]

Charley,

Awesome story and really neat cars. Congratulations. From the looks of the first three digits of the license plate on the '56, it looks like it was registered in the Santa Barbara area in '67.

-Jon

1967 Z28 street car
1967 Z28 Trans Am race car
1967 Z28 Registry

[427TJ]

This story just gets better and better. The '56 looks great with the owl crap washed off. Keep the photos coming!

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Charley Lillard]

Interior is not bad.

[Charley Lillard]

Right after it came out of the Barn.

[Charley Lillard]

Cool pic of the yellow car in front of a Wisteria in Bloom.

[olredalert]

Charlie,

-----That 67 came out seriously nice.
-----The fossil(what we call 56 to 62s)obviously has had a few owner mods along the way,like so many Corvettes of the era. I noticed the tail-lights and the lack of exhaust ports along with other stuff,but nothing really serious. If you need "fossil" stuff call my buddy,Joe Calcagno(831-475-4442). He lives just outside Santa Cruz and is THE 56-62 expert on the west coast. He will have almost any fossil part you can think of and usually has anywhere from 5 to 10 cars laying around. He is also a straight shooter and a good,good friend.............Bill S

[Bill Pritchard]

Wow, Charley, that is phenomenal. Congratulations and best of luck with them all http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[Stuart Adams]

Charley, cool vettes. You will have to invite the vette boys back over to the barn!! Awesome find, they are cleaning up very nicely.

[mike32]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif
MIKE

[Paul_S]

Congratulations Charley!

I've been checking back since you posted the first pics and couldn't take it anymore -I had to post! I like this find better than the one posted on the Hotrodders Bulletin Board a while ago. That '56 is way cool and so are the mags on the '63. I had the same thoughts about the '56 as I was looking at the pics -clean her up, make her road worthy and roll it around a bit. If the iron PG is/was in the trunk, what took its place? -an aluminum PG? I'd gladly help you clean that wax off the grill, but it's a bit of a drive for me. ha

Keep the pics coming.

Paul

[Charley Lillard]

Pushed the 56 up on the hoist and it has a Muncie 4 speed. Also has glasspacks. The fuel pump was off and a new one with new fittings and hose along with the bolts was sitting on the firewall. I might just have to try to get it running. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Belair62]

leave it ratty and drive it with the owl poop Charley...that is a cool looking car.

[427TJ]

I'll bet those glasspacks will sound cool, especially under hard acceleration. Then let off and coast on compression: BWAAAAAAAAAP---POP---POP---POP.

[Paul_S]

I was hoping it had a 4-speed. Nice package.

Now, don't put that FI unit from the non-original '63 on there!

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
leave it ratty and drive it with the owl poop Charley...that is a cool looking car.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll second that. Just hook up the fuel pump and cruise. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif
It's too cool just as it is! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[67ss350Camaro]

Great find Charley! Do you have any documentation to go with the silver 67 from Harry Mann? If you have interested I can tell you a little bit about the dealership. E-mail me if interested ([email protected]).

[DarrenX33]

[ QUOTE ]
leave it ratty and drive it with the owl poop Charley...that is a cool looking car.

[/ QUOTE ]

I thought those were stripes.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[77Z28]

This whole thread is simply awsome. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

I had to email a link to my brother and Dad to check it out. Whoever that was that called you Charlie and tipped you off to the sale of these cars needs one hell of a thank you. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

I told my brother in the email link he might just try harder with that local fella that has the 69 bigblock corvette just rotting in his backyard.

I dreamed last night that I also found 5 corvettes, but reality set back in the morning. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Simply an awsome purchase!!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

Todd

[Charley Lillard]

Today I rebuilt the carb, changed the plugs, scraped the glaze off the inside of the distributor cap and changed the oil in the yellow 67. It starts and runs great. Needed 2 quarts of auto trans fluid. Still has the orig dated plug wires on it and what looks like the orig GM smog pump belt. It still has the canister type oil filter and there happened to be a new Kmart filter in the silver car. Still have to stop by using the parking brake but.......

[budnate]

keep 'em coming, does the a/c blow cold?

