when is a survivor NOT a survivor? i need advise.

[Michael J.]

Re: when is a survivor NOT a survivor? i need advise.

I have a 33K mile '64 that was mostly original, but in some rough shape and repainted. But since the drivetrain and interior, as well as many other parts were original to the car, I have chosen to body off restore it, but use as many of the original parts (after I restored them) as possible. That to me was the best of both worlds.

[Tom B.]

Re: when is a survivor NOT a survivor? i need advise.

No power steering on a 365 HP due to the big oil pan.

[Michael S.]

Re: when is a survivor NOT a survivor? i need advise.

@tom barkley. please explain. why does the oil pan interfere?

[Richard G.]

Re: when is a survivor NOT a survivor? i need advise.

The high HP cars had oil pans that were extended, to the rear, to hold an extra quart of oil. This pan interferes with the factory piston style power steering cylinder. Thus Power steering wasn't a factory option on these cars. The pan can be changed out, for a five quart, and then P/S added or a conversion steering box can be retrofitted. None of these options will pass judging.

[Dan D.]

Re: when is a survivor NOT a survivor? i need advise.

Every one of these responses expresses a valid opinion and certainly deserves consideration. Bottom line, however, is what do you intend to do with the car when finished;drive it... or haul it around on a trailer? And, what is it that YOU really want … and, do you have the resources to comfortably see the project through? Answer these questions...and go with your gut. God Bless andgood luck

[Ronald L.]

Re: when is a survivor NOT a survivor? i need advise.

Will be a great car to document, I see what looks like alligator skin upper rad hose with original tower clamps

[Bob B.]

Re: when is a survivor NOT a survivor? i need advise.

Survivor ??? Be careful, read the NCRS rules MANY times over. IF you paint the car, it has a replacement nose, it lived a hard life like SO MANY Corvettes did back in the day. So if you have new paint but the rest of the car is original less parts that wore out over the years,
will it still judge survivor on the other parts ? Is it of value as a example for others to restore based on ie of value ? And drag it to a National convention ? That is a whole lot of IFs to me, a whole lot of commitment on a car you probably wont be able to drive Do what makes you smile my two cents
Bob

[Michael S.]

Re: when is a survivor NOT a survivor? i need advise.

thank you all for your input. as i stated i have had a body shop for too long. i have restored vetts before but always at the direction of the owner. as this one i intend to keep i do "want it my way" but a part of me wants to keep it stock. i did want to add a/c, power steering, and power windows.
@mike johnson- i like what you said. restore what you have the way it is using as many original parts as poss.
@richard geier thank you for your info on the power steering to oil pan issue.
@ron lovelace-i have started a scrap book on the car. with digital pic's and a printer it does not cost to take a ton of pic's. i am documenting every thing i do. i take pic's before, during, and after of every thing i have so far removed. i then take pic's of the cast numbers and date codes.
i will also be putting together a before and after pic of every part. a pic of the carb just taken off and a pic of the carb just before i put it back on etc. as @bob brewer says "is it of value as a example for others" i think it may well be that is why i am taking so many pic's
also going to an ncrs meeting tonight. taking my book of pic's. hope to get more good advice there tonight.
thanks again to all for your input. mike.

[Rich G.]

[Michael S.]

Re: when is a survivor NOT a survivor? i need advise.

@rich. yes i guess i really screwed up. i thought it was from 6pm to 9. dont know why. i was sitting here on my computer all morning. had i known i would have been there. i am really mad at myself. i see your in brookhaven. i am on the north fork. really not that far. maybe we can meet one day. or your welcome to come here to look at what i have in person.

[Mark T.]

Re: when is a survivor NOT a survivor? i need advise.

Michael I sent you a email , sorry we missed you yesterday we had a great turn out
Mark

[Sal C.]

Re: when is a survivor NOT a survivor? i need advise.

NCRS does not judge Survivor cars. That is Bloomington Gold. Understanding the difference may help you in deciding what to do and how far to go.

[Michael J.]

Re: when is a survivor NOT a survivor? i need advise.

They judged my 5000 mile '81 Corvette, for 4 stars, certainly a survivor by anyone's definition. I have no idea what Bloomington does however.

[Michael S.]

Re: when is a survivor NOT a survivor? i need advise.

I have a 33K mile '64 that was mostly original, but in some rough shape and repainted. But since the drivetrain and interior, as well as many other parts were original to the car, I have chosen to body off restore it, but use as many of the original parts (after I restored them) as possible. That to me was the best of both worlds.

i like what mike says here. as of right now. note what i just said "as of right now" i am going to do a body off resto of the car back to as original as possible. not going to add the a/c (yes i considered price) or the power steering/ windows. the car is what it is. but i can not drive around with the paint peeling. so i am going to pull the body and go frame up. it will not be ready this summer but watch out summer of 21.

[Michael J.]

Re: when is a survivor NOT a survivor? i need advise.

i like what mike says here. as of right now. note what i just said "as of right now" i am going to do a body off resto of the car back to as original as possible. not going to add the a/c (yes i considered price) or the power steering/ windows. the car is what it is. but i can not drive around with the paint peeling. so i am going to pull the body and go frame up. it will not be ready this summer but watch out summer of 21.

Thank you! I spent the afternoon watching the re-installation of the interior. The carpet have a foam backing on them originally, which had turned to powder over the 56 years, so creative things had to be done to save the good carpet after a good cleaning. When I first shampooed that carpet, it smelled like 1000 packs of cigarettes had been smoked in the car, so it took much TLC to get this done, but now they look great, and are original. Similar things were done with the seats to retain the original burlap, springs, and leather (luckily) covers. Here is a picture of the car just before we did the body drop recently. It was repainted Ermine White in single stage, and the rusty (mostly surface) frame was cleaned and redone.