ZL1 carburetor

[MotownMadman]

I would think that using a date coded correct part in building a clone would be excessive if it were a part that someone could use in the restoration of a "real" car. It would be a shame to have the badly needed date coded carb on a clone while someone needing that part could not find one. This particular situation is a bit different though. How many 69 ZL-1 cars are out there that are going to be found in which the owner cant find a correct carb? Seems like the number would be few. If someone comes up with a lost ZL-1 and cant find a carb I would think Kevin H would be more than willing to part with it in that case. In a round about way by him using a correct carb on his clone he is actually preserving it so it does not end up on some teenagers hopped up 77 Monte Carlo on it's way to a junk yard. Also, by building the ZL-1 clone to drive, the real one Kevin has is thereby also being preserved as when Kevin feels the need to drive a ZL-1, the real one is safe at home with no danger of being slammed into by some idiot, while Kevin still gets to enjoy driving one that is no different except for the VIN due to the fact the clone was built correctly. Not being a fan of clone cars myself, this is a situation where I think the idea justifies itself, considering all that Kevin H. has done to preserve this hobby. Some people just want the best they can possibly have, that trait in Kevin has led to the correct restoration and preservation of many a fine Supercar, so keep up the good work Kev!
Motown [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

[mc25t190]

thanks for the positive response matt, and tip on some parts. everything i have is not driven, afraid for the worst. i'll take the yellow survivor out for an occasional spin, but at night on a backstreet or sunday morning behind the house. i will not put on the street in traffic. i just want to build something i can say i did myself, zl1 block, correct parts if in good shape and reasonable, new in some cases , after all i will be driving the look alike( hate the word clone doesn't sound good maybe i'll lock in the ZL1 rights and move to canada)just like the #13 car a sleeper with maybe some beefed up tires and wheels, not a pro tourer.next question, anybody got a 69 body in excellent condition or perhaps a driver with 6 cyl or 307 cheap? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

[Jeff Murphy]

Now I feel bad because I have a date coded 198 intake for use in my ZL-1 clone. At least it's an October 69 date so it wouldn't be appropriate for a real car...

I'm kind of doing a half way solution to Kevin H's and inspired by Pete Simpson. I'm going to temporarily put a ZL-1 in my COPO while it's still getting used to make sure nothing happens to the original VIN numbered L-72. At least I'll be able to say "yeah, I know it's not a ZL-1 -- it's just a COPO."

Once the car get's turned into a trailer/show queen with the original engine back in it, I'll probably do something silly like a "what if" car -- ZL-1 convertible, 69 Chevelle ZL-1, ZL-1 road racing car like the Bob Jane ZL-1.... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[Jeff H]

Here's an argument. If you're gonna argue against using date coded parts on a clone, then you should argue against using date coded parts on a real car that is missing it's original drivetrain. If my 69 Z28 is missing the original 302, I can put another DZ 302 in it but it's still not the original engine and never will be, so why waste a date coded carb on it? I'm not trying to stir up trouble, but there's a lot of people out there who go crazy trying to find the correct dated parts for their non original cars. I'm guilty. I had to find some heads, a starter and I don't even have exhaust manifolds. But I'm not going to pay 3 times the actual value just to get the correct dates. I think that date coded parts are just a challenge to the person building the car. It's also a perception that date coded parts will enhance the value. Obviously everyone has the right to buy whatever parts they want at whatever the price is. We can't really argue one way or the other. It's personal preference.

[SuperCars]

I doubt I would ever own a clone. It only taints a collection as other car guys wonder: "if he has that clone, how many other cars of his are "fake". I saw that happen to Dave Simpson's collection. I understand he had a few fakes, that were claimed to be real.

When it comes to clones, I have concerns of unscrupulous guys trying to pass off clone's that are more believable due to authentic parts, with them claiming it as an authentic car. Additionally, the installing of authentic parts on clone cars, takes away from the supply of parts and makes it tougher for guys restoring authentic cars that may have a real need in order to be judged as a correct car.

But, I understand the reason for some guys having clone cars as possibly that is what they can afford, or want a look-a-like car to drive hard, so they wouldn't chance wrecking a real car. So if it is a car built for budget reasons, or to enjoy as a look-a-like, it seems a waste of money to spend many times more for an authentic part when they can buy a look-a-like part at a fraction of the cost. So using this example of a carb, will a clone owner bother to take off his air cleaner and hand an observer a magnifying glass to look at numbers and then state: "I have a authentic dated carb on my clone car; ain't that cool?" [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]

[Seattle Sam]

JeffH said,

[ QUOTE ]
...I think that date coded parts are just a challenge to the person building the car...

[/ QUOTE ]
Jeff, I think you hit on something. The hunt is the thing for a lot of guys. It is much easier to get correct-appearing parts than it is to find part number- and date- correct parts. But, as a matter of pride, exactly correct parts make your car as perfect as it can possibly be without being an unmolested low-mile original.
And those survivor cars are the coolest of all.. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif[/img]

That said, I agree with both Kevins, look-alike cars should have some obvious signs that they are not "the real thing" to help avoid future fraud.
-Sam

[55chevy]

[ QUOTE ]
will a clone owner bother to take off his air cleaner and hand an observer a magnifying glass to look at numbers and then state: "I have a authentic dated carb on my clone car; ain't that cool?" [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]

[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif[/img] Kind of puts it into perspective. These rare date coded parts are better off being preserved in a dust free plastic container on a safe shelf in the hands of someone with the intentions of seeing it used in an authentic restoration rather than being "preserved" bolted onto a clone car and run hard thus adding wear to an already rare part. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif[/img] IMHO

If you're going to build-a-look a like car to take out and run hard why not go with the day 2 parts and have some real fun. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Ed



[/ QUOTE ]

[mc25t190]

kevin ,
i see where you are coming from thats the reason i say i'm perhaps maybe going to build a look a like, i will not try to clone anything completely. i am planning? to build a look a like driver. you can best believe i won't tie up much money in it. it will look good, it will run like_____! i will not fork up the cash to go for date coded correct parts and 3 times the price. i will have a 427 aluminum block ground pounder when done if i decide to do this. i will have a driver when done,not a ZL1 clone just a 427 aluminum block car. i hate the word CLONE! it will probably have front and rear spoilers with vintage atlas wheels , gauges, console, rosewood, maybe even a rallye sport! all of this could get scrapped if something pops up, how bout one of them there HEMI'S! got a hemi in it? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/[/img]

[SuperCars]

Yep, [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] anyway, just giving my opinion, and there's nothing wrong about anyone building any type of car they like to have fun with.

Still want a HEMI? Trade my 70 Black on Black, 4 speed Hemi Cuda for one of your 69 427 Yenko Novas, [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

[mc25t190]

would consider , but, would lose my percentage of market share! but i will take the black hemi off your hands [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif[/img]!