[Charley Lillard]

Ha...I actually tried it but the compressor would not kick in. Evacuating and recharging is last on my list....way last.....

[Racefan]

It really is great to see some of these stories come true. There are some local legends floating around my part of rural Iowa. I guess I have to get off my behind and check them out, huh? Great job! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/CharleySucks.gif

[SS427]

Charley,
those Vettes were notorious for freezing the pistons in the cylinders on the dual piston disc brake calipers as I am sure you are well aware. New stainless steel sleeved calipers and you should be good to go. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[copo9566aa]

Congratulations Charley http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif
it's a fantastic dream for me http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif
it is what I like best in this hobbie http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

James T Kirk http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Charley Lillard]

Thanks all. It is still kinda of a blur for me as it all happened so fast. Yes I am still pinching myself and feel pretty lucky. Even though I paid a bunch, I feel like a situation like this might never come around again. My business partner is still laughing because he sees how I just went to Car Heaven with the dream car find.. He says it would have been perfect for me if there would have been a couple Yenkos in there also. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Belair62]

I think the owl poop was what tipped it in for you.

[Mr70]

You mentioned that there were originaly 7 cars in this Corvette owners collection.I'm Curious as to what the other 2 cars were that he sold years earlier?

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

the poop is the connection! The rallye green yenko camaro that the SuperCar Workshop restored for a customer was found covered with Peacock poop. Those are also some neat pictures.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/CharleySucks.gif

[Charley Lillard]

The two that were sold years ago were a 59 and a white 62 Fuelie.

[DaJudge]

Great find ! It's good to see they are still out there!

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Charley Lillard]

Todays quest was the 56. I pulled the fuel tank sending unit and the tank was empty with some dried gas residue but nothing serious. I put a new fuel pump on and blew out the line from the tank to the pump. Also ran new hose to the carb. I put a new battery in and tried the starter and it kind turned over real tight but started spinning freely. I had oil pressure so I hooked up the fuel line after I got fuel flowing freely and the damn thing fired right up. Then after about 20 seconds the gas started pouring out of the carb as the floats appear to be stuck. I laughed for a few minutes, dried up the gas sitting on the intake and fired it up again. Tach, oil pressure, amp guage and wipers work. Then the gas came pouring out so I called it a day. I just assumed the engine was a goner and it still might be but it was a pretty cool sight to see that thing start. Picking up a carb kit tomorrow. I will attach a pic of the engine as I found it in the barn so you can see why I was amazed that it started...

[Mr70]

It's like we're right there with ya! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[budnate]

aint that the truth, without sounding like a sap, I was down helping Charley get the A/C blowing cold last night in the yellow car, then I woke up about 2 am.............. once a car guy always a car guy.

Bud.

[Belair62]

Charley...take a picture of the crap that blew out of the exhaust after that many years...I had a 61 Bonney tri-power 4 spd convert from Steve at GM Spotsalvage in Cal.I got it home and believe me it was uglier than anything you have there...I hung a gas can with a ruber hose....primed the oil pump and fired that mother up....it hadn't run in 20 years....at least 5 pounds of plain ole crap came out of that dual exhaust and all over my garage ! The car was so ugly a camera wouldn't even work on it...you should see the thing now after sending it back to Steve...he had it frame offed....probably only a small hanful of 4 speed,348 horse converts built in 61....I'll post a pic unless Steve see's this first...

[mnyenko]

Charley,
A customer of mine put two convertibles in the barn 25 years ago.He told me they need to go as he sold the property.Too bad he did not own corvettes.Still neat to find old cars in barns.Earl

[mnyenko]

67 289 auto MN car.

[mnyenko]

66 289 3spd console CA built car.

