Projects 1954 Corvette budget resto

You car is looking great. Please keep the tear drop hood! They look good on those cars. Here’s mine

 

For now power will be a 283 with a saginaw 4 speed for those that asked. It came with 3 hoods in various states of disrepair. Still have the one with the tear drop scoop. Parts for 1953-1955 Corvettes are crazy expensive so cutting costs where I can. Door sills are about $600 but I found an $80 set from a 1956 that will work with some editing. Steering wheels are about $1000 but one from a 1955 210 looks close. The hub is too small for the turn signal pod so machined filler piece from aluminum. Repop rear exhaust bezels are $200 but a $20 stainless 3 inch sani-tube will work in a pinch. You get the picture. Big ticket items I haven't figured out yet are body side moldings ($$$$) and am missing some bumper pieces. Common update for brakes is using a dual pot mopar unit from the late 60s. Mounting flange needs to be machined however. Love how curvy the rear ends are on these.

 

If you haven't already bled the clutch yet, it will be interesting to hear how well it goes with the bleeder on the slave pointing downward.
Nice job with it. I like how you aren't hung up on trying to use the "correct" pieces. Get it back on the road without killing the pocketbook.

 

Update with pics. Hopefully driving this thing in a few weeks. The project came with 1961-1962 seats and I couldn't buy new seat upholstery because the 1962 red color is different than 1954 red. I had to teach myself upholstery work. The steering wheel is a 1956 210 center section with a 60s Chevy 16 inch ring welded and faired to the center section. Still have lots of bits and pieces to figure out but getting close.

 

Those colors look fantastic together.

 

Love this ’Vette! Nice work!

 

Agree 100%.

 

well,you sure are a great upholstery teacher!!