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My first "accessory" purchases were YOM license plates, spare keys, reproduction owners manual and a well-used NCRS 1965 Technical Information & Judging guide. I definitely want to learn but do not plan to get obsessive…..
if you’re going to work on the car yourself at all, or are concerned with how the car was configured when new/correct (or just want to increase your technical knowledge regarding it), you might want to consider getting the GM maintenance manuals for your specific year, I don’t recall how many are needed for a 65 (I think there is a pre-65 Corvette manual, and a 65 supplement, I’m not sure), but these are the two for a 66….. also a 65 Corvette AIM (Assembly Instruction Manual) it’s very informative.
PS: I just took a look, these are (below) the two manuals that you’ll need for a 65, if you’re wanting them, you can get reprints at a pretty reasonable price
Floor mats. Unless you want original vinyl clear or black, the choices are limited. I got these in red for my 66 and they're ok if not particularly durable. They're already showing a right foot heel mark. Just personal preference, I don't want a logo on them.
Check the date on the tires, (search the web on how to read). Many opinions on at what age you should replace them, some say 6, some say 10. Don't drive on them if they are too old, esp. at highway speeds.
This is a picture of an old steel belted radial used to roll the car around in the garage that just blew up while sitting. A blow-out can saw a fender off in a hurry at higher speeds.
Gary
PS You may want to consider driving it as-is for a while before making changes to the car, especially changes made by someone not familiar with Corvettes.
Also, the owner's manual for these cars is pretty worthless--cross that off your to-do list.
Hah. I asked for some hang-ups and do not mind the goofy wheel comment at all. Those wheels are off and something I would consider replacing sooner rather than later. Wheels have officially jumped the line in front of hard top. I am wondering if just changing the spinners is possible or do the wheels themselves look way off, too. Something to investigate. I also like the thought of gold line tires coordinating better with the top/interior.
My first "accessory" purchases were YOM license plates, spare keys, reproduction owners manual and a well-used NCRS 1965 Technical Information & Judging guide. I definitely want to learn but do not plan to get obsessive - at least not immediately. I haven't driven it much because it's too hot in Texas to enjoy it.
Thanks again for all the information and feedback.
Just as an observation in the 'spending other peoples money' department. If it comes to driving your new acquisition year round, adding AC is a great comfort adder when outside temps get too high and uncomfortable to the point you'd rather not drive the car.
My car is a vert too. About 83° the top goes up and AC comes on. Seems every year older I get temp threshold goes down 1°!
Congrats on getting a great looking C2! Random notes from a fellow Texan....
- We installed the Bergeson power steering and box on our C2. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/b...kaAq3EEALw_wcB
- Our C2 came with a hardtop installed, took it off and it has never gone back on! Unless you have AC, doubt you would want to use it. Top down is the way to go!
- Just ordered these floor mats, you can pic color and logo.... https://www.factoryinteriors.com/cat...29ydmV0dGU%3D/
- For visors or any other interior part, Al Knoch near El Paso is the vender to use... https://alknochinteriors.com/product...2-63-67/65-66/
- Wheels are a very personal decision and not easy. I dont ask opinions on them as everyone will have their choice.
Sold two Jeeps to get the C2? Sounds like you did good!! Enjoy it...
If you really want to learn about your 65 join NCRS and get the judging manual and review it then have your car judged at a local chapter meet. There is no tag on the door pillar only the under the glove box on the bird cage cross brace Post a picture of the trim tag there is more to it then most think. That may be a correct booster but that is a 67-82 master cylinder.
The equalized below the master cylinder is incorrect. Based on the brass brake distribution block having three outlets leads me to believe that power brakes were a later addition.
Looks gorgeous! I wouldn’t change a thing! Congratulations!
Agreed with joining NCRS and also your local chapter. So many members in my local chapter have C2s, and they are a wealth of information. NCRS also has an online forum that seems to be very active.
Great looking car & awesome color combo! I wouldn't change a thing, not even the wheels, the only ones that will notice they aren't original knock offs are the discerning eyeballs on this web site, and you dont know them anyway, so dont worry to much about thier opinion, they pretty much live to tell people whats wrong with their car. Lol You did ask their opinion tho, but dont sweat it, they are only about 0.0000001% of the population, the other 99.9999999% of the planet will unconsciously have their jaw drop open as you drive past and give you a thumbs up.
I say drive it, enjoy it, & get to know more and more about the car & how original it is, and how original you'd like to make it. Get yourself a "Corvette by the numbers" book, joint the NCRS if you'd like & start compiling a list of the things you find aren't correct, and pick them up over time if that is your goal for the car. The main point is to enjoy the car as a car, not a museum piece to obsess over.
Welcome to the C2 club!!
Last edited by Rob_64-365; 08-24-2023 at 07:41 AM.
That is a very nice looking car. Congrats. Take your time about deciding what to do with it, other than making sure it's mechanically solid and safe to operate, and then driving and enjoying it.
About Air-Con: Just had our '65 out on a (record) 102 F day. Top up, went to a weekly car show - one that is very well attended.... USUALLY. Very few cars, all chicken babies if you ask me. I'd think baby boomers were tougher than that. My shirt was soaked through, wife in better shape as she could move around more on the seat. We lived - wow, 100 degrees in August, who'd think! Look, this has happened plenty of times in my 75 years, driving your car isn't putting on a roof.
Congrats, your new car is beautiful and i love the color combo. I wouldn't change a thing. As long as the breaks are good and other things are safe i would drive and enjoy the car. Couple responses to your questions.
California Car Cover - They are USA made and have a lot of options. I chose the Sunarmor-5. All their covers have rating for the weather elements. I believe you can also order it with antenna pocket. My cover doesn't have the antenna pocket i just simply use a water bottle to prevent the antenna from poking through and its worked well.
Sun visors - Autosunvisors.com can redo them for $150 plus $30 shipping ($180 total) with 2 week lead time with the correct material I'm told.
Floor mats - it really depends on what you want whether its carpet mats or hard mats. I ordered my carpet floor mats from RockAuto (ACC mats) and you can choose whether you want corvette or stingray, etc. on them.
My tires were 8 years old so I went ahead and replaced them with a packaged deal of direct bolt knockoff replicas and gold lines. Thanks for the advice!
08-17-2023, 01:43 PM
Also, the owner's manual for these cars is pretty worthless--cross that off your to-do list.
