2 fours, 4 speed and an open road...that's all it needs. Here is what they look like if left to decay. It was a factory FI car.
My opinion. Get some different wheels, it needs a little more chrome. I like the colors, but it would look great with that red in one of your pictures also. I'd be happy with the powertrain you have, but a 327 2-4 carbed car would be nice also. Just keep it and every time you go for a ride, I'm sure your Dad will be riding with you with a smile on his face as will you.
I posted a picture of your car on our Canadian Corvette forum (hope you don't mind). Eight replies, all loved the car and suggested leaving it as is. Wide whites was the only suggestion by two members. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it. Best of luck.
I echo the "don't paint it" recommendations earlier in the thread. I've had shiny, perfect cars and I just didn't enjoy them or use them as much as my worn cars. As for drivetrain - make it reliable so that it doesn't sit. Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Wow!!!!!! Read every comment in this post. They're one of my faves and right about the time when GM/Chev got serious about making 1HP per c.i. They basically changed the whole Ford/GM rivalry. I say this being a big fan of many car camps. You're one "fortunate son"! Growing up with a history of this car and seeing its many different incarnations. You've inquired for ideas, but somehow in your heart you have the idea for the car that shares so many memories for you and now your wife. Whatever you choose, it will just be one more page in its continued history of it being a part of you're family. I say this be cause I as a child I drove around with my late father in a Raven Black 55 Bird. It was a stock as they come save for the options that one could get in 55, this one has them all. At 4 yrs old I told my stepmom that I wanted that car, they both continued to drive it, but in 74, it was stolen, but recovered immediately. That freaked them out so she decided to regulate it to casual duty, my dad just thought that it should be used in the same manner. This car stayed in drive anywhere condition until shortly before I received it in the 80's. I was driving a Corvette.... I have always felt lucky to have received this car and I keep it at the house that I associate it with from my youth. I've done a great deal of things with this car. It's had/has several sets of wheels, been in movies, Changed its stance but can change it back and kept its color black the whole time. Everything that I've done is in keeping with the theme that my dad-mom maintained during their stewardship. It's still even 6v. . You've received a truly wonderful gift, drive it enjoy it and if you feel a need for a change, it's yours so she's in the right hands.
several people have mentioned changing the wheels, i know they are new, but they are just the modern version of a classic style. the car had 60's ET wheels years ago but they were knock offs of the same wheels. i need opinions of "proper" wheels for this MO-chine. i'm not springing for the magnesium halibrands everybody loves around here!
oh an update on a bad note; https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/mold-long-read-sorry.1073223/#post-12181150
So I was thinking about what I posted above re: the whole hot rodding of your Vette and how it all started for Chevrolet with a memo penned by our favorite ARDUN HOT RODDER none other than Zora Arkus-Duntov. Here's the memo: Mr. Maurice Olley was no slouch himself, he has quite an extensive background in automotive engineering and suspension development. This memo changed it all and Hot Rodding has never been the same, in reading this, the Sister divisions of Olds and Buick are not even addressed in the assessment of their own OHV program, but ARDUN & CHRYSLER FIREPOWER are addressed. This 57 Corvette is truly a special car in oh so many ways. Can't wait to see your take on it. It's gonna be a greater ride than ever!!!!
I'm not much of a painter, but I've been told that black is the easiest color to touch up chips, scratches and other road rash. If you're jonesin' for a change or a fresh look, just do something with the side scallops and the wheels. Those all black examples on the previous pages look pretty good. Changing the engine is optional. Don't pick the fastest; pick the sweetest sounding to you personally. Back in the early 60's, I was an almost owner of a '59. My brother owned it and I could borrow it for special dates. He and I did a cross country road trip in it. We had a handshake agreement that I would buy it from him when he was ready. But I messed up the opportunity when I bought the first Mustang in town June of '64, and he had to sell a short time later. It was a rich, deep red, almost like a candy, white top and black interior. It looked better that that sounds. *** If anyone has a good idea of the paint color I'm talking about, please post or message. I'd like to know.***
I'd suggest a motor / trans swap and have some fun with it. If you get into bodywork / paint, who knows how long it will be down and could turn into one of those long term project deals.
I would not do a thing to it. Drive it and enjoy it. the OT TPI is good stuff and the car is cool as-is.
Paint it black again, but this time make the cove black and change out the wheels to black steel with dog dish caps. 327 with dual carbs. Solid lifter. Muncie M-21. White tuck and roll interior using the same seat frames and door panels. You asked...
I rode in this car a few years ago. It is local to me, a REAL airbox '57 that's been a race car since new.
My opinion.... No repaint, dual-quad SBC(prefer 283 or 327), Muncie, and either leave the wheels or add chrome reverse wheels(with chrome spider caps) and blackwalls or pinner whites. On the other hand, I would not hesitate to keep it as-is. Nice ride! AND NOW BLOWER ON THIS CAR!!! If you need a blower, find a ChevyII!
Doug, before I moved to GA, Dick Robinson had a few airbox '56-57's in his shop that he was restoring- do you know if he did your neighbor's car?
That 409 vette gives me a raging....well you know. I sold my last 409 about two years ago. I always thought a 63 or 64 would be cool as hell with an '09
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