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-   -   63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration (https://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=115653)

napa68 11-13-2011 05:23 PM

63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
As some of you have seen before, I recently purchased a 63 Corvette split window coupe. I had been looking casually for the last five years for the right car be it original, restored, or in need of restoration. While I do prefer original cars, the candidate to suit my specifications would be rather difficult to find in an unrestored state.
I am rather discriminating about a car to keep. I knew I wanted a Daytona Blue car, 340hp or 360hp (preferred), unhit / original body, and most of the critical components present and accounted for. While documentation would be fantastic, that requirement can REALLY narrow the field. To say nothing........ for fake documents.

Rewind to about 8 weeks ago, a friend who I colaberate with on different occasions (Ron) calls to tell me about a car he found here in Wisconsin. Ron is one of the ONLY people who I would but a car through sight unseen. After a discussion of 10 minutes about the details of this car and a little bickering on price, I committed to it. The price of the car was MORE than reasonable to assume some risks in the purchase.

I got the car home about a week later. Ron and I went through the car to do a final evaluation. 30+ beers later, I was happy on a few different levels [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

The car was to come with the original shortblock (rebuilt) that was still at the machine shop. Looking at the deck, I believe it to be a restoration block. The car did also have an incorrect transmission as well as the differential. In the big picture...........no big deal. The person selling the car was a little shady in my opinion. But....... I was looking for a specific car as opposed to making a friend. This car is UNHIT, has all the the little bits and pieces that make up a fuel injected Corvette, retains the original injection unit as well as the original distributor. The radiator support is original to the car (big stuff in a F.I. Corvette), besides many of the little characteristics of an early 63 Corvette (November 14, 1962) All of the window glass is original, trim and stainless is all there and VERY restorable.

The plans for 3532 (ending VIN#) are to have a driver while I gather the missing pieces needed for a spectacular restoration. In a short period of time, I have found the prefect transmission and differential. I have also secured the proper master cylinder, alternator,shifter, and jack. I am still looking for cylinder heads dated late August / early September of 62. Let me know if any of you have some with a fair price.

My posts on the car will be scattered until I blow the car apart. As I acquire parts, restore them, or just find a good reason, I'll throw and update out there. Here is some photos to hold you over for now.

Tim


http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2178.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2179.jpg

Currently has a 70 350 &quot;010&quot; block. Must have some parts in it cause it just hauls arse

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2173.jpg

I believe the mileage to be real

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2180.jpg

napa68 11-13-2011 05:33 PM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
more................

Data tag from F.I. unit #7375

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2231.jpg

Distributor 1111022 dated October 26th 1962

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2232.jpg

Right side exhaust manifold 3797902 without heat tube

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2236.jpg

original fan clutch and pulleys

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2237.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2242.jpg

original t-stat housing

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2240.jpg

napa68 11-13-2011 05:40 PM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
more.............

key details of the radiator support plus original horns

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2243.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2246.jpg

original radiator hoses

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2250.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2251.jpg

original radiator cap and horn relay

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2247.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2249.jpg

napa68 11-13-2011 05:49 PM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
more yet.....
original dipstick and tube

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2252.jpg

original screws retaining air cleaner &quot;S&quot; tube to radiator support $$$$$$$$$$$$$

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2253.jpg

engine deck and casting date

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2265.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2267.jpg

T-10 trans castings

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2276.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2278.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2279.jpg

Rear diff. 3:36 ratio

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2280.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2281.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2282.jpg

napa68 11-13-2011 05:57 PM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2283.jpg

And some details that make up an early 63 Corvette.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2259.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2260.jpg

They would just bondo up the seams in the door jambs. That was discontinued later on because of cracking.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2255.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2262.jpg

right about the time the started to cover the dash center section in vinyl (no trim on the radio)

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2261.jpg

Somebody is a disappointed football fan!

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2256.jpg

kwhizz 11-13-2011 07:52 PM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
Nice Car..........That would be an &quot;Easy&quot; one!!......Oh Yeah!!......I almost forgot...........&quot;Spoiled Brat&quot;.....

Xplantdad 11-13-2011 08:53 PM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
This will be neat to watch!

napa68 11-13-2011 11:08 PM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
One thing I forgot to include in my post. This 63 is going to be the perfect bookend to what will complete my collection one day. This is the car that started it all for me. My Father purchased a 67 Corvette in 1974 for the sum total of $4000. He got boned. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/sick.gif[/img] I was always one of those kids who wanted to be just like his Dad. This car has been everything great about cars since I was 6 years old.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2111.jpg

napa68 12-04-2011 10:54 PM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
I have managed to get some more parts in here this week.

