Early Vettes.

[iron cross]

What are the pros and cons of owning a early SB Vette? And personally i`m not into this C`s bs. Since I have one let me tell you what I think they are! Pros best starting point is the engine department. 6 cyls and that body style is a joke so I wont even consider them as a Vette. Damn ugly SOB`s. Completely unpopular then and now except for idiots that never had the opportunity of rejecting one then as a complete zero of a car. The only thing good about them is that helped along the later good or better ones. Back to the engine, 265 dual quads, 225hp a very good upgrade. 57 FI cars 283/283hp, 58 283/290hp through 1960. 61 FI 283/315hp. Now 62`s as my last early Vette, 327/360hp. 1964, a better set of heads and camshaft, more hp. 1970, probably the best early small block ever built, the 350/370hp LT1 engine. Cons, leaks like a sieve in the rain and those stupid 670/15 tires. Fortunately though the tires can be changed to a more sprotier look. Why did I feel compelled to do this, I really dont know. Nothing else to do I guess.:L

 

[magoo]

Pro: Simplicity

 

[stepinwolf]

You sound as if nothing will ever be good enough for you, so I would strongly recommend that you find another pass time or hobby. Leave these cars to those who can appreaciate them, and are ready to do their part to make 40 year old tech, work.


an angry man you are, not good for your heart

 

[paul67]

This is a rather unusual post. I have read it several times but can't really identify the question/issue. Please clarify. Thank you.

 

[Ken]

You sound as if nothing will ever be good enough for you...

Check out Wally's web sit: Nitroalley.

Wally's alright!

 

[61 Silver]

What are the pros and cons of owning a early SB Vette? And personally i`m not into this C`s bs. Since I have one let me tell you what I think they are! Pros best starting point is the engine department. 6 cyls and that body style is a joke so I wont even consider them as a Vette. Damn ugly SOB`s. Completely unpopular then and now except for idiots that never had the opportunity of rejecting one then as a complete zero of a car. The only thing good about them is that helped along the later good or better ones. Back to the engine, 265 dual quads, 225hp a very good upgrade. 57 FI cars 283/283hp, 58 283/290hp through 1960. 61 FI 283/315hp. Now 62`s as my last early Vette, 327/360hp. 1964, a better set of heads and camshaft, more hp. 1970, probably the best early small block ever built, the 350/370hp LT1 engine. Cons, leaks like a sieve in the rain and those stupid 670/15 tires. Fortunately though the tires can be changed to a more sprotier look. Why did I feel compelled to do this, I really dont know. Nothing else to do I guess.:L

I judged chassis on a 1961 at an NCRS chapter meet yesterday. There were beautiful Corvettes everywhere but the one that I judge was my favorite. I wished I had taken my camera. The 61 had some of the most unusual options. First it was the 245 HP with two 4 barrels carburetors, power top, electric windows and a Powerglide transmission. The color was fawn beige exterior and fawn beige interior. The person having the car judged had just purchased the car from the original owner. The frame was shot and the car needed a total restoration, but it was completely original. What a great car to judge.



Small Blocks, my heart fluttered.



Ray

 

[John Mcgraw]

Wally,
These old C1 cars may be a piece of crap by today standards, But You just can't agrue with the styling. I think that the 58-60 cars were the summit of automotive styling! The C2 cars are not bad, but a nice C1, really revs my engine. That is one reason that I did my 59 resto-rod, I really liked the looks of my earlier C1 cars, but hated driving them for more than a few miles! Now I have the best of both worlds, the styling of a 59, and the comfort performance and reliability of a C5.

Regards, John McGraw

 

[ZRGator]

Wally,
These old C1 cars may be a piece of crap by today standards, But You just can't agrue with the styling. I think that the 58-60 cars were the summit of automotive styling! The C2 cars are not bad, but a nice C1, really revs my engine. That is one reason that I did my 59 resto-rod, I really liked the looks of my earlier C1 cars, but hated driving them for more than a few miles! Now I have the best of both worlds, the styling of a 59, and the comfort performance and reliability of a C5.