[resto4u]

I like the "torque twister"
tires on the mustang! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

[Charley Lillard]

I managed to rebuild the Carter AFB carb on the 56 today. The secondaries were frozen closed and it took forever to get the thing clean. Started right up but the float level was too high so I turned the idle up to at least hear it for a minute then shut it off a reset the floats lower. Started it back up and it purrs like a kitten. Sounds awsome. The needles have fallen off the gas and temp guages . Headlights don't work but the rest do. Horn doesn't work. Clutch pedal is up almost against the dash. I tried to put it in gear but it grinds. Probably the clutch is frozen to the flywheel. If I get brave I will start it in gear. You can stand outside the car, hit the key and it fires right up....Ahhhh.....Oh yeah, it smokes like Crazy...Gee I wonder why.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Charley Lillard]

Ran the 56 some more today. As it is sitting there warming up a occasional spark shoots out the left tail pipe. I hit the dimmer switch and now the headlights work. Got brave, started it in reverse and the clutch broke free. I then laughed again, put it in first and drove it onto the hoist. Almost drove off the end of the hoist as I forgot I had to stop with the hand brake. Draining the oil overnight..Old old old oil.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Stuart Adams]

Someone is videoing this, right? I can visualize some pretty funny moments going on. Just don't run in to the Mule!!

[Charley Lillard]

Changed the oil and filter. Added brake fluid to the empty master cylinder, pumped it a few times and I have some brakes. Added some different wheels, drove it over to the Neighbors and Tada......

[Stuart Adams]

Nice.

[Mr70]

Your PhotoShop skills Are Improving Charley. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

I know it really exists,just teasin ya..a Very powerful picture that is. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[rpoz11]

Just a small add to this post: Apparently these cars were once located out in the Corona, Calif. area many years ago; I have this verified by a local ncrs guru...just fyi. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Charley Lillard]

ElSegundo..... And the owner said he outran the ElSegundo Cops with the 63 FI car...and the 63 FI cars goes 200 mph... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[rpoz11]

Hhmmm, well he said he didnt recall a FI car but Ill ask him again; http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Charley Lillard]

There was a 62 FI car also that he sold years ago. They moved up here with the cars over 20 years ago.

[Charley Lillard]

Removed the cast iron Powerglide from the trunk of the 56 and here is my resident...Been there awhile. Drove it a bit more and it even fries the tires in second.

[Eddie M.]

Charley... That rats suppose to be under the hood http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif It was good seeing you at pleasanton. Sure is a nice Yenko you have there http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[Mr70]

Well I can't finish My Cheeseburger now....

[Glenn J Coleman]

What an adventure. I can't wait for the next chapter. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

BTW, Charlie, thanks for taking the time to photo and share your story with us. It takes a lot of time (which nobody has) to share this much information. Hats off to ya!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[njsteve]

[ QUOTE ]
Removed the cast iron Powerglide from the trunk of the 56 and here is my resident...Been there awhile.

[/ QUOTE ]

Wait, isn't that the mummified remains of King Ratunkamen, the ancient Egyptian God of rotting musclecars?

[toner]

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/76780-3-29-04.jpg

That definitely needs a rebody.

toner

[MrsBillyBobcat]

EEEEEEEWWWW!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

Poor lil' mousie! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[hvychev]

jeeze....what a chick...... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Casey Marks]

Charlie - - these are AWESOME pics to an equally awesome story ! Congrats ! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

The mummified rodent reminds me of a 1970 Sport Satellite wagon that I bought from Texas back in '89. It was going to be a solid donor car for my '70 GTX Wagon. Anyway, as I was tearing the car apart, I was having a heckuva time getting the back seat out of the car. It just wouldn't free itself from the floorpan, even though it was free from the rearward-facing hooks. Come to find out, a rat, about the size of a cat, had gotten underneath the seat at some point, and couldn't get out. Its' remains had become one with the floorpan,the springs, and frame of the seat. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif Whatta mess ........

[redvetracr]

congrats on the amazing purchase, I have but one question, was it a good investment (for them)?? looking at the pic of your collection I am sure it will be a good investment for you..
...redvetracr

[Charley Lillard]

I think they said they paid 2,100.00 for the red 63, 7000.00 for the silver 67, 4,000.00 for the yellow 67 and 2,200.00 for the green 63. I will ask what they paid for the 56. But you have to keep in mind that the Gentleman has Alzsheimers and if I ask again the prices could come out different. I know his investment was better than mine as I looked at a nice 59 the other day for sale and it was not much more than my 56 purchase price. They were firm on their price and maybe if common sense had prevailed I could have walked away but then I would not be able to tell this tale for years. I doubt if I will ever find a pile of cars like this again in my lifetime.

