53-54 support - NCRS Discussion Boards

53-54 support

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  • Joe R.
    Very Frequent User
    • July 31, 1994
    • 287

    53-54 support

    Is it just me, or has the level of support for us 53-54 (and 55, Roy) folks reduced sharply over the past few years on this TDB? Why?

    Is it because 1) Most of the 53-4-5's have been restored and therefore we have reached saturation? or 2) The recent interest in the C3's (and continued interest in C2's) have overpowered the membership interest in that series? or 3) The absence of approximately 2 cylinders and the only odd-number of venturies in the Corvette series sickens the V8 purists, or 4) I'm getting old and more cenile and nobody cares anymore? OK, maybe everyone is on vacation for the summer and their PC's are NFG?

    I'm dragging this up because I do really care about the TDB alot, and to that end would like to see a renaissance in interest in these, the first Corvettes, renewed.

    Any thoughts from other 53-4-5 owners, or is it just me?

    Joe
    20
    The are EXTREMELY COOL, I won't rest until I got one!!!
    0%
    12
    Cool car, I always take pictures of it when I encounter one!
    0%
    5
    It's a Corvette but that is where my interest ends...
    0%
    3
    6 cylinder cars can't be Vette's...
    0%
    0
    Huh, did Chevrolet ever make cars before 1956???
    0%
    0

    The poll is expired.

  • Patrick H.
    Beyond Control Poster
    • December 1, 1989
    • 11643

    #2
    Re: 53-54 support

    Joe,

    Has the support/interest really waned?

    The question that I would have is... How many 53-55 owners have a computer, know how to use it, and visit the Discussion Board with regularity?

    In running our recent Regional I know that my wife was shocked to find out how many NCRS members didn't own a computer, or didn't know how to use one if they did own one. When you're the one fielding all the phone calls, you learn this type of information. I would suggest that those who own 53-55s are likely not those who are also the youngest in the club.

    My almost-90-year-old grandmother uses one for e-mail, so it can't be too tough.

    Patrick
    Vice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
    71 "deer modified" coupe
    72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
    2008 coupe
    Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.

    Comment

    • Randy G.
      Expired
      • April 1, 2006
      • 358

      #3
      Re: 53-54 support

      I have a '54 along with a '57. The '54 needs all the support I can give it.

      I just received my John Pirkle 6 volt generator today (ordered it a while back and worth the wait). I'm in the middle of converting the ol' gal back to it's original 6 volt system. I like dim headlights and hard starting cars.

      I may be making a choice in a few weeks as my garage shrinks. If I have to, I'll part with the '57 before I would consider parting with the '54.

      I think the reason the board is full of advice for the c2's and c3's is because they made a lot more of them than they did the '53's and '54's. So, it stands to reason there will be more owners of the C2's and 3's in here for discussions.

      To me, I'll take the stiff riding, solid axle, drum brake, manual steering, uncomfortable to ride for more than an hour C-1 classic any time.

      RG

      Comment

      • Fenwick B.
        Expired
        • January 1, 2005
        • 115

        #4
        Re: 53-54 support

        I have a 55, and I log on almost every day. Even though I don't usually post, I read all of the threads. I get a lot of help from the archives, and I believe almost every thing has been covered at one time or another. If it hasn't been covered, Roy or someone else usually knows the answer. I have been working on my 55 since I bought it in 2004, and I have driven it almost 500 miles in the last few months. My son and I also have a 90 and a 91 ZR1, and a 86 pace car, but I still like to drive the 55 the most. Most of the people around here have never seen a 53,54, or 55, and don't even know what kind of car it is.
        Fenwick Binder

        Comment

        • John R.
          Expired
          • September 30, 1999
          • 288

          #5
          Re: 53-54 support

          I have a pennant blue 54 as well as a 58 and 67. I am presently replacing the windshield on the 54 and look forward to help from others on the board when I need it.

          Comment

          • Michael L.
            Expired
            • July 31, 2005
            • 562

            #6
            Re: 53-54 support

            I was feeling the same way for the last few months. When my '55 oiling problem popped up I was jazzed to see so many responses. I have posted in the past asking for help and gotten zero replies. Pretty simple: there are so few of the cars left if certain members are not online, the post gets lost on the next page and goes unanswered.

            If there is cross over in models people reply, if it is vehicle specific there are not as many owners out there to chime in. I know I don't jump in on a post for other year cars as my knowledge is limited with those. But I continue to proudly click the 53-55 icon every time I post!

            Comment

            • Roy B.
              Expired
              • February 1, 1975
              • 7044

              #7
              Re: 53-54 support

              1.Well let see ,all 53 are gone for ever (trailer queens) stored away never to be seen again on the road and now just collecting dust and interest (money)

              2. Many 54's are still being found or selling on e-bay because many were made 4K or more //so 90% of info and discussion is about 54 But again once restored and making top flight rarely seen or driven again.

