1969 Corvette LS3 Resto-mod Pro-touring

[@sharkamov]

The *Stingray* - In my humble view, the unequivocally most beautifully sculpted automotive body to _ever_ see the light of day! . . .

[@MrCytree]

I agree 100%

[@sharkamov]

@@MrCytree Two years later: *_Still_** the most beautiful [i.e. **_WIKD_** SEXY] vehicle ever built!!! . . .* 💓

[@enricom6651]

awesome car. mind blowing, you do beautiful work. we spoke today. Thanks for getting back to me

[@jefffawcett1626]

Absolute perfection! Beautiful car built to drive. Fantastic workmanship. Thanks for sharing!

[@gustavobetancourt3634]

Hi can you give me the name or phone number of the company that the did the door poppers

[@grwiggy]

I figured out my own design on putting those in and being able to still use the regular handles. The solenoids I used were universal from a company called Auto-loc

[@stevekalas4943]

ABSOLUTELY…………………………………… STUNNING.

[@scannell1986]

From the the UK mate... Just an amazing car and you are to be applauded to have created such a thing of beauty and desire... certainly turns my head... Cheers

[@ltv..123]

Nice work! The design thoughts are evident. Well executed. Ahh….the cars of my youth………

[@l.b.stringfellow2413]

One of the nicest most complete builds I have seen. Well done !

[@steely_Bob]

The most beautiful 69 vette I have ever seen! I’d love to do the same to my 73.

[@GamerNation720]

I have to say for someone with only 1.29k subscribers you have really impressed me with your video quality from the angles/shots as well as the commentary and sound quality. Really nicely produced video and the vette is beautiful.

[@grwiggy]

Thank you. I’m currently working on a 78 c-10 custom and a pro touring style 66 mustang convertible

[@chaff5]

I'd just be too scared to drive this thing anywhere. It's too beautiful.

[@rickjones2985]

Great looking Corvette , awesome job building it !!!

[@nurobert]

It’s a masterpiece, beautifully done man

[@grwiggy]

Roberto Nunez Thank you. I’m just finishing up on a 72 c-10 pickup right now, and have a mustang convertible and a challenger waiting in the wings

[@deborahchesser7375]

Gary Wiggins damn, I wish my schedule looked like that. I haven’t raised a wrench in anger for a while LOL, super nice car.

[@grwiggy]

Deborah chesser thanks for the kind comments.

[@jamesjones4309]

No other American car can top a Corvette.

[@nikegirl1]

That is my dream car and has been all my life. You have yourself a absolute beauty there.. Thank you for sharing!

[@gregamerson9172]

Man that's AWESOME I'd give eye teeth n a couple of fingers to have something like that. I had a stock 69 427-390 in 75

[@bodieb.1239]

CRAZY BEAUTIFUL Lots of detail but so simple.

[@keyser_sozeevil_genius1152]

What’s a BEAUTIFUL ride!😎👍🏼

[@seth5676]

I love my c4 corvette, but this thing puts my vette to shame. This is more than a corvette, this is art

[@LTJohn]

For that beautiful Corvette to not get any awards is a crime in itself! Absolutely amazing Corvette!! ♥️😎👍

[@TheTaxreliever]

Kinda what I was thinking also.

[@RGH5760]

That’s one beautiful Corvette, absolutely stunning!

[@simpsoncharles]

Thanks for sharing. My Dad has a 1968 Corvette that I will start restoring soon. Will be using your videos/info while working on it.

[@grwiggy]

Feel free to contact me , I’m always willing to help other gearheads . 208-703-1378

[@deborahchesser7375]

Looks like a model kit it’s so perfect, wow.

[@scottmcbride2237]

Gorgeous car. Your love for what you do diffenitly shows. I want one just like it but in a manual. Lol. Awesome work man.

[@SurfCityAmpRoom1]

Good Job I have done my 71 went with the 383 stroker motor 430 hp to keep the stock look.

[@ssdtrain1]

I like how you painted the side moldings black, looks very sleek >:}

[@shagboys2251]

That's awesome. Great year car for a LS motor. I think 1969 was the best year for C3s.

[@dave1uofm]

Wow! I love mine but that is a whole other level 👍Great Job!!

[@KVX21]

Nice Build. Looking now for a 69 convertible actually same car LOL.. Nice Job man, hold onto it and enjoy it.

[@grwiggy]

It’s for sale still if you know anyone looking

[@gregamerson9172]

​@grwiggy is it still for sale?? What's yr price

[@peterzeboroff7448]

This is a absolutely beautiful work of art and engineering.

