Dick's 1963 Convertible

by Dick

I bought my ’63 in 1983.  I took a Corvette mechanic with me to look at it, and said it was “a decent car” and reasonably priced.  I drove it for several years just as it was.

Then, in 1987, I decided to restore it.  I disassembled it to the bare frame, and had the chassis parts sandblasted. 

 A friend told me about Corvette Specialties.  I compared their prices, service and knowledge, and have bought virtually all of my parts there over the last 13 years.  The main exception is the engine.  I found a correct block in Wisconsin and had it stamped with the correct numbers.  I found heads in Minnesota, and an intake manifold in New York.  The transmission is  Borg Warner 4-speed from a 61.  The rear end is original. 

I stripped the body myself.  It was all original with just a few cracks in the usual places.  I fixed them and had it painted the correct original color.  

I replaced pretty much the entire interior.  The original bumpers were in good condition, and got a new chrome finish.

Over the years, I have worked on it as I have had time and money ($25,000 to date) to spare.  It is now back together and ready to enjoy.  I get attention and compliments wherever I go.

But I do keep finding small things to do to make it more correct.  For example, I just bought correct bell housing bolts.

Restoring the '68     Restoring the '63     My Three 'Vettes       BIG al's 98

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