1957 Corvette
I came across a deal that I could not pass up. I wanted a 50s Vette to make a resto-rod -looks like a 1950s Vette but has a completely modern drivetrain. I have been keeping my eyes open but original 50s Vettes in good shape are top dollar and those in rough shape are still beyond my reach. I came across Antique and Collectible Autos Inc, they had the fiberglass body completed and were just building up the frame. I received one of the first frames that they have made.
The body and frame are made to the highest quality. A good friend of mine who is a bodyman/painter was very impressed with the straightness of the body - very little block sanding to get it perfect. The body comes prefit with hinged doors, trunk lid, hood and convertible top lid. All fit perfectly!
Here's a list of webpages that I've put together concerning the 57 Vette:
- My shipping adventure - Shipping large carparts across the country
- Customs and Transport Canada - Information on bringing (importing) car parts and kitcars into Canada
- Alternative to a body rotisserie
- Here are all of the links that I've gathered
researching a C1 Vette kitcar.
The base suspension package from AC Autos Inc, is Mustang II front suspension and 9" Ford rear suspension. As a Corvette enthusiast, I find it distasteful to put Ford parts in a Corvette. My plans are to install 1984 Corvette front and rear independant suspensions which I've already purchased the parts for. Flatout Engineering located in California makes a dynamite IFS crossmember for mounting 84-87 vette components. The quality and workmanship is fantastic!
For the drivetrain, I'm going to use a Corvette LT1 or LS1 350 cid V8 and a 5 speed manual tranny. If you've read my 54 Pontiac Tempest kustom page, then you'll know that I usually like to do things the hard way. I'm thinking of a tripower TBI 350cid sbc. Grabbing one of the Offenhauser tripower carb intake manifolds and putting 3 throttle bodies on it instead. Now that should provide some excitement! Now to just finish the Pontiac!