Corvette Restorer Winter 2025: Balanced and Unafraid! - NCRS Discussion Boards

Corvette Restorer Winter 2025: Balanced and Unafraid!

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  • Tom R.
    Extremely Frequent Poster
    • June 30, 1993
    • 4079

    Corvette Restorer Winter 2025: Balanced and Unafraid!

    Santa Vinnie & his writer Elves
    This has got to be among the more balanced, insightful and, perhaps, nicely biased toward the late-model C3 years; an issue that I was unable to put down until I got to the last page.

    Piccconi and Crupi's refurbishing a 78 A/C system was most instructive. I'll have more to query in another post and how timely. Then Klestadt's "Carb Priming" though it illustrates C2-early C3 carbs, pumping the pedal to prime persists well in the late 1970s. I must do this a couple of rounds until my 78 gets primed up and starts. Now, I understand why with great descriptions by Klestadt that can be carried forward to the later years and before electronic ignition in the 80s. I have several Rochester manuals so I can do the math after this writer's inspiration.

    Then we get to Tripoli and his continued anaylsis of Corvette transmissions. This time automatics. Even the look at parking lamp data offers something that is useful for the 70 years.

    Finally, Greg Simon's 75 L82 Convertible, a contributor to the 3rd edition of the NCRS 75-77 TIMJG, underscores the collectibility of the late-model era Corvettes with his analysis of build data. A most interesting read! He references not only build data, but shows documents from 1975 that builds his argument toward the collectibility of these emission-laden Corvettes.

    What NCRS must get, and I conclude they have not, is the desirability of late-model C3s...it's not limited to value but also the consideration of collectibility. Simon makes that argument quite nicely.

    A few years back, I represented the NCRS at the NCM C5 bash. I spoke to the issues of late-model C3s, differentiating early years with Performance options, transistioning to later years due to federal emission requirements, safety considerations and fuel economy. Chevrolet Corvette recognized consumer shifts to Comfort, Convenience and Cosmetics options, the topics I explored at the Bash. This is acknowledged with Corvette sales from 30,000 build units in the early C3 years, peaking to 53,000 in 79. If NCRS seeks membership growth, the board needs to adopt marketing campaigns to appeal to this class of owners.
    Tom Russo

    78 SA NCRS 5 Star Bowtie
    78 Pace Car L82 M21
    00 MY/TR/Conv
  • Michael J.
    Extremely Frequent Poster
    • January 26, 2009
    • 7065

    #2
    Yes, I agree, but do wonder about that demographic. The plastic bumper, malaise era Corvettes have a certain charm and nostalgia to them. The first new Corvette I could afford was an '81, and I loved it, moved and drove it all over the country, but finally sold it when we started having kids and a Suburban was more practical. After I retired I wanted to get the C2s I had always wanted as a teen and taking them all through NCRS judging, but still like these C3s. I have had an '81 and now a '78 going through NCRS judging. Great cars, but I do wonder if most people who own them want to go through the NCRS rigamarole of judging, dragging them around the country, etc. Most I know like them as drivers and weekend cruisers to cars and coffee type events. Not sure they have the passion and interest to do what I have done with the C2s, but you never know until you try and focus on them.
    Big Tanks In the High Mountains of New Mexico

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