A Survivor?
I'm new to this organization and could use some help. I stumbled on to what I believe to be a real sweet 61 with the original 283 -245 HP dual four engine and 4-speed, original interior, etc. It's a straight no-hit car and the more I delve into it the cleaner I find it to be, e.g., it still has the masking tape holding the body-frame rubbers in place, etc. My question is: should I clean it up and repaint areas of the frame and engine compartment that are showing its age and some light corrosion or is it better to leave it alone and tell people that this is just the way it is after all these years. It still has the original type spiral shocks installed however they are shot as far as function goes. I drive it about 500-600 miles a year to a few local shows. That's it. It always draws a lot of looks and great conversation ensues. Thanks everyone. I appreciate your comments.
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Re: A Survivor?
Don't touch anything and get directly in touch with Roy Sinor for up-to-the-minute guidance. -
Re: A Survivor?
Hi Jim ! Welcome to the NCRS
You mentioned that you stumbled onto this one, but also mention you drive it 500-600 miles per year. Is this a car you've owned for a while, or did you just find it ?
If you have just discovered/purchased this car, I would contact your local chapter and have it examined.
Sounds like a neat car that people would enjoy seeing as is. They are only original once.
Tom Hendricks
Proud Member NCRS #23758
NCM Founding Member # 1143
Corvette Department Manager and
Specialist for 27 years at BUDS Chevrolet.Comment
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Re: A Survivor?
Jim, best to keep it as original as possible. Light cleaning and WD-40.Jack Corso
1972 Elkhart Green LT-1 Coupe 43,200 miles
Top Flight 1994, 2018 & 2021Comment
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Re: A Survivor?
You have basically two options regarding the 'campaign' direction you can take with this car: (1) restored, and (2) unrestored.
Both NCRS and NCCB (Bloomington Gold) have award recognition categories for unrestored cars. The word you used 'survivor' is a trademark of the 'competition' (Bloomington). The NCRS equivalent is the Star/Bowtie award.
You don't need to drop everything and phone Roy Sinor...he has other fish to fry. NCRS describes each of its award/recognition programs in the NCRS Corvette Judging Reference Manual that's available for purchase ('Store' button on this web site). You can read and understand all the rules of the road should you decide to campaign your car in this direction.
Plus, if you're a member of a local NCRS chapter, your local judging chairman will be able to discuss and advise you too. Bottom line, while the two circuits (NCRS and NCCB) have similar awards, there ARE differences between them. The NCRS Star/Bowtie route is stiffer in terms of what's looked at and the pass/fail yardstick.
At NCRS, the car does NOT have to actually start/run/drive while it does have to be road worthy for NCCB's award. If you start changing and 'fixing' things, you could be closing the door to the car's chances of doing well under Star/Bowtie judging.
So, that's why you're hearing advice saying not to touch anything. But, the place to start is to get the descriptions of how the two unrestored Corvette awards work. Read them. Understand the subtle differences. Then YOU decide if either is a route you'd like to campaign your car in...Comment
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Re: A Survivor?
It's always great to hear some one found a survivor car . If I had it I would enter it in NCRS (as is) so people can learn from your Corvette . Then after a while of showing it if I plan to keep it decide how I wont to enjoy it + as is or restored (simple) !! It's now your Corvette have fun and nice to have you aboard
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Re: A Survivor?
Take it to the next Heartland Chapter meet and let the members look at it. I am sure that you will get good advice.Dick WhittingtonComment
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Re: A Survivor?
Post pictures!
JohnComment
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Re: A Survivor?
I agree to not change or "fix" anything that replaces any part of it if you can help it. I stumbled on a '64 Dodge Polara 500 2dr HT, exactly like the one I had in high school and college that was a one owner, totally original car that had all the same parts it came with from the factory (save the brake shoes) and was very driveable. The only value it has (other than sentimental value to me) is because it is original and a survivor. Cars like that are rare as hens teeth.Big Tanks In the High Mountains of New MexicoComment
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Re: A Survivor?
It certainly would be easier to reply in a credible manner if a few pictures were posted of the subject automobile. I will reserve comment until I see photos.
Happy Easter to All!Comment
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Re: A Survivor?
Thank you all very much for your comments, advice and enthusiasm. At this point I think I will let my local chapter look it over and possibly pursue the NCRS Bowtie judging. I'm not quite sure just how much of the car is still there but it should be fun to see how it grades out. I'll post some pictures as soon as I can but I'm on the road alot.Comment
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