to restore or not

[Wayne W.]

I have a 63 convertible, red/red with 327/340 that I have owned for 35 years. SN 30867s117255. This car originally came with 3 speed tranny, which I read an article (can't find) that stated over 63,64,65 only 65 cars were produced with hi horsepower and 3 speed. The car has had a repaint (lacquer) twenty six years ago and remains virtually original. Car now has proper M20 4 speed. If I restore it would people recommend with 3 or 4 speed. Car has never been judged. Have not been able to track original documents but was built 6/12/63 and was delivered to Taylor Chevrolet, Lancaster Ohio.
Any suggestions. Thanks

[Paul J.]

Re: to restore or not

Hello Wayne,

Some people are going to tell you to put the three speed back in it and have it judged without restoration. Others, like myself, will tell you that there is a limit to the condition of unrestored cars and when they get "ratty" they need to be restored.

Whether you restore it or not, you might want to put the three speed back in, have it judged, then swap it for the four speed. If you have the correct 3 speed transmission with the proper numbers, keep it with the car and sell them together when the time comes.

My 64 was only nine years old when I bought it and I also thought that it was fairly original. I know everything that I've done to it in the last 40 years, but I've been surprised many times during its restoration at the things that other owners did to it and that I did not see.

Paul

[Timothy B.]

Re: to restore or not

Wayne,

If it was my car I would keep the four speed for driving but NEVER get rid of that original transmission and related parts. I am not sure what differences the three speed and four speed cars had except shifter. That being said, I would probably make sure the M-20 was a wide ratio for driving.

What rear gear ratio is in the car?

[Wayne W.]

Re: to restore or not

Tim I am sure the gear ratio is 336 /1. The reason I took the 3 speed out was because it was non-synchro and not pleasant to drive. I had it rebuilt and stored it away. Yes the 4 speed is dated and is correct, tho not born with that car.

[Wayne W.]

Re: to restore or not

Thanks Paul. Having never torn the car apart but having gone over it with a fine tooth comb several times, everything matches and is correct. But like you said they do get ratty even from just sitting. I have other cars and the Vette does not get used much. Only 52,000 orig miles

[James G.]

Re: to restore or not

A good friend had a 66 air conditioned 300hp convertible, with a 3 speed he bought new. Could not afford air AND a 4 speed.

[Bill M.]

Re: to restore or not

A good friend had a 66 air conditioned 300hp convertible, with a 3 speed he bought new. Could not afford air AND a 4 speed.

The '66 3-speed was all-synchro. (Maybe not a bad choice for a driver...but probably not so good for resale.)

[Joe M.]

Re: to restore or not

Maybe a strange question but what does your brake pedal look like?
Is it trapezoidal like the clutch pedal or kind of oval like a 62 and earlier vette.

[Jim T.]

Re: to restore or not

I have a 63 convertible, red/red with 327/340 that I have owned for 35 years. SN 30867s117255. This car originally came with 3 speed tranny, which I read an article (can't find) that stated over 63,64,65 only 65 cars were produced with hi horsepower and 3 speed. The car has had a repaint (lacquer) twenty six years ago and remains virtually original. Car now has proper M20 4 speed. If I restore it would people recommend with 3 or 4 speed. Car has never been judged. Have not been able to track original documents but was built 6/12/63 and was delivered to Taylor Chevrolet, Lancaster Ohio.
Any suggestions. Thanks

4-speeds were an optional purchase from what I have read from 1963-1969 for C2 and C3's. When the M21 was available as an option (first available in 1966) it out sold the M20 although the price was the same for the M20 and the M21 4-speeds through 1968. Same price for both 4-speeds continued through 1969. In 1970 the M20 replaced the 3-speed as the standard transmission. In 1970 although the M20 became the standard manual transmission the optional M21 did not cost if selected.

[Steven B.]

Re: to restore or not

Wayne, if it was my car I would probably get it judged just to learn more about it. If you want to drive it and not go the judging route beyond the first judging I would keep the 4 speed in and put a 3 speed on the shelf---that is what I did. Even if you do decide to continue having the car judged a proper 4 speed was an optionin '64. 4 speeds are just more fun to drive. Congratulations on 35 years! Nice color combo and the 340 is a fun winder.