valrico_stingray

The "velcro corvette" (because nothing sticks to rust) is looking better. Now now, don't get too excited, but the shop IS in the home stretch for this phase. He wants to finish the driver side sill work and repair some spider cracking on the top of the right front fender. The door gaps are looking better. The firewall repair needed a little more work so it isn't as pretty as it was. 2 weeks to 2 years ... (he thinks I may have it back on Tuesday). HA.

http://www.pbase.com/valrico64/birdc...33007&page=all

ChuckM

MarvBarrish

Your project was not for the faint of heart. You are to congradulated for sticking with saving that car. Regards, Marv

snydes

Nice series of pics, I enjoy seeing a car like that being saved. Very nice.

Trophy Blue

Another one saved!

gilbybarr

After reviewing your gallery of repair pics all I can say is....God bless you brother! What a job!

Trophy Blue

I forgot to add, that your more of a man than me for sure.

MosportGreen66

That's a ton of work. That shop deserves lots of credit.

Vogie

Great news, Chuck.

I'm looking forward to seeing it.

Cmacsvette

ChuckM,

As said before, " Another one saved". In my book, these legends are worth it! They'll never as they were, be again........................
Great pics, looking good. Congrats!
Craig

Paul L

I am VERY, VERY impressed!

tentuna

Great work, if you don't do it for a living the restoration world is missing a valuable asset

justatoy

wow you guys do some work

mrg

Great pictorial with a very interesting and educational series of pics. .. In addition to the rotted out birdcage it was surprising to see how much rust resided throughout the rest of the car.

Congratulations on bringing this car back into the fold .. A very commendable undertaking indeed! .. ..

OldKarz

1coolC2

Chuck,
The car has come a long way since you discovered the rust problem. The work that has been done is looking really good. I'm sure your eager to see it all back together again. Keep us posted!!
Jeff

Blk63Vette

Valrico Stingray

I am at "awe" with yuor abiltites as a Corvette restorer..

You are definitely a skilled craftsman at your art!!!

Stingray1967

Wow.........just wow........

JL66REDCPE

Is there a family attachment to this car ??? 90% of the folks would have probably abandoned this car.

valrico_stingray

Yes and no. The previous owner is an old friend of the family so that's part of it, but it's not like it was my father's car. When he decided to sell the car I had first chance. I actually passed on it to my cousin who was already deep into a '69. I think he was going to part it out to finance his project. At the time I didn't know didlysquat about C2 vettes so I didn't know $5000 was a decent price. Yes I bought the car for 5000, but understand I have to put 20,000 into it to bring it back from the grave. I've never had 20000 in my hand at one time but I knew I could pick at it over time. At first I thought it would need a new interior, engine rebuild, all over paint, and would become a driver. Done. So I started buying the expensive stuff, like a complete interior, a little at a time. It wasn't until I was well commited and started pulling out the dash that I found the bad windshield frame. Now, years later, I can look back and realize what I was seeing that first day. Because I'm a do-it-yourself-er, and because I've had time and LUCK on my side and found numerous parts and great prices, I should be able to complete the car without being upside down in cost-vs-value. It helps the value that this is a factory A/C car, the books say only 1,988 convertibles were optioned with A/C that year. It's not a numbers car, the original motor is gone but it does have a '66 327 in it, the tranny main case is a restamp I think, and the rear gears have been changed (for the better, 3:08 posi), and it came with a hard top too. Naturally that top is as weather beaten as the rest of the car. I can't afford to go buy one of these cars ready to drive at todays prices so something like this is my only way to have it. I didn't go looking for the car, it fell into my lap. I just wish it had come with a bucket full of cash too, then this whole saga would have been over 2-3 years ago and I'd be having Sunday breakfast with vette friends right now instead of sitting at this keyboard waiting for the shop to call.

Thanks for the kind words everyone. When it comes home the body comes off and the chassis gets a tear down. You'll see plenty more from me before it's all over.

ChuckM

Tampa Jerry

Chuck: Great job. You inspire me. Your extensive work makes my body off look like a walk in the park. Is it back in your garage yet? Do you think you will make the Brandon show at Ferman in November? Jerry