63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration

**napa68** · #1 11-13-2011, 05:23 PM

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

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

I believe the mileage to be real

**napa68** · #2 11-13-2011, 05:33 PM

more................

Data tag from F.I. unit #7375

Distributor 1111022 dated October 26th 1962

Right side exhaust manifold 3797902 without heat tube

original fan clutch and pulleys

original t-stat housing

**napa68** · #3 11-13-2011, 05:40 PM

more.............

key details of the radiator support plus original horns

original radiator hoses

original radiator cap and horn relay

**napa68** · #4 11-13-2011, 05:49 PM

more yet.....
original dipstick and tube

original screws retaining air cleaner "S" tube to radiator support $$$$$$$$$$$$$

engine deck and casting date

T-10 trans castings

Rear diff. 3:36 ratio

**napa68** · #5 11-13-2011, 05:57 PM

And some details that make up an early 63 Corvette.

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

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

Somebody is a disappointed football fan!

**kwhizz** · #6 11-13-2011, 07:52 PM

Nice Car..........That would be an "Easy" one!!......Oh Yeah!!......I almost forgot..........."Spoiled Brat".....

**Xplantdad** · #7 11-13-2011, 08:53 PM

This will be neat to watch!

**napa68** · #8 11-13-2011, 11:08 PM

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.

**napa68** · #9 12-04-2011, 10:54 PM

I have managed to get some more parts in here this week.

The shifter

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

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.

**Fast67VelleN2O** · #10 12-04-2011, 11:07 PM

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

Dedicated to the Promotion and Preservation of American Muscle Cars, Dealer built Supercars and COPO cars.