Sunshine, open roads, and a wind-in-your-hair cruise – that’s the dream for any classic car enthusiast, and that’s exactly what the proud owner of this stunning 1972 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible has in mind. But before hitting the pavement, he entrusted the experts at V8 Speed and Resto Shop to whip this beauty into tip-top shape for the season.

This isn’t your average muscle car. The 1972 442 Convertible is a legend, a symbol of an era when cruising in style was king. And this particular example, with its sleek lines and open-air freedom, is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.

But even legends need a little TLC sometimes. That’s where our team of restoration specialists comes in. We’re taking a close look at every detail, ensuring this 442 looks and performs its best. Whether it’s a minor touch-up or a more in-depth repair, we’re dedicated to getting this classic ready to cruise.

But we’re not keeping all the fun to ourselves! We’ll be sharing every step of the process right here in our photo gallery. From the initial inspection to the final polish, you’ll get a front-row seat to see this 1972 beauty come back to life.

So buckle up, gearheads, and get ready for a journey down memory lane with a modern twist. We can’t wait to show you what this 442 Convertible looks like when it’s ready to hit the road – and maybe even give you a little inspiration for your own classic car project. What color would your ideal drop-top be? Share in the comments below!

Hot Wheels: Chevy Corvette Restomod Build: Custom ’64 Corvette C2 At The V8 Speed and Resto Shop

We’ve all wanted a full-size version of our favorite Hot Wheels car, and this custom 1964 Chevrolet Corvette built at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop makes that dream come true! The restomod Corvette build features custom paint, performance suspension upgrades from Global West, new disc brakes, and a Holley Sniper EFI system install on the Edelbrock 350 crate engine.

The Design

The main part of the project was repainting the Corvette in custom colors. The goal was to give the overall appearance of a full-size Hot Wheels car, a car that is fun to look at and drive! Custom C2 Corvettes can be controversial, as changing a C2 Corvette from original can hurt it’s collector car market value. However, this 1964 Corvette did not have it’s original engine any longer, and the exterior and interior had been changed from their original colors as well. This allowed for some freedom of expression to build a custom Corvette with a new paint job all it’s own.

Building The Corvette

This custom Corvette video features disassembling the corvette, repairing the fiberglass body, and a bit of Corvette C2 history. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop paint department repaints the Corvette in Ermine White, then lays out the 3 color custom stripe design. We mask off the stripes and custom paint the Corvette in our downdraft Blowtherm paint booth, and spray a final clear coat.

Watch The Build Video

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://goo.gl/RIkdDS

Our team had so much fun with this 1964 Corvette that we even built a 1:64th scale Hot Wheels version to match the full size car!

Let’s Build Your Dream

The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is as full service custom and restoration shop, complete with a full fabrication shop, body shop, paint shop, interior shop, and mechanical departments. We perform stock restorations and complete custom builds, and everything inbetween. LS Swaps, custom body mods, modern driveline swaps, custom interior, custom consoles, high quality custom paint, and dyno tuning are all available. Contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop today to see how we can make your custom, restomod, pro-touring, street rod, or performance truck build come to life!

1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
ENGINE:EDLEBROCK CRATE 350
SUSPENSION:GLOBAL WEST
FUEL INJECTION:HOLLEY TERMINATOR X
WHEELS:ROCKET RACING
BODY & PAINT:V8 SPEED AND RESTO

CONTACT THE V8 SPEED AND RESTO SHOP

817 S. Main Street
Red Bud, IL 62278
314.783.8325
https://www.v8speedshop.com/contact-us

Take A Desert Cruise in the Corvette! (Thanks to the owner for sharing this video!)

Custom 1964 Corvette Build Photos

#customcorvette #v8speedandresto #corvetterestoration

Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop with all your Classic or Muscle Car needs today!

817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278

V8 Speed and Resto Shop extends heartfelt gratitude to all those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. 🙏🎗️As we celebrate the Memorial Day weekend, let’s remember that without those who served and sacrificed, we would not have the  freedom to enjoy our way of life, or special vehicles that hold personal significance to us and our families.  May this weekend be filled with unforgettable rides and cherished memories.  ❤️🚗

#MemorialDayWeekend #Gratitude #HonorTheFallen #Freedom #V8SpeedAndResto

Picture this: The wind blowing your hair, the sun beaming down on your face, and the open road stretching out before you. There’s nothing quite like the exhilarating freedom of driving a cool  convertible on a beautiful sunny day! The engine rumbles as you navigate the curves, feeling the adrenaline coursing through your veins. The timeless design and power create an intoxicating blend of style and performance. It’s a harmonious dance of man and machine. So let the sun kiss your skin and the Corvette transport you to a place where driving becomes pure ecstasy. Embrace the sheer joy of the ride! 🌞🏎️💨

#ClassicCars #CorvetteLove #ConvertibleCruisin’

V8 Speed and Resto 🚘💨

They really ARE trying to restrict our access to performance parts and our freedom to build a race car. REALLY.

You may have heard of the RPM Act and the fight to protect our rights as racers and performance parts manufacturers. And although it may seem like the process is dragging to pass the RPM Act into law, every law proposed goes through a long series of reviews and approvals before landing on the President’s desk. This Performance Racing Industry video does a great job of comparing the lawmaking process with building a race car! Check it out:

The video mentions sending emails to your elected officials… and by clicking the link below, you can send a concise, pre-written letter in favor of the RPM Act requesting the continued support of your legislators. The website will automatically deliver the message to the right people, it really can’t be any easier. Click the link and join the cause today!

Share this with your racing friends and family!

The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Transforms a 1969 Corvette Roadster

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.

1969 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster Displayed at The Garage Museum

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.

TECH DATA - 1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ROADSTER

ENGINE:

Chevrolet ZZ427, 485 HP

TRANSMISSION:

Tremec TKX 5-Speed Manual from Modern Driveline

ENGINE MANAGEMENT:

Holley Terminator X EFI, 4-BBL Throttle Body

BRAKES:

Wilwood Calipers and Rotors, Hydratech Booster

WHEELS & TIRES:

Rocket Racing Attack Series, Diamondback Classics Custom Redline Tires

COLOR:

Custom Mix Deep Metallic Blue and Charcoal


INTERIOR:

Custom leather seat covers made at V8 Speed and Resto Shop Interior Shop.   Seat coolers and heaters added.    Vintage Air a/c, Custom Autosound bluetooth stereo, Rockford Fosgate speakers

RESTORATION PARTS:

Paragon Corvette

DESIGN:

1969 Chevrolet Corvette Build Photo Gallery