C5/C6 Chassis Build for my C2 1964 Corvette Roadster Resto Mod About to begin!!!

[Vetterodder com]

:yes:
:willy:
I just received word that my chassis build will begin in July 2012 so I am getting excited and anxious as well. I continue to slowly take the 1964 Roadster apart so that I can lift the body off the old frame and get it soda blasted before the new frame from Street Shop arrives.
In the meantime, here are the specifications for the C5/C6 chassis I am having built by Street Shop (I plan to post pictures of the chassis build as soon as I get some photographs from the shop):

Street Shop C6 Based Chassis for 63-67 Corvette, Powder coated Semi-Gloss Black C6 C2 Chassis


M50 Series Dana Rear, 3.55:1 Ratio
Billet Web for M50 Series Rear using C5/6 Suspension
1997-2004 Corvette Rear Suspension Cradle, Used, Modified for Street Shop C5/6 Chassis
80-93 Mustang Rack & Pinion Steering, Power Assisted
Outer Tie Rod End, Moog
Custom 1" Front Sway Bar Kit for Street Shop C5/6 based Chassis
Street Shop Custom 7/8" rear Sway bar kit for C5/6 Based Chassis
Custom Rear Axle Shafts for Street Shop
C5/6 based Chassis Using M50 Differential, 14.5 bar
Complete Custom Brake Line Kit
1963-1982 Corvette with Street Shop Chassis - Kit includes (6) Prebent SS Lines, (4) StopFlex SS Hoses with washers and Horse Shoe Clips, (1) Disc-Disc Prop. Valve and (2) Brake Tees
LS Return-Style Fuel Filter
C2/C3 3/8" Stainless Steel Fuel Line for Single line EFI LS Engine Applications
5/16" Fuel Injection Return Hose, Female 5/16" GM Push-Lock One end only, 60"
3/8" Fuel Injection Feed Line, #6 Female and Female GM Push-Lock
3/8" Fuel Injection Feed Hose, 45 deg. #6 Female and Female GM Push-lock Ends
Fuel Line Kit for Single Feed LS EFI systems, Includes 3/8" SS Fuel line, Return
Style Filter, Flexible Hoses from Fuel Rail to Chassis and Filter to Tank using GM-Style Push-lok fittings
Hyerco Coil-Over Spring, 8" x 2.5" ID x 400lb Rate
Coil-Over T bar Lower Mount Kit, 3/4" x 3.5" 2 18.90 37.80T
QA1 VS Single Adjustable Coil-Over Shock, 3/4" Poly Ends
QA1 Front Coil-Over Shock Kit
QA1 Rear Coil-Over
HyperCo Spring, 2.5"ID x 7", 500# rate
QA1 VS Single Adjustable Coil-Over Shock, 3/4" Poly Ends
Billet Lower Coil Over Mount; Use with Street Shop C5 and C6 based Chassis
QA1 Rear Coil-Over Shock Kit
C5/6 Right Front/Left Rear Spindle, New
C5/6 Left Front/Right Rear Spindle, New
C6 Front Upper Control Arm, New GM
C6 Upper Front Control Arm, New GM
C6 Lower Front Control Arm, RH, New GM
C6 Upper Rear Control Arm, LH, New GM
C6 Upper Rear Control Arm, RH, New GM
C6 Lower Front Control Arm, LH, New GM
C5 Rear Toe Link, New GM
Outer Tie Rod End Kit, New GM
C6 Lower Rear Control Arm, New GM
C6 Lower Rear Control Arm, RH, New GM
97-07 Corvette Front Wheel Hub Assembly w/ Sensor, USA
97-07 Corvette Rear Hub Bearing Assembly w/ Sensor Ring, USA
C5/6 Parking Brake Kit, New GM
OEM Caliper Mount, Complete Set, C5
Semi-Metallic Brake Pads, Complete set
Rebuilt C6 Brake Calipers; complete set of four, Includes Core Charge, W/"CORVETTE", PC RED
97-04 Corvette Cross Drilled Rotor, Bendix, LH front
97-04 Corvette Cross Drilled Rotor, Bendix, RH front
97-04 Corvette Cross Drilled Rotor, Bendix, LH Rear
97-04 Corvette Cross Drilled Rotor, Bendix, RH Rear


