Still Original?

[Bryan Meyers]

I purchased a 68 with a 427 and the front end is non stock. I also purchased another one for parts. If I take the front clip and swap them is still stock? I also want to swap the entire back fiberglass because it is flared and was backed into a fire hydrant and is cracked up a bit.

Thanks Bryan

[Tom B.]

Re: Still Original?

Bryan,

This is going to be a matter of opinion which has been previously discussed right down to the hair-splitting..."When is a Corvette no longer considered to be "original"? For your situation, my own OPINION is that once you have performed what you have described, then you will have "restored" your Corvette to it's "original configuration" with original "replacement" parts. The thing to ask yourself is...would you be comfortable presenting it to someone else, for show or for sale as a "completely original" Corvette? TBarr #24014

[Tom B.]

PS

True story: I once was refueling my 66 convertible and a guy with a nice looking 69 Chevelle showing 396 emblems pulled in to refuel as well. His car appeared to be "unmolested" and we got to talking. I asked him if the paint on his car was the original. He told me "Yes, it was" and he then began to tell me which fenders had been replaced and when. So I guess he didn't mean it was ALL original. Point of the matter: Originality can mean different things to different people. TBarr #24014

[Bryan Meyers]

Re: Still Original?

What is it considered to be by NCRS standards? Not "original" but restored original? The original front end is gone, should I not try to take it back, since I can't seem to get there from here?

[Tom B.]

Re: Still Original?

Bryan,

First, I'm not an NCRS official of any sort. So whatever I may say wouldn't officially represent the NCRS. I'm a member only, and personally I have a "purist" outlook. Is your car going to be "original"? Not in my opinion. Will it be restored to it's "original configuration"? Yes, if you do a good enough job. And there is no reason to not have your car meet most or all NCRS "standards", whatever those may be, with what you are attempting to do. I think you're on the right track. TBarr #24014

[Tom B.]

PS again Bryan

Bryan,

Any more, "originality" is considered to be what I think is a matter of "degrees". Is it "original"?....then to what "degree"? From what I gather you're asking, it's "how original will the work that you're describing be considered?" Or, "how much more original will it make the car?" As I mentioned before, and to me, a car is only "original" once. And what you're attempting to do is the next best thing. It doesn't disqualify the "originality" of the whole rest of the car, though (also in my opinion),...if that makes any sense. TBarr #24014

[Bryan Meyers]

Re: PS again Bryan

I guess I just want the car to look like it did when it was new. I guess original goes a little deeper than I thought. I just do not like the front end that is on it, I LOVE the pop up lights. Thanks for all your input it is appreciated. I have a long way to go.

Bryan