We’re going to be a doing a series of blog posts on new restoration projects, detailing steps to take, project issues, and anything else we can come up with that we feel makes sense. If you already own a Corvette, then this first step will be unnecessary, but we want to focus on it because you may be stepping into ownership of a Corvette for the very first time. The first step, as you might expect, is finding a suitable vehicle for the restoration. If you’re buying a new Corvette, or an already restored Corvette, great, good on you and as we say Happy Cruising. But if you’re not ready to just chunk down the kind of coin needed to buy new or already restored, then finding a Corvette you can work with is the first and most important step.
Play to your strengths
If you are an engine gearhead, or a bodyman expert, or neither at all, just looking to start and work on it as long as it takes, you have to know what your strengths (and weaknesses) are and have solutions to address those areas where you might not be 100% effective on your own. It’s ok to need help. Checkout your local area Corvette clubs, there may be some tried and true test cases of either individuals or businesses where work was done that you can see bona fide results from. In any event, once you have a good idea of what you are bringing to the table and where you might need assistance, you can begin your search.
Finding a suitable Corvette
First, pick the generation you want to work with. Whatever your reasons for wanting a Corvette, knowing what generation you want to start with will make the search much more targeted and easier. If you aren’t sure, then trying a wide search for vehicles to just see what’s out there, makes sense. If you are a wizard at bodywork and can’t find a torque wrench to save your life, then you’re going to be looking for a rough looking Corvette with a sound engine. You get the idea.
Where do I look?
This is the actual easy part, because you aren’t going to be wanting for places to look. Craigslist, E-Bay, AutoTrader or CorvetteTrader.com are all the most likely places to start. You may also want to take a look at joining the National Corvette Restorers Society (www.ncrs.org). There are plenty of contacts you can make through organizations like NCRS, or even local Corvette clubs, so have no fear. Your Corvette is out there waiting for you to start your journey together.
Happy Cruising!
Speak Your Mind