Regards, John McGraw

Well then, John, I'm just curioius..what do you think of that shop that converts the new cars into looking like 62's (and others)?

 

[studiog]

Iron Cross is not Wallyknoch

Am I wrong about this? I think Wally and Iron Cross are two different people just their avatars and cars are extremely similar. :confused

 

[Ken]

Same person, different registration (and computer location I believe).

 

[John Mcgraw]

ZRGator,

I kind of liked the C5/62 that came out this year, but I think that the C5/53 was just butt-ugly! The C5/62 really caught the essence of a real 62, except the windshield is laid back at too much of an angle, but that is driven by the C5 chassis! I really prefer a modified C1, because it is pretty hard to improve on the lines. Also the pre-made C5/62 cars cost a load of money, and I am not into paying someone to build cars for me. If I can't build it myself, it loses most of it's appeal. I still like original restored cars as well, and I am sure that I will continue to do them, but the resto-rod is just a real fun driver.

Regards, John McGraw

 

[John Mcgraw]

Wally,

By the way, I agree with you on the 53-55 models. They just never stirred my pot. I also think that they ruined the car in 61 when they put the new rearend on it! I know you think the 62 is probably the prettiest car ever built, or you wouldn't have owned it all these years, but to me the 60 was the absolute pinacle of style! That's why all these cars are popular, every different model of them just pushes someone's buttons!

Regards, John McGraw

 

[iron cross]

You sound as if nothing will ever be good enough for you, so I would strongly recommend that you find another pass time or hobby. Leave these cars to those who can appreaciate them, and are ready to do their part to make 40 year old tech, work.


an angry man you are, not good for your heart

No way, all I was thinking is how easy it was to have such great hp options available nearly every year as a easy over the counter add on for early vettes to still be boss of the hood. Culminating in my opinion with probably the best SB early chevy ever produced the 350/370 hp 70 LT1. Big valves, high compression, great camshaft, and special pink rods. But why did I write this article? The simple answer is that my lead lead post was the exact proceedure I followed from 1962 to 1970 with my own 62 FI Vette. No, actually my 62 was the reason, as I finally drove it the other day and marveled how nice and quick the SOB still is. :L Maybe I should have found something else to do but I like all my fast cars best. well thats all folks
Wally Knoch :cool

John, Nothing wrong with 59 or 60 FI pieces, I also see we concure on the windshield of the kit 62. It`s just for some odd reason I never sold the 62.
Hi Ken,

 

[IH2LOSE]

Wally is not good people he is great people.


I met him last year in person and was able to take a tour of his toy box,WOW he has some real cools stuff,stories, and I would say he is a peice of history in himself.(I am not saying your old looked, like you were in much better shape then me )

I have to say the 59/60 body style has really grown on me.Me personable love the looks of the custom 62 and think they do have it perfect with the exception of the windsheild (as you guys allready pointed out)

As for Walts vette he has actually owned it since new.Along with several other cars he has in his toy box.

Wally the afternoon I spent with you will always be a great memory for me

 

[stepinwolf]

Another opinion from steppinwolf

:ugh

No way, all I was thinking is how easy it was to have such great hp options available nearly every year as a easy over the counter add on for early vettes to still be boss of the hood. Culminating in my opinion with probably the best SB early chevy ever produced the 350/370 hp 70 LT1. Big valves, high compression, great camshaft, and special pink rods. But why did I write this article? The simple answer is that my lead lead post was the exact proceedure I followed from 1962 to 1970 with my own 62 FI Vette. No, actually my 62 was the reason, as I finally drove it the other day and marveled how nice and quick the SOB still is. :L Maybe I should have found something else to do but I like all my fast cars best. well thats all folks
Wally Knoch :cool