Drive train


LS3 Crate Engine, 436hp
GM10349964 LS Engine Stand, LH
GM10349965 LS Engine Stand, RH
Vertical Mount Engine Cushion Kit
LS Engine Accesories kit including Alternator, Power Steering, custom machined Waterpump and A/C
GM LS3 Engine Mgmt. System with pre-programmed ECU, Harness, 02 sensors, MAF sensor and accl. pedal
PowerMaster XS Torque Starter, LS
GM12600987 LS3 Engine Cover, LH
GM12600988 LS3 Engine Cover, RH
GM11589406 LS Engine Cover Stud
Bellhousing Shield
Power Steering Pump Line Kit
DeWitt's Custom Aluminum Radiator, HP
LS series combo with fan for 63-72 Corvette
2 Wire 0-90 ohm Fuel Level Sending Unit, Adj., NOTE: 63-67 Corvette Gauges must be converted to Two wire to use this sending Unit.
63-67 Stainless Steel Fuel tank w/ Pump installed
Universal Parking Brake Cable Kit w/Wilwood/Corvette Clevis
Street Shop Pro Fit Kit for 63-82 Corvette, Kit Includes: Custom Modified C3 Corvette TKO 600, ProShift3 Shifter Mechanism, OE spec Shifter Handle, Bolt-in C3 Style Cross Member bracket, Polyurethane Isolator, Seamless DOM Driveshaft, TKO Slip Yoke, Solid U-Joints, Corvette to TKO Full Length Speedometer cable, Calibrated Speedo gear,
HD Pilot Bearing, 5 speed name plate, Weatherseal Reverse Light Wiring, Grade 8 Hardware, Instructions/Warranty
11" Titanium/Aluminum Bellhousing for LS
LS Clutch/Flywheel kit, New GM
Grade 8 Pressure Plate Bolt, set of 6
Billet Aluminum Bracket for mechanical clutch linkage for LS Engines in C2 Chassis
Clutch Linkage Kit for C2 chassis
1963-67 corvette Level II Hydraulic brake Assist Sysytem w/ PS line set, 6 degree mount, Early/long GM MC Pushrod
Wilwood Tandem Master Cylinder, 1.13" bore, polished


A teaser shot of what is to come!!! :thumbs:

http://i49.tinypic.com/nywys9.jpg


Dan

[Vetterodder com]

The C5/C6 chassis/frame I ordered from Street Shop for my 1964 Roadster has started construction and I will be following its assembly to completion (rolling chassis). As you can see from the pictures below, the frame rails have arrived.
When frame rails arrive they are put in a bin to allow the excess oil drain out. While they drain, Street Shop is working on the small parts. Cross members are cut prepped for welding and then degreased. All small parts are machined, cleaned, assembled in a jig and welded up.
http://i48.tinypic.com/n6idf.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/4kh4qd.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/nejd7b.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/14sea0n.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/347jzv8.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/eiuxqe.jpg

:D

[FETorino]

Ok I'm subscribed. 64 is a good starting point. All the style of the c2 with underwhelming drivetrain and brakes. Sounds like you are fixing that.:thumbsup:

Are you building the chassis as a kit or is the shop?

[Vetterodder com]

I should have been more clear - STREET SHOP INC is building the chassis for me. They were nice enough to agree to send me photographs throughout the build process so that I could have complete documentation/history for my project.
Will post more as I receive additional pictures.

[Vetterodder com]

While Street Shop Inc. is busy assembling my C5/C6 chassis, I need to take the 1964 Corvette Roadster apart in order to get the body off the original frame. The Roadster is a driver with a small block 350 - so to me, it is a good candidate for the RestoMod.

At my pace, the new chassis will be ready before I am !!
Here are some pictures of the 64 -

http://i50.tinypic.com/67tt9w.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/1zu0eg.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/zmz1ww.jpg

[waynieZ]

Nice project. That frame will definitely be stout.

[Vetterodder com]

My C5/C6 STREET SHOP INC frame for the 1964 Corvette Roadster is laid out to show the individual pieces that will make up the frame. The pieces will of course be placed on a jig and welded. See later pictures below.
http://i47.tinypic.com/fm8jsi.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/20sd7a9.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/20sd7a9.jpg


Parts are cut, cleaned and prepped for welding. All parts are prepped for 100% welding.
http://i48.tinypic.com/350t2jb.jpg


Front cross member is finished, ready to install into jig and clamped down.
http://i50.tinypic.com/j9atli.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/34xeurm.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/23wqxat.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/148oznl.jpg


Frame rails are placed on jig to be cut to length, after cutting to length, end caps are welded to close up the rail.
http://i47.tinypic.com/wjy2f.jpg



The following pictures highlight the STREET SHOP chassis weld preparation to perform 100% welding. You can also see the welds up close and personal. After the main rails are welded, it is unclamped and allowed to cool so it will return to its relaxed state.
http://i47.tinypic.com/2w3yr9i.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/6fuiy0.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/20728zs.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/9vksud.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/5mlum9.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/2v0z98y.jpg

[Vetterodder com]

I spent a little time in the garage over the weekend removing the steering column, dash, glove box, and carpets. This car has been played with before as I witnessed spliced wires and adapted nuts/bolts to hold it together. It does not matter though as it all gets replaced with new hardware. It is a wonder this car ran at all!!!

http://i46.tinypic.com/5bbcp0.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/t6beaq.jpg

:thumbsup:

[214Chevy]

Looking good.:yes: :yes:

[Vetterodder com]

Street Shop Inc continues building my C5/C6 chassis for my 1964 Roadster. They sent me the following updates for my records of the build. I better get moving on the Corvette to keep pace !! :_paranoid

Frame horn for bumper mounts being started

http://i49.tinypic.com/2z6w5ev.jpg

Start of rear rails. Machined and fit with bosses for upper a-arm mounts

http://i46.tinypic.com/15yi5nd.jpg

Bungs welded in and rear rails machined for bumper mounts and tank support.

http://i49.tinypic.com/1h8pkj.jpg

Rear cradle mounts are built and the rear rails are ready to be welded to the main front frame.

http://i48.tinypic.com/vhw08x.jpg



Mounts for the m50 are installed, various pics of the rear rails welded to the front frame

http://i45.tinypic.com/23w2oef.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/s63qs3.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/261kf8w.jpg