[55chevy]

[ QUOTE ]
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/76780-3-29-04.jpg

Anybody got 2 pieces of bread? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[MrsBillyBobcat]

[ QUOTE ]


Anybody got 2 pieces of bread? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif GROSS!!!

[Belair62]

I would think you would need dip for that chip !!!

[Mr70]

Plus the Fact that they were Only 20 miles away from Charleys House has to speak Volumes to both Seller & Buyer.
The Seller doesn't have to advertise,answer inquiriying phone calls,or God forbid,trailer them all to an Auction Somewhere.The Buyer doesn't have to Fly out of State to view them,& run up travel costs,then Trailer all them back to his Home.I would imagine both are very happy with the Final Outcome.It Makes Sense.

[Pantera]

Boy do those prices bring back some memories of when I ran Super car's, used car lot here in Tulsa 72-86. I seldom paid more than 3 grand for any older vette unless it was something special.

I just wish I had been able to hold on to all the good ones that I sold back then. I paid just over $6,000 for both of my Motion Vettes but that was back in '73 & '74.

Inflation on all of these kind of cars, has gone way past my wildest dreams of what the future prices might bring. I remember well that I was hoping that my Motion vettes would be worth around $60 to 70 grand each someday. Boy was it a supprise what they will bring nowadays. (No they are not for sale, so don't ask)

Man some day the tax man is going to make me cry when I have to sell them before I get too old.

[55chevy]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]


Anybody got 2 pieces of bread? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif GROSS!!!

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif aahh yes... I've still got that magic touch with the ladies. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[55chevy]

SELL THEM?????!!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif Man I thought you were gonna will them to ME http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif I know... wishful thinking again.. VERY wishful... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[Late BrakeU2]

That was exciting just reading and seeing the cars.Nice to see them go to the right person instead of being scarfed up by a broker.

Agreed that FLV327 plate is borderline surreal,but then again the whole deal is.Never knew Strough had a dealership in Southgate,I guess a Harry Mann AND DANA vette would be asking for a tad much after a score like that.

Next time I race at Thunderhill I fully expect to see a "ROUTE 66 detour,next exit" sign as I'm passing Woodland,lol- http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Charley Lillard]

Went back today and purchased the parts they had rounded up over the years. Had to make two trips with my pickup and by the time I got the first pile unloaded I wondered why the heck did I just buy all this Crap. There is some good crap though.

[Charley Lillard]

Vette hubcaps or a Teak wheel ? I think Ebay is gonna be my Friend.

[Charley Lillard]

More

[Charley Lillard]

Early Fuel Injection

[Charley Lillard]

Part # and serial # for the injection unit. Maybe someone can tell me exactly what it is.

[Charley Lillard]

Pretty nice seats..Year ?

[Charley Lillard]

Box of Ignition Shielding

[Charley Lillard]

Smog with a nice touch of Owl Poop for that perfect look.

[Charley Lillard]

6 sets of new in the box Corvette floor mats that they bought at their Chevy Dealer years ago but the mat says AMCO ?

[JChlupsa]

Scroll down the page about half way and it has that number as a 59 unit but says its a reworked 58 FI. I guess if the pics it shows how it was reworked dont show the same as your new unit it would be a 59 with out fail. I have a 61 arund here and they are different all the way

http://www.corvettefever.com/techarticles/9196/

Also theres a place on the web selling early 60 FI's for $4500 so when its time for Ebay ??

[JChlupsa]

Good $$$ maker on Ebay or at Vette Fest since they (GM) are hard to come by esp the when in a complete set

[Charley Lillard]

20 plus years ago before they moved up here from Southern Ca they used to find and buy Corvettes for their Brother in Nebraska. They apparently bought hundreds of them and shipped them back to Nebraska where he resold them.
Awhile back during the discussion about the fake Burnished Browm Copo when is surfaced at the Kruse Auction in Scottsdale 2 years ago I commented that the sellers had downloaded old timeslips off the net that belonged to my old Silver Copo. They had printed them out and had them in a binder on display like they belonged to the fake Copo. Those timeslips were from Kearney Racetrack in Kearney Nebraska. Well the Brother of the Fella I just bought all these Vettes and parts from was the owner of Kearney Racetrack..Go figure. Small world I guess. Now I know where all the Vettes went.

