I have been mum about my "invention" for a chassis stiffener for the C4 because I started a big discussion some time ago, then went dead in the water. And I hate being like the little boy who cried wolf. But the prototype piece is being cut now, and I will be ready to install the first one this fall.
I got on it again because I have been laid up for a while, and I had a chance to read Dave Mc Lellan's book about the development of the C4. He is quite frank and open about the obvious design flaw in the car that makes it so loose when the top is off. And when considering his comments, it convinced me I was on the right track.
So I got out the patterns of the parts, and sent them down to New Orleans to be finished up.
Which is ironic, because I am at the point now that I cannot enjoy working with my ZR-1 any more, and have put it up for what I hope will be a very quick sale, at $22,000. Not the lowest price I have heard, but fair, I hope, for such an original car. It still has original brake pads! See the ad at http://artcolleys.net/sale-vette.htm .
So I will need a volunteer in the Baton Rouge area to get a free chassis stiffener in return for having it put on his car. I really hope I can get it done this time, as I feel the entire C4 community can benefit from the stiffener. Once we prove it works, and can be installed at home over a weekend, all we have to do is figue out how to make it and get it out.
PS, along the lines of improving the feel and road manners of the C4, I will republish my mods (again, free, and easy to do), for taming the infamous clamshell hood movements and noises. I'll put the link here and on the for sale page.
Edit to add new links (some repeated, but updated)
Here is a summary of all pages that relate to this car so far. I will add as people ask questions. Hope this helps!
I really miss these three:
1991 Red ZR-1, Saddle Interior, stock (sold 2008);
'63 Red on Red Split Window Coupe (sold in 2003),
1965 Shelby AC Cobra, Retired bracket racer replica, endorsed by Shelby (sold in 2003)-
PS, along the lines of improving the feel and road manners of the C4, I will republish my mods (again, free, and easy to do), for taming the infamous clamshell hood movements and noises. I'll put the link here and on the for sale page.
Fair enough. I'll search down the pictures and stuff, and I'll post tonite!
Regards,
__________________
Art in Baton Rouge
"May The Horsepower Be With You."
2002 Red Z06, Black-Red Interior, stock.
I really miss these three:
1991 Red ZR-1, Saddle Interior, stock (sold 2008);
'63 Red on Red Split Window Coupe (sold in 2003),
1965 Shelby AC Cobra, Retired bracket racer replica, endorsed by Shelby (sold in 2003)-
I hope it is useful. I just drove the car, and I am still astonished at how quiet the car is. The hood is a really beautiful feature of the car, except for its noise and dynamics.
Now those issues are no more!
Let me know how it works.
Regards,
__________________
Art in Baton Rouge
"May The Horsepower Be With You."
2002 Red Z06, Black-Red Interior, stock.
I really miss these three:
1991 Red ZR-1, Saddle Interior, stock (sold 2008);
'63 Red on Red Split Window Coupe (sold in 2003),
1965 Shelby AC Cobra, Retired bracket racer replica, endorsed by Shelby (sold in 2003)-
Art, Im pretty close to you here in Slidell. I would like to see what you have made to stiffen her up! Let me know something as I get up to Baton Rouge every couple of weeks.
e mailed to Harold, and to anyone elase interested.
Hi,
A couple very small spots where it looks like tree sap got to it. They were there when I got the car. Seems there are some small scratches as well. Nothing thru the paint. The car is what I would call a "six footer", in that you have to know where to look, and be close up to see. I am aware of them, of course, because I wax the car.
I really miss these three:
1991 Red ZR-1, Saddle Interior, stock (sold 2008);
'63 Red on Red Split Window Coupe (sold in 2003),
1965 Shelby AC Cobra, Retired bracket racer replica, endorsed by Shelby (sold in 2003)-
Art thanks for the hood information. I was just to begin a mission to make my Z feel like it did new. I will follow your instructions, It all makes sense and I am sure will add a lot of enjoyment back into the 'road'. And, just like the others, if you wish to test the "do it yourself " aspect I am also anxious to volunteer. Hope your test is successful as I WANT one Too! Thanks for the effort and reposting the hood info. which I and am sure many missed in the past! JRS
I really miss these three:
1991 Red ZR-1, Saddle Interior, stock (sold 2008);
'63 Red on Red Split Window Coupe (sold in 2003),
1965 Shelby AC Cobra, Retired bracket racer replica, endorsed by Shelby (sold in 2003)-
not just for me...
but because the hood mods are listed now.
Thanks, and as always, please pass the word.
Regards,
__________________
Art in Baton Rouge
"May The Horsepower Be With You."
2002 Red Z06, Black-Red Interior, stock.
I really miss these three:
1991 Red ZR-1, Saddle Interior, stock (sold 2008);
'63 Red on Red Split Window Coupe (sold in 2003),
1965 Shelby AC Cobra, Retired bracket racer replica, endorsed by Shelby (sold in 2003)-
Corvette Store
Car for sale, and a stiffer chassis.
will add a lot of enjoyment back into the 'road'. And, just like the others, if you wish to test the "do it yourself " aspect I am also anxious to volunteer. Hope your test is successful as I WANT one Too! Thanks for the effort and reposting the hood info. which I and am sure many missed in the past! JRS 
