50 years ago today

[Patrick H.]

Re: 50 years ago today

I can probably get away with painting 20-25% of the car and make it very presentable - - Center of the hood(maybe 18" x 24") and one of the sail panel hoops is crazed- thankfully black lacquer blends nicely, I may put everything together get it running and ready and then touch up the paint enough to get a Top Flight without painting it, I REALLY do not want to remove the original LT1 stripe - (If I ultimately paint it - I will buy another hood and hang the original paint hood on the wall) It would top flight pretty easily, everything is there and everything is original and correct, even the 399 waterpump, original dated master cylinder, original fuel pump in a box. - main thing is to go through and make everything fully working for operations judging,

Bigger issue is it hasn't been started in 25 years and was not registered in 40 years so correctly recommissioning it is going to require every bushing, bearing, hose, and seal in the entire drive train, brake, and fuel system. Engine is free but probably should be gone through as well as the entire brake system and the remainder of the drive train.

I assume as well you're not going to consider Bowtie judging if you're looking at all that rehab.

[Michael J.]

Re: 50 years ago today

Interesting about the lack of a radio. I have a '65 that was ordered with most every option except no radio. Seems the dealer convinced the owner he could install a better radio that would be cheaper than factory and sound better. Any evidence of an aftermarket radio having been installed?

[James G.]

Re: 50 years ago today

I am one of the most vocal proponents of not repainting or restoring vehicles with their original paint AS IMHO there have been ENTIRELY too many lost to restoration which should have NEVER been restored. If the car were a running and driving vehicle with the same paint there would be fewer questions with how to proceed, but because it needs a good deal to put back into service, has seen more alterations than my green car and is not in near as good of condition it would pretty much need to be a static display as it sits. I have ZERO interest in owning a vehicle that I cannot get in and drive.

Which has gone into forming my opinion that a VERY presentable car with 75-80% original paint is VASTLY more desireable than to have 100% original paint and to look like it was rode hard and slung up wet to dry. There will be those who disagree in both ways with me... either completely restore or completely original -

Terry, I am sure the mast in the stowage area was the one put in the car at the factory, however the car was never equipped with a radio, never had a hole in the quarter panel, I just found it amusing there was one with the car. regarding Reggie and paint... Yes only original once, however if the paint is flaking or chipped off - then the original paint is not there and thus already altered.

Mark, yes the paper back and forth is GOLD, and really IMHO it was Mr Aglietti who was instrumental in seeing to it that the car was painted Black. I also saw EM2, my father who was assigned to an experimental Naval device during the EXACT same time frame as mr Kraft, got out the SAME month, and was the same pay scale, explained electricians Mate 2 to me when I showed him the paperwork.


Patrick, Given that my less altered and much better kept Brandshatch Green LT1 was not approved for Bowtie judging, I did not see any point in attempting such with the Black LT1 especially since any alterations after the judging would affect the Bowtie status. IF the car were driven or used the rubber bushings will fall apart - they already are - and any engine trans rear seal will begin leaking, again I am not interested in a static display and as such has little value to me or IMHO the hobby as I am HIGHLY unlikely to drag it out to events in it's present state.

Michael, no evidence of a radio at any point.
BTW I love 63 Z06 coupes -I was fortunate to have been able to help negotiate the purchase of and then recovery of one from a Colorado Springs "barn" back in 2016. Owner had the car since the late 60's when it was wrecked - Here is a link to some photos of the Z06 along with some GS photos - https://photos.app.goo.gl/FZ6aSoFsBwgJoRj67

[Michael J.]

Re: 50 years ago today

Zoe2.jpgThanks, yes that Z06 looks to have been rode hard and put away wet, as these old Z06s usually were. It looks like a small tank variety. Here is a picture of mine, it has the big tank, and was raced in SoCal for a time after delivery to a Pasadena dealer, then sat for many years in a barn too.....

[Daniel K.]

Re: 50 years ago today

I'd like to add my voice to those expressing appreciation for the well-written, extremely informative, and incredibly well researched LS6 article. Thank you Mr. Ernst. I have a couple of questions about the dual-disc clutch: I think I understand the article to say that anyone who ordered the LS6 engine option in combination with the M22 automatically got the dual-disc clutch. Is that correct? Was there any way for LS5 buyers who ordered the M22 to get the dual-disc clutch? For present-day owners of real LS6 cars with the dual-disc system, are replacement discs available / can the systems be maintained? Finally, and this will really signal my lack of awareness of the parts market, could I get a dual-disc clutch similar in performance for my 1971 LS5? There is nothing wrong the the 50 year old M21 pushing my car down the road, but you sort of caught my attention with the description of the dual-clutch.

[Don L.]

Re: 50 years ago today

Thank you for the LS6 story, Mike. While most Restorer articles are interesting and well done, I found this one - yours - to be extraordinary. I learned a great deal about these awesome automobiles from your work and am most appreciative. Thank you!

PS: and the fact that this car was Steel Cities Gray/Black caught my eye as the cover photo all the more.

[Tim S.]

Re: 50 years ago today

I also enjoyed the story in the Restorer Mike. My....how you have progressed from 62's. I remember the first time I stepped foot in your shop.......never seen a big tank straight axle!

[Tim G.]

Re: 50 years ago today

PS Mike, I noticed your car was ordered with PO2 wheel covers, I'm a big fan of that look although the rally wheels look great, too.

[Mike E.]

Re: 50 years ago today

PS Mike, I noticed your car was ordered with PO2 wheel covers, I'm a big fan of that look although the rally wheels look great, too.

Good eye, Tim! I have them, but prefer the trim ring/center cap look.