              3.Fewer 55's are left then 53. Many are known to still be around (like over 250 53's) but most 55 were raced and destroyed because of it having a V8 and people dropped in other make engines . Because of that vary little interest or any discussions on 55's because you cant find many left, I would guess about 100 or 150.

              So my conclusion is that there are few people here to meet or talk with concerning 53-55 , so lets stick together

              Comment

              • Mike E.
                Extremely Frequent Poster
                • February 28, 1975
                • 5138

                #8
                Re: 53-54 support

                1) There are MANY 54's (and a few 53's and 55's) that are out there unrestored. Just look at all the stuff that Jay from Texas has on ebay including rolling cars. I just ran across a 54 that has been in a barn since 1970.
                2) The number of 53-55 cars produced for those years as compared to the number of 68-72's for example, would indicate that there would be much less traffic here regarding those years.
                FWIW

                Comment

                • Fenwick B.
                  Expired
                  • January 1, 2005
                  • 115

                  #9
                  Re: 53-54 support

                  There is a late manual tranny 55 on Ebay now (130236922832) that is a pretty original car, except the motor is for an Automatic. I know the owner, and it is one of 5 1955's that he has. All are restored, except this one. He told me the vin numbers, and none are listed on the registry. He also has 5 1953 cars.

                  Comment

                  • Mark P.
                    Very Frequent User
                    • May 13, 2008
                    • 934

                    #10
                    Re: 53-54 support

                    Here is a link for three 54's for sale for $25K in Hawaii:



                    There seems to be a few out there for sure. Has anyone seen a 54 customized like this (looks like a 59/60 front clip) and could it or should it ever be restored ? Are the others restorable ? Are there many spare 54 chassis out there ?
                    Last edited by Mark P.; July 8, 2008, 04:42 PM. Reason: typos

                    Comment

                    • Rob M.
                      NCRS IT Developer
                      • January 1, 2004
                      • 12738

                      #11
                      Re: 53-54 support

                      I hope you are all still around when I start on my '54 in app. 3 years time to answer my endless list of questions...

                      regards,
                      Rob.
                      Rob.

                      NCRS Dutch Chapter Founder & Board Member
                      NCRS Software Developer
                      C1, C2 and C3 Registry Developer

                      Comment

                      • Joe R.
                        Very Frequent User
                        • July 31, 1994
                        • 287

                        #12
                        Re: 53-54 support

                        I'll be glad to help, Rob. As Roy said, we have to stick together!

                        Comment

                        • Jim T.
                          Expired
                          • March 1, 1993
                          • 5351

                          #13
                          Re: 53-54 support

                          My interest in the 53-54 started for me about 1960. Lived across the street from a man that had a 53-54 Corvette and a 58 Thunderbird that he kept in the separate garage in his back yard. His daily driver was a Metropolitan convertible. Anyway walking to and from high school I could easily see into his garage and the back yard. I could always see the Corvette in the garage if the door was open and sometimes he moved it into the yard. I moved in 1966 and only saw his Corvette on the road one time, don't ever remember seeing the Thunderbird being driven. Wish I would of gotten to know this man. I learned in later years that he died and the Corvette and Thunderbird were sold in his estate sale. This was in Clinton, OK on Route 66.
                          This Corvette was in pristine original condition, I did look at once when it was in the back yard with the hood up when I was not old enough to drive. Have always wondered what actual year the Corvette was.
                          One story that was told was that the man's son bought the car and went to Korea and did not return.

                          Comment

                          • Joe R.
                            Very Frequent User
                            • July 31, 1994
                            • 287

                            #14
                            Re: 53-54 support

                            Funny that you'd mention Korea. The original owner of my 54 was reportedly sent to Korea shortly after he purchased the car. His brother was assigned as caregiver to the car, but without the owner/brothers' permission pulled out the 6 and put in a 265 V8. When the brother returned he was extremely upset and sold the car. The 2nd owner, the guy I bought the car from, kept the car from about 1956 until I bought it in 1991.

                            I finished a 100% resto in August 2007 to Top Flight, and have begun to DRIVE IT It runs great, starts great (yes, all 6 volts of it), and so far is proving to be reliable. The only problems encountered have been minor, like carb adjustments, hose leakage with corbin clamps (I hate corbin clamps), and some persistent tail/brake/turn signal ghosts ( need to add some grounds). I could write a book on the experiences during the resto with my now 19 year old son. What a GREAT experience! I'm up to about 1,200 miles, and plan on taking a Rt 66 tour either this fall or in the spring. Only problem is, I want to restore another!

                            Comment

                            • Mike G.
                              Expired
                              • July 31, 2002
                              • 709

                              #15
                              Re: 53-54 support

                              i think its because the price that c1's in general have been bringing in the last few years. guys like us that restore them are selling them to collectors for big money. collectors dont hang out here. i thought i would keep my 57 fi car forever. a collector bought it from me for over $160,000. i had to let it go. as these cars go to collections the number being restored drops.i still have a 70 lt1 vert, a 72 lt1 vert and an 86 pace car. i look for info on these cars now. i want to build another 57 but have not found the right car yet.

                              Comment

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