The shifter
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2286.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2287.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2288.jpg

I cleaned up the bellhousing. Boy, is this nice.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2289.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2290.jpg

And the right AM radio. I NEVER thought I would pay this kind of money for an AM radio! Really nice though. Everything the seller said it was and more.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2318.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2319.jpg

Fast67VelleN2O 12-04-2011 11:07 PM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
That block stamping looks DEAD on. I just sold a 327-250hp shortblock from a 1963 Corvette about 1000 cars after yours and the stamping looks perfect in my opinion. Wish I saved the picture of the deck stamping so you could compare.

-Matt

YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY 12-05-2011 01:32 AM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
What component do you feel is not original to the car, the dates and stampings seem to line up - or is there something unique that I'm missing?

napa68 12-05-2011 01:39 AM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
I myself, think the stamping on the deck would be deeper. Just from my own obsevations through the years, the stamp is more defined. But, it is just my opinion. As for the dates of the block, it is spot on.

Sill looking for a set of 461 heads from early to mid September of 62!

olredalert 12-05-2011 03:03 AM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
----Its really no big deal, but the water pump has been replaced. I like this car a bunch. one of my favorite 63/64 color combos......Bill S

napa68 02-11-2012 12:58 AM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
I have been collecting parts, getting after the build of the engine and transmission, and just preparing to set the drivetrain in the car for this year.

Looks like I am going to have a big project coming up with work this year so I am going to just drive the car for a year or two before I think about tearing into it.

I found the prefect virgin 461 heads!

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/..._2349-Copy.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/..._2351-Copy.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/..._2350-Copy.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2352.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2353.jpg

napa68 02-11-2012 01:04 AM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
I stabbed in a cam from an LT-1. I have had great success with this prior in another F.I. 63 I had. The engine is .060 over with a compression ratio of 10:1. Experience dictates with the fuel injection, I'll be just fine on pump gas with 38 degrees total timing.


http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2367.jpg


http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2369.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2368.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2370.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2373.jpg

I found some original head bolts for the exposed heads. Otherwise, it's all ARP.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2371.jpg

napa68 02-11-2012 01:11 AM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
The transmission has been a real trip. After is all said and done, it WILL be brand new outside of the case. Most everything was junk. What I am going to do here (to suit my own taste) is install a wide ratio cluster. The 2.54 1st gear will work quite a bit nicer with the 3.36's while still being a good road gear. Again, experience from my prior F.I. car, there is more than enough torque and RPM range to account for the RPM drop between gears of the wide ratio cluster.


http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2359.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2355.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2358.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2354.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2356.jpg

napa68 02-11-2012 01:19 AM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
And in with the new!


http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2363.jpg

Using the 2 degree sliders to keep this from popping out of gear!

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2360.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2361.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_2362.jpg

Xplantdad 02-11-2012 03:54 AM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
Very nice Tim!

427TJ 02-12-2012 02:56 AM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
I love everything about this car! Wheelcovers, ribbed blackwalls, dark color, fuelie, split-window.

napa68 02-23-2012 12:22 AM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
Got the transmission back today. I suppose I am going to stab it in this weekend.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...4/100_2380.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...4/100_2381.jpg

Fast67VelleN2O 02-23-2012 12:58 AM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
That transmission has the wrong input bearing retainer for a 1963. If you're using the 3788421 bell housing... that takes the small bearing retainer. For Corvettes, the early assembly line correct piece is aluminum. Later service replacements were cast iron.

-Matt

napa68 02-25-2012 02:57 PM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fast67VelleN2O</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That transmission has the wrong input bearing retainer for a 1963. If you're using the 3788421 bell housing... that takes the small bearing retainer. For Corvettes, the early assembly line correct piece is aluminum. Later service replacements were cast iron.

-Matt </div></div>

You're right! I missed that. Thanks Matt.

napa68 04-08-2012 03:39 PM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
time this weekend (and a little ambition) to tear into the 63. I snapped some pics along the way.

junk exhaust
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/009-2.jpg

ned to send the manifolds out to have the flanges repaired. I suppose Jerry McNeisch is the best choice
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/013-2.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/018-2.jpg

Data tag on the F.I unit
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/017-2.jpg

Intake casting and dates
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/023-2.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/021-2.jpg

napa68 04-08-2012 03:48 PM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/024-2.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/020-2.jpg

This car has the original radiator support. It's rusted more than I originally thought. I'll just have to be on the lookout for a nice used one. Please contact me if you know of one.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/031-2.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/030-2.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/034-2.jpg

GRNDNL 04-08-2012 03:53 PM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
Does the radaitor support bolt in?

napa68 04-08-2012 04:02 PM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
And were out!