Gussets are formed and added to the rear rails and allowed to cool to return to its relaxed state

http://i45.tinypic.com/11lr7tu.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/2ip8wg.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/2j0knpl.jpg

[Vetterodder com]

Street Shop Inc. continues my C6 Chassis build and was kind enough to send me some additional pictures today for my records of my RestoMod / VetteRod project. I am sharing them on the forums. Are there any other views or pictures I should ask for?? Let me know and I will request it of the shop to provide if at all possible.
Also – please do not be shy to provide your feedback or questions if anyone has any….:cool:


Front cradle mounts are made and welded into place

http://i47.tinypic.com/2jd3loi.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/hst2tt.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/21ki8hy.jpg


:thumbsup:

Body mounts are formed; captured nuts are welded in and installed on frame / chassis

http://i47.tinypic.com/1znqz2d.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/10nx2c2.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/345k3k6.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/rur78m.jpg


:wow:


Front mounts are made for the m50 (Rear End) and installed
http://i49.tinypic.com/1zvu8vr.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/wbx9hg.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/35879l5.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/2vmybkh.jpg

[Vetterodder com]

My Custom C6 Chassis build for my 1964 C2 Corvette continues to be constructed by the folks at STREET SHOP INC
I am loving how beefy the parts are as well as how amazing the welding looks!
:wow:


Upper a-arm mounts are made, 3/8 thick and drill and tapped. Prepped for welding - Placed in a jig and welded up. Gussets are added along with front shock mounts. On the inside gussets are added across from the shock.

http://i50.tinypic.com/106a3ph.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/2lij0o2.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/2qisizb.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/fxuuzl.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/msca54.jpg



Engine cradle is boxed in and will be finished when the bottom is welded.

http://i49.tinypic.com/rwngw6.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/r9ic2d.jpg

:bow:

[Vetterodder com]

Here are a few additional pictures of my C6 chassis build for my C2 RestoMod from Street Shop. It is coming together nicely....


Transmission cross member being constructed

http://i45.tinypic.com/69kjgp.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/2lln21c.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/io16o3.jpg



Rear clip is on - along with rear body mounts
http://i47.tinypic.com/90rac7.jpg


Transmission cross member is installed
http://i48.tinypic.com/2zqfpea.jpg

All that is left to do is the rear shock mounts and it comes off the jig, and finish the underside before it goes off to powder coat.

[Vetterodder com]

:yes:
Here is my C6 Street Shop Chassis after it has been removed from the jig. I can see that more gussets, the side pipe / brake line tabs are now installed as well as the front sway bar mounts. At this point, the chassis fabrication is completed. Bolts will be placed in anything on the frame that has threads in preparation for powder coating in the next week or so.
What’s next?
I have contracted Street Shop to build the complete rolling chassis as many of you have seen the extensive list of parts at the beginning of the thread. All the parts have been ordered a few weeks ago so I will assume that many have already arrived or will be arriving while the chassis is off to powder coat so that when it returns to the shop, the assembly process will begin.
http://i46.tinypic.com/dz8f93.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/344s3eo.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/cky1e.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/29cxa2g.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/2con22v.jpg

[Vetterodder com]

The chassis has returned from the Powder Coater and is being prepared now for the installation of all those goodies I ordered for this build. The following pictures show my Street Shop Inc C6 chassis on the table with some of the parts being laid out in preparation for assembly. The rear end has arrived as well and if you pay attention, in one of the photographs you will see a crate engine (not sure if its mine or not but it will be similar).
http://i47.tinypic.com/jgjdj7.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/11tael4.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/e0ly5v.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/2mxfuw8.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/2gsmpvs.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/s6ksp1.jpg

I went with the 3.55 gear ratio as an all-around good gear.
http://i48.tinypic.com/34sni8k.jpg

[Al Moreno]

That is one beautiful frame right there! Looking forward to seeing it come together. Thanks for sharing :thumbsup:

[Vetterodder com]

This is the fun part of watching this build come together.
The Front Stainless Lines are installed as well as the front suspension
The Rear end installation is underway and almost complete
Street Shop Inc is waiting on a few small parts from GM to finish the rear and for brackets to get back from plating so the front of the engine can be finished as well.
http://i48.tinypic.com/29xzwaf.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/k2z2hu.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/i3s9c2.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/wrbb45.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/2lkqs15.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/30ldv7s.jpg

[Payton King]

did they narrow the rear cradle?

[waynieZ]

Everything looks great going together.

[Vetterodder com]

did they narrow the rear cradle?

My understanding is that yes - Street Shop does modify the rear so that it fits into this application.

[Vetterodder com]

:wow:
Here are a few more pictures of the suspension and stainless line in addition to the first pictures of my NEW GM LS3 Crate Engine and TKO600 5 Speed make their appearance. This set up is quite an upgrade from the 350 small block + 4-speed I have now.
http://i50.tinypic.com/jv64pg.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/16tczt.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/23jm9g.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/293wq5h.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/2j0nxox.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/1zf0nkp.jpg

[waynieZ]

That motor is going to be great in there.

