I bought this 1954 Corvette and DIDN'T EXPECT THIS!

[@jameshuffman835]

I don't see any vacuum gauge set up! Gotta sinc the carbs

[@DGillyy]

Agreed. It's really hard to do by ear. With a couple carbs and a quiet engine, someone with a lot of experience with multiple carbs might be able to dial it in. Even the most experienced would probably rather trust a carb balancer than their ears. They're cheap. They don't have to be extremely accurate, they just need to be balanced.

[@jameshuffman835]

@@DGillyycrap, I carry two vacuum gauge kits in the Jeep! I've been tunning allot of VW's lately! I'm very good at what I do, I can get them close by ear and plug reading, but I'm older and wiser know and when I put my reputation on the line, I us proper equipment now! Heck I just broke down and bought a new timing light! No more old-school neon!

[@Thedavidsavage]

Sync

[@jameshuffman835]

@@Thedavidsavage synchronize

[@jameshuffman835]

Is that better!?

[@BudBarnesCarGuy]

In 31 years of owning E54S002026, I found that the right plug heat range and correct float level made all the difference. Get it running on the center carb only, then introduce the front and rear using a manometer to adjust the airflow, then the mixture.

[@mauricedelarosa6940]

I gotta say, I've had absolutely zero interest in the '53-'54 Corvettes. The styling never really appealed to me and the 6 cylinder and 2 speed Powerglide just wasn't anything to get excited about. But then, I'd never really been inside one or really been near one before - until I saw your video. More than anything, I think it must be the unique color, but that car is gorgeous! The windshield and windshield frame, the gauges, the cool inner door panel detail with the knob for a door latch release, and that stunning rear license plate housing with plexiglass cover. Just watching you cruise in the mountains in the last few seconds of the video and it started to click: gorgeous styling and bodywork, stunning color, top-down convertible, and those seats look so comfortable and inviting. Suddenly I didn't care that it didn't have a 4 or 5 speed and a small block Chevy. What a beautiful cruiser. Well bought!

[@winggullseagull1230]

Neither did the public in 1953 & 54 the '55's still failed to hit the mark with the sports car fans. I was a kid in the '60's & I never saw any of the first 3 years but I did see a lot of 'the 56's & '57's up to the 62 Corvettes. They looked much better with a better body style.

[@z512345]

Back in 1955, my aunt bought a white 1954 Corvette.I was only 7. I loved that car. She would bring it to my house so I could wash it, then she would take me for a ride, the highlight of my childhood. When I was able to drive she would let me take out for rides. Well some 65 or so years later and some 40 Corvettes later I still have the addiction. I now own a 2011 Grand Sport with 28k on the clock. Could probably be my last one. Vettes for ever!

[@opera93]

Thanks, great story, etc. Interestingly, my Great Aunt’s Daughter (lived in S BEND , INDIANA)traded her STUDEBAKER HAWK(a funny green Color!) for a 1957 POrt hole,TBIRD approx 1957(* ..? , my Memory only) as I was approx 10-11 years old, & just becoming Vehicle Nut…an appalling trade fir us Studebaker nuts.

[@jameshuffman835]

Seeing Matt out of his comfort zone and getting help is cool!❤

[@bluezhawg2104]

Leaning over the fender with little to no protection made me shudder. Then holding parts over the fender with a screwdriver in hand left me speechless. You guys are truly risk averse. Great looking Vette.

[@geraldscott4302]

Driving it on a gravel road and bouncing the door open like that is what bothered me. The attachment point where Corvette door hinges attach to the birdcage are not very strong.

[@moverplus2853]

Their car I drive my 59 in the snow

[@colehara]

​@@geraldscott4302 Yeah, bouncing that door open caught my eye as well. A friend of mine does that when he gets out of my car. I have to remind him not to do that every time we go somewhere.

[@sprezzatura8755]

My thoughts exactly. They're wondering what to do next and I'm thinking "protect that fender!"

[@KevinJames-yg9eu]

@@geraldscott4302 What birdcage? C1s just have some steel braces and reinforcements, not a complete metal body structure like later generations.

[@seather863]

Its amazing how hotter plugs can make that much of a difference. Great job Ken!

[@Biokemist-o3k]

It is actually the condenser that is bad. That is the exact symptoms.

[@malcolmellis2976]

nine out of ten times the reason your chainsaw won't start is the spark plug..I always start there

[@stevemitz4740]

@@malcolmellis2976 Closing the gap can help a sick plug!

[@jgunther3398]

@@stevemitz4740 yes, as an emergency measure. it can help it fire through the gunk

[@pauljanssen7594]

I've rebuilt over 1,000 carburetors one of my most favorite things to do. My next favorite is making distributor run like brand new. With a very good set of points, condenser and I love getting those valves adjusted perfectly.