[@joep6727]

Gonna dream about this car tonite!!!!!!!!!! Great build buddy, car is awesome................................

[@westtexan2263]

When you can you do one for me!? You did say you just build them for fun right. That is one slick ride. You must have been at a very high end car show for that not to have won an award.

[@grwiggy]

West Texan you have to get in line.... I am currently working on a pro-touring style 1965 mustang convertible which is in bare steel and still fabbing a few things, a 1979 Challenger that is painted black and waiting for assembly and it’s 600hp 440, and lastly a 1978 Square body that I’m building for my kitchen contractor. It’s all painted and in the assembly and wiring process now .

[@grwiggy]

The corvette is now for sale at $125,000

[@77Victory1]

beautiful work

[@wilyumfalcon4802]

Same here I bought a 68 back in 79 for 5200 painted Indian red. I believe Porsche changed the name to guards red.

[@torstenvonrk4553]

Traumhaft wunderschöne C3. Bin echt begeistert. Immer gute Fahrt - unfallfrei . Grüße aus Lübeck, Deutschland. Torsten. ps. Genauso steht ein Modell bei mir (1:18) . Herrlich.

[@grwiggy]

Hallo Torsten, vielen Dank für die freundlichen Worte. Ich habe viele Autos, die ich gebaut habe, um Wermelskirchen in Deutschland zu fahren. Vielleicht treffen wir uns eines Tages dort. Gary.

[@torstenvonrk4553]

@@grwiggy waauuuu,das wäre ja spitze. Hoffentlich klappt das mal. Alleine die Vorstellung das wir uns dann treffen und über Autos ,besonders Corvette,reden - aufregend. Ich bin oft auf Auto Treffen , Oldtimer Veranstaltungen und alles in der Art. Und die amerikanischen V8 Motoren - der Klang ist Musik in meinen Ohren ( fast besser wie Sex ,lach ). Dann hoffe ich mal das Beste. Viele Grüße in die Staaten aus Old Germany 🇩🇪. Torsten. ps. Übrigens, Dankeschön das Du Dich gemeldet hast und auch sooo schnell.

[@grwiggy]

Ich bin froh, dass Sie das Auto mögen. Es war ein zweijähriger Bau und stellte sich als sehr schön heraus. Mein Freund Gunter hat drei andere Autos, die ich gebaut habe. Zwei davon sind Korvetten. ein "Split Window" von 1963 und ein Rennwagen von 1966. Er nimmt an vielen Rallyes teil, vielleicht haben Sie sie gesehen. Vielen Dank für das Anschauen der Videos, ich hoffe, Sie haben frohe Weihnachten und einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr.

[@torstenvonrk4553]

@@grwiggy ich liebe Corvettes - Ferrari, egal , Lamborghini,egal - ich liebe Corvette , Camaro ect ( nur Mustang ist nicht so "mein "Auto". Leider werde ich mir keine Corvette leisten können ( schon gar nicht solche hübsche wie Deine Corvette) . Alles Gute und noch viel Spaß, beste Grüße aus Lübeck, Torsten 👍🏻

[@woodsbodywork]

Awesome car like all the extras you did on it thanks for sharing 👍🙂

[@russellmann8297]

Beautiful job, excellent work!

[@GTSCarLife]

Wow, not typically my type of car, but beautifully done and a real stunner! Nice work.

[@ronbranum4134]

Minus the flared fenders magnificent....

[@gsmith207]

Friggin Minty freash! Lovin this ‘69! Wicked bud! License plate pretty much says it all! Gotta be at least 1/2 Maine’ah to have that plate or close to the border if you will…

[@TheTaxreliever]

Beautiful....great taste all around.

[@ericthompson2544]

Very nice build love it!

[@billyruben116]

Super nice. I love it!

[@Avenarius2906]

Very nice & cool Vette !!! 😎👍🏼

[@jh5881]

Perfect execution....very well done.

[@rod750]

At the end of the video: waves bye bye "see you in a week!" Wow that is a nice car!

[@zakspop]

Nice! Definitely a 6 figure build.

[@SonPham-kj3gm]

speechless. bravo to an awesome build.

[@daviddrew7852]

Some say the E-Type Jaguar is the most beautiful car ever made. For my money it's the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. The clean but curvaceous lines cut it for me.

[@Aquablue62]

I’d say they’re beautiful in their own ways. The E-Type has a more elegant look where as the Stingray has more of a sporty and fast look to it. Personally I’d say the 250 GTO or the 250 GT California is the most beautiful

[@white-dragon4424]

The C3 is certainly one of the best looking cars ever, especially when customised like this one.

