This iconic 1963 Corvette rolled into the V8 Speed and Resto Shop with a the fiberglass body needing some TLC. It’s riding on a custom chassis, and the owner enlisted our team to repair the cracked and damaged original fiberglass body with a new front section, perform other required bodywork, and give it a great looking new paint job.
What’s in store for this Corvette Roadster?
Fender Repair: We’ll meticulously address the fender’s imperfections, ensuring a seamless and like-new appearance.
Gap Adjustment: We’ll fine-tune the body panel gaps to achieve consistent and aesthetically pleasing spacing.
Stripping & Repainting: The old paint will be removed, revealing a clean canvas for a stunning new finish. Brad, have you decided on a color yet? We can’t wait to see it!
New Engine & Transmission: We’re adding over 500 HP of LS3 V8 power to make this Corvette Sing!
Stay tuned as we transform this 1963 Corvette into a beautiful roadster that is as pleasing to the eye as it is stirring to the soul. We’ll share progress photos and updates along the way, so you can witness the magic happening right here!
In the meantime, let us know in the comments below:
This deep blue 1977 Chevrolet Corvette came to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop for a new driveline including an LS3 V8, a Tremec TKX 5-Speed manual transmission, and more. These Corvettes look cool and handle well, but the often anaemic, low-compression “smog motors” from the mid 1970s leave much to be desired in the performance department. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop installed a Chevrolet Performance LS3 430 HP crate engine and the Tremec TKX 5-Speed transmission from Modern Driveline designed for high RPM shifting. Dakota Digital RTX gauges provide the driver with the vitals without looking like an add-on. Other suspension upgrades, new wheels, tires, and brakes, sidepipes, and a complete interior restoration by V8 Speed and Resto all add up to a great looking and performing Corvette. If you didn’t think you were a fan of mid 1970’s Corvettes… you are now!
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop was tasked with returning this red and white 1966 Corvette 4-speed roadster back to the road! It’s a factory air conditioned car, powered by a small block 327, and has been in storage for years. We’re looking forward to hearing it come alive!
Revving their engines in a battle for supremacy, the Shelby Cobra and the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette stand as legendary icons of automotive performance. On one side, the Shelby Cobra, a snarling beast born to conquer the tracks. Its lightweight frame, monstrous 427 Ford power, and thunderous roar make it a force to be reckoned with. Every stomp of the throttle sends shivers down the spine, propelling you into an adrenaline-fueled frenzy. On the other side, the Chevrolet Corvette, a sleek and powerful machine that balances elegance and brute strength. Its refined engineering, superb handling for the day, and iconic style create a harmonious symphony of performance. It grips the road like a predator, delivering thrills with every corner conquered. Both titans offer a smile-inducing driving experience, leaving you craving more. So, which would you choose in this battle of performance legends?
 We are thrilled to be working on the restoration of a very cool 1969 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Roadster. Our talented team has completed the bodywork, and we’ve just applied the first coats of primer. The next step? A stunning custom metallic blue paint job that will make this beauty truly shine! 🌟 Stay tuned for updates on this extraordinary project as we make this classic Corvette far nicer than it was when new. Follow along with us as we breathe new life into this iconic American sports car!
The Prep before the Paint. Today Jeff is preparing this slick 1969 Chevrolet Corvette roadster for Spies Hecker HS Primer Surfacer to complete the body tub. This will allow for a nice even surface to be wet sanded to ensure the paint is as smooth as glass. It’s all in the details!  See more of this car: https://v8speedshop.com/1969-chevrolet-corvette-jl/
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Transforms a 1969 Corvette Roadster
1969 Chevrolet Corvette Rendering by Murray Komant, Built At V8 Speed and Resto Shop
This 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster wasn’t just getting a makeover, it was undergoing a complete metamorphosis at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. Gone was the original small-block Chevy 350 V8 and 4-speed transmission, replaced with a heart-pounding 427 cubic inch big-block engine and a smooth-shifting Tremec TKX 5-speed transmission. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the extensive upgrades:
Engine and Drivetrain:
Powerhouse Upgrade: The as-delivered 350 V8 was swapped for a Chevrolet Performance ZZ427 crate engine, churning out 480 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. This legendary big-block promises exhilarating performance.
Modern Transmission: A Tremec TKX 5-speed transmission replaces the 4-speed, offering a wider gear range and smoother shifting for a more enjoyable driving experience.
