Sorry guys, I've been under the weather and have not been able to work on the car much. I was able to load up the Corvette and take it to the car wash for a very deserving bath. It was filthy from all the sanding and buffing. The good thing is the paint job stood up to the high temperature high pressure wash. Here it is just after its bath.
Ty introduced me to these when we were at Corvettes of Carlisle. They are high density styrofoam blocks covered in something like Rhino liner. They are light weight and they lift the car 12".
While on my creeper I can scoot anywhere under the car. This will be helpful when I install the side exhaust, spare tire tub, front grill, parking brake, headlights, tail lights, wiring harness, etc.
I decided it was time to give our Corvette a little bling. I started with the front emblem.
The side badging really looks good.
Just above the right rear tail light is this badge.
I also installed the weather-stripping at the top of the doors.
Front blinkers were next.
Then the rear view mirror.
I used my new Baldor buffer to clean up the "cookie sheets". They're original and look very nice.
The gas cap emblem looks awesome on top of the racing stripe.
I was even able to install the door handles. These also cleaned up nice on the Baldor.
I installed all the tail lights too.
Earlier today I sent Ty a video of a walk around of the car. I thought you'd like to see it too.
Either the rear windows or the Dynamat should be next.
Thanks for watching.
ok - now I'm almost lost for words - just pain beautiful.
ReplyDeleteOne question; Does the body sit high because bumpers, interior, and other heavy items are not installed or did you build it that way?
jimq
Jim Q,
ReplyDeleteThe body sits high because the tires are sitting on 12" blocks. I had to say it, sorry. The correct answer is, yes, the body does sit higher than normal and thats because the suspension system is the same found in the Z06 performance package. The front coil springs are heavy duty and the rear leaf springs are the 7 leaf performance set. Oddly, the standard leaf spring set has two additional springs for a total of 9. Although it does not contribute to the ride height, we also have the Z06 15/16" sway bar up front, standard being 3/4". Great question. Thanks for asking.
John, I have to say this is simply gorgeous. Fantastic job on this restoration. The 1963 Split Window will always hold a special place in my heart as my father has always said that this is his dream car and it was my introduction to the Corvette. Had a chance to sit in one when I was very little at a car show, and I'll never forget my father's face when he got to sit in one at that same show. The color on this car is incredible, and I can only imagine the euphoria you are getting as you get so close to the finished product. This truly is a thing of beauty, and thank you so much for detailing every step of the way in this blog.
ReplyDeleteAs I've commented before, I'm simply a scale model builder and I think the next project I take on will be a 1/16th scale version of this beauty. Keep up the good work and I can't wait to see the next update.
Warmest Regards,
Justin
Justin,
ReplyDeleteI am well into my third year of maintaining this blog and at times I wonder if the effort is worth it. Your words and words from other close followers are what keep me motivated. Thank you for taking the time to post your comments.
The next post should be this weekend. It includes details on how NOT to install window trim. It is a lesson I learned the hard way. Stay tuned for that and thanks again for the comments.
I'm very happy to hear that. Your blog will provide motivation and inspiration for MANY enthusiasts who will be re-building a split window 1963 Corvette themselves. It will also provide reference material for the little guys like myself who just build scale model cars. This blog will always be archived on the internet for reference for the millions of people who can access the internet. You've done an amazing job on this car and I am incredibly excited to see it finished.
DeleteWarm Regards,
Justin