[groovyjay]

I want one too! :hail:

[Vetterodder com]

The Corvette C6 Chassis for my 1964 Corvette C2 is nearing completion and Street Shop has asked to display it at the upcoming 2012 Carlisle Corvette show!!! So – for those of you who are planning on going anyway, stop by their display booth to see the chassis in person – you will see it before I do!!!
The following series of build pictures shows more of the details of the chassis build:
http://i49.tinypic.com/2i7ldg8.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/2wq7f9e.jpg
In the spirit of sticking with all (or as much) Corvette C5/C6 parts as possible, I decided to use the C5/6 Disk Brake set-up, including the red powder-coated front and rear calipers. Yes, I even decided to use the Corvette inscribed front calipers.
http://i47.tinypic.com/2d98kuh.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/dd0x3m.jpg

Here are close up pictures of the front and rear suspension. Super clean and super modern!! Take a look at the A-arms and coil-overs!
http://i47.tinypic.com/x1wocg.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/1zm04eg.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/ztdtzk.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/x1x2r6.jpg

Here are a couple of wide shots of the chassis as it sits now. Once the plating is completed, the engine accessories will be installed and of course lowered onto the frame along with the mated transmission. The Stainless gas tank will need to be installed along with the drive shaft from what I can see from the pictures.
http://i45.tinypic.com/6dwh9h.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/2ztlqfl.jpg

[pw2006]

Looking good! :cheers:

[Vetterodder com]

While the chassis is being completed – more pictures to come when the engine and transmission are installed along with the additional items to complete the rolling chassis – I have turned to making progress on the Corvette itself. The chassis is the sexy part of this amazing transformation but the task remains to restore the driver quality Corvette so that it is worthy of this new Street Shop C6 chassis.
I have made the following progress:
1. The bumpers and side window chrome have been removed, disassembled and now are at the chrome shop getting the show quality treatment. Below is a picture of the side window assemblies as delivered to the chrome facility; the side window regulators literally disintegrated in my hands so new ones will have to be purchased.
http://i49.tinypic.com/20zbitk.jpg

2. The bumper brackets have all been removed from the old frame and are at the power coaters now.
http://i47.tinypic.com/if7jb4.jpg

3. The following pictures show the Corvette being loaded onto the carrier on its way to the soda blasters to remove the old white paint job from the 1990’s.
http://i46.tinypic.com/10nghlz.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/33yntip.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/2zghvns.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/aviuj9.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/25gb5ev.jpg
Two days later, here is the body back from the soda blasters with virtually no paint. Now we can assess what the body will need to become pristine once more. We noticed some “work” done in the driver rear end and rear right passenger quarter.
http://i45.tinypic.com/261zrqh.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/mc6v13.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/259cv0o.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/s3eats.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/29pepew.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/28hzhy1.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/16gy2jq.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/3167v5u.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Was that car originally sunfire yellow?

[Vetterodder com]

Was that car originally sunfire yellow?

No. According to the trim tag, the Corvette was originally silver with black interior.

[Vetterodder com]

Street Shop has installed the LS3 and TKO600 5speed onto the chassis. The following shows different angles of the chassis with the engine and transmission installed. The driveshaft is on its way as well as the pulley items still at the plating shop.

http://i48.tinypic.com/fx3shs.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/dzf412.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/mm4mms.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/2a82qgl.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/3482cee.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/2r4hqg5.jpg


The Rock Valley stainless steel gas tank has arrived and looks amazing. As you can see, the boys from Street Shop have prepared and installed the gas tank onto the chassis
:)

http://i48.tinypic.com/11qoflt.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/23jobur.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/t7j395.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/4j9qbo.jpg

And finally, in order for the rolling chassis to be “rolling” I needed to provide them with wheels and tires. I chose the reproduction Corvette ZR1 wheels to keep with the Corvette theme and wrapped them with Michelins
http://i48.tinypic.com/2q0pyeh.jpg

[porkchop]

Looks awesome! If you need inspiration check out corvette joe alaska on you tube. He has couple cool midyear projects.

[fesler]

something going on with all the pics? they wont come up

[Vetterodder com]

Today was a long day. My dad and I rented the U-haul car trailer and drove up to Mike Colletas to drop off the Corvette and removed the body from the old frame in preparation for the new Street Shop C6 chassis that will be delivered in the next couple or so weeks. I think it is a symbolic moment when the body is removed from the chassis.

I asked Mike to assess the old chassis as I will be selling it off. He stated it was in very good shape, very solid and original.

Here is the money shot....


http://i46.tinypic.com/nl3osz.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/34ou0b8.jpg

[67XR7]

not a chevy guy BUT loving this project!

[Vetterodder com]

My Street Shop Inc C6 Chassis for my 1964 C2 Corvette is finally done and is making its first public appearance at the 2012 Carlisle Corvette show this weekend before it gets transported to meet the C2 body that is currently being massaged by Mike Coletta in Florida.


