I was considering building a custom chassis 1956-62' Corvette. Don't worry, I won't be destroying a nice car....possibly a basket case. So the question is: Who makes the finest chassis with C4 and/or C5 suspension. What do I need to look for in terms of a modern and popular (if I resale) frame?
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Re: C1 Custom frames
Justin
That is a tough question to answer. Just too many variables. A lot depends on what you plan on doing with the car. Pick up any Corvette magazine and you will find ads for custum frames. Do some research, make them give the names of customers and contact those customers with questions of your own. I wouldn't be to concerned with resale valve as you would be appealing to a small number of people who want a C1 on a newer frame. If you do this, do it for yourself, not for resale value. Jusy my old 2 cents
Terry -
Re: C1 Custom frames
Justin
That is a tough question to answer. Just too many variables. A lot depends on what you plan on doing with the car. Pick up any Corvette magazine and you will find ads for custum frames. Do some research, make them give the names of customers and contact those customers with questions of your own. I wouldn't be to concerned with resale valve as you would be appealing to a small number of people who want a C1 on a newer frame. If you do this, do it for yourself, not for resale value. Jusy my old 2 cents
TerryComment
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Re: C1 Custom frames
if i had to do it all over again, i'd do it the same way i did in the mid-90's. get a donor c-4 with good frame and floorpan and firewall then fabricate this assembly to accept a c-1 windshield, door/trunk/hood hinges and then bond a c-1 front clip(repo one piece) , rear clip repo panels to the c-4 set-up. you'll need used doors and repo hood and trunk. see Restorer article about 2000 titled the ideal corvette.This approach allows use of all the c-4 interior items(Bose, air cond etc) and it was way less costly than a Paul Newman type modified c-1 frame that accepts c-4 front and rear suspensions.one can buy a "worn out" c-4 for about 2K , use its drivetrain and interior after tweaking them. mikeComment
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Re: C1 Custom frames
if i had to do it all over again, i'd do it the same way i did in the mid-90's. get a donor c-4 with good frame and floorpan and firewall then fabricate this assembly to accept a c-1 windshield, door/trunk/hood hinges and then bond a c-1 front clip(repo one piece) , rear clip repo panels to the c-4 set-up. you'll need used doors and repo hood and trunk. see Restorer article about 2000 titled the ideal corvette.This approach allows use of all the c-4 interior items(Bose, air cond etc) and it was way less costly than a Paul Newman type modified c-1 frame that accepts c-4 front and rear suspensions.one can buy a "worn out" c-4 for about 2K , use its drivetrain and interior after tweaking them. mikeComment
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Re: C1 Custom frames
If you are out to build a "driver", look at Billy Dawson's corvette correct frames. Number one....Billy is a good on his Texas hand shake and second you can build a original looking Vette or go all the way to a Vette rod. I for one like to keep Corvettes original. However it is a lot of fun to return a basket case into a real piece of pride.Comment
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Re: C1 Custom frames
If you are out to build a "driver", look at Billy Dawson's corvette correct frames. Number one....Billy is a good on his Texas hand shake and second you can build a original looking Vette or go all the way to a Vette rod. I for one like to keep Corvettes original. However it is a lot of fun to return a basket case into a real piece of pride.Comment
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Re: C1 Custom frames
Thanks for your responses. I want to reassure everyone that I am an "originality" kind of guy also. I have my 58' Big Brake car that I take extreme pride in its originality and authenticity and I wouldn't have it any other way but after years of "nuts and bolts' restorations I thought a change of pace my be exciting.Comment
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Re: C1 Custom frames
Thanks for your responses. I want to reassure everyone that I am an "originality" kind of guy also. I have my 58' Big Brake car that I take extreme pride in its originality and authenticity and I wouldn't have it any other way but after years of "nuts and bolts' restorations I thought a change of pace my be exciting.Comment
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Re: C1 Custom frames
Billy's shop is located just outside of Seguin, TX (that's about 30 miles from San Antonio). I have seen a number of C-1 frames and Corvettes that Billy has built. The workmanship and engineering are first-rate.
I've been acquainted with Billy Dawson for over 40 years, and his father, before that. Both are/were very competent hot rod builders and machinists. They've both been very "above board" in their business dealings and Billy is easy to talk to and work with.
JimComment
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Re: C1 Custom frames
Billy's shop is located just outside of Seguin, TX (that's about 30 miles from San Antonio). I have seen a number of C-1 frames and Corvettes that Billy has built. The workmanship and engineering are first-rate.
I've been acquainted with Billy Dawson for over 40 years, and his father, before that. Both are/were very competent hot rod builders and machinists. They've both been very "above board" in their business dealings and Billy is easy to talk to and work with.
JimComment
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Re: C1 Custom frames
Jim...
You are right-on about BillyComment
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Re: C1 Custom frames
Jim...
You are right-on about BillyComment
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Re: C1 Custom frames
Billy is a stand-up guy who always delivers what he promises. I love his chassis, but I went with SRIII for my 59. I just wanted the gee-whiz look of the SRIII chassis. If I was to ever build another, I would probaly buy one of Billy's. Here is a pic of the SRIII chassis, and it is clearly one of the two best frames out there:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/339303/P0000830.JPG
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/339303/P0000832.JPG
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/339303/P0001397.jpg
I have two of these cars, a 59 and a 65, and I love than as much as original cars! I built them both from basket cases that were good for nothing but parts cars. I could never cut up a good car to build one!
Regards, John McGrawComment
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Re: C1 Custom frames
Billy is a stand-up guy who always delivers what he promises. I love his chassis, but I went with SRIII for my 59. I just wanted the gee-whiz look of the SRIII chassis. If I was to ever build another, I would probaly buy one of Billy's. Here is a pic of the SRIII chassis, and it is clearly one of the two best frames out there:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/339303/P0000830.JPG
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/339303/P0000832.JPG
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/339303/P0001397.jpg
I have two of these cars, a 59 and a 65, and I love than as much as original cars! I built them both from basket cases that were good for nothing but parts cars. I could never cut up a good car to build one!
Regards, John McGrawComment
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