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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 "010" 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 "S" 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 |
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 |
Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
Nice Car..........That would be an "Easy" one!!......Oh Yeah!!......I almost forgot..........."Spoiled Brat".....
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Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
This will be neat to watch!
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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 |
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 |
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 |
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?
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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! |
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
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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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
Very nice Tim!
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Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
I love everything about this car! Wheelcovers, ribbed blackwalls, dark color, fuelie, split-window.
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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 |
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 |
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. |
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 |
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 |
Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
Does the radaitor support bolt in?
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Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
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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] |
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 |
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. |
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. |
Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
Possible bad (not square) grind on the top of the valve stem?
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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
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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.
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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. |
Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
Tim;
Check your PM's. Eric |
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! |
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]
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Re: 63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration
Put a LS in it and forget about it!!!....................
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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 |
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 "beater" 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 "milk" 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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