[@KG5RK]

I am olde school. I have also rebuilt a few carbs and distributors. I used a vacuum gauge and check compression to assess engine quality before I tear into repairs, perhaps they just didn't show that part of the process. That distributor probably needs NEW bushings. Better still , a Pertronix unit will make it ALL better, and it is hidden inside the distributor. Just my $.02

[@donjordan8174]

Wow 69 years old and have never seen this model style Corvette…. Thanks for sharing

[@mapleholler9800]

In 1956-57, my dad bought a wrecked '54 Vette. He had worked with fiberglass in the Army in 1950 and loved it. He took measurements from the right rear quarter panel, to rebuild the left, which had been trashed. He used plaster over chicken wire to build a foundation and then kept adding and shaping, to build up the panel. Then he laid up fiberglass over it, to create a mold. That was then used to lay up the new panel inside. It was a beautiful job. He loved that car and the Blue Flame 6 with the 3 deuces. I was 5 yo, when he and Mom took me on vacation in that car. I rode the console from Bedford Pa. to Jamestown Va....and back. I hated that car with a passion and once home, I made sure they knew I was never going on vacation again. Dad had sold a '32 Ford to buy chrome for the Vette and then sold the Vette to pay off tools in his shop. He always said he'd give his left nut, to have that car back. The guy he sold it to, totaled it a short time after buying it. I now appreciate how beautiful it was and all the work he put into it. But at the time, my a$$ hated it. Some of my fondest memories though, are walking into his garage to the smell of fresh resin. He made quite a few things over the years....some for others and some for himself. If it was something for himself (like an overhead console for his '86 Dodge pickup), he'd bust up the mold after, because he wanted to have the only one. But, I still have that mold for the Corvette up in the eaves of my garage. I like to look at it once in a while. Even after 23 years, I'll see something I know he'd like and immediately think that I have to remember to tell him. Miss you Pop.

[@kevinhorne9643]

Compression test, unisyn carb synchronizer to get those three working together. Vacuum leaks? Borescope-ectomy? I'm at 7:19 in valve adjustments?

[@terrypack7537]

This car is as old as I am . Nice to see it going down the road, l know I still do . Love it !!!!

[@timmyc7898]

Bikes are awesome, but cars can be contagious once your behind the wheel. And that car is easy too fall in Love with. 😊 Thx for sharing!

[@garyseavolt7990]

Awesome to see the video! I was at the museum when you guys were working on it!

[@motorcyclemensch]

Congratulations Matt!!! I know the feeling you had while driving the Corvette!! I have a 1970 triumph spitfire and a Saab 9-3 Viggen convertible! I’m still a motorcycle guy but those convertibles are so fun to drive!!!

[@sixwingsram]

Wow my favorite Vet. So awesome. 1953-54 vets were the best IMHO. Thanks for this episode⭐

[@BobDeneault]

Matt, nice find. My daughter bought one at BJ Scottsdale in 2018. She loves it. We work on it together not far from you in NC. It’s a challenge! I have experienced much of what you are going through and learned a lot. I’ll leave my number at the museum and we can talk.

[@kenwalz7231]

Seems like the perfect classic car for you...and it runs on Harley plugs! You are doing a great job taking over from your Dad. It is amazing how much alike you two are in abilities and personalities.. Good Job.. Dale must be proud!

[@stevekeithley8409]

WOW! Beautiful car. I have 3 open Corvettes and love them. You are so lucky - that car should have cost a lot of money.

[@bd94s10]

Matt, this is awesome. I am a ‘60s Lincoln guy but love these mid century cars. Hey I was the guy you gave a ride on the sidecar to back in April when I was there for Mini Nats. I bought some merchandise in the store to say thanks and I just wanted to say I appreciate you keeping the legacy going there. 🫡

[@edb5956]

Totally awesome, thank you for sharing!! I've got just one simple suggestion, that is, when working under hood please place a protection mat on the fender you are leaning on.

[@kevinbarrett9615]

I am a car guy and this is a classic of classics !

[@bobg1219]

If the car sat for any extended period of time the fuel may be a little issue also,drain and completely new fuel would rule that out!

[@shumphrey9121]

Back in the 60's I learned "spark plug reading" and just hearing it run and diagnosing... as part working on an car. Could hear the plugs missing in video (because to cold. No electronics or codes back then. And yes, need to set up carbs as others described. VERY cool Vette. Keep it for ever !

[@brucesahroian1482]

What a beautiful car!! I did the opposite!! Sold all my collector cars and bought a new C-8!! LOVE THAT CAR!!

[@mikethompson8707]

Great video! The end was perfect. Even bike guys can be car guys.

[@khb3892]

Beautiful Corvette Matt. Congratulations

[@PaisleyPatchouli]

What a vehicle! But more important, what a friend! :)

[@James-j4l2y]

My neighbor has a '64 Corvette. He replaced the 235 with a 261 and built it up. So far it runs good and no problems. Using side draft Weber carb's too.

[@richardwendt4612]

You mean 1954?

[@James-j4l2y]

Yes. Fat fingers.

[@jamesglavich1426]

I always thought Chevrolet should have built the car with the 261 engine. They did use the 261 cam, although it was a truck profile for torque, some