just bought a 1959 fuel injected corvette

[Tony R.]

I just purchased a 59 corvette, it was last driven in 1976 when the owner got sick. He passed in 1986 (I have a copy of the death certificate) and the title was still in his name when I bought it........Here is my situation. I know it is a 283 with the original motor and a 290 horsepower fuel injection system, I bought this car to do a resto-mod on it....however the family that owned told me that it is all original because their dad never drove that much and the miles 41K are original. I don't want to gut and destroy it if that is true....HOW DO I TELL? can anyone give me tips to check so I don't ruin it. I was told it have the heavy duty suspension option as well.
Thanks, Tony

[Patrick H.]

Re: just bought a 1959 fuel injected corvette

Your profile says you're in Washington. I'd contact Dennis Clark and have him look at the car. I believe he's in Lyle, WA. I can't think of anyone (offhand - sorry if I'm forgetting anyone else) closer who could be of any better help.

Patrick

[Vinnie P.]

Re: just bought a 1959 fuel injected corvette

Tony...Dennis is probably the most knowledgeable member of fuel injected cars from that era, but he's quite a distance...John Paul Nelson III lives on Vashon island and is much closer and he probably will give you very good advice too...

[Jeff P.]

Re: just bought a 1959 fuel injected corvette

Tony,
I say u grabbed a great Corvette, before u start letting Money Hungry Restoration guys give expensive advise, start getting to know what options were available and get some good books for this car. I personally wouldn't let this CORVETTE out of my sight. Good Luck.

[Philip P.]

Re: just bought a 1959 fuel injected corvette

Tony,
I am located in Spokane, I have a pretty good knowledge of Corvettes and have most of the books and other literature that could be of help in seeing what you have. Let me know if there is anything I can help you with.
Phil Porter
1960

[Jim D.]

Re: just bought a 1959 fuel injected corvette

I'm in the Tacoma area. Send me a PM if I can help.

Jim

[James G.]

Re: just bought a 1959 fuel injected corvette

I just purchased a 59 corvette, it was last driven in 1976 when the owner got sick. He passed in 1986 (I have a copy of the death certificate) and the title was still in his name when I bought it........Here is my situation. I know it is a 283 with the original motor and a 290 horsepower fuel injection system, I bought this car to do a resto-mod on it....however the family that owned told me that it is all original because their dad never drove that much and the miles 41K are original. I don't want to gut and destroy it if that is true....HOW DO I TELL? can anyone give me tips to check so I don't ruin it. I was told it have the heavy duty suspension option as well.
Thanks, Tony

Hi Tony,
There are a lot of good people in your area. Some are on Holiday this week thru the New Year, so please be patient. I will do some digging, and send you a PM. Also, you mention the car has HD Suspension and brakes. Look close at the brake drums and see if they are finned, and also screened backing plates. If so, this is one of 142 cars, and that alone will add many $$$$$ to the collectibility of the car.

[Tony R.]

Re: just bought a 1959 fuel injected corvette

James
Thank you for the reply. I am trying to get the details on the car to know If I make it modern....would I be killing an orginal car? I know the car has been parked since 76...if you know of anyone in the WA (puyallup) area that knows these let me know.

Thanks, Tony

[Reuben P.]

Re: just bought a 1959 fuel injected corvette

Being a former '59 owner I'd have to sit down and catch my breath. They were/are awesome.

[Jim D.]

Re: just bought a 1959 fuel injected corvette

James
Thank you for the reply. I am trying to get the details on the car to know If I make it modern....would I be killing an orginal car? I know the car has been parked since 76...if you know of anyone in the WA (puyallup) area that knows these let me know.

Thanks, Tony

I'm only a few miles from Puyallup. Send me a PM.

Jim

[Patrick H.]

Re: just bought a 1959 fuel injected corvette

Tony,

How about posting photos of it?

Patrick

[Don E.]

Re: just bought a 1959 fuel injected corvette

Tony, Owning a Fuelie is an incredible honor and responsibility... but most of all, just plain fun. If you are close to Puyallup (or can make it over), you are in luck. Puyallup will host the 38th annual Corvette High Performance Swap Meet on Feb 11/12th. http://events.seattlepi.com/puyallup...rformance-meet. More importantly, a good portion of the names listed above will be in attendance at the meet and they are well respected in the NCRS community as well as very knowledgeable with C1 Fuelies (including Big Brakes).
* - John Paul Nelsen III - Big Brake Fuelies
* - Gary Hodges - Ramjet Inc. (NW resident expert for on Fuel Injections Units 503.588.3883)

In addition, the NW Chapter of the Solid Axle Club holds their annual chapter meeting during the same weekend in Puyallup. http://www.solidaxle.org/

I have owned my Fuelie for >6 years now, and I would be happy to share experiences, contacts, literature, etc.

My intent is to attend both the Solid Axle Chapter meeting as well as the Swap Meet and I would be happy to meet you in person.


Don Eckhart

P.S. Check out the C1 Registery and see if you car is listed - http://www.c1registry.com/index.php?uid=5270