This is a shot of Street Shop’s display booth at the show. My chassis is smack in the middle.

http://i50.tinypic.com/1s074k.jpg

Here are some wide shots and close ups of my brand new completed chassis from the show grounds:

http://i46.tinypic.com/etw7x5.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/2pt2udd.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/30ic48h.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/x43brb.jpg

Dan
__________________________
www.vetterodder.com

[Vetterodder com]

1964 Corvette Roadster on Street Shop C6 Chassis - Project Update

After a brief appearance at the Carlisle 2012 show, the chassis has finally made its way from Street Shop to Florida where it will finally meet up with the body. Unfortunately, the chassis arrived with a bent rear toe bar – arghh.
http://i45.tinypic.com/14uuet4.jpg

Our first challenge was to cut out the rear floor to allow for the rear C6 suspension and Viper rear end. The rear wheels are 18" x 9.5 with a 56 offset that has proven to be some work to allow for the wheel to work with suspension travel as well as allowing the convertible top frame to lay flat. With the Street Shop C6 chassis, the company states you can fit 10.5 or even wider wheels (which is true), but this is not a plug and play scenario. With Coupes – no problem, you have plenty of room, with convertibles you have to be careful to allow for the convertible frame to fit as the 63-67 convertibles do have different wheel wells and limited room as it is shared with the convertible top bow. In the end, new wheel wells were formed to allow about 3” of total up and down movement.
Had I purchased 8.5 wheels versus 9.5, I would not have had this issue.
http://i48.tinypic.com/2pr8x90.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/16if82d.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/apfbkw.jpg
Next was a minor issue with the driveshaft setup provided by Street Shop Inc. As you can see from this underside picture, it rubs against the body (the body is completely centered onto the frame). A small pocket was created to accommodate the driveshaft.
http://i49.tinypic.com/x3sfeq.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/2ika14l.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/2rgkidy.jpg
This is how the body now fits on the Street Shop Inc chassis.
http://i50.tinypic.com/2qk70bl.jpg

Regards,
Dan
www.vetterodder.com
www.facebook.com/vetterodder

[pw2006]

Looking good! :cheers:

[Vetterodder com]

Looking good! :cheers:

Thanks so much - as I have mentioned before - your 63 was a helpful thread to follow in planning out my RestoMod. It should be in primer in about a week so the pace is brisk in an attempt to finish by Thanksgiving.

I did not know you have a 69 Camaro too! Cool!

[Garage Dog 65]

Hi Dan !

Love the build and that chassis and drivetrain are beautiful man !

The company I worked for built several C2 with SR3 and Street Shop chassis. Have you looked into wide body C2 quarters ? They give a slight increase in the fender well/lip area and give ya about 2 more inches. The mods you're into right now are normal. The SR3 chassis has ya cutting even more to get the upper tubes in there. We also move the wall behind the seats back 3 inches so a taller person could get the seat back farther, you'll need to move the seat tracks and mounts back too...

One of ours had a 500 hp LS7 and it was a blast to drive !! Keep up the great work and enjoy !!!!

Jim

[Vetterodder com]

Hi Dan !

Love the build and that chassis and drivetrain are beautiful man !

The company I worked for built several C2 with SR3 and Street Shop chassis. Have you looked into wide body C2 quarters ? They give a slight increase in the fender well/lip area and give ya about 2 more inches. The mods you're into right now are normal. The SR3 chassis has ya cutting even more to get the upper tubes in there. We also move the wall behind the seats back 3 inches so a taller person could get the seat back farther, you'll need to move the seat tracks and mounts back too...

One of ours had a 500 hp LS7 and it was a blast to drive !! Keep up the great work and enjoy !!!!

Jim

Jim:
Thanks for the comments and suggestions. I thought about the wider rear quarters but struggled with keeping a balance between modern and classic styling. In the end, I wanted to retain the original body lines and have the fun underneath with the chassis and engine combo.
The LS3 for example is plenty powerful for me as I want something that is quite "street-able"
I know I give up some bragging rights not having the LS7 or LS9 but that is OK too.

Dan

[Garage Dog 65]

Here’s what I was talking about Dan. We put the wider fenders on it and the C5 Zo6 wheels tucked right up in there with plenty of room.

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad241/Garage_Dog_65/Vette%20Chassis/63-Vette-01.gif

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad241/Garage_Dog_65/Vette%20Chassis/63-Vette-02.gif


And the LS3 in your ride will be more than enough !!!

You will really enjoy your car. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Jim

[Vetterodder com]

Jim
That is one wicked ride!!
:hail:

[Vetterodder com]

The body work continues on the 64 Convertible.

A nice touch is the POWERED hood lift now being fitted

http://i49.tinypic.com/141v41u.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/25eutf8.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/1zck3f8.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/34he07q.jpg

Mike is also working on the gaps to insure the perfect fit and finish. In these pictures you can see the work being done to the front end in conjunction to the headlight buckets so that the fit and gapping is just right

http://i46.tinypic.com/166vyt.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/10i9owx.jpg

Now that the rear wheel wells have been custom made to fit my wheels, allowing the folding convertible top to fit in place, the body is once again off the Street Shop Chassis to continue the body work

http://i45.tinypic.com/50id52.jpg

Starting from the bottom, Mike is smoothing out the underside of the wheel wells:

http://i48.tinypic.com/m9awhy.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/291j782.jpg

From my last conversation with Mike, the Corvette is nearing the point for the primer to be sprayed!!

