Question: 1986 Pace Car Convertible Restoration

[MBianco86]

Hello Everyone,

I have a very interesting situation. I'm only 15, but I've loved Corvettes since a very young age. Absolutely adored them...so a few years ago my dad purchased a White 1986 Pace Car Convertible. The car was in decent shape, but we planned to restore it ground up, however we've only accomplished a few things (New exhaust, Distributor, alternator, etc.). So my plan is as follows, restore the car, not ground up, but to good condition. It needs new seats, new door panels, some TLC (such as weatherstripping, new top, etc.) and probably an engine overhaul soon. I would love to have it as a first car, but my biggest problem is $. I don't have a lot of it, and I figured why not ask people who have done this before. On a budget, at 15, do you guys think I'd be able to get this done?

Thanks,
Angelo

 

[vetteboy86]

First off, welcome to the CAC!!

I commend you on the journey you are thinking about taking. Anyone can say, sure go ahead and take on the project. Anyone can say, don't take on the project as being a 15 year old, time, money, and knowledge isn't peaking at the right time.

The decision is yours my friend. Identify what on the car needs attention, which it seems you have already began doing. Now prioritize these things. A corvette is a means of transportation. Do things in a logical order to make the car drivable and dependent. There is nothing wrong with improving the car over time.

I think that this project will provide lessons and memories that will last a lifetime. Being realistic is the first step. What do you plan to do for insurance, or during the winter months?

 

[MBianco86]

The Insurance wouldn't actually be as bad as you would think. We've already looked at that aspect of it, and as far as the winter months....well, that's a good question. I know even during the summer, I'd rarely, probably never drive it in the rain. In the winter, I would probably drive it on decent days and use on of my dad's trucks for the time being, until I get to college and get on my feet.