Clutch and Flywheel: A smooth hydraulic clutch from Modern Driveline provides easy action and strong clamping force.
Fuel Delivery: A Holley Terminator X EFI system replaces the carburetor for precise fuel metering and improved performance.
Cooling System: A new radiator, hoses, and electric fan ensure the powerful engine stays cool.
Brakes and Suspension:
Stopping Power: The stock brakes were replaced with a Wilwood big brake kit featuring red calipers and larger rotors for superior stopping power. New brake lines, hoses, and a proportioning valve complete the upgrade.
Hydraulic Brake Booster: This brake power booster provides smooth action, low pedal effort, and vastly increased clamping force than the original vacuum boost unit at a smaller size.
Enhanced Handling: Bilstein shocks and a comprehensive suspension rebuild with polyurethane bushings improve handling and provide a more responsive ride.
Aggressive Stance: Rocket Racing wheels wrapped in high-performance BF Goodrich tires provide a bold look and enhanced handling. The Diamondback Classics customized tires feature a period redline to adds a sporty touch of red.
Interior Upgrades:
Luxury Comfort: The interior received a complete overhaul. The seats were reupholstered in-house in luxurious Phantom Black leather with perforated inserts for breathability and contrasting blue stitching. New door panels, carpets, and a center console create a fresh and stylish atmosphere.
Modern Conveniences: A Vintage Air A/C system keeps the driver cool on hot days. A Zip Corvette radio with upgraded speakers provides entertainment. USB charging ports allow for convenient device charging. A Dakota Digital cruise control system was installed for added comfort on long drives, with Dakota Gauges keeping the driver up to speed.
Exterior Transformation:
Arrow-Straight Bodywork: The Corvette’s fiberglass body construction requires special techniques to repair and refinish, and the V8 Speed and Resto Shop performed extensive repairs and refinements to the body to improve fit and finish.
Show-Stopping Paint: The original paint job was replaced with a stunning custom blue chosen by the owner. A red-outlined metallic charcoal stripe enhances the deep blue body. The flawless finish and meticulous application make this Corvette a real head-turner.
Aggressive Stance: Rocket Racing wheels wrapped in high-performance BF Goodrich tires provide a bold look and enhanced handling. The Diamondback Classics customized tires feature a period redline to adds a sporty touch of red.
Functional Aesthetics: An L88 hood adds a touch of muscle car history, while functional upgrades like ceramic-coated headers and original Corvette-style side pipes sing the song of the 427.
Additional Details:
The car also received a complete wiring overhaul with a new battery and various electrical upgrades.
Many original parts were meticulously restored or replaced with high-quality reproduction parts, ensuring the car retains its classic character.
This meticulous restoration project by the V8 Speed and Resto Shop transformed a classic Corvette into a modern muscle car masterpiece. With its powerful engine, upgraded drivetrain, luxurious interior, and show-stopping paint job, this Corvette Roadster is ready to conquer the road in style and comfort.
Museum Piece For The Street
After completion, the V8 Speed and Resto Shop team was honored to have the ’69 Corvette Roadster invited to be part of an amazing multi-generational Corvette display at the Garage Automotive Museum in Salina, Kansas. The blue ’69 was right at home flanked by other outstanding Museum Corvettes, but this car is destined to be driven on the open roads of America.
Let’s Build Your Dream Ride
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team understands personally significant vehicles and the freedom they deliver. We can transform your existing ride, or design and craft a custom bespoke automobile tailored specifically for you. We invite you to contact us today to start the conversation.
Welcome to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop – Your Premier Destination for Muscle Car and Classic Car Restoration, Now in Our 20th Year!
Imagine the ultimate expression of your automotive passion. What features would make your car truly yours? Share your ideas with us, no matter how big or small. We’re experts in:
Complete Custom Builds: Bring your concept to life, from design idea to driving it home. Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, Customs, Trucks… we build them all.
Restorations: Breathe new life into a classic car.
Custom Modifications: Enhance your existing car with your unique vision.
And Everything In Between: We handle everything from mechanical upgrades to full custom interiors, paint, fabrication, engines, and more.
Weather you dream of rocketing down the road in a 1932 Ford Hot Rod, cruising the dark streets of town in a chopped 1950s kustom, banging through the gears in a hot Muscle Car, or showing that restored family heirloom classic car or truck, we’re here to make it happen for you.
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