I'll post a couple of pics of the progress. The chassis is complete. The engine will be installed in the chassis in a couple of weeks. The body is at the shop having the paint work done now. The red paint work is complete. The white will be sprayed next Tuesday. Every number and date code will match, right down to the spiral shocks. It will be ready for judging in every aspect.
Last edited by 53 Blue Flame Brett; 05-25-2008 at 03:38 AM.
Brett, it looks good.What paint did you use on the frame,Bob W
Thanks Bob. The frame is powder coated in a sheen of black that is only 3% gloss. It's not quite flat and looks period correct, IMO.
Not flat but not too "show" looking.
Brett will she be finished in time for Bloomington Gold?
No. I hope to have the body back on the frame by then though. Realistically, by the end of July. It'd be nice to have it sold before Carlisle. We'll see.
Last edited by 53 Blue Flame Brett; 05-27-2008 at 12:42 AM.
Sadly, probably not. We hope to have it sold before Carlisle. That's a stretch though. It just got painted white yesterday! I'll post some pictures later today. Looks great!
I made sure to NOT over-restore the body. It looks like it should, in my opinion. Not perfect but period correct for historical significance.
The 1044 cloth can be seen through the paint on the original front end. Very, very nice to see. Over time, it will become more prominent.
The car can be viewed upon appointment. Asking price will be in the $350k plus range, with documentation back to 1966.
I hope to have it together by mid July, ready to judge.
Here are a couple of pictures from the shop this morning. The body is mounted to a rolling "buck", not the original chassis.
Last edited by 53 Blue Flame Brett; 05-30-2008 at 03:47 PM.
Looks as good as #130, you must have alot of practice with the 53 model year.
Yes. Lots of practice. With each one completed, it gets easier every time out of the box.
The neat thing about these first year cars is that they are all very different in their own way. Lots of running changes in body build characteristcs. It's been very humbling to be able to work on these 53's.
You do great work. And a high quality restoration of a rare car will always command top dollar. While I don't know the price, I suspect that both the buyer and the seller walked away very satisfied with the deal.
Are you going to Bloomington? I leave in the morning and will stay until late Saturday evening. I want to watch the auctions of the two 53's that Pro Team has. #093, Joe Bridgeman's Duntov car and #268.
Let's hope for high selling prices to help keep the market values up on the 53's!!!
Thanks for taking care of the boss.Did he say something to you about delivery or are we picking the car up?
He would like for me to deliver it and see the car show and his collection. It's like a mad dash to the finish before August 9th.
Door sills and lower windshield stainless were picked up today from the polisher. Just installed a date coded windshield a little while ago, along with the engine compartment items.
All of the trim is on the body and the chassis is obviously done.
The engine should be done next week, with any luck. At that point, I'll be painting the engine, installing it in the frame and test running it along with the transmission. Body drop next and hooking everything up.
A new dated top will be in place in another week or so. Moving right along.
He would like for me to deliver it and see the car show and his collection. It's like a mad dash to the finish before August 9th.
Door sills and lower windshield stainless were picked up today from the polisher. Just installed a date coded windshield a little while ago, along with the engine compartment items.
All of the trim is on the body and the chassis is obviously done.
The engine should be done next week, with any luck. At that point, I'll be painting the engine, installing it in the frame and test running it along with the transmission. Body drop next and hooking everything up.
A new dated top will be in place in another week or so. Moving right along.
Only thing waiting on is the brake line set.
Just think you get that one done and you get to do a 55, and, and, and, it never ends. It was good to meet you in person. I emailed Bill Locke the link to the Motorama car hopefully he will contact him.
Corvette Store
1953 #217 Near Completion For Sale June
