Newbie with a 54 on it's way home

[satinsixstring]

Hi guys

I'm a teenager in a vette loving family (dad's got 2 c5's), and I just got ahold of a 54 for the 'father and son project car". (luckilly I have a nice little 2001 camaro for a daily driver). But my question is, can you guys just do me a favor by sending me in the right direction for repro parts? I know I need a great dreat of the chrome trim, a wonder bar, and all kinds of other bits a pieces, but I just don't know where to go for good quality pieces. BTW, I'm pretty sure this was a Red car stock, is this a rarity?

 

[Rob]

Dave,

Welcome to the Corvette Action Center.

If your 1954 was originally red, it was Sportsman Red. Only 100 were built. You can find out more here:

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/c1/1954/54prod.html

Hope this helps.

 

[Nut]

Sweet!!

Dave..... nice project car for your first Vette. Please tell us more on how/where you found it; how bad off is it; what do you think (besides time and money) you'll need to get her back into running condition. Congrats and welcome to the CAC.

............ Nut

 

[Bob Yates]

Hey Dave ....your a lucky guy. In the early 70's I owned the 159th one made in 54. To find what number yours is subtracted a 1000 from the last 4 numbers of the vin number that should be on the left upper door post below the end of the windsheild. It's a no brainer. If yours is like mine was it will have a lot of paint over it. I had to give up on mine because parts were very hard to come by. I search all over the country back then. Even out your way where most of them seem to be at that time. I happened on to #3 out there but couldn't buy it . It now has a life of it's own as the oldest Corvette . Now a days you can get just about everything for them. This is a good place to be. I use to work as a GM tech and have a old parts book with a lot of the orginal part numbers. Back in the 70's I ordered alot of old stock parts new. But the really needed parts weren't there, chrome, tail lights , hub caps,seats, carpet. The one thing I did get was a brand new hood. It was $300.00. Besides the part problems my car had been painted with industrial epoxy paint. I couldn't at that time get it off. Feeling defeated I let it go and have been sad ever since. I felt I let a part of me go. There's just something about that Harley Earl car that is in my blood. I have a picture of the first one being delivered in Kentucky And I keep day dreaming back to that day wanting to be the fist to drive her. Well enough of that I've had 6 vettes since that one and now have a 86 conv. Good luck on you quest . It will be a labor of love well worth your time.......Bob Yates ( Mr. Bad Wrench)

 

[satinsixstring]

Wow, I love that story!!! It sounds like any one of my fathers stories about his 69 COPO he sold to buy my mothers wedding ring. I know it's not the same, but I feel the same about my 2001 Camaro, I feel it's always gonna be a part of me, because it was my first and is a symbol of of my childhood savings and a whole lotta hard work.Anyway, I'll be bringin in a whole lotta information as soon as possible, I think it will be home by Saturday, simply because I'm borrowing a friends flatbed to take her home. Thank you guys for your help, and I hope to be back with alot more question real soon!

 

[chevyaddict]

Welcome Aboard!

Awesome find! Definitely keep us all posted concerning the progress of the restoration. Where did you find it! Glad to have you aboard! Lots of wonderful people here with knowledge up the ying yang!

 

[ChuckG]

Glad to have another 54 guy on board. If I can be of any help, let me know. Chuck

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Welcome satinsixstring!

Welcome to Corvette Action Center.
I'd love for you to post a running commentary on your restoration.
Heidi

 

[MZ54Corvette]

Congratulations. There are several spots to get good quality original and repo. parts. First, watch E-bay. Type in 1953 Corvette and browse the ads. Corvette Specialties from Oregon sells a lot along with Ron Jones ( oldvettstuff ) out of Conn. On e-bay chose the function "ask the seller a question " and ask him what else he has and ask for a parts list. You'll find a wide variety of available stuff. I buy a lot from Ron and he is very good to work with. Also, the big guns have a good selection, Mary Jo Rohner from Calf., Werner Grossmueller from the east coast, Corvette Central and Dr. Rebuild. Ask them for a catalog and go on-line and browse. The hard to find parts and big ticket items can be best found by watching e-bay regularly. You'd be surprised what shows up there. Additionally, guys like Ron Jones buy parts cars and then dismantles them and sells everything. Catch him when he's in the middle of one and you can get almost anything if you're willing to pay. Also, maintain contact with other restorers. I know things like where to send your gas tank sending unit to be repaired if it doesn't work. Who rebuilds wonderbar radios, who's the best interior guy around, what bolt goes where and who sells the correct shocks. Get connected and your restoration life will be much easier.

Glad to help and you can contact me if you have questions.

 

[satinsixstring]

Shes Home!!! A red 1954 with original carbs, block, and tranny. The car is missing almost all the brightwork and ALL of the interior, but the numbers all matched up, and the price was good. I'll bring in pics asap.

 

[58Mike]

Congrtas on the new baby!

For parts, no question you'll want to deal with Mary Jo Rohner www.vettegal.com Best prices on repro parts (average prices on originals), excellent selection, reliable service (you're always talking directly to Mary Jo) and for us SoCal boys, call by 5:00pm and see the UPS guy delivering our parts the next day.

The brightwork is going to be expensive. I wouldn't buy that from any dealer (except for inexpensive pieces) and would instead look for deals as time passes. It's going to be years before you finish this car, so you can be patient.

- Mike Greene

 

[satinsixstring]

Thank you so much!!! Mary Jo seems to be the place to be. I've also been told about a big Corvette swap meet in pennsylvania, and that is was the place to buy chrome and such. Have any of you guys gone to this show? Any opinions?

 

[58Mike]

That would be Corvettes at Carlisle. I've never been, but it's supposed to be a great event. '53s to '55s are so rare, I'd guess that parts would still be pretty slim pickin's, but I don't know for sure.

You should also join NCRS www.ncrs.org They have two quarterly publications: The Restorer (a tech magazine) and The Driveline, which is where members advertise used Corvettes and parts. Members place ads free, so you can place a "parts wanted" ad, which may be your best bet.

There's also the Pomona Antique Auto Show and Swap Meet (dates are on Mary Jo's website), but I don't remember seeing many '53-'55 parts there.

- Mike Greene

 

[oldvettestuff]

'54 Stuff

Hi Dave,
Email your address and I mail a list of all the '54 Corvette parts that I currently have.....Ron

 

[Piet]

Congrats... that sounds like a fun project. Keep us posted (add pictures!)

 

[satinsixstring]

Hey my address is satinsixstring@yahoo.com, and I'd love to see a parts list!!! I am very interested, so please send it asap.