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This was the original condition...No restoration possible
with this basket case. |
| Current Condition
The Vette is complete and on the road!
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The front was nosed, while the parking lights and front
bumpers were removed. The fenders were molded to the rocker panels. |
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It's one "Jazy 54." |
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The engine is a 350 Chevy bored .040 over, angle-plug
aluminum heads, roller cam & rocker with an estimated 400 hp. |
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The factory did not make a hardtop for 1953 -1955 Corvettes,
although they were available through a few aftermarket companies. For
ultimate flexibility, Stan chose to add a hardtop while retaining the soft
top frame underneath. This allows the car to be driven in all types of
weather, while the hard top can be removed and the soft top used for
convertible cruising whenever desired. |
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All emblems were removed on the rear. The rear quarter panel
and roll pan were molded to the upper body. The rear bumpers were also
removed to give the Vette a smooth look. |
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The dash was completely reworked. Outer air vents were added
and designed to match the gauge pods. In the gauge cluster, the two outer
openings will be used for air vents. Since all other stock openings were
filled, the ignition and all switches will be housed behind a hidden panel
where the radio was originally located. |
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The original frame was beyond repair, so Stan had to create
a new one. This photo shows the start of the new side rails, made out of
2x4x1/8 mild steel tubing for added strength. |
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Once the side rails were complete, Stan added K-members with
holes created for the exhaust system. Stan chose a Mustang II front end
with stainless tubular upper and lower control arms and a triangulated
four-link for the rear. He chose this set-up so he could run a dished
wheel. |
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Here is the finished frame, ready for the engine and
transmission to be installed. The Vette will be powered by a 350 c.i.
aluminum-head, roller cam, roller rocker backed by a 700R transmission. It
has four-wheel disc brakes, front and rear sway bars and coil-overs all
around. |
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As you can see, the damage on the Vette was extensive. The
hole on the right is body damage created from years of wear where the rear
bumper mounted to the fiberglass body. |
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In addition to smoothing the rear quarter panels, Stan
decided to also remove the exhaust ports to give the Corvette a super
slick look. |
