1964 w/ 327/365 AC, worth to restore?

[Joe R.]

Re: 1964 327/365 AC

Hi all,

I started this thread about a year ago, thought I post couple pics to show the status of my restoration. I am just about ready to put the body back in few weeks. Still not sure if I will repaint the body now, or just wait till later, much later...

I decided to go w/ a "very detail driver" restoration, a phrase I saw in one of the posts, w/ 4-wheel disc brakes from C3 and F41 rear/front springs and sway bar setup. Powder coated the frame/bumper brackets. Then the rest is pretty much following the NCRS JG. I still have the original drums/springs just in case.

I was fortunate to know a local vette expert, Dave Herlinger in San Jose area, who gave me a lot of good advices and did my rearend/a-arms/disc brakes and probably that 4-speed Muncie I got from eBay too, but I am going to take a risk and put it in first.

As for the engine, I went w/ a 9.5 CR & solid lifter, was rebuilt by a friend's friend for a discount since I gave him that 350/powerglide that was in my vette. At first I was very concern about the quality, but once it was on an engine stand, it sounded pretty good, temp was around 170 and oil pressure about 40 after break-in the cam, hope it'll run as good as it sounded come next spring.

I did find that a/c evaportor box under the hood, but it is from a '66, so I am still debating if I should install it as is or reconfig it to be 64 correct. any suggestion? Also is it hard to install that box w/ the engine in?

Thanks,
Danny

Danny,

Looking good, you've come a long way in a year!

Joe

[James G.]

Re: 1964 w/ 327/365 AC, worth to restore?

Looks great. Dave Herlinger is one of the best 'old reliable' Corvette mechanic / restorers out there. He has seen it all.

I like your approach to making minor upgrades that make sense, yet keeping the original 365hp solid lifter originality.

9.5 comp;ression makes real sense with todays lousy fuel. Aftermarket Electronic fuel injection might be a consideration also, but cost will probably out weigh what is already in place. It would be easier now to design a high pressure fuel system in your gas tank before you install the body.

The 66 a/c evaportor should go to a A/C shop along with the compressor and fittings and hoses so they can check the condition of every item for leaks and bad seals. You will have to convert to R-134 freon, so those steps should be designed 'NOW' as well as all item in heater box on the firewall rebuilt 'NOW' as well. It is almost impossible to repair / replace AFTER the body is put back on the car. Not impossible, but 3 times the labor expense and effort.

[Gene M.]

Re: 1964 w/ 327/365 AC, worth to restore?

I have the exact opposite situation. Have the engine a 365 hp coded with air short block complete/rebuilt and cannot find the car it goes in. I took it to Carlisle after close to twenty years of looking for the '64 Corvette it goes in. There was a lot of interest but no sale. The persons needing a '64 engine 365 horse with air is a small number according to on the lookers.

[James G.]

Re: 1964 w/ 327/365 AC, worth to restore?

I have the exact opposite situation. Have the engine a 365 hp coded with air short block complete/rebuilt and cannot find the car it goes in. I took it to Carlisle after close to twenty years of looking for the '64 Corvette it goes in. There was a lot of interest but no sale. The persons needing a '64 engine 365 horse with air is a small number according to on the lookers.

Gene, NOLAND ADAMS 'Restoration Vol 2 book says 138 convertibles, 243 coupes were made. That is it. What is the VIN number on the engine? I know of a couple of 365AC cars missing their originl engines.

[Gene M.]

Re: 1964 w/ 327/365 AC, worth to restore?

Gene, NOLAND ADAMS 'Restoration Vol 2 book says 138 convertibles, 243 coupes were made. That is it. What is the VIN number on the engine? I know of a couple of 365AC cars missing their originl engines.

Jim,
Pad is 4117036 build is F0423RR casting date D234

Build combo of 381 is a fair amount with such an unusual combination but finding the one and only that it goes to is like a needle in the hay stack.