[@nomotalkin1]

Maaannnn. This thing is NASTY! Flawless. 👍🏽

[@grwiggy]

nomotalkin1 Thanks , it was quite the project. Took about 3 years but one year was wasted while my buddy who did the bodywork was getting a divorce

[@billymania11]

I'm not into restomods but since the car was a basketcase it makes sense to do what you did. I'd like to see what you could do with a street-survivor Covette. Similar to how the Air Force pulls a B-52 out of the boneyard. They recondition the airframe, replace worn parts and bring the aircraft back to operational status. The plane doesn't look new but carries it patina with pride.

[@grwiggy]

It’s all just time and money. Problem with doing a factory style rebuild is it’s super expensive, and no one really likes driving. Slow, poor handling , bad braking car . You can’t get anywhere near your costs out of them unless it’s some one off factory hi end car.

[@joevette6294]

Love that 69 vette with 70-73 exhaust pipes!! its like the factory should have built those 69 with rectangular chrome tips!!!!!!!

[@pascalmx8141]

wow show the process your work men and again wow

[@mikehatch1967]

The channel will grow and be pretty quickly

[@tedshort6260]

C3s are my favorite and i can appreciate the all original cars but if its something so valuable that you are scared to drive it then I'll leave it for the purest car people. This car here is beautiful and the kind of corvette i would want if I ever won the lotto.

[@grwiggy]

Thank you for the kind comments. Look me up if you win big !!

[@RickOregon]

I want that in Riverside Gold!

[@pamdunn8454]

amazing car why the 70 -72 exhaust tips ?

[@grwiggy]

Well the owner didn’t want side pipes and she thought that the rectangle tips were way cooler than the 69 round ones. Can’t say I disagree with her, these are much more attractive.

[@pamdunn8454]

i wouldn't say attractive aggressive yes and does fit the wide body "it's a beautiful car for sure , we have a 69 convertible 2 tops 4 speed A/C owned for 43 years for sale , maybe your next build ? were subscribed now

[@grwiggy]

@@pamdunn8454 haven’t done a video for the last build, it was a 1978 c-10 that turned out amazing . Right now doing a 1974 bronco that should be awesome. Reach out to me, always looking for new projects

[@pamdunn8454]

we can send pictures of the 69 corvette if you like ?

[@grwiggy]

@@pamdunn8454 my email is [e-mail]

[@troygaskins2082]

Great work

[@Mr.Frost181]

This car to damn clean not to win a award 😍😍😍😍😍

[@haromaster6086]

What a dream piece. 🔥🔥

[@jmurf7637]

Love the car, looks perfect except the seats look to high I would of trimmed the headrests a few inches. Amazing car!

[@grwiggy]

J Murf remember the car was built for someone under 5 feet tall! The seats are in a high position. They can be lowered when the car is being shown.

[@thuroB30]

OMG!!! A work of art!!!!!

[@robertzajkowski3627]

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!

[@tag_76]

Very cool car indeed!

[@peterfoxwell5198]

U did an Amazing job on the car. What year Corvette seats did u put in? Only one thing I would ad. Replace the two taillights with the backup lamps in them . Replace them with the factory all red taillights and make all 4 come on when u hit the brakes. Are those custom wheel flares? They seem to fit the car better than the normal L88 flares.

[@wilyumfalcon4802]

Hi is the color Indian red. Thank you I had a 68 same look

[@grwiggy]

The color is Corvette Torch red

[@wilyumfalcon4802]

@@grwiggy thanks

[@thmsvrgs]

Did you have to modify the transmission tunnel/center console or modify the transmission support beam?

[@grwiggy]

The tunnel only had to be modified slightly. A few tabs had to be removed and a little grinding. The crossmember is a full custom piece to help clear the exhaust as well .

[@rjensen6368]

Very nice n clean build. I like the camera system, where can it be purchased? Thanks

[@grwiggy]

Any high end audio shop should carry them. The brand I used is call “Rostra”. I just recently did one in a 78 c10 I just built as well

[@raypowers3145]

Beautiful car !!!! Do you have photos before , during, and after the car was done .

[@Dapowerranger]

Beautiful how hard was it to put the c5 seats

[@grwiggy]

@@Dapowerranger Not too bad. I had to fab my own seat brackets to bolt to the floor and the seat. Made them out of 1/4 plate .