[Vetterodder com]

The Roadster body is nearing completion. There are many hours of hard work to massage the fiberglass back to perfection. If all goes well, it will be in the paint booth within the next 7 to 10 days (doors and deck lid will be fitted to finish off) !!!!

http://i47.tinypic.com/2n9yf6c.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/209jb88.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/2lup3rq.jpg

In the meantime, I am working on the restoration of the interior dash items. I began with the glove box door restoration.
The chrome surround is in decent shape so I spent a couple of hours carefully masking the chrome, particularly around the edges. While not a hard task, it is a tedious one.

Here are a couple of pictures of the door masked with the old paint removed:

http://i48.tinypic.com/a9n6gw.jpg

Now in Primer:
http://i50.tinypic.com/25ai106.jpg

And finished with SEM Euro Trim (a satin black finish);
http://i47.tinypic.com/24ycwom.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/vyb6hh.jpg

With the paint completed and the other parts back from black powder coating, it was time to re-assemble the glove box door with the new aluminum piece and emblem.
http://i45.tinypic.com/2mmw9w5.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/1255r3d.jpg


Tomorrow, the shift console will be masked in preparation for paint. And, if I have the chance, the chrome shop has finally finished my dash cluster so I may run up to pick it up first thing in the morning.

Dan
---------------------------------
www.vetterodder.com
www.facebook.com/vetterodder.com

[Vetterodder com]

Now that the rear floor has been completed, the interior cabin has been sprayed with Lizard Skin for both ceramic (heat reducing) and sound deadening using both products as allowed by the manufacturer. The underbody will receive the same treatment with exception of the wheel wells that will have a smooth black finish.

http://i49.tinypic.com/2myz3ps.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/2sblnb5.jpg

The chassis has just come back from the muffler shop. Thanks to fellow Corvette forum member PW2006 for sharing his ideas from his 63 Roadster RestoMod. The pipes on my 64 are 2.5” aluminized and custom bent to fit the Street Shop C6 chassis. My concern from the onset was getting the pipes over the rear end but as you will see from the pictures, the guys were able to achieve it. From the rear, Magnaflow stainless steel mufflers are used and will later be finished off with 2x2 Magnaflow stainless tips that will come out the center of the customized rear valence.

http://i47.tinypic.com/2emoq40.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/5nj14n.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/24pxuer.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/28mlenq.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/2mpg293.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/246oxae.jpg

Here is a neat shot of the body off the chassis. The body will be painted within a week or so now that I have decided on the color – VICTORY RED (Corvette color).

http://i47.tinypic.com/260fok7.jpg

[waynieZ]

I love this build! Awesome.

[Vetterodder com]

While the body is finished at Mike Coletta’s shop, I continue to work on the trim items. The new shifter center panel arrived. I have masked the chrome trim and applied the primer and satin black paint.

http://i48.tinypic.com/546gwm.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/sfjmf7.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/zsuvk1.jpg

The new Raingear windshield wiper motor was mounted inside the firewall as you can see from this picture:

http://i50.tinypic.com/2jdqqrt.jpg

And (drum roll please)…….
The painting begins! As you can see, the Victory Red is being applied to the underside of the hood and deck lid as well as the doors

http://i45.tinypic.com/34t8xeh.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/30xfszr.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/33acwno.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/34g2bo1.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/35jl5jp.jpg

[pw2006]

Looking good! :cheers:

[WSSix]

I'm typically not a fan of red but this Victory Red is turning my head. Good color choice. Do you plan on a black stripe for the stinger hood?

[Vetterodder com]

I'm typically not a fan of red but this Victory Red is turning my head. Good color choice. Do you plan on a black stripe for the stinger hood?

Of course!! A nice gloss black for the stinger.
Thanks for the comments. :thumbsup:

[Vetterodder com]

Well, after the much needed body work, primer and often under-appreciated block sanding, the time has come to squirt the Victory Red on the body. Without further ado, here is the 64 Roadster after paint (cut & buff to be done next).

Mike – you have outdone yourself!!

:unibrow:

http://i50.tinypic.com/35mmk34.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/33kyiyg.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/ve946c.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/fn8v9x.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/fk06bn.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/oh3li.jpg

[Vetterodder com]

As a crazy man, I decided to re-chrome my 1964 Dash Cluster. This was quite an ordeal and although I am happy now, the last month and a half dealing with the chrome shop was challenging. The following shows the restoration of the dash cluster and the installation of the custom AutoMeter gauges using the clever installation hardware developed by Joe Lutz at Hot Rod Dynamics (thanks Joe).

The bezels were pitted so I bead blasted the cluster to assess the overall condition. At this point I had decided for the chrome versus just painting the bezels. Unfortunately, the chrome shop went a bit overboard on the copper in an effort to fill in the pits. Working with the shop, I brought in the gauges to show how they would not even fit in the holes. The shop was willing to work with me and began to grind and shape this cluster back into shape.

