C5/C6 Chassis Build for my C2 1964 Corvette Roadster Resto Mod About to begin!!!

[Vetterodder com]

As a crazy man, I decided to re-chrome my 1964 Dash Cluster. This was quite an ordeal and although I am happy now, the last month and a half dealing with the chrome shop was challenging. The following shows the restoration of the dash cluster and the installation of the custom AutoMeter gauges using the clever installation hardware developed by Joe Lutz at Hot Rod Dynamics (thanks Joe).

The bezels were pitted so I bead blasted the cluster to assess the overall condition. At this point I had decided for the chrome versus just painting the bezels. Unfortunately, the chrome shop went a bit overboard on the copper in an effort to fill in the pits. Working with the shop, I brought in the gauges to show how they would not even fit in the holes. The shop was willing to work with me and began to grind and shape this cluster back into shape.

This is what it looked like after the copper bath without the grinding/shaping:



After much work, here is what the cluster looks like after the chrome process:




Time to mask it up, prime and paint:





These are my custom AutoMeter Gauges for the 1964 RestoMod. I also had the clock modified to match the gauges:



Here you can see part of the Hot Rod Dynamics kit that allows the installation of the AutoMeter gauges. It consists of 3 stainless plates that are perfectly fabricated to fit the back of the dash cluster using existing mount locations. The kit comes with all the mounting hardware, spacers, and a complete set of instructions to make this install very straight forward:



Given the chrome build up, for my installation I needed to eliminate the use of the provided spacers in order to have the spacing allowing the instruments to properly screw into the brackets.





And here is the finished product:

[Vetterodder com]

Mike Coletta sent me a few pictures of the progress of the 64 Roadster and reminded me that it has been 2 months since I dropped off the body to him. Obviously, he has done a ton of work in a very short amount of time. It is all about the build now: Windows are in, wiring is in progress, and various items have already been installed, including the grill and bumpers. It looks like a Corvette again – just better!








Notice the Kenwood amplifier? To the left of it will be the Bazooka Subwoofer 6” and both will be hidden behind a custom made carpeted board for a clean look.

[Al Moreno]

I've been following this build and all I can say is you've really done a super job! Congrats and it's going to be a lot of fun to drive.

[Vetterodder com]

Originally Posted by Al Moreno

I've been following this build and all I can say is you've really done a super job! Congrats and it's going to be a lot of fun to drive.

Thank you so much !! While the overall vision and design is mine, there are others who are doing the hard work. I dismantled the car, took care of project managing chrome and powder coating and restored interior items only.

I cannot wait til she is done !!!!

[mdprovee]

I really like the guages. Great work on the whole car. I almost bought one of these body styles several years ago. This one makes me wish I did.

[ryeguy2006a]

Awesome job with the gauges! That car will be a stunner when it is all done.

[Vetterodder com]

The kids (no school), my Dad and I had the opportunity to see the Corvette today and drop off the parts that Mike will soon need to complete this RestoMod build. The color looks amazing to me but it is really hard to distinguish in the photographs under the bright sky. What has been done in 2 months is amazing but there is plenty of work left to complete in the next month and change. Given that my old 1958 Roadster took 4 years for my Dad and I to finish (with no comparison to the quality of this 64), I can wait another 30 to 45 days (Does that sound convincing enough???).








Here is my Dad:


....and my great kids...


:thumbs:

[waynieZ]

I can read your son's mind
" I can't wait till high school and this is me infront of my ride to the prom! "
Its coming out awesome, I love everything you've done. Its going to be one awesome perfoming ride!

[Vetterodder com]

I have been very busy with the day job and have not had much time to post any updates lately. Fortunately for me however, Mike continues with the final assembly of the 64 Roadster.
It appears that I will have the Corvette completed by Thanksgiving – which is really wonderful.
The weather in Florida is nice and cool so driving this baby is going to be oh so much fun!!! Here are a couple of shots of the interior. There is a lot of wiring in this Vette with the A/C, cruise control unit, ECM for the LS3, the push button start electronics, and stereo. It is tight behind the dash.

[Vetterodder com]

She is finally done !!!