[Mr70]

Don't Forget...the price of Scrap Metal has gone up recently.

[Chevy454]

Off topic, but what kinda dirt-bike is that in the background of the first *parts* pick? That yours Clill??

[Charley Lillard]

Yes that is my new Honda 250X. electric start for the lazy guy that I am.

[Charley Lillard]

56 is stylin with the hardtop back on it.

[Charley Lillard]

67 Smog with owl poop

[Charley Lillard]

68 smog ? has a deep groove pulley.

[Charley Lillard]

No idea on this one.

[olredalert]

Charley,

-------Seats are 65 vintage,and appear to be in nice shape. Center pleats on the seat bottoms have a tendency to split,and at least one of yours appears to have had that happen,and then be repaired. Pleat should be drawn down a bit deeper. Still very nice however..............Bill S

[Charley Lillard]

Got the Silver 67 running yesterday. Oil change, gas tank sending unit, battery, carb rebuild, install fuel pump and new hoses, new heater hoses. Cleaned up nice.

[Charley Lillard]

Front

[Charley Lillard]

rear

[Charley Lillard]

interior

[Mr70]

No Engine shot?

[Charley Lillard]

Engine. Notice the Mark 10 ignition box on the drivers side inner fender.

[bbdon]

Is that a %$#@! Electro NOX sticker on the air cleaner? I hated those things!

[Born30YrsLate]

WOW - that looks very nice.....Hey Charley...is the paint and interior on the car as nice in person as it looks in the photos?... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[DarrenX33]

Hey Charley, that picture of the rear...

Looks like a fun road. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[Mr70]

I think that's his Driveway..... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Charley Lillard]

Yes that road is my neighbors driveway so it comes in handy. Yes that is the stupid Nox sticker. That sticker is all that is left as I have taken off the rest of it. The paint appears to be orig but silver does not hold up well as there are blotchy spots and someone added pinstripe tape along the body line. Did I tell you guys how tired I'm getting of working on Vettes and how much I'm starting to hate them ? Did I tell you how tired I am of vacuming up walnuts, almonds and Mouse poop ? Did I tell you how sick I'm getting of the smell of rotten gas ?

[Stuart Adams]

Looks nice. I like that year. A 427 in there would be awesome. Keep workin, we don't hate them a bit...

[Pantera]

I would be glad to come pick it up and bring it back to OKLA so that you don't have deal with that one anymore.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Charley Lillard]

After I got the Silver 67 back together I have the bright idea to peek for the tank stickers. The silver one had come loose and was hanging off the rear edge of the tank. I blew on it and it fell behind the tank but not out of the car. Smart me then had to drop the spare tire carrier that I had just replaced in order to be able to reach up and guide the remains of the tank sticker out. Here is what I have.

[Charley Lillard]

closer

[Charley Lillard]

cleaned off and kinda layed out

[Charley Lillard]

options

[Charley Lillard]

M20 trans

[Charley Lillard]

upper right corner

[Charley Lillard]

The yellow 67 is a different story. The tank sticker is still in place. Here is a peek through the gas lid door.

[Mr70]

Ha!
I'll bet you Found every Egg your parents hid on you Easter Morning. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Charley Lillard]

Camera crammed up close.

[Dave Rifkin]

Looks to be in much better shape than the one from the silver car.

[mmcporter]

Just an absolutely breath-taking story....sitting on the edge of my seat here...

[Charley Lillard]

Steam cleaned the yellow one and the green one today. Here is under the hood of the yellow one now.

[Charley Lillard]

Nice AC compressor

[Charley Lillard]

Dated spark plug wire

[Charley Lillard]

Radiator stamping

[Charley Lillard]

Orange paint on Spindle and yellow on nut.

[Charley Lillard]

Nice underneath.

[Charley Lillard]

Nice white floors on the green 63. Notice the crayon lettering on the firewall and the under seat storage. I think the storage wells are only on early 63's.

[Charley Lillard]

Crayon on firewall

[Charley Lillard]

Underseat storage.