This is what it looked like after the copper bath without the grinding/shaping:

http://i50.tinypic.com/21kcls6.jpg

After much work, here is what the cluster looks like after the chrome process:

http://i48.tinypic.com/av205i.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/286u0hx.jpg

Time to mask it up, prime and paint:

http://i45.tinypic.com/27y4s4o.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/f9p3l4.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/2mneuc5.jpg

These are my custom AutoMeter Gauges for the 1964 RestoMod. I also had the clock modified to match the gauges:

http://i45.tinypic.com/2qbr88n.jpg

Here you can see part of the Hot Rod Dynamics kit that allows the installation of the AutoMeter gauges. It consists of 3 stainless plates that are perfectly fabricated to fit the back of the dash cluster using existing mount locations. The kit comes with all the mounting hardware, spacers, and a complete set of instructions to make this install very straight forward:

http://i49.tinypic.com/24grfxc.jpg

Given the chrome build up, for my installation I needed to eliminate the use of the provided spacers in order to have the spacing allowing the instruments to properly screw into the brackets.

http://i47.tinypic.com/2exvqly.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/28r34zn.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/v79oqf.jpg

And here is the finished product:

http://i47.tinypic.com/2vbvu39.jpg

[Vetterodder com]

Mike Coletta sent me a few pictures of the progress of the 64 Roadster and reminded me that it has been 2 months since I dropped off the body to him. Obviously, he has done a ton of work in a very short amount of time. It is all about the build now: Windows are in, wiring is in progress, and various items have already been installed, including the grill and bumpers. It looks like a Corvette again – just better!

http://i49.tinypic.com/2n70754.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/1faa1i.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/295pp47.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/3v5l0.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/254zlo1.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/2li8m09.jpg

Notice the Kenwood amplifier? To the left of it will be the Bazooka Subwoofer 6” and both will be hidden behind a custom made carpeted board for a clean look.

:dance: :dance:

http://i46.tinypic.com/2rr5f0w.jpg

[Al Moreno]

I've been following this build and all I can say is you've really done a super job! Congrats and it's going to be a lot of fun to drive.

[Vetterodder com]

I've been following this build and all I can say is you've really done a super job! Congrats and it's going to be a lot of fun to drive.

Thank you so much !! While the overall vision and design is mine, there are others who are doing the hard work. I dismantled the car, took care of project managing chrome and powder coating and restored interior items only.

I cannot wait til she is done !!!!

[mdprovee]

I really like the guages. Great work on the whole car. I almost bought one of these body styles several years ago. This one makes me wish I did.

[ryeguy2006a]

Awesome job with the gauges! That car will be a stunner when it is all done.

[Vetterodder com]

The kids (no school), my Dad and I had the opportunity to see the Corvette today and drop off the parts that Mike will soon need to complete this RestoMod build. The color looks amazing to me but it is really hard to distinguish in the photographs under the bright sky. What has been done in 2 months is amazing but there is plenty of work left to complete in the next month and change. Given that my old 1958 Roadster took 4 years for my Dad and I to finish (with no comparison to the quality of this 64), I can wait another 30 to 45 days (Does that sound convincing enough???).


http://i48.tinypic.com/125ryag.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/dya9l0.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/xp1si8.jpg

Here is my Dad:
http://i45.tinypic.com/33o5th3.jpg

....and my great kids...
http://i48.tinypic.com/zuns4p.jpg

:thumbs:

[waynieZ]

I can read your son's mind
" I can't wait till high school and this is me infront of my ride to the prom! "
Its coming out awesome, I love everything you've done. Its going to be one awesome perfoming ride!

[Vetterodder com]

I have been very busy with the day job and have not had much time to post any updates lately. Fortunately for me however, Mike continues with the final assembly of the 64 Roadster.
It appears that I will have the Corvette completed by Thanksgiving – which is really wonderful.
The weather in Florida is nice and cool so driving this baby is going to be oh so much fun!!! Here are a couple of shots of the interior. There is a lot of wiring in this Vette with the A/C, cruise control unit, ECM for the LS3, the push button start electronics, and stereo. It is tight behind the dash.

http://i50.tinypic.com/18f8z9.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/vzwmmv.jpg

[Vetterodder com]

She is finally done !!!

http://i47.tinypic.com/21j5bg2.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/2ekir6t.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/295dedl.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/dq5h61.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/1znpt0k.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/15mbgqr.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/2gtu886.jpg

[Rick D]

Very nice, now get out and drive it :cheers:

[WSSix]

Looks great! Congrats.

[legend]

beautiful and useful car, just beautiful

[Garage Dog 65]

Beautiful !!!

That is going to be so much fun to drive you'll never get outta that car !

One thing to think about with hydraboost in these cars - that's a bunch of weight hanging off the bracket. Have your builder add a reinforcement plate behind the glass firewall between the pedal cluster bracket. If you don't you'll crack the paint and glass pretty quickly from all that system mass bouncing.

Fantasic work and we look forward to the huge smoking tire burnout video ! :thumbsup:

Jim

[WSSix]

The hydroboost or vacuum pod mounts through the firewall to a bracket that not only hangs the brake pedal but ties into the dash frame work and holds the steering column as well. It's plenty well supported. You can see the bracket in the interior shots on the previous page. There is very little that is supported purely by the fiberglass body on C2/3 corvettes.

[intocarss]

This Vette is awsome :thumbsup:

[Vetterodder com]

The hydroboost or vacuum pod mounts through the firewall to a bracket that not only hangs the brake pedal but ties into the dash frame work and holds the steering column as well. It's plenty well supported. You can see the bracket in the interior shots on the previous page. There is very little that is supported purely by the fiberglass body on C2/3 corvettes.

:clap:

Exactly!!!

