57 parts, used or reproductions???

[Ken G.]

Hello again, trying to get a 57 up to NCRS standards brings me to the question of which parts really need to be original and what parts reproductions will work for (I have very few original parts with this project). I have orig grill, hood latches, heater, door handles, most outside chrome pieces, latches and emergency brake.

Off the top of my head I would think that one would like used original parts for
Radiator shrouding
any part with a stamped number or date

How about a rear view mirror, cigarette lighter, others with special markings or pieces that good repros don't exist for?

thanks in advance

Ken

[Alexander C.]

Re: 57 parts, used or reproductions???

IMHO, 99% of all reproductions parts I have bought do not match the original, even though the vendor says so.

Buy as many used parts as you can, in almost any condition. Most everything can be restored. However, this will cost allot more.

I don't mean to be a downer, but I got my '56 last summer and really thought most repro parts would be *reproductions* or originals, sadly this is not the case. Ask the vendor for more pictures or call & ask very specific questions before placing single order!

[Art B.]

Re: 57 parts, used or reproductions???

Ken: My experience with restoring my '57 and '61 are that the reproduction parts are a lot better than they used to be. Companies like Paragon and Corvette Central are doing a much better job of keeping close to the original look and fit. Part numbers are another matter. Often the part numbers are not reproduced on these parts. Finding used parts that are in good condition are difficult to find for these solid axle Corvettes.

[Joyce B.]

Re: 57 parts, used or reproductions???

Hi Ken, if you are looking to keep your 57 restoration original I can help you with your mirrors both interior and exterior. My name is joyce borrell You can find my add in the new NCRS driveline on page 49 . We specialize in corvette mirror restoration, also we have restored original corvette mirrors in stock. If you are interested in our mirror services you may email me at mirrorlady25@yahoo.com also you will be able to get our complete contact information listed in our add in the driveline. Thank You and good luck, Joyce

[Mike M.]

Re: 57 parts, used or reproductions???

Hello again, trying to get a 57 up to NCRS standards brings me to the question of which parts really need to be original and what parts reproductions will work for (I have very few original parts with this project). I have orig grill, hood latches, heater, door handles, most outside chrome pieces, latches and emergency brake.

Off the top of my head I would think that one would like used original parts for
Radiator shrouding
any part with a stamped number or date

How about a rear view mirror, cigarette lighter, others with special markings or pieces that good repros don't exist for?

thanks in advance

Ken

Ken:have your original outside door handles re-chromed(repo's will be caught by judges as config incorrect). the repo grill oval from corv sp of md fit my 57's and 56 perfectly and their cost is less than rechroming the originals.the repo fan shroud from gary mortimer fit perfectly.the repo grill teeth from cortv sp of md didn't take a hit when my most recent 57 resto was judged(its on the cover of the fall 2010 Restorer mag). use your orig heater, just have it re-cored and use the corv central repo control valve(no deductions on my black 57), the rear chrome piece from corv central fit faily well--we just added or subtracted from the rear clip to make them fit as per originals.if your rear chrome is in decent shape and fits the body, rechrome them. the e-brake handle is redadily available in NOS form and is right on. the lighter element was a tough one for me to find but they are out there. i used the paragon repo outside mirror and the deduct was minimal. the interior mirror was a restored original (i forget the deceased restorers name) but it was excellent and expensive. sorry for all the underlined sentences but i'm computor illiterate. feel free to ask other 57 questions--they are the neatest, pretttiest, and quickest for their displacement. best vette ever made as i see it but thats subjective. mike

[Ken G.]

Re: 57 parts, used or reproductions???

Mike, thank you so much for your sage advice. I was just debating with myself the option of replating orig grill teeth or buy newer as they are much less expensive than rechroming.
Just found an orig fan surround, orig unused washer bag (might be wrong for my Dec 56 car but too cool not to use) and other tid bits. Sure would like to find a correct dated voltage regulator!!! LOL
This is my first corvette and I agree with you, there is just something about the 57, I would like the 58 more but the twin headlights and longer body length just rub me the wrong way.

Take Care

Ken

[John S.]

Re: 57 parts, used or reproductions???

Mike, thank you so much for your sage advice. I was just debating with myself the option of replating orig grill teeth or buy newer as they are much less expensive than rechroming.
Just found an orig fan surround, orig unused washer bag (might be wrong for my Dec 56 car but too cool not to use) and other tid bits. Sure would like to find a correct dated voltage regulator!!! LOL
This is my first corvette and I agree with you, there is just something about the 57, I would like the 58 more but the twin headlights and longer body length just rub me the wrong way.

Take Care

Ken

read your comment on the washer bag and although it is nice to have all original parts on car, this is one part that i would save for judging. reproduction bags are now available. chevy emblem colors and white back are incorrect, but still a good item to have for cruising or small shows. the item i have problems finding is the black nozzle assembly for the bag and especially the gasket that goes between the two nozzle sections.

[Ken G.]

Re: 57 parts, used or reproductions???

Hi John, yes definitely show only!this bag came in orig box with lots of hardware, cables, etc and instructions!! It is a thing of beauty.

Ken

[Gary C.]

Re: 57 parts, used or reproductions???

Ken,

FYI - 57's used a rectangular plastic bottle with red lid. Washer bags stopped with '56.

Gary
....

[Ken G.]

Re: 57 parts, used or reproductions???

Hi Gary, yes I know, I was hoping since the manual said there may be some carry over to early 57 I might get away with it without being dinged pointwise. It is just too nice, had not to use it. You know the judging best, will a Dec 11 56 car make the judges turn purple when they see it?

Ken

[Gary C.]

Re: 57 parts, used or reproductions???

Ken,

Rule of thumb - 1st 100 could have, after that no. Judges will deduct for bag and foot pump if '56 style.

Gary
....

[Ken G.]

Re: 57 parts, used or reproductions???

Rats! Well I guess there will be 56 year old-new washer bag for sale at some point. Grumble grumble.......

[Ken G.]

Re: 57 parts, used or reproductions???

make that a 55 year old washer bag