My New 1954 Corvette...

[Donald M.]

Two years ago I purchased a long time dream, my new 1954 Corvette. It needed a bit more work than originally anticipated, including a complete engine and transmission overhaul, carbs restored, etc. To improve drivability I installed rack & pinion steering, radial ply tires (205R15 Firestone red lines), electronic ignition, and an alternator. Given my prodigious body mass I also installed a 15" steering wheel which has made driving more comfortable. I still have all the original parts including rims, hubcaps, and 6.70x15 bias ply tires.

I read somewhere that some original owners had their dealer install wire wheels. Yesterday I mounted a set of Dayton knock off wire wheels with the afore mentioned radial ply tires. The rack & pinion steering with radial ply tires made a huge improvement in steering, tracking, and ride; well worth the money. As far as I am concerned my '54 Corvette is finished, so I'm introducing Rosalind (car's name) to the NCRS community. Here she is, and I couldn't be more pleased.

[Randy S.]

Re: My New 1954 Corvette...

Very nice. I like the look of the red lines with the wire rims...

Thanks for sharing.

[Bruce B.]

Re: My New 1954 Corvette...

Nice looking 54, I had a very early one years ago which I put a V8 in and drove a lot.
Enjoy it on the road.
Bruce B

[Paul H.]

Re: My New 1954 Corvette...

Very nice. You must be thrilled to have it back home. Have fun with it.

[Leif A.]

Re: My New 1954 Corvette...

I am pleased to hear of the personal improvements you made to your car...sounds like you're going to be driving Rosalind a LOT!! Good for you!! Enjoy the ride and congratulations on fulfilling a long time dream.

[Richard K.]

Re: My New 1954 Corvette...

I really like how the new suspension, redlines, and wire wheels give it a more solid, planted stance. Also, those are some of the best fitting 53-55 body components and trim that I've ever seen.
Great looking car!

[Donald M.]

Re: My New 1954 Corvette...

The suspension hasn't been changed. I think the radials are slightly wider and smaller in diameter than the stock 6.70 bias tires. That could be what you are seeing. I bought a Steeroids r&p kit for a '55 and had a bit of modification done to make it fit. It works like a charm. I was delighted with the solid steering feel the r&p brought, then got another surprise when I added the radial ply tires. You would not believe the improvement with both r&p and radials.

I am told the body is an outstanding example. There is no damage anywhere; no cracks, no repairs, nothing. I'm very proud of this car, and very upside down in it financially, but I don't care. This car is with me until I an no longer able to drive, and even then I may get a cousin to haul me around.

D.

I really like how the new suspension, redlines, and wire wheels give it a more solid, planted stance. Also, those are some of the best fitting 53-55 body components and trim that I've ever seen.
Great looking car!

[Roger W.]

Re: My New 1954 Corvette...

Very nice car Don. The wire wheels really make the car stand out. I bet that most people would never guess that it is a 1954 model year. It looks like a much later model car.

Roger

[Donald M.]

Re: My New 1954 Corvette...

Thank you, Roger. I have tried to keep the original character of a '54 Corvette. It would have been easy to drop in an early 60s drive train, but then the car's originality would have been non-existent. Since posting this I have put more miles on my '54, and I am very happy with the result of my interpretation of this model Corvette.

D.

Very nice car Don. The wire wheels really make the car stand out. I bet that most people would never guess that it is a 1954 model year. It looks like a much later model car.

Roger

[Dan D.]

Re: My New 1954 Corvette...

It's always great to see someone having fun with their Corvette...Enjoy it in good health

[Donald M.]

Re: My New 1954 Corvette...

Thanks, Dan.

D.

It's always great to see someone having fun with their Corvette...Enjoy it in good health