But thanks for the advice.

[Vetterodder com]

It was an anxious last couple of days to see whether or not the Roadster was coming home over the weekend. :ack:

Fortunately - the initial gremlins have been addressed and we were able to make the 200 mile journey with ZERO issues. :thumbs:

Here is a picture of my daughter and me in the Roadster preparing for the drive home:

http://i45.tinypic.com/219z8qv.jpg

and three hours later, here is the Roadster finally in my driveway!!
:woohoo:

http://i48.tinypic.com/w0gfmr.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/21eyus9.jpg

The odometer has a bit over 400 miles on it now and we will spend the next few weeks getting acquainted and making adjustments as needed.

[WSSix]

Congrats on making it home. Be patient on the break in and debugging. Sometimes it can be a real pain even with a fairly straight forward build such as your car. Enjoy the ride :thumbsup:

[Garage Dog 65]

OK, been a month !

Where's the smokey tire burnout videos ??????

Just a little one ?!?!.


Jim

:lateral:

[Leadfoot1]

I can read your son's mind
" I can't wait till high school and this is me infront of my ride to the prom! "
Its coming out awesome, I love everything you've done. Its going to be one awesome perfoming ride!

I was thinking more along the lines of "Ferris Bueler's day off" when i looked at the son's grin lol!!!

Hey, whoever said restoring a car was tough!!! Send it out, polish a few trim parts, go for a ride!!!

Love the results, also love the pic with your daughter, i remember my first ride with my 3 girls when i finished the Camaro (altough it took 5 years for me to get to that ride lol!!) cool moments.

Hope you enjoy it! Very nice!!

Lead.

[214Chevy]

....and my great kids...
http://i48.tinypic.com/zuns4p.jpg


I was thinking more along the lines of "Ferris Bueler's day off" when i looked at the son's grin lol!!!


I can read your son's mind
" I can't wait till high school and this is me infront of my ride to the prom! "


Yeah, read his son's shirt..."I'm that dude." It's probably more like, "Hey, I'm that dude with the awesome red 64 Corvette. Yeah..umm, that's me alright." :rofl: :rofl: Car is beautiful by the way. Very tastefully done.

[Vetterodder com]

I have spent some time working out the details in the past couple of months. First I will give you a quick run down of these items and then I will give you a summary of driveability / performance, etc...


1. CLUTCH - The biggest focus was on the clutch setup. I started out with a mechanical clutch where the geometry was not quite right making it a bear to operate. I took the plunge and had the clutch upgraded to a hydraulic set up and could not be happier.

2. Transmission - I have no issue with the TKO 5-speed. When the clutch set up was being installed, the mechanic noticed that the the builder had placed two shims at the mount pushing the tranny up against the tunnel where only a thin sheet of paper would fit. They removed 1 shim and the result was spectacular in the ride comfort as it took away a small vibration the car had originally.

3. Radiator - The Dewitts runs great in South Florida - even in traffic. The only change here was that the supplied Spahl fan was incredibly loud. I ordered the quiet version but to change it out was a bigger job than I thought as the fan was riveted to the cover plate of the radiator - the plate welded to the radiator itself. In order to change out a simple fan, the radiator was removed from the car, the welds cut, the rivets removed and replaced with bolts/nuts, a re-weld of the plate to the radiator and finally the 10 minute replacement of the fan. Now at least, if a fan goes bad, it is very easy to unbolt and replace.

4. Pulley System - The provided pulley system needed work as it squealed like a pig. Mike Coletta did a great job with what he got here and changed out the idler and used a shorter belt to compensate. As many will tell you, if you do a project like this, use the Vintage Frontrunner system if you want a trouble free install.

OK - so now, the ride:
1. Great handling
2. Great stopping power
3. Super dependable - The LS3 seems to be bullet proof
4. COMFORTABLE - I have gone out for 150 mile rides and always feel fine afterwards
5. It is the best of both worlds - classic design with great modern features

When I first got the car I was unsure about whether or not I made the right choice - but that was predicated by the fact that I had to deal with the gremlins mentioned above - which is quite normal for any project. The first few months I worried about what might break or what else I needed to deal with to get it perfect - OCD. In time as I addressed the gremlins I could finally appreciate what I really had in my possession.
This is the best riding Vintage Vette I have ever had the privilage to drive and own. It is as close as I could get to a full modern ride with classic design.

I have 430 HP with no modifications and for me it is plenty of power. On the highway, I can accelerate in fifth gear to pass others or change lanes with ease. The chassis - suspension set up allows me to accelerate from 0- 100 without any shaking/vibration that the original setup would suffer through. The 5-speed shifts very smoothly (like any modern car) and is a joy to run through the gears. On longer trips, the cruise control has been a great benefit to rest my right foot.

I was caught in the rain and the top was good but these cars were never really set up to keep the water completely out. - so be it. The a/c, heat and defrost have come in very handy.

NO REGRETS - this was the right choice for me.

What is next:
I will have the DSE headlight kit installed next week

http://i39.tinypic.com/313otj5.jpg

[WSSix]

Glad you're liking the car and getting to enjoy it. I think that's the biggest reason we do what we do to these cars.

[Jon69RagTop]

Your satisfaction will continue to grow, nice job on the car and enjoy your summer of driving.