Location: One thing is for sure this kind of discourse and BS would not be tolerated on the NCRS forum. NJ.
Where do I go from here
The 57 airbox race car I bought has had an interesting life. It has been wrecked and rebuilt several times. I think the only original parts are the hood, 1 door, dash and trunklid.
It currently has a race prepped 60 frame. The frame has been fully welded top and bottom where it is normally stitch welded. it also has 2 front sway bars, and a rear sway bar. The rear radius rod brackets were removed to clear the rear brake ducts. All the changes, accidents, and modifications are documented by previous owners.
I also have a nice 57 frame from my tube frame conversion of the other 57.
After the resto I plan on driving the car and trying some SVRA racing.
My question is should I keep the heritage of the car and all its evolution, or go for a correct type resto and use the original frame etc.
I am leaning towards a race type resto and keep the roll bar, frame, side exit exhaust etc. Basically a period correct for a race car type resto. I think that would be the coolest way to go.
It is a very complete car and I have all the parts to finish the car either way.
Ultimate value of the car does not matter as I will never sell it. So I am just looking for what you guys think would be cooler.
Restoration of race cars is an interesting proposition in my opinion.
As you said, race cars typically "evolve" over time, so one of the first restoration questions you have to answer is to what "era" do I restore the car. Since there is not usually a lot of documentation kept on race cars at any given time (I am talking about DETAILED documentation), it will be extremely difficult to get the information needed for a correct era restoration. It is doubtful if you will ever know what is a bonified correct restoration. On the other hand, if you don't know if the car is correct, neither will anyone else. In this case, "correctness" becomes meaningless. :D
I have no experience in restoring race cars, but my opinion is that a restored race car will command no where near the value of a factory correct restoration UNLESS the car has a known history that is well documented as a contender. My reasoning for this is that the average Corvette person (likely purchaser) has no idea if the car is restored accurately or not; a race car is a race car is a race car.
If the Corvette is a "famous" car that was well covered in the contemporary media, then a true documented, correct restoration probably WILL have value beyond the typical factory correct restoration. Otherwise, restoration of the average race Corvette back to its original factory state will have problems and expense that make it a less than desireable project. So, you have to decide for yourself: Did this car make a significant contribution to the Corvette racing heritage that justifies restoration to it's racing form?...Or, is this old air box Corvette likely to be a better representative of Corvette history just like it came from the factory?
In my opinion, I think you are already well down the right path for this car, particularly if you plan to participate in vintage racing. There is no point in restoring the car back to factory correct only to put it back on the track. In fact, I believe that vintage racing cars are required to be documented as having been actively raced during their lifetime to participate, and they have to be set up with all the safety equipment; this would be incompatible with a correct factory resto in my opinion.
On one hand, you have to unique opportunity to restore this classic to factory correct standards- how many of us just happen to have a complete 57 frame?
On the other hand, you have documentation of it's racing heritage, which makes it more unique than just another factory correct 57 Vette. You said you want to drive it and maybe even race it?
The choice is very clear to me. The demands and limitations of 'factory correct' resto would make this car less desirable for your intended uses. A 'period correct' racer resto would allow you to incorporate new technology and material advancements- new paint or powdercoat, better suspension, race inspired safety improvements, etc etc etc, to make your racer more durable, less tempermental and a whole lot more fun! I say go for it!! :cheers:
Although I'm neither an expert nor a purist, I'll swim against the tide of the thread and put in a vote for factory correct, especially since you've got a frame and most all the parts. Given its rarity, I think it would be much more than just another "original" '57. I don't know if the judging route is your cup of tea or not, but I'd guess this car would garner lots of attention in original trim--I can just see it sitting there wearing those 5.5" wheels and dog dish caps. For kicks on the track, you've still got that Porsche-eating tube frame car--best of both worlds (?).
[quote]The 57 airbox race car
what is a airbox race car ?
If your car has a history of racing and you have photos and awards from it race track day's I would say clean and rebuild it as the racer its always been and have fun with it as such
But if its just a beet up wreck thats been tourtured it life by somebody who think he has a quick car and has just been to the drags a couple of times and more or less he just beet the death out of the car. Bring in back around factory correct. One of the mags lkast year started an article on an old vette they had treid to save I think it was called project lazurus this was a car just cut apart by buba and his racing buddies they just destoyed the car.that car should have just been left to die.
Again if it has a racing pedegree keep it that way.
If you are already going to have a street beast ie the car with the tube frame, make it a vintage racer with the correct frame, that way if someone else wants to restore it if you ever HAVE to get rid of it they are further along.
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Where do I go from here
