1957 Corvette Restoration Project

Description for Chevrolet Corvette 1957

1957 Corvette restoration project

Background history:

This Corvette restoration was started in the mid 70’s (drive train and chassis was completed) the body was stripped and in primer, but never painted. It was stored in a dry garage in Michigan with 58311.9 miles on the clock until summer of 2014.

Chassis restoration:

The chassis was restored (body off) in the 70’s, using all genuine GM parts (no aftermarket part in this era). Everything was new: brakes/drums/all hardware, bushings brake/fuel lines, RR axle limit straps, tie rods, ball joints, parking brake cable, Delco Shocks, sway bar bushings, batter tray and cables, etc…etc…. Frame was stripped and painted and show no signs of rust or repairs. Locker rear end with 4.11 ration. All was new 45yrs ago and looks remarkably nice and clean with only minor surface rust on exposed metal, as expected. Rear tires were new Good Year Blue Streak Sports Car Specials 6.50/12.10-15.

Drive train

Motor was fresh at time of storage. 327 CID (NOM). Casting # 3782870 (62~68 327 2 bolt main). Suffix F02I42C. Camel back heads casting # 3782461 (1.94/1.5). Forged crankshaft. Winters aluminum intake casting 3917610 (from 67-68 302). NEW Holley double pumper List 4053 (date 954) even the black ink stamp is still visible. New 7-fin valve covers Cast # 3767493. Has correct T10 4-speed transmission. Have not tried to crank the motor.

Exterior

Body in primer. Peeling in spots, old lacquer based. Small crack above RF wheel (hard to see in picture). Exhaust opening were filled in rear of body. Hood was modified (cowl induction look). Underside is solid, can’t see any bad spots.

Exterior chrome is complete except center grill bar and teeth. All chrome is nice and shiny with no major pitting (nice driver quality). Only rear taillight housings need attention. All stainless trim is in beautiful shape and polished up nicely (emblems and cove moldings are missing) All glass is good, no chips or scratches in the windshield. Some light crazing on one side of the hard top rear window.

Interior

Interior is complete and in very presentable. All dash chrome is nice, some small pitting around the speedometer as seen in pictures. Seats are nice with no tears. Steering wheel nice with one tiny crack. Carpet/shifter boot/bezel is missing. Has 10K rpm Jones Tachometer and the optional wonderbar radio.

Missing parts list: (to the best of my knowledge)

· Center grill bar and teeth

· Front turn signals

· Passenger door handle push button

· Inside door handle??

· Exterior emblems/ cove moldings

· Air cleaner/plug wires/cap

· Spare tire jack/lug wrench

· Carpet

Please email for link to more pictures