New Member Seeks Sage Advice

[Lenny K.]

Great to finally have the time to join NCRS and hoping to tap into all the wisdom you folks have to offer. (Here are a couple of pictures of my little C2 and C3 toys attached)

A bit of background on the '63....which I purchased just recently.....it was redone frame up in 2002 and painted in HOK Razberry Pearl. NOM but somewhat correct 327/300 powertrain including rear end from a '65 vette 4-speed Muncie. Good looking custom, is the way I think of it, and have no immediate plans to try to make it beyond what it is....just nicer looking and more original, where I can.

My question applies to interior of the '63....it has a shift console that I would dearly love to refresh or replace. As it has no mfg numbers on it or the extension, it was seemingly replaced sometime ago. The prices on a repro console set are sky high, but I also enjoy having the car "the way I want it".....fresh and neat. Should I:

1. Just enjoy it the way it is
2. Have it refinished....assuming someone can recommend that route and a place that can be trusted
3. Buy a repro from ?!
4. Is there a number 4.....smile.

Again, nice to be amongst fellow car lovers and I am really looking forward to hearing responses on this.....could not find earlier threads on the topic.....if I missed them, point me in the right direction...

Lenny

[Mark R.]

Re: New Member Seeks Sage Advice

Lenny:

Welcome to the NCRS !

You really have two beautiful rides. Since the 1963 is a new acquisition and you like it the way it is, just enjoy it. IMHO

Best wishes,

Mark

[William C.]

Re: New Member Seeks Sage Advice

Looks like a '65 Corvette shifter with a '63 Console plate. The '63 parts are difficult (read expensive if you can find someone competent) I'd look at the reproductions at a meet in your area and see if they would fit your need. The '65 shifter is generally a more reliable shifter unit than the '63, as long as you don't "need" the exact '63 look.

[Lenny K.]

Re: New Member Seeks Sage Advice

As I said, most of the drivetrain appears to be from '65 donor(s), so I assume the tranny/shifter are 65.

Numbers I have gathered so far are:
VIN 30867S102786 = Early Nov 1963
Casting = 3782870,
Block Code =K184 = November 18, 1964 = 1965 Corvette
Intake Casting = 3872783 (1965 300HP 327), Date H25 5 = August 25, 1965, correct for 300HP
Carburetor = 3461S CC3 = (Correct Carb), Date CC3 = March, 1963
Transmission 385325, Tailshaft 3846429
Exhaust = 3749965A SCC LH, 3550556A RH
Was originally Datona Blue with Blue trim....changed long ago by ?!
Engine was rebuilt and decked, so any VIN or suffix # are long gone, slick pad. Also has 6300/6500 Tach and 80lb. oil pressure
I will be able to decipher more when I get the NCRS pubs I ordered when I joined, but that is what it looks like so far
Good news is that I didn't pay for a numbers correct '63 and people in the business in Phoenix tell me "You did good". She is what she is but it is ok....smile.

I did find a post that one Andy Cannizzo does console restorations and have a call into him, are there any other names?! Since it does not appear original, probably repro is a better way to fly?!
Since I know all repros are not created equal, is there a source I should look to (or avoid) if I decide to just buy a new one for cosmetic reasons. Thanks for helping a newbie, but I will get up to speed fairly quickly...hopefully.