MrPbody

preface:
I've dreamed of owning a 62 Corvette since I was 12 years old and watching rt 66 in black and white. So with only a few more days left for the world, I guess I can die happy now.

As some of you know, I just finished rebuilding a 64 (this side up)….. oh-well. no regrets here. When I recently retired and decided to purchase a Vette, I test fit my dairyer in both solid axle cars as well as mid years, and even though my dream has always been for a 61-62, I also had fond memories of many cruise nights in my high school buddies SWc. Many told me of the harsh ride, poor headroom, poor steering of the early cars, and how I "wouldn't be happy with one at my age", so I convinced myself that I could be happy with the mid year, in exchange for more comfort for my tired old body. Weeellllllllllll, wile I do enjoy the 64, it just didn't take away that nagging little urge to own a solid axle car.
Not being fortunate enough to retire rich, and actually preferring to "build" my own cars anyway, I started keeping an eye open for a 61-62 project that I could afford. As good fortune would have it, another member here knew of one for sale, and was kind enough to share that information with me. Thanks Al T !!
To make a long story… not so long. I struck a deal with the owner of the 62 and took delivery December 17th.



The PO (Lee) has known the car since 1974, when it was purchased by a friend of his at a used car lot in Washington state. It was eventually purchased by Lee, who also lives in Washington, and enjoyed for a few years, until he decided it was time for it to go to someone who could bring it back to a condition reflecting it's happier days. The car was painted what I could only describe as "godawful blue" back in the 70s by someone who should really have his painters permit revoked. not only were areas in the trunk and under the soft top cover not prepped for paint (and is now falling off in sheets), but apparently the paint was already mixed before he discovered he hadn't purchased any masking tape for the job. ohh well, no-one will notice the paint on every rubber seal on the car as long as it's good and thick, with a nice gloss, right?. I expect to spray a nice Maroon or black cheery bc/cc on the car before project end.
I can manage body and paint work, but being of decrepit body and mind, I was determined to purchase a car that had a solid frame. crawling around under a car doing a frame repair or swap isn't my idea of a good time these days (getting down is easy, it's the getting back up that hurts). But SOLID frame would be an understatement for this car, as even the original rear crossmember is solid as a rock, and has nary a rust pit.
Interior is good, needing only minor spiffing, chrome and trim is in good driver condition, top is pretty good for it's age, and should serve as is with minor work and a couple new seals.
Sometime prior to 74 the 327 engine parted company with the car, and in it's place was implanted a 283 from a 64 Chevelle. wile it does run quite well indeed, there is just something not right about having that engine it that car, so I'm working on a plan to install a TPI injected 350 from a 90 Corvette in it's place.
Who loves the wheels on this car??? When disco died they should have recalled them IMHO, so if you'd like to make me an offer I'll be listening. I'm thinking Torque thrust or Craigers should fill the bill nicely however.
.
Today was just an "evaluation day" for the most part. I crawled around under, over, and along side, just trying to get a feel for what the car wants to become. The roof apparently sprung a leak during transport (what? rain in December? who'd a thunk it?) and I wanted to strip out some interior anyway, so out came the seats and carpet. I adjusted the top frame a bit so it no longer hits the seat back when folded up, pulled out the glove box door and removed the latch that had been painted over (good and thick however, so you didn't even notice that darn shiny stainless.)
.


This project will likely be a bit more of a casual pace than the 64 was, but regular posts will follow as progress progresses.



Russ

Al T

Russ,

Good luck with the new acquisition. I look forward to watching the resurrection. Based on your '64, it's going to be awesome!!

Allan

Kerrmudgeon

...another 62 in the crowd. I'm curious how you adjusted to top to stop it hitting the seat back corners Russ. Most of them do. I carry small bits of leather to put between where they rub.

Are those western 15x7in wheels? I may be interested in them if the shipping doesn't kill me.

narlee

Sounds like you're in for some fun. Maybe I'll get to see it in person sometime when I get down there again.

Frankie the Fink

Me too...I carry a small white washcloth for the same purpose
Congrats on snagging the C1...they ride fine. Don't buy all that BS...