[Charley Lillard]

Green 63 Engine. Getting this one running will be fun. Inside the gas tank is all rust and about 1" deep of a syrupy like substance that used to be gasoline.

[Charley Lillard]

engine before

[Charley Lillard]

63 under seat storage,great place for storing Almonds

[Charley Lillard]

Now behind the seat is the jack storage area that has a hard cover with carpet on it. Somehow the door handle knob got moved back there and it looks like a critter was trying to get it moved down inside the storage area but couldn't quite make the hole big enough. I guess he was gonna hide it and eat it later.

[Charley Lillard]

Closeup

[Charley Lillard]

I think he was gonna put it here with his other snacks.

[Charley Lillard]

And here is his bedroom. Looks like he has been eating snacks in bed.

[Belair62]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[Charley Lillard]

Steam cleaned under the 56 today. Pretty nice frame and floors. Floors are white fiberglass.

[Charley Lillard]

Also did under the red 63. Written in Crayon on the firewall is 462 P/G. I don't know what 462 means but I assume P/G stands for PowerGlide.

[427TJ]

It's been a couple days... We're overdue for an update, a photo update, that is. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[JoeG]

Man ---this is like watching the History Channel when they went into KING TUT'S tomb--GREAT STUFF CHARLEY http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Dont eat the almonds-------JoeG

[Vettefinderjim]

Well Charlie,
I am very late in seeing this find as i don't view the Yenko site often.( That is another story)
Quite a find of Corvettes. Sure is nice to see there still are cars in the old barns.

I would pull the very rare 63 fuel unit from the intake before you try and run the motor. The nozzels will clog instantly with all the rust and junk you have in the tank.

Neat parts you got also. If you need any help with any car.....part......history ....people in know, etc., give me a call. I have been playing with these old plastic cars since 1969. Check my web site at www.vettefinderjim.com (http://www.vettefinderjim.com) or call me at 909-794-7905. Do you want to sell any of the cars??
Regards,
Jim

[Charley Lillard]

Spent a few hours this morning steam cleaning the silver 67. Here are some pics. Some are just paint mark details that I figure might help someone with a resto on a similar Vette in the future. I don't know of any Vette sites to post them so I will do it here. Here is a before pic.

[Charley Lillard]

After.

[Charley Lillard]

Spindle with orange paint and steering arm nut with yellow paint.

[Charley Lillard]

Drive shaft.

[Charley Lillard]

Green floor plate

[Charley Lillard]

looks like the remains of a green crayon stripe on the front of the front crossmember just below the brake line.

[Charley Lillard]

Yellow paint on tierod end.

[Charley Lillard]

Drivers side of block with what looks like HH in Crayon. HH is the engine code.

[Charley Lillard]

HH on the pass cylinder head just above the engine pad.

[Charley Lillard]

Engine pad with the HH.

[Charley Lillard]

Crayon on passenger side of firewall that looks like it says G290.

[Charley Lillard]

Vin stamped on drivers side of trans just behind the side cover.

[Charley Lillard]

plug wires dated 3rd quarter of 66.

[Charley Lillard]

Delco Remy Patent pending dist cap.

[Charley Lillard]

Alternator stamping

[Charley Lillard]

Radiator stampings

[Charley Lillard]

And the ultra rare Mark Ten CD ignition. I think that makes this a Phase 3 car for sure. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[MosportGreen66]

Charley,

The "army" green paint used on Corvettes was bought from the United States Army after the war ended. Chevy bought hundred of thousands of gallons. I am sure VettefinderJim and other corvette guys will chime in.

-Dan

[olredalert]

Charlie,

-------That engine stamp is kinda interesting. Anyone notice the two different Hs? One wide and one a bit narrower. Obviously not making any statements about authenticity. It is just cool to see the use of the two slightly different Hs. Some over-anal NCRS judge would have a hissey, but the guys who know would go "WOW, thats a bit different". You can just never say you have seen it all with GM. They even keep throwing curves at you 37 years later!

