JUST FOUND a 1955 v/8... HELP!

[Gerard T.]

I recently found and purchased a 1955 v/8 model, #587. It had been sitting in a garage for 35 years. The questions I have about this car are endless, as I understand no two are identical. I thought I should reach out to the NCRS community to inquire about an expert on C1 Vettes in my area. To start, I'd like to know specifics on the Codes (engine, trans, int./ext. colors) for this car.
The Vette will need restoration, as the previous owner passed before finishing this one (a fully restored '60 was a part of the package as well). Finding the rest of the parts needed should be fun too! Suggestions?

JT
Southern California 91505

[Don H.]

Re: JUST FOUND a 1955 v/8... HELP!

JT,
welcome to the Society, and to the Technical Discussion Board.. And, congratulations on your purchase.
You have infinite resources there in So. CAL, specifically the SFV, Burbank area.
I suggest two things,, first join the So CAL chapter of NCRS, and then join the SO CAL Chapter of the Solid Axle Corvette Club (SACC)
This will get you in the network of fellow enthusiasts, who will have the answers to your questions..
Good luck, and once again, welcome.

[Mark F.]

Re: JUST FOUND a 1955 v/8... HELP!

I recently found and purchased a 1955 v/8 model, #587. It had been sitting in a garage for 35 years. The questions I have about this car are endless, as I understand no two are identical. I thought I should reach out to the NCRS community to inquire about an expert on C1 Vettes in my area. To start, I'd like to know specifics on the Codes (engine, trans, int./ext. colors) for this car. The Vette will need restoration, as the previous owner passed before finishing this one (a fully restored '60 was a part of the package as well). Finding the rest of the parts needed should be fun too! Suggestions? JT Southern California 91505

JT,

Sounds like a pretty cool find !
In addition to what Don says, you should probably buy the following documents for your 1955

1953-55 NCRS Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide (TIMJG):
The TIMJG will provide you with the best information to date from decades of members’ research condensed into one document regarding originality and what is judged – if you choose to go the judging route. It presents what is considered to be the “norm” for a 1955 Corvette (referred to as typical factory production (TFP)).

https://www.ncrs.org/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78_1_4&products_id=215

Corvette Factory Assembly Instruction Manuals (AIM Manual):
The AIM was the document supplied to the assembly plant by Chevrolet Engineering as an assembly aid. It contains graphic illustrations of how all the parts are to be assembled, all the fasteners and torques, part numbers, special or mandatory assembly sequences, adhesives, sealers, lubricants, and functional test requirements and processes.

https://www.ncrs.org/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78_21&products_id=224

Judging Reference Manual (JRM):
The JRM gives you a thorough description of the Judging process; what to expect at a judging meet and how to prepare; points system; standard deduction guidelines and much more.

https://www.ncrs.org/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78&products_id=221

The Complete Corvette Restoration and Technical Guide Volume 1 1953-1962 – by Noland Adams:
Noland was a well known author and Corvette historian whose works in addition to the Volume I ‘53-‘62 Guide - also included “Corvette, American Legend,” covering the original dream car prototype and 1953 production, and the follow up series, “1954 and 1955 Production,” “1956 Production,” “1957 Racing and Production details,” and “1958 to 1960 Variations.” Adams hosted a series of restoration videotapes, wrote hundreds of articles for Corvette related magazines, and has given numerous presentations on Corvette restoration all over the United States, plus seminars in Canada, Sweden and England.

Good Luck and keep us posted !

[Ed S.]

Re: JUST FOUND a 1955 v/8... HELP!

Add this one to your library of reference pubs - you will love it.

[Gerard T.]

Re: JUST FOUND a 1955 v/8... HELP!

Hi Don,
Thank you very much for the references. I'm on it! Really looking forward to this project as well as meeting a whole new group of car enthusiasts. Thanks again!!

JT

[Gerard T.]

Re: JUST FOUND a 1955 v/8... HELP!

Hi Mark,

Thank you for the links! These will definitely help with my restoration. I'll keep ya posted...

Best,
JT

[Gerard T.]

Re: JUST FOUND a 1955 v/8... HELP!

Thanks, Ed! I've been all over this since receiving your link! Love it!!

JT

[Ed S.]

Re: JUST FOUND a 1955 v/8... HELP!

GM published one of these for every model of car they made, for each year - they are on the internet - free, a great resource along with the AIM, and other references.

[Mark E.]

Re: JUST FOUND a 1955 v/8... HELP!

Photos of the '55 please.

[Jim L.]

Re: JUST FOUND a 1955 v/8... HELP!

Another source of 1955 Corvette information would be the late Roy Braatz. He knew '55 Vettes better than probably anyone.

You can search here for postings by him and also on Corvette Forum. On Corvette Forum, he went by the user name "1955 copper" (note the space between the two terms).

[Roger W.]

Re: JUST FOUND a 1955 v/8... HELP!

Gerard. Your fantastic purchase of the 55 demonstrates that the "barn finds" are still out there. I am sure that any questions that you have about the car can be answered on this forum.

Roger

[David M.]

Re: JUST FOUND a 1955 v/8... HELP!

We do require pictures of both cars! Nice acquisition.

[Gerard T.]

Re: JUST FOUND a 1955 v/8... HELP!

IMG_4686.jpeg IMG_9773.jpeg IMG_9274.jpg IMG_9273.jpg

[Gerard T.]

Re: JUST FOUND a 1955 v/8... HELP!

Wow! I would've loved to have met Roy! Thanks for this very useful link, Jim.

Another source of 1955 Corvette information would be the late Roy Braatz. He knew '55 Vettes better than probably anyone.

You can search here for postings by him and also on Corvette Forum. On Corvette Forum, he went by the user name "1955 copper" (note the space between the two terms).

[Gerard T.]

Re: JUST FOUND a 1955 v/8... HELP!

...and a few more!