63 SWC Corvette build

[Restovette63]

All,

About time for an update/build thread...4 years and counting, but I feel like it could get finished in the not too distant future...all the fab work is done so it is just assembly, which I know the devil is in the details...

So here is what I started with (bought the car on ebay, which was actually a really good deal)
http://picasaweb.google.com/restovette63/StartingPoint#

And then things start taking a turn for the worse...the original plan was to update the engine and redo the suspension...as with most projects, it started to spiral out of control and well beyond the booger-eating-moron who was doing the work's ability...first attempt was a C5 front suspension and 05 GTO IRS...then a C5 rear double wishbone was attempted...some decent work coupled with a lot of crap...
http://picasaweb.google.com/restovet...tockFrameMods#

So I basically repo the car and drag it home...the paint is being shot as I pull up with trailer to pull it out of the shop...the paint is beautiful except it needs a Sunkist label on it with all the orange peel...
http://picasaweb.google.com/restovet...tColorSanding#

From the ashes and tears, plan B is hatched...a new SRIII chassis setup for C5 front and rear suspension/LS2 and T56...most everything the BEM (booger-eating-moron for those keeping track) did has to be undone/redone...firewall mods, trans tunnel mods, rear storage area mods...
http://picasaweb.google.com/restovet...ionOnNewFrame#

Engine in chassis:
http://picasaweb.google.com/restovet...otorInChassis#

Which brings us to where we are at now...car is back on the ground...body is on the new chassis for test fitting (see firewall, trans tunnel mods, rear storage area comments above)...once the glass work is mocked up then we run lines and electrical and disassemble to send everything off to the powdercoater...
http://picasaweb.google.com/restovet...ckOnTheGround#

A quick list of highlights:
SRIII chassis
C5 front and rear suspension
Dana 44 diff
Pfadt engineering C5 coilovers and adjustable swaybars
Hydraboost braking
LS2 with custom cam
T56
Kooks long tubes with 3" x-pipe out the rear of the car
Macintosh Mini running HP-Tuners with 7" touch screen mounted in 3rd hump in dash

Enjoy .

Jim

[Tom.A]

Nice project.

[Bowtieracing]

I am glad you went with SRIII frame..the gto rear suspension looked...well different

Thank you for the pics!!!

[awr68]

Very cool...thanks for sharing!!

[Restovette63]

Originally Posted by Bowtieracing

I am glad you went with SRIII frame..the gto rear suspension looked...well different

Thank you for the pics!!!

yeah that was one of those things the BEM surprised me with...I was kinda like "ummm...neato...I guess..."...in the end we went with the Dana so that if I break anything a couple years from now I will easily be able to find parts where the GTO stuff is going to become scarce pretty quick...

[XcYZ]

Wow, that's awesome. I'll have to spend some more time looking through your pics. Cool stuff.

[PonchoJohn]

Sweet looking 63- my fav-o-rite C2!

[groovyjay]

Any updates?

[Restovette63]

Originally Posted by groovyjay

Any updates?

Well...of course things never move along as quickly as you expect or hope...but there is still progress being made...the new pedal cluster/box has been made and test fit. The hydroboost, Wilwood master cylinder, and Flaming River steering column have been mocked up and fit nicely...and the beginning stages of the the firewall have been started...the firewall and pedal cluster have been pushed forward 3 inches to get me additional leg room and we are looking at ways to lower the seat so that I don't have headroom problems with a helmet on...the drive shaft and half shafts have been fitted and work perfectly...gas tank has been mounted so that fuel lines can be run...brake lines are in the works as well...

Here are some photos:

http://picasaweb.google.com/restovet...lsAndFirewall#

enjoy

[rocketman]

Looks great. Those SR3 chassis are very nice pieces.