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Split Window ZR1
As per request here is a build thread on the 63 Vette that we are building. I haven't really been involved in this build, but if you have questions I can ask the guys who have.
The project is a 63 Corvette Coupe that we started building about a year ago. It's been put on the back burner so we could finish cars with deadlines, but we are slowly making progress on it. The suspension is all C4 Corvette, with the original chassis extensively modified to incorporate it. The engine and trans are an LT5 and 6 speed out of a donor ZR1 Corvette. This will be very similar to the 65 ZR1 that we built several years ago. Here is the beast when we pulled it out of storage. http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t.../zr1sw/sw1.JPG We got on the body work right away. http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t.../zr1sw/sw2.JPG http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t.../zr1sw/sw3.JPG http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t.../zr1sw/sw4.JPG |
We chopped out the fenders and widened them, 7 inches total in the back, and 5 up front.
http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t.../zr1sw/sw5.JPG http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t.../zr1sw/sw6.JPG http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t.../zr1sw/sw7.JPG http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t.../zr1sw/sw8.JPG http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t.../zr1sw/sw9.JPG |
I think fender flares really give these cars a better stance.
From this... http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t.../zr1sw/sw4.JPG To this... http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...zr1sw/sw10.JPG |
That is really amazing! Can't wait to see it finished!
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We got a totaled out ZR1 from a local boneyard. My pops still thinks the LT5 is the best motor ever made. :P
http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...zr1sw/sw11.JPG http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...zr1sw/sw12.JPG http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...zr1sw/sw28.JPG |
Next we pulled the body off and started to really see how nasty the frame was.
http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...zr1sw/sw13.JPG http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...zr1sw/sw15.JPG We dropped the frame on the rack, and began the modifications. http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...zr1sw/sw16.JPG http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...zr1sw/sw14.JPG http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...zr1sw/sw18.JPG |
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With the chassis mostly complete, we can drop the drivetrain in.
http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...zr1sw/sw26.JPG http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...zr1sw/sw27.JPG |
The car gets reassembled for mock-up, and we lay glass for the new tunnel.
http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...zr1sw/sw29.JPG http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...zr1sw/sw30.JPG |
:wow:
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Then we roll in the 65 so we can copy the front spolier.
http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...zr1sw/sw31.JPG http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...zr1sw/sw32.JPG http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...zr1sw/sw38.JPG |
The engine is a tight sqeeze. Rather than use a big block hood, they decide to open it up a little.
http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...zr1sw/sw33.JPG http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...zr1sw/sw34.JPG http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...zr1sw/sw35.JPG |
Here she sits right now. We are finishing up all of the body and glass work.
http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...zr1sw/sw36.JPG http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...zr1sw/sw37.JPG |
Thanks for posting, my first follow along Vette build, looks great.
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Nate big thank you for opening this secret :wow: :cheers:
You are doing fantastic work, that is going to be excellent ride whent its done. The front frame part was really intresting. Can you show us how did you do the rear ? |
That is a sweet project! Nice work :thumbsup:
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Thats tight! I have been wanting to see a 63 vette build up. Love all the glass work. Great job. So did you use foam to get the desired look then use some sort of wax paper or equal to make the mold? I need to start taking notes. My dad has a 63 conv. vette and i keep telling him that after i get done with my project and he hasn't even started his that i am just going to take it without permission then send him a bill when it is all done.:lol: Please keep us posted on this build.
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Nate, is the '65 the car your dad did at Steve's? Or was that another one? Progress looks good!!
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awesome work guys, im always amazed by fiberglass masters. Just seeing the pictures makes my arms itch.
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Looking great :thumbsup:
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Thanks for the kind words guys.
Anthony- Yes that is the '65 that my dad built at SAR. It lives in the storage side of our shop. We have a really bad Corvette infestation back there. I can't find any pictures of the rear end, so I'll have to crawl under there and snap a picture tomorrow morning. The rear didn't take much chassis work though. Will, the guy working on this car is totally a fiberglass guru. Most of the custom bits are made out of foam, and then glassed over. It's not that hard to get really creative with fiberglass, you just have to be careful to lay the glass right. Also you have to be prepared to get the itches in orifices you didn't even know you had. ;) |
What a great post! This is the first time I've been through it and you guys are doing great work along with great details. Very nice to see this project as you have presented it here.
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That's sweet! I'm such a sucker for the 63 1/2 - 67 Vettes. I always wanted to have split window w/ the L-88 hood.
Keep up the good work! |
Looks great :) .
David |
Shwing cant wait to follow this build loving it!:willy:
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Looks awesome. I must say, the midyear coupes (and especially the '63) are the most beautiful American cars ever designed, IMO.
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NIce Vette
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Awsome Build
Awsome build I can't wait to see more!!
Wayne |
More, much more, please. :cheers:
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Quote:
What he said. :hail: |
Sweet! I love those years. I restored a 65 convertable to put myself through college. More Pictures please!
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Look'n good :thumbsup:
If you don't mind me asking, how much does a salvage ZR-1 go for these days? In the last picture posted, are those pieces of right angle steel bolted to the hubs that are supported by jack stands? That setup looks interesting to me. Thanks! |
Cool project. I love early vettes. I often wonder how any of these get in as bad as shape as some of them get. You kinda assume vettes are gonna be taken care of and never run into the ground.
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scholtmj - We got the ZR1 for 10k locally. Not a great deal, but not too bad either considering it's got a "warranty" against mechanical failure.
You're correct, it's sitting on angle iron drilled out to the bolt pattern. It's simple, mobile, and we can set the ride hight to wherever we want. Here is a couple pictures of the rear suspension/frame. It will be made beautiful when we take it back apart. http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...d/zr1sw/v1.JPG http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...d/zr1sw/v2.JPG |
They decided to redesign the hood and nose, because NOBODY liked the huge bulge going down the middle!
http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...d/zr1sw/v3.JPG http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...d/zr1sw/v4.JPG http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...d/zr1sw/v6.JPG |
New vents are also in the works. I'll get more pictures up when the hood is completed.
http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/t...d/zr1sw/v8.JPG |
Nate,
Great pictures. You guys do some amazing fab work. I have a quick question about your chassis jig if you don't mind. It looks like it's on wheels and you can roll it out from under the chassis. How does that work? I've always wondered what the best way to build a chassis jig would be and how to get a car on and off of it. Thanks, Ryan |
Ryan - We just pull the chassis on and off of the jig with a forklift, or with some man power. It's actually sitting on trailer axles and has a ball hitch so we can stick it out back with the car haulers when it's not in use.
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oh, well I don't think my wife will let me get a forklift. I've got approval for a 6 car shop with lift/paint booth but the forklift will be pushing, lol.
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