63 Corvette SWC L84 Restoration

[firstgenaddict]

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.

[napa68]

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.

[firstgenaddict]

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.

[napa68]

It's been a while since I posted over the 63. I've been on the road this spring in the "barn find" 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...............

[napa68]

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

[Xplantdad]

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

[napa68]

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!

[Xplantdad]

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]

[RPOLS3]

Neat stuff Tim.

Jake

[mockingbird812]

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