1967 Corvette Convertible Question

[Tom Bryant]

There are NO factory records still in existence for any St. Louis-built Corvette, so the documentation you have now is VERY valuable paperwork, and is the ONLY paperwork that will authenticate the car - most C2 owners would give their eyeteeth for the kind of documentation you have. :BOW

That's for sure. All I had for my '67 coupe was the tank sticker that I retrieved in fair condition. It was a short list though.

Goodwood Green/white stinger
black vinyl headrest seats
427/390hp
4 speed
3.36 posi
AM/FM radio

Tom

 

[bobmanx]

Don, JohnZ and Tom, the answers continue.... Don, the Dealers name, from the warranty booklet was Louis Smith Chevrolet, Highland, NY. with a purchase date of 1-16-67. From the Corvette Order Copy, Zone No. 02 and Dealer is 443 is whats listed. Nothing about the frame other than where it was purchased, "Corvette Frame and Chassis Corp", Buffalo, NY. There is a post card that was sent to verify the order and advise the date that it was "schedulled to be built" , June 13th 1979. and receipts for the frame and a receipt for the installation in Aug. 1979, at the "House of Corvettes", Amherst, NY. But does not say why it needed it. From what I have found out, the Corvette WAS NOT driven in the snow. He had a "Bad weather car" that was used when it was the season for winter and rain. A sideline to this, the Bad weather car was a cherry 1958 Impala that was kept pristine until he sold it to buy a chevy Citation, Go figure??? Also the "Birthday Calculator says "Jan 4 67"

JohnZ, as far as eye teeth, there is a envelope easily 3/4 inch thick of every receipt for this car, even just dealer oil changes. And Im sure there is more info still to be read. I am in the process of putting it in order by date to make some sense of it and be able to reference it easier. It includes a hand written sheet that he apparently took to the dealer/s in the area and priced it out for the car and options he wanted on it. (pre internet comparison shopping) LOL

Tom, the Corvette Order Copy lists all the same as the factory window sticker, (also in the envelope of docs). Interesting note from the "orderCopy says the car was shipped with a STD Black Convert. Top, and Car has a White Convert. Top on it at this time, back to the envelope to find that info/date. LOL I will check out the body tags for manufacturer info next visit, which appears to be getting closer as I write this. Need to finish tying up the loose ends that were left by my uncle's passing, not looking forward to that mess. More info as it is found.
Thanks Bob

 

[vettefinderjim]

I've missed all the fun

Well, Happy New Year. This will teach me to be gone for the Holidays. What a story!!!!

What a great car. Sounds like you have a beautiful car to not only have fun with, but to keep and continue with its heritage.

Bob, one thing you will find on this forum and a few other Corvette internet sites is that 99% of the people really do care and want to help.

Once you get the car back here I would be happy to look at it with you. I know a lot of people in the Southern California area that can help with any type of restoration work you need.

And if you decide to have the car shipped out instead of trailered, I know a few of those people that can help.

Personally, I would get the car home as easily as possible and then give it the real checkout. Sounds like your uncle loved and cared deeply for the car and I am sure you will find it will bring you many hours of enjoyment.

Regards,
Jim Gessner
Mentone, CA
909-794-7905

 

[bobmanx]

Jim, see what happens when you try to get away! lol I will keep you and all the rest of the helpers advised as to what and where as the dust continues to settle. My family was unimpressed, its just an old car, and said, "you want it"?
So to make a long already written story short, its mine as soon as everything is settled and any estate BS is sorted out. Till then its in a locked, alarmed garage just waiting for the trailer and the ride home. I will post more info as I find it, thru questions and answers here. and I will post a note when it is safe in So. Calif. there has been discussions as to trailer or transport co. but nothing cast in stone yet. both have there plus and minus points. I will be in touch to find out any of your thoughts as to transport co. Thanks for the offers to look it over and help evaluate the work to be done, and the correct way to restore it. I will have to twist your arm when its here. At the moment all I have is the drivers manual, warranty book, and a envelope 9 x 12 x3/4 thick of papers/receipts etc on the car since day he drove it off the lot till he parked it for the last time. I know he cared a great deal for the car and each visit was highlighted by a "Vette" discussion, but they were few and far between. wish I could ask him more questions about it now but thats not a posibility. so the best that I can do is to research all that i can and to try to fill in the blanks, with you and the others here that have offered questions and answered mine. Thanks for all the help and positive feedback to the questions from a beginner. I look forward to putting the top down and turning the key! It wasnt made to sit in a garage, right?
Thanks, Bob

 

[vettefinderjim]

I have the time

I am retired, so I have the time. And a few years experience to help.
let me know when you get a chance what you need.
Jim

 

[Tom Bryant]

Do you have a reciept for the House Of Corvettes. They may still be in business. They may also still have your original frame laying around somplace. It's worth a call. In fact I would even go so far as to check with the Chamber of Commerce in Amhurst. They may be in business under another name or moved to a new location.

Tom

 

[bobmanx]

Tom, thanks for the suggestions. I called the C of C and yes they are no longer in business. Did a search on the internet for "corvette" business types in Amherst NY. and found only one in the area. "Corvettes & Performance Specialties", called and asked them some questions. Yes, "House of Corvettes" went out of business in the 80's. They Never opened another Corvette shop. The same person that owned "House of Corvettes", also owned "Corvette Frame and Chassis Corp". (looked at the ph.# on the receipts and they are consecutive numbers in the same area, but different towns). Hasnt seen any of their work, dont know how to tell if its their frame, but look at it and check it out. They might have used modified later year frames. Dont know where they went. Dont know anyone that worked there, yada, yada, yada, and so on. So my guess is that the original frame is not laying around in the back shed some where. The address search, now shows it to be a Japanese car repair shop, "and nothing laying around that looks like a chassis" . On the brighter side I'm suprised that my uncle did not keep it, as he saved everything else from the car. LOL So the investigation continues.........

 

[Eric]

I'm reviving this thread for the simple fact that it is such a great story and everyone should grab your favorite beverage and read it top to bottom. Then, go check out the rest of Bob's posts in this forum.

Someday I'll stumble onto something like this....someday!

 

[bobmanx]

Thanks 71 Shark and others. Dont stop looking, there are still Corvettes and other classic cars out there waiting to be found, and restored.
Bob

 

[vettefinderjim]

Bob, Please keep us posted

This find does create interest. Let us know how your progress goes. I would love to see this car. Is it home in So. Cal or still FREZZING in this crazy winter weather back in New York?

Jim