New owner/member advice

[Russell Prescott]

Looking for advice. Please look at my profile and would like to hear from any of you. Thanks, Russell.

[Patrick H.]

Here's his Question:

It's a lot easier for all of us if it's over here, and we can start a thread, Russell:

1959 Black/Silver Red interior, VIN J59S108014. I am 2nd owner of this mostly original Corvette in real good enjoyable driving condition. I wish to continue to drive it and correct any unoriginal parts. The paint is mostly original. The body has a repair to driver door and rear fender, and a few touch-up paint areas. The interior was patched in the middle of the seats with solid naugehyde and is now tearing. The carpet is original as far as I can tell, but thread bare and faded. I would like advice concerning bringing it to the national meet in 2004. I would like to drive it there but am concerned about it being stolen. I would also like to have it judged. What category? Should I do anything to the car first in preparation for judging. The 245 hp 2x4 engine is nice but the 3-speed clutch slips some. The car has 63,300 miles or so and needs tires. What tire manufacturer and model should I buy, since the nice lady I bought it from seems to remember ordering black walls. There are a few other things like.....What battery manufacturer/model should I buy. What should I do about radiator hose and clamps that are not original. The radiator core has green corrosion showing. What about a few of the screws that hold interior to the doors that look over sized, some are even missing. I guess what might be best is to have you all at NCRS let me know what you think I should do. And if there is someone who would enjoy seeing the car and let me know what is needed that would be great to protect what just may be a survivor, let me know!!! The nice lady I bought it from said she also ordered positraction and deleted the radio. I'm really enjoying my old vette and want to preserve it so any information/advice will be eagerly welcomed. Thanks, Russell.

[Mike M.]

Re: Here's his Question:

Take it to a regional where the team leader, in htius case tim mickey, can evaluate it for possibly be judged in the bowtie catagory. Don't refinish anything before taking it for potential bowtie candidacy. its ok to clean and lubricate for anti-rust purposes after you've cleaned it. tires--kelsey. battery--restoration battery(ads in driveline). doorpanel attaching phillips trim screws commonly pull out of the door fiberglass--poor engineering on GM's part in the 50's and 60's. take door panel off and i usually rivit a metal plate on the surface of the door that faces the window glass. if you rivit the metal pieces on the surfaces facing the cockpit, judges can pick up on your repair.have fun with it but don't start a restoration till team leader has chance to evaluate it. good luck, mike