Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

Man that sucks........sorry to hear about that Tim. Sounds like you may be on the right track with looking at how the intake mates up with the heads....?

Good luck.

Jake

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

Did you get hardened seats installed?

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

Yes I did.

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

It is possible that when they cut the heads for the hardened seats they cut into the water jacket. If you don't find a faulty gasket, I'd have the heads checked.

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

Mission accomplished! It was the fit of the intake manifold. Runs MUCH better too. Now I can get moving forward again. Still looking for a nice replacement frame!

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

Great news, glad you found the problem.

Jake

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

I have had some time as of late to put in on my 63. I have found a great southern frame / chassis that is much nicer than what I have. This new frame is so nice, I can powdercoat it rather than paint it. I clicked a few pics of the chassis in addition to a quick video of the car running. Now that I have it sorted out, I am rather thrilled with how things are turning out.

It only reiterates why these cars were so sought after when they were new.

Tim

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...4/th_016-3.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...84/019-2-1.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/020-3.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/021-3.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...84/022-2-1.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...84/023-1-1.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...84/024-2-1.jpg

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

Wow......Great find.....as long as there is no body on the new frame.....Dropping an LS in it would be real easy..........

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

Looking good Tim!

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

Intake Water leakage... I have seen it with Angle milled heads which must have the intake mating surfaces re-cut at the proper angle in order to make the fit tight.

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

This past weekend, I elected to tear into the 63 to get moving on it. I good friend of mine who owns a restoration shop around here (Corvette Perfection) is giving me technical support and will be performing body and paint work for the project. So, here is a few pics to update where we are at.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/018-3.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/017-3.jpg

Original overspray on the floorpans

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/002-5.jpg

This is the build number which is right in front of the gas tank and has original overspray as well

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/003-6.jpg

I can only think this was for a speaker of sort. This shot is looking up from above the fuel tank into the rear floor pan. Ever seen this before?

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/008-4.jpg

A little old body work on the left rear quarter panel

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...4/004-Copy.jpg

And some damage repair that would be on the rear deck lid towards the left side.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...4/005-Copy.jpg

A little rusty in the lower birdcage, but yet relatively solid. I'll work this over some and replace the rocker cover supports. (At one time, this car had side pipes on it)

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/013-3.jpg


http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/014-3.jpg

This is what appears to be an original factory glass repair that is located at the rear of the driveshaft tunnel.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/012-3.jpg

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

This is the build number (same 33) which is located on the passenger side toe board

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/005-4.jpg

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

Looking forward to seeing the progress on this one Tim. Neat car.

Jake

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

Given the state of the economy (along with the uncertainty) I elected to hold off on the full blown restoration for a year or two. I am going to continue to collect what few perfectly dated parts I need yet to say nothing for collecting $$$$$$$$$$$. I reassembled the body on my new chassis last week.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/005-5.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/010-3.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/013-4.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/016-4.jpg

Back at home again............

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/026-3.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/027-3.jpg

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

I did also come across perfectly dated and restored seat belts and voltage regulator.


http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/021-4.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/022-3.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/023-3.jpg

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

Looks really nice!

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

Lookin great Tim!

Jake

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

Tim,
Curious as to what was wrong with original frame that it could not be repaired/saved. Corvette venders out there have been offering weld in sections for the rust prone areas of midyear frames for years and which I am sure you are aware of. Is the VIN stamped on 63 frames as it is on later midyears?

Neat car and looking good!

Dave

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Material_Boy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Tim,
Curious as to what was wrong with original frame that it could not be repaired/saved. Corvette venders out there have been offering weld in sections for the rust prone areas of midyear frames for years and which I am sure you are aware of. Is the VIN stamped on 63 frames as it is on later midyears?

Neat car and looking good!

Dave </div></div>

I was reluctant to repair the frame myself when good clean used ones could be had for less money. The amount of work to overcome the scale was a deterrant as well. You are correct about the VIN stamp on all years including 63. I am glad I took the route I did as it car required VERY little shiming.

Tim

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

OK. Understood and makes perfect sense. I have been following your thread since you first posted in November 2011. please keep us updated as you move along. I love these midyears! I see we have similar tastes in cars. I have 2 67's (coupe and roadster), a 65 coupe, and a 66 L79 Nova. My 65 coupe is the exact twin to yours. It too is a 327-365 with side exhaust, knockoffs, and goldlines. It is Milano Maroon to boot!
All the best,

Dave

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

Now that you have the car in a driving condition will you try and save the numbers matching frame?

I do not know how particular the vette crowd is about numbers matching frames is it perfectly acceptable to replace one with same year frame? Would vette guys rather have a good solid original frame from another car over a repaired and sectioned born with frame?

I have worked on and am interested in midyears plus I have more customers requesting I find them so any input here is welcome.