[@rockystallone3925]

@Gary awesome video! Where is a good place to buy an LS3 motor?

[@grwiggy]

I bought this one from summit racing and it worked out perfect.

[@strongpimp85]

Did you have to make any modifications or alterations to make the C5 seats fit?

[@grwiggy]

Where do I start . Had to modify the floor pan a bit, built new seat brackets, made under body bolt supports , modifified the seat belt points. But it turned out awesome. Car is currently for sale

[@BA-nm3su]

Wow that's a beauty !!!

[@psulse]

Very nice 👍...

[@Stevo4517]

Can you provide the information/manufacturer on the rear view mirror? Thanks

[@grwiggy]

This particular system comes from a company called "Rostra" its a 7 inch lcd with the optional blind spot camera system installed on the nose of the car. While it wasn't hard, it did have its issues.

[@Stevo4517]

@grwiggy Thanks for the info, Gary. I think I like that one better for classic cars (compared to Wolfbox).

[@markmoody5624]

Love the car! Absolutely gorgeous! Can't believe you didn't get a trophy 🏆! Can I ask what it would cost someone that wanted to have this done for themselves by you or another builder. Basically, what's the car cost someone to own? Thank you

[@grwiggy]

it’s over $140,000 just in parts and paint job and then building it is about another 40k and that’s at my ridiculous low labor rate.

[@markmoody5624]

@@grwiggy ouch! Guess I'll never get one! Lol.. Still, beatiful piece of work.

[@roelrivera2782]

Beautiful car!! You said it was PPG Torch Red, from what year?

[@docdevin1]

Love it!! I was looking at videos trying to get an idea how much it would cost to build one similar. Now I am just wondering how soon you could have me one, LOL! I would love to pick your brain but if I called you I would have so many questions you would want to block me before the next call. Would you answer a text message as you had time?

[@grwiggy]

You can call me anytime

[@grwiggy]

The corvette is now for sale at $125,000

[@CorvettesandCassicCars]

Nice Car

[@lionelvillahermosa653]

Excellent beautiful amazing sublime inmortal the corvette stingray Rules.

[@sturodrive]

With the door poppers, are you still able to use the door handle and the key or key fob as normal?

[@grwiggy]

Yes, I set them up so that they only actuate part of the system, but there is still enough slack in the activating cable that you can manually operate the door handles. The key locks and the interior lock knobs still work as well.

[@derrickis]

Curious, what appropriately would this car cost to buy as it sits?

[@grwiggy]

As it sits, the parts bill alone was over $120k. Not including any labor to build the car. I could build another one for around $160. Literally every part is new on the car. Oh and by the way our curbs are rounded, so no danger at all of curbing the wheel.

[@derrickis]

@@grwiggy thank you Gary! Looks worth every Penny! The more I look at it the more I realize this is about as close to my personal Grail car as I have seen! Love it, beautiful work on every part of this car!

[@Jessie.Doucette]

Beautiful car very nice job. I’m going to be starting an ls swap on a c3 soon just wondering if you had any major obstacles when putting the ls motor in. Thanks.

[@grwiggy]

Well Jessie, it’s a long story. If you want to call me next week when I’m back from vacation we can discuss it.

[@glennlandry7714]

Very nice!

[@shagboys2251]

Did you have to modify the body or frame to fit the LS motor ?

[@grwiggy]

I didn’t have to make any mods to make it physically fit, but there are a lot of little modifications that have to be done for all the ancillary stuff to fit like heater hoses, power steering, exhaust even the radiator hoses

[@shagboys2251]

@@grwiggy OK, thanks. I am considering doing one in the future. You did a great job

[@afeedaiyan2235]

Absolutely gorgeous. How much does a project like this cost?

[@grwiggy]

Afee Daiyan it’s over $140,000 just in parts and paint job and then building it is about another 40k and that’s at my ridiculous low labor rate.

[@derrickis]

Did anyone else CRINGE at the last minute whale he was backing the car up and turned within 1/2 inch of curbing that front passenger wheel??????😮 Beautiful car by the way!!!!

[@nationalautobrokers1946]

Hi Gary do you build these cars for customers?

[@grwiggy]

Yes, I do. I’m currently finishing a custom 78 c-10.

[@grwiggy]

The corvette is currently for sale at $125,000

[@Daisuke_motogalerie]

What would you say is the cost of a vette with mods like that? 100k? More? Less?

[@grwiggy]

I posted that a few times now. Parts and paint were about $140,000 and that doesn’t include any labor charge to build it.