SIXTYTWO

Russ,
Congrats on your new 62. I had looked at that car a few months back but it was just too far away as I'm in New Jersey. Lots of potential too so with your talant it should turn out great. Love those 62 s . Keep us posted. Rich

Revfan

Casual Pace?????

What the...

Well I...

er... uhmmm....

Humpf!

That should mean you will be done by Valentines day to take your wife out to dinner in the 62...
right?

Mike Terry

Don't die now. Stick around long enough to enjoy it. Drive it like you stole it.

69ttop502

Congrats, will look forward to your progress. I, too, would also like to know how you adjusted the top frame to not hit the seats. I keep ripping the piping on my seats from that.

Bill

6T7L71CPE

Casual Pace???? Good Gawd, you haven't had it two days and the interior is already stripped out!!! I'm looking forward to the build!

Revfan

HA!
6T7L71CPE... Well Played... well played.

C-1 Generation 2

Congratulations fellow 62 owner!

By the high RPM tach looks like it was either a 340hp or fuelie. Have you checked to see if it was a possible Fuelie?

wmf62

i don't know of a way either... i double up heavy socks and slip them over the frame ends nearest the seat backs/
Bill

oldsarge

Looks like another interesting project, good luck.

bigearl56

Hay man don't knock those wheels. I purchased a new '77 and before I got it home a set was installed. Put them for sale over in the C3 section and they will sell before you can say "American Mags"
Seriously that is going to be a fun car to restore and then drive. Good luck and keep us in the loop.

Earl

6242

Congrats on the purchase, a great find. Looks like a good, solid, '62 to have fun with.
I have had my '62 since '83 and I don't think you are ever done with a project.
Keep us posted, and good luck.

MrPbody

I know. that's what I mean. If I wasn't so lazy I'd have the paint stripped off by now and masking for paint.
.=========.

As to the top adjustment. ignorance is bliss I guess. ie: I had the advantage of not knowing that it couldn't be adjusted.

I noticed that as the top was lowered, the right side folded down into the compartment very straight, but the left side fame actually pulled forward as the assembly was pushed down into the stowed position. I figured if the right side stayed back, there must be a way to make the left side do the same, so I studied the mechanism as I repeatedly folded and raised the top. it appeared that the small link was the culprit (shown with green tape). so I tweaked it and tested until the top did what I wanted it to do. unfortunately, after I got the top to fold well, it would no longer sit on the header pin when in use [scratches head and winces]. eventually I figured out that by setting the top on the header and loosely latching it, then loosening the adjustment bolts (green tape) that adjustment can still go through it's own arc and affect the collapsed position without changing the latched position (does that make sense?).
anyway. put the top up and latch it on the header, then loosen the adjustment bolts (green tape) and pull up on the adjustment plate, allowing it to follow it's own arc. retighten the bolts and test to see if the top folds completely down without also coming forward in the last stages. it only took a couple tries on mine before finding the sweet spot.
Legal disclaimer attached btw.



I see no name on the mag wheels themselves, except for the center caps which say Cragar. not sure that Cragar ever made this style wheel however. in the pile of notes that Lee gave me, it shows that in 1976 "4 Lone Star mags 16 fin" were purchased from Six Robbles for $115.61 . there's actually 5 of these, and are 14x7"

Thanks for the encouragement guys. I'm going off to stare at my new acquisition now.

Russ

Fawndeuce

Congrats and welcome to the '62 club Russ!
I 'dunno though, a TPI injected 350 sounds 'kinda ordinary when coming from you, I was thinking more along the lines of the worlds first Northstar powered '62?
I mean compared to a T-bucket or Fiero, how hard could it be right?




Paul

MrPbody

Not hard at all, compared to the 2 Northstar cars I've already built . but therein lies the rub. I've done that already, and I haven't ever done a TPI motor.
There use to be (it was stolen a couple years ago) a high dollar early 60s Nova here in town with a Northstar. it had some chic name like "Novastar" or something. pretty cool, and certainly different, but………


Russ

MrPbody

I was told it was originally a 250 hp car, but figured the tach was changed at some point. what else should I look for to tell?

Russ