-------Thanks again for the picture show, Charlie. That is one original ol Vette you got there. Have also never seen that front cross-member green stripe before. Got to think about that for awhile.............Bill S

[Charley Lillard]

Pulled the gas tank out of the green 63 today that has been stinkin up the shop since it got here. Sending unit needs a little work.

[Charley Lillard]

Gas line needs a little also

[Charley Lillard]

Inside the tank need a little bit also. There is about 10lbs of crud in it.

[Charley Lillard]

127 written on the panel just ahead of the tank.

[Charley Lillard]

This is the bare body in the area where the gas tank sits at the rear of the car.

[olredalert]

Charlie,

-------If that tank is just too ruff there is an excellent repro out there from a place named "Quanta". Im sure they have a website but dont know what the address is. Very nice, good people to deal with.........Bill S

[Charley Lillard]

I was just joking about using the tank over. It was seeping goo through all the rust holes. I have a new Quanta tank sitting here ready to go.

[Charley Lillard]

Ahhh Nuts..Fired the 63 with the Fuel Injection today. Ran briefly and managed to blow a bunch of Almond shells out of the tailpipe that I had removed the muffler from.

[JoeG]

I think I saw that almond shells out of the tail pipe thing in an old James Bond movie http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif-------- :-- http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gifphotos

[njsteve]

[ QUOTE ]
I think I saw that almond shells out of the tail pipe thing in an old James Bond movie http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif-------- :-- http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gifphotos

[/ QUOTE ]

"We're not fallin for that old banana in the tail pipe thing"....Beverly Hills Cop

[njsteve]

[ QUOTE ]
Inside the tank need a little bit also. There is about 10lbs of crud in it.

[/ QUOTE ]

From the looks of that photo, you might want to check and see if Jimmy Hoffa is in there, too. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[jg95z28]

[ QUOTE ]
Ahhh Nuts..Fired the 63 with the Fuel Injection today. Ran briefly and managed to blow a bunch of Almond shells out of the tailpipe that I had removed the muffler from.

[/ QUOTE ]
Charley this thread is classic. You should've documented everything on video. Or better yet, called the Discovery Channel. As popular some of these car shows are, resurrecting a bunch of Corvettes found in a barn would be a sure hit. (I know I'd watch.) I can see it now... "Drat! More nuts! Stupid squirrels." http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Charley Lillard]

Having a hard time getting gas into the fuel injection unit. Float might be a little stuck.

[Charley Lillard]

The brown substance that used to be gas is now more like a cross between Molasses and silly putty.

[Charley Lillard]

Pulled the FI unit off the car to work on it. Here is the fuel distribution spider on the underside.

[Charley Lillard]

Pulled the high pressure pump out of the float bowl. It is built like a oil pump and was stuck from all the gunk. It is driven by a cable from the distributor.

[Charley Lillard]

The drive cable is broken and I probably did it when I tried to start it. I think I have a spare somewhere in my toolbox though.

[Pantera]

They will darn sure snap the cable if the pump is locked up. You can have a cable made at a spedo shop in a pinch to get you home. (Guess How I knew that) http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Charley Lillard]

Figured out the Fuel Injection. I did what all the experts did back in the day when they had FI problems. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[Pantera]

Thats how I got the '64 injector that I have had all these years. I traded a guy a 340 Hp carb and intake for his complete injector setup after he broke the part where the gas line hooked into it. Like a dummy I never got around to ordering a new part to fix it...!!! now that part will cost quite a lot more than I paid for the intake and carb ($75) that I traded the guy way back in 1979. Oh Well, perhaps someday it will be worth something to someone?

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif You think? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[Bill Pritchard]

[ QUOTE ]
Figured out the Fuel Injection. I did what all the experts did back in the day when they had FI problems. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

That's exactly the way I remember most of them being 'fixed'. Wonder how many of those things are buried in landfills?

BTW, Charley, can't remember if I've mentioned it previously in this thread or not, but I have really enjoyed reading about your find and all the updates. Congrats http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Charley Lillard]

Thanks Bill. The Fuel Injection and the Silver 67 have morphed into a 67 Marina Blue, One owner till about a month ago, All orig paint, 427 390 hp car.

[Charley Lillard]

White Stinger

[Charley Lillard]

White and Blue interior.