John, Nothing wrong with 59 or 60 FI pieces, I also see we concure on the windshield of the kit 62. It`s just for some odd reason I never sold the 62.
Hi Ken,

I'm sorry if my post might have been slightly mis-interpreted, I meant no dis-respect. However when originally reading Wall's post, it seemed to me that regardless of the year or options nothing was good enough for him. It's probably due to the fact that he has been around, and knows a h-ll of a lot more about this hobby of ours, then I do. :ugh

Stepinwolf

 

[iron cross]

:ugh


I'm sorry if my post might have been slightly mis-interpreted, I meant no dis-respect. However when originally reading Wall's post, it seemed to me that regardless of the year or options nothing was good enough for him. It's probably due to the fact that he has been around, and knows a h-ll of a lot more about this hobby of ours, then I do. :ugh

Stepinwolf

It`s perfectly ok. I usually dont go around broadcasting my achievements or those of my toys. But you are probably correct in a fashion. Constant upgrades in engines particularly with the race cars was an ever constant consideration to win and stay on top and it just naturally carried over with the 62. I actually used the 62 to pull the race cars to all the National events. To me there is and was only one way. And thats to win, but only in a competitive atmosphire. After the races we all had fun together. I was very fortunate to have parents that supported and also participated in my racing achievements. My Dad for the race cars and my mother for all those FI Vettes while in college.

Thanks Larry, and sorry about your engine

And to Stepinwolf,
Since your into Vettes apparently in a big way, if you ever need an interior for one of them, let me know and I can give you a great price on our award winning "Al Knoch Interiors". Just go to my site and Email me.
Wally Knoch

 

[magoo]

I too feel I missed your point. To me simplicity was the answer to your opening question. I love the simplicity of my 62 over my other cars. With a little background I would have known that complex automobiles are no trouble for you. It's a pleasure, no an honor, to be able to communicate with you on this forum.

Thanks

Mike

 

[vett boy]

I remember when i saw the introduction of the 53.It was the greatest car ever introduced and i was 7 years old .It was way ahead of my dad's farm truck.The 53 is is engraved in my memories forever.

 

[stepinwolf]

It`s perfectly ok. I usually don't go around broadcasting my achievements or those of my toys. But you are probably correct in a fashion. Constant upgrades in engines particularly with the race cars was an ever constant consideration to win and stay on top and it just naturally carried over with the 62. I actually used the 62 to pull the race cars to all the National events. To me there is and was only one way. And thats to win, but only in a competitive atmosphere. After the races we all had fun together. I was very fortunate to have parents that supported and also participated in my racing achievements. My Dad for the race cars and my mother for all those FI Vettes while in college.

Thanks Larry, and sorry about your engine

And to Stepinwolf,
Since your into Vettes apparently in a big way, if you ever need an interior for one of them, let me know and I can give you a great price on our award winning "Al Knoch Interiors". Just go to my site and Email me.
Wally Knoch

I really appreciate your offer for help in obtaining interior parts. but as it stands I am proud to say it won't be needed. I am happy to tell you the reason, and it's because I just happen to be a very good friend of Al's, and as his neighbour and keeper at the Corvette show in Carlisle, I have been doing excellent business, along with very preferential below dealer pricing for anything I ever need.

When you are at his vendor space, and you look across the isle, I am right there a stones throw from his counter. During the early years I always slept in a small trailer across from Al's tents, and kept a look out for all his stuff during the evening and throughout the night, and Al was always able to show his gratitude towards me.

Today I no longer even have to trouble him for anything, ( except to offer him my regular Canadian beer ) I just give Dale a call and he takes care of me as if I was family. Every day I am amazed at how small this wonderful world of ours really is. Thanks again Wally and drive safe.

 

[IH2LOSE]

Stephenwolf when your at carlilse,and your across from Als tent and you see a fellow carrying in some 65 seat knocking down all of the statues,intorduce yourself to that guy it will be Barry.