[@grwiggy]

The car is for sale for $125,000

[@mirage2991]

Great car! I have a 68 convertible pro street turbo 5.3, same color ! What did you do for the wiper door actuation? I see you don't have the vacc can on there...That is one of the last thing I need to do on mine (I have the vacc can but I might build something using a mazda elec actuator like for the headlights)

[@grwiggy]

Mirage2991 I wound up using the kit from Detroit Speed. It’s expensive but it absolutely cleans up the firewall and works really well. Not too difficult to install but does require that you remove everything and re-do the wiper linkage system

[@chrisholden7575]

What bumpers did you go with? Brand?

[@grwiggy]

these were factory bumpers, re-finished and re-plated.

[@richardbawls9978]

What would that rear view mirror be called? If I were to get one

[@grwiggy]

The company that makes it is named Rostra. They make all kinds of automotive electronics

[@holaadrian96]

Where can i get that LCD rearview mirror with camera?

[@grwiggy]

I purchased the ones I use from my local custom stereo shop. They are made by a company called “Rostra”. I think you can buy them off of Amazon as well.

[@rarebreed6703]

Awesome!!!

[@NoName-fw8ts]

AWESOME my man! Beautiful work! My dream one day. I have one question..were you able to get all the creeks and noise out that is prone to Chevrolets?

[@voodoo7863]

I know this is probably three years too late, but can you remember what steering wheel this is?

[@grwiggy]

I have a full pdf file of every part purchased for the car. I can tell you later later this week when I get back home

[@voodoo7863]

@@grwiggy wow thank you

[@voodoo7863]

@@grwiggy Is there an email address or something i can contact you on so that i can get a copy of that PDF when you have time.

[@grwiggy]

I checked the file, and that steering wheel came from Paragon corvettes. It was part number 15833-Blk. It’s a thicker rim than normal and is very comfortable. Cost around $120

[@randelclawson7695]

Does that exhaust not drag on speed bumps?

[@grwiggy]

Randel Clawson not at all, the lowest point is inline with the axle so it clears driveways and speed bumps. But that’s not to say that it is low and you have to be careful .

[@randelclawson7695]

@@grwiggy Thanks for the info, I just picked up a '71 and have been watching a lot of videos for inspiration and tips.

[@grwiggy]

Randel Clawson well the ls swap makes awesome hp, but it is not a cheap project in a c3 because of the tight packaging. Have to buy lots of specialty ($$$$$$) parts

[@randelclawson7695]

@@grwiggy Owner Operator truck driver so cash won't be an issue thankfully but appreciate the warning.

[@madfemurfast]

Bravo. Wow.

[@americanheritageperformance]

Do you have a link to the rear view mirror parking camera kit you purchase?

[@grwiggy]

American Heritage I don’t have a link, but the company is called Rostra.

[@americanheritageperformance]

@@grwiggy awesome thank you. Do you happen to remember the model number? Looking on their site it looks like they make a few

[@grwiggy]

2508273 is the lcd mirror screen I got and then I bought the blind spot camera kit and used it for the left and right front views. I used the standard plate frame rear view camera from them as well for a title of three cameras

[@americanheritageperformance]

@@grwiggy awesome thank you sir

[@calebios4886]

Can I get the name of those fender flares please

[@grwiggy]

The fenders came from a company called Custom Image Corvettes. The owners name is Josh. The are not super easy to put on since they are full replacements and must be installed at the bonding strips.

[@victorxavier9977]

Awsome car I love everything you did on the car where is your shop located?

[@grwiggy]

Victor Xavier I’m in Boise Idaho

[@grwiggy]

The car is for sale now.

[@PabloHoney520]

Wow! What a car! I’d love a ‘Vette like that here in the UK. I’m guessing the cost would be astronomical?

[@grwiggy]

I’ve built three cars that are now in Germany and yes they are expensive.

[@grwiggy]

The Corvette is for sale if your interested.

[@pablohoney52]

What are we talking £?

[@grwiggy]

@@pablohoney52 $125,000 usd

[@pablohoney52]

@@grwiggy man, if I had that kinda change, I’d buy it! I’ll have to make do with my old C6.

[@jarrettslee1]

I’ve been researching a rear view with a back up camera. Can you pls give the make of the one you installed? Was it an easy installation ?

[@grwiggy]

This particular system comes from a company called "Rostra" its a 7 inch lcd with the optional blind spot camera system installed on the nose of the car. While it wasn't hard, it did have its issues. if you have any particular questions, call me its easier than typing,

[@jarrettslee1]

Thanks Gary