My new ride

Just thought I would share my newest ride with you all.
This is my brother's 1962 Corvette that, due to his tragic death just over a year ago, I have purchased from his widow and returned to Maine. My brother Peter loved this car and would never have sold it, so I purchased it so that it would stay in the family. His widow really wanted me to have it as he and I were close and both car guys. He and I often spoke of restoring the car to it's glory days so that is what I intend to do. The car was in Dallas, so I flew there to arrange to have it shipped to Maine. I used Fed Ex believe it or not, although not an overnight delivery. They do auto transport and I used the enclosed trailer to ship it. It was in good company for the ride as the trailer had some very expensive cars already on board when they came to get the Vette. They were headed to a show and auction in Michigan. The car arrived about a week later and by that time I had returned myself and was able to be here when it arrived. The car is in overall good condition, maybe a 3 ro 4 but needs some engine work. I found out in Dallas that the head gaskets are blown and there is coolant in the oil. I wish I had discovered that a little sooner. I worked pretty hard trying to get it running before I figured it out. Hopefully no harm done. I am on the fence as to weither I should totally rebuild the engine or just do the head gaskets and hope for the best. THis is no ordinary vette engine. It is a numbers matching 327/340 hp with a high lift camshaft and high compression pistons. A 4 speed tranny and posi rear end adds to its original value. Well, I will have to talk to some experts and see what come of it. For now, I will tinker on the necessary mechanical repairs and maybe by next spring I can have it on the road.

Nice... I love the early corvette !

The car is cool... and it is cool that you were able to keep in it the family. Good luck with it.

glad you got to keep it in the family and for the memory of your brother. I think the early vettes were one of the best lookin body styles ever. Very nice ride.

Definitely a great body style! I'm happy that it is staying in your family! Keep us updated on it's progress

Thanks all for your kind words. I am especially greatful that I could keep Peter's car in my family and intend to do so for many years to come. But first the restoration process. I am on the fence still as to a partial restore or to do a complete body off frame up restore. I had a hint last Wednesday night a the Cruise night I go to, just what it might look like if I did the frame up restore. A 1961 Vette came and it was beautifully done by the original owners son. It took him 14 years to do it and it was absolutely perfect and beautiful!

We had a good turnout with 13 members of a local Vette club showing up as well as 7-8 Classics.

Anyone's thoughts are always welcomed.

wydtrac wrote:

I am on the fence as to whether I should totally rebuild the engine or just do the head gaskets and hope for the best.

Rebuild the engine. Once coolant enters the crankcase, you only have about 3-4 weeks to fix it before the coolant does permanent damage to the main/rod bearings.

wydtrac wrote:

I am on the fence as to whether I should totally rebuild the engine or just do the head gaskets and hope for the best.

Rebuild the engine. Once coolant enters the crankcase, you only have about 3-4 weeks to fix it before the coolant does permanent damage to the main/rod bearings.

You are absolutely correct about that. I have been told by more than one that I really have no choice now. It has been too long with coolant in the base. I want it done right so I will find the best shop locally to do it and just bite the bullet.
It looks like this now...

Maybe it will look like this some day....

I have decided to pull the motor on the vette and inspect it myself before I take it anywhere for a rebuild. I have found someone to do the block for me and I am looking for a head guy to do the valves etc. I want it ready for next year and the cruise night curcuit.

That'll be sweet!!!

your a brave soul. I would love to rebuild my block, my dad has rebuilt two engines in the past but i havnt done one yet. i guess i'll get a taste of that meat when i finally buy my rear main seal. i'm just going to do it myself haha. sweet man!

I haven't built one yet either but I'm supposed to be build a 400 for my friends '68 Firebird. I can't wait

sounds like fun dude haha. i disassembled a 1948 Chevy straight-6 a while ago that was fun

Putting it back together will be even more fun