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

It's a good question. All a matter of opinion. I suppose, one could only compare to an engine. Does one try to ressurect a POS and expect the same end result (performance)? I wanted a VERY solid car that was not pieced together. That is the simple reason I looked for a car the was unhit as opposed to something I had to hang a front or rear clip on. I'd rather deal with a rusty frame (with a good bird cage) than a bunch of busted up glass.

I personally, have no issue with a replacement frame. There have been more than a few documented cases where a person restoring a car sees a noticable difference in the weight between a solid replacement frame compared to a repaired rusty frame. IMO that is a saftey issue.

I have heard (and read) of people taking the VIN from the original frame, cutting it out and butt welding it into the replacement frame. No different than a rebody on a steel car. I have no problem representing the car as it truly is. I have a bill of sale from the replacement frame detailing the VIN number of the car it came from. For the sake of honesty and authenticity of restoration, I have stamped the frame with an original gang stamp. While it is my intent to keep this car, you never know what the future may hold and I do not want myself nor anyone else to have a problem with the car at say an auction. Much like my engine block,the frame is a stamper.

Again, this is more a philisophical point of my own. I am sure there are others who would argue with my point. Too many times, one would like to make everyone believe the car they restored or are selling is a virgin. Fact is, not near as many cars are the virgins they are represented to be. These cars were beat, crashed, raced, blown up, and driven in the salt. Believe it or not, they were not all sold in California

As for the original frame, The VIN is beyond recognition as I looked for it. The scale had it's way. That is one of the issues with a 63 as it is only stamped in one spot (At least in the early cars like mine).

I hope this answers your question.

All the best and thanks for the interest.

Tim

P.S. I consider myself lucky as I located a frame that was 2 weeks away from the production date of my car. It is my understanding 63's have 3 different frames through production. Again, authentic.

Just for clarification, this car is a REAL and validated F.I. Corvette that is Daytona Blue with it's original F.I. unit.

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

I would consider you lucky as well.

When my vette buddy was having me check the frame on a 66 roadster we picked up, he said I am 99% sure you have the original frame, I said is that a big deal? He just said it was nice and legitimized the lack of body damage and mileage/story which came along with the car.

BTW I agree with you, I would rather deal with a non numbers frame than a bunch of bonding strips and glass panels.

I didn't know being a F body guy mostly, and I will THANK GOD we don't have serial numbers on Subframes.

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

It's been a while since I posted over the 63. I've been on the road this spring in the &quot;barn find&quot; condition and suppose I am going to continue like that for a little while. I must admit, it's kinda nice not to worry over perfect paint.

Additionally, I have been distracted by something shiny. May be a good candidate for Pure Stock?

Details to follow...............

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

I received a PM today. Sounds like an owner from the past (69-74). Pics are on the way. Will be sure to post!

Tim

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

Ohhhh....a mystery! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

This week, I received this PM from Fred (68 Chevy II)

Hello, I would like to email you some original pictures. Your car sounds like the one I owned from 1969-74. Some of the characteristics of yours matched the accessories that I installed on mine back in the day. Unfortunatly I dont have a vin# but the color combo and side exhaust, ce short block, trans etc. was done duringmy ownership during the early 70's. This is a long shot, but if its the same one it was a local Michigan car when new. P M me your email address and I can send pictures I have. Thank you Fred Ragla

Fred emailed the photos to me and we spoke for a little bit this week. I am safe to say, this is the car. From the dates on the CE LT1 block, worked over heads, Muncie trans, small birth marks, as well as my car being delivered to Michigan. What a treat. Had a nice conversation with Fred and will have many more to follow. I am going to try to get to a Pure Stock race so we can meet. The black and white pics are from 69 and the color are from 70 after Fred painted the car. Hope you enjoy!

Tim

p.s big thanks and shout out to Bruce (xplantdad)for converting the photos into something I could post and share!


http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7c45ae02.jpg


http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...ps29cf9bed.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...ps85517b61.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pse32b25f1.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psa93b5d99.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0f49fadd.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psef960249.jpg

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

That is awesome Tim!

Small world that this car also belonged to Fred! That's cool as heck. I love the pics. When you sent me the email...I looked at that phone number and said...Hey, that's Fred's number [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]


Thanks for sharing the pics and the story [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif[/img]

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

Neat stuff Tim.

Jake

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

Congrats! Fred is one of the good guys! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

Like Tim said; All the little marks and the obvious changes are on the car. I am very happy that old car is still around! Sounds like a perfect meeting place @ Pure Stock Drags. Thank you Bruce and Sam for the kind words, and I'll see you guys in the Fall. Also, thank you to Yenko.net


Fred

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

See you then Fred!

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: napa68</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's been a while since I posted over the 63. I've been on the road this spring in the &quot;barn find&quot; condition and suppose I am going to continue like that for a little while. I must admit, it's kinda nice not to worry over perfect paint.

Additionally, I have been distracted by something shiny. May be a good candidate for Pure Stock?

Details to follow............... </div></div>

Something shiny...............

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7ad3908a.jpg