1961 Restoration Update

[61 Silver]

The 1961 is 99% done! I still need to install the interior door panels and have the front end aligned. I purchased a Jewel Blue spray die and the color wasn't even close. I will try another source and if no luck I will have to replace the panels.

I would like to thank everyone for their help in my restoration project.



Ray

 

[BarryK]

looks awesome!

 

[61 Silver]

1961 Second Picture

1961 Restoration

 

[67HEAVEN]

WOW! :eek

 

[IH2LOSE]

Ray you car looks absolutely perfect. You must be real proud of your accomplishments. Now you go to get it out to the shows and share it with other people

 

[Tom65L76/96LT1]

What a great looking 61,i don't think i have ever seen a Silver/Jewel Blue interior 61,are those the original colors or did you put them together,regardless you did a great job with the restoration.

 

[studiog]

Hi 61 Silver. I've been waiting for these pics. The car looks great. You must have really pushed hard to complete it so fast. It must be very satisfying to be done. Do you have any words of wisdom for me as I am about to prime my 61?

 

[61 Silver]

1961 Restoration

Thanks for all the kind words. Tom, the colors are the original colors. The second owner painted the 61 Jewel Blue over 35 years ago. I have re-painted it to the original Sateen Silver. The original interior color is Jewel Blue.



Studiog: If I were ready for primer again, I would spend a few more hours block sanding the car. I would also install and adjust all stainless trim prior to primer. The stainless trim had a poor fit from the factory. Drilling the holes for the front CORVETTE letters was very tricky. The NCRS Judging Guide states that the letters may not be perfectly aligned. I was not happy with my first attempt at mounting the letters and reworked the front panel. The letters look good now, but I had to re-prime the front. The biggest problem that I had was spraying the Sateen Silver lacquer. There is a great amount of metallic in the paint and it was very hard to keep the color uniform.



If I can be of help, just ask!



Good luck and I can't wait to see pictures of your 61.

 

[studiog]

Thanks for all the kind words. Tom, the colors are the original colors. The second owner painted the 61 Jewel Blue over 35 years ago. I have re-painted it to the original Sateen Silver. The original interior color is Jewel Blue.



Studiog: If I were ready for primer again, I would spend a few more hours block sanding the car. I would also install and adjust all stainless trim prior to primer. The stainless trim had a poor fit from the factory. Drilling the holes for the front CORVETTE letters was very tricky. The NCRS Judging Guide states that the letters may not be perfectly aligned. I was not happy with my first attempt at mounting the letters and reworked the front panel. The letters look good now, but I had to re-prime the front. The biggest problem that I had was spraying the Sateen Silver lacquer. There is a great amount of metallic in the paint and it was very hard to keep the color uniform.



If I can be of help, just ask!



Good luck and I can't wait to see pictures of your 61.

Good points. I will keep them in mind. Will post pics when I'm primed. I'm a slow poke but I'll get there

 

[jerrybramlett]

I suggest you go to an auto paint store and have them custom mix some vinyl dye to match your sample. Most PPG stores can also put a custom mix into an aerosol spray can if that is what you want.

 

[Tom Bryant]

Looks awesome. I second the above advice on having the auto paint store mix your interior vinyl dye. Most people don't realize that they do this all the time.

Tom

 

[61 Silver]

Vinyl Die

Thanks Jerry & Tom, will check with the local PPG supplier on vinyl die.

 

[SRReality]

Beautiful car! You did a great job!

 

[Z28Canuck]

Looks fantastic. Certainly deserves showing her off so don't hide her away now that it's done! Seeing cars finish like this encourages more people to try restoring too, thanks for sharing your excellent job with us.