There are only a couple of questions you need to ask yourself. Do you want a numbers matching, big block 4 speed Corvette? Do you like the color yellow? If the answer is yes, then buy this car before you miss out. Because this car is a dream machine and drives like it too. If a picture tells a thousand words, it’s not going to help this car — because this car is put together with all the right stuff. What’s most important are the things you don’t see, all the things done under the skin that won’t show up in the pictures. Yes, this car was built to drive. So, let’s just take a look.
First, the body:
After being soda blasted to remove the old paint, the front clip was discovered to be in very bad shape. So a new, proper front clip was installed and fitted to better than factory standards. Then the doors, deck lid and hood were all fitted and finished to A+ standard. Next, the body was repainted to the original Sunfire Yellow color. Oh ya, then it was sanded back and a second run of clear paint was applied to give the paint job a lasting effect. The hard top received the same treatment as the body, along with a new date-coded window. Notice in the pictures that the plastic wrap has never been removed from the back window. The chrome parts were all re-chromed or restored — not replaced… well, with the exception of maybe a badge or two. After the car was put together, all panels (including inside the doors) were coated with Dynomat for sound reduction. Also, Lizard Skin was sprayed under the body for heat dispersion. All metal parts were powder coated inside the doors, hood, deck lid, hinges, filler panels and such. Also, notice in the pictures that the fuel door is original — not perfect, but it gives that nostalgic feeling while fueling up with the most expensive gas you can find. Sounds like fun!
Second, the drivetrain:
If it wasn’t coated with Emron (a commercial urethane paint), then it was powder coated to match the paint color — and that includes all parts from the frame out. First, we stripped the frame and recoated it, along with the control arms, strut rods, axle carrier, shafts, steering box, sway bar and springs. I think you get the picture. Then we put all those parts together using polyurethane bushings and such for handling. Stainless steel was used for the brake and fuel lines, and there are new ball joints, tie rod parts, races and bearings throughout. We restored, coated and installed the gas tank. Then we dropped and rebuilt the original 427, painted and matched it with a Muncie 4 speed gear box. We changed out the Hurst linkage and rebuilt the tranny as well — along with using a new Dual Friction clutch kit. We had the original exhaust manifolds and side pipes Jet-Hot coated to retain the factory look. We then powder coated all the brackets and rebuilt the original water pump, alternator, steering box and master cylinder. A period correct, 4 barrelled Holley carburetor was installed, along with a new distributor cap. The original five knock-off wheels have been restored to new condition. We did a little upgrading during the build, and if you don’t tell anyone, I will spill the beans. First of all, when the engine was rebuilt, a 30 over and a mild cam was installed. The best improvement, however, was the roller rockers and electronic ignition. Look at the pictures and you will see that the control box is under the fender, hidden from view. To accommodate the higher roller rockers, a spacer was added in order to use the stock valve covers. Silly judges, they don’t know we didn’t tell them everything. If it’s on the drivetrain, it was restored or replaced.
Third, the interior:
Let’s start with the seats. The frames were cleaned, painted and put back together to work perfectly. Then, new foam and leather covers were installed. And while we were there, we added 3-point seat belts for safety. All the gauges have been restored —and yes, the clock works. A new wire harness was installed throughout the whole car, along with a new power antenna. New dash pads were installed as well. Dynomat was used to line the body as well as inside the doors. Juke padding was placed over the liner and a new carpet installed. We had to make the elbow pads which were covered with leather. We installed a new tinted window, glove box liner and inside handles. The wing windows were rebuilt and re-chromed. The convertible top was removed, the frame painted with Emron and put back together with newly chromed closures, weather stripping and covered with a top-of-the-line soft top. The hard top has a brand new interior as well. The stock radio worked, but not very well. So, we put a floating stereo in the back under the convertible top. We installed a Custom Auto Sound Secret Audio Stereo (along with a four-way Pioneer amp and Pioneer speakers) in the kick panels and in back, as well as a Boss powered subwoofer in back — all mounted on a floating platform that can be easily removed. Again, all latches and such were powder coated. The steering wheel and horn button were cleaned up and put back in the car. They are not perfect, but they do give that old car feeling without the quirks of an old car. After driving it, I’d say I understand what the owner was thinking.
Summary
This car runs so nice. Everything is tight and feels like new— actually better. The sound is amazing, the power is right there. You are more than welcome to inspect this car and speak to the builder for reference. There are many more pictures that include before, during and after the build. Also, there is a great deal of documentation on the car. The restoration was completed in 2011. Since then, about 3000 miles have been put on it, and all the maintenance has been done by the builder. The buyer will receive the documentation, along with copies of the pictures. Whatever you need, just ask. It is time for the owner to retire, and his car cannot be kept. Someone is going to be very happy to own this car. Also, if you like, the A/C can be added or any number of things can be done at your request. Just ask.
Come, see and drive this car to realize that pictures and words don’t do it justice!