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/035-1.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/036-1.jpg


http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/026-2.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/027-2.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/028-2.jpg

napa68 04-19-2012 12:03 AM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GRNDNL</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does the radaitor support bolt in? </div></div>

Yup! Thankfully! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]

napa68 04-19-2012 12:03 AM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
A little progress this week.

My 609 pump

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/003-3.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/002-2.jpg

stripping the oil pan

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/001-2.jpg

and my buddy Kevin checking the cam install

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/004-3.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/005-3.jpg

napa68 04-19-2012 12:13 AM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
Then the bad news................I do believe.

Is this from a rocker stud that is not installed straight?
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/001-3.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/002-3.jpg

It can't be normal............can it? I've never seen it.

GRNDNL 04-19-2012 07:59 PM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
Stop by with the radiator support, doesn't look that hard to fix from the pics.

My green plow truck had the same thing with the rockers, some of the guide plates were wrong, still ran it for years like that.

enio45 04-19-2012 09:14 PM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
Possible bad (not square) grind on the top of the valve stem?

ssl78 04-20-2012 01:37 AM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
The valve stem looks square it looks like the rocker arm is off center, could be bad rocker pushrod or pushh rod guide plate

VintageMusclecar 04-20-2012 03:36 PM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
What brand are those rockers? I found the same issue during mock-up on a customers engine a few years ago, turned out to be the rocker arms.

napa68 04-20-2012 10:31 PM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VintageMusclecar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What brand are those rockers? I found the same issue during mock-up on a customers engine a few years ago, turned out to be the rocker arms. </div></div>

Comp Cams Eric.

VintageMusclecar 04-20-2012 10:57 PM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
Tim;

Check your PM's.

Eric

napa68 04-20-2012 11:10 PM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
After replies, suggestions, and some good SWAG's, I took a few more photos to answer some questions. Through it all (and cycling the valvetrain some more) I am really confused. Perhaps, my problem is not a problem.

pushrod location on the offending valve

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/002.jpg

same valve at TDC

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/004.jpg

same valve at MPOL next time around

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/007.jpg

Furthermore, I was asked by the fellow who did the heads for me about the issue. He asked for the fluctuation of center to center measurement of the rocker studs from this cylinder compared to the others. It varied from .040 to .085 from the others (with this cylinder being the widest). Am I being too critical? Is this normal? Judging by some of the replies and PM's, this may not be too unusual. While I am not going to buzz this at a regular 7000 RPM, I do not expect this to be driven like a Sunday church ride either.

Your thoughts again?

in advance......................thanks everyone!

Unreal 04-20-2012 11:39 PM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
First thing you have to do is wipe all that red stuff off the valve stems. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]

kwhizz 04-21-2012 03:04 AM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
Put a LS in it and forget about it!!!....................

napa68 05-06-2012 05:24 PM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
A good lesson......................bad rocker arms cause problems like the above. With that behind me, I moved forward.

build number on the passenger toe board

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

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/004-4.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/006-3.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/007-3.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/003-4.jpg

and were in!

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/008-3.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/009-3.jpg

napa68 07-05-2012 12:24 AM

Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
 
I experienced a set back this week. After getting everything wrapped up and finding a good replacement exhaust manifold (not as easy as one would think) it came time to twist the tail. I have been looking forward to running my &quot;beater&quot; F.I. Corvette for a while. Fired right up and broke in the cam. The engine was REAL responsive and ran consistent for temp (especially given the fact it was running @ 2500 RPM in 90+ degree heat. The part that sucks............. water in the oil.

I drained the oil and placed in some clear graduated containers to find about 24oz of &quot;milk&quot; in a 6qt system. I have not started to tear down yet aside from pulling the valve covers and draining the fluids. I suppose the good news is there was no debris in the oil and the valve lash is right on from where I originally set it!

During assembly, I must say I was not impressed with how the intake manifold fit the long block (too tall?). Could it be that far off to cause a coolant leak? I will also note cylinders 1 and 3 plugs are rather clean compared to the others. So, with that being said, is there something one of you would suggest before I dive back in? Torque on the intake and the cylinder heads were spot on. In hindsight, I have always been very lucky to have had little or no problems so I am not very experienced in troubleshooting larger issues.

Thanks,

Tim

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/003-5.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/001-4.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/004-5.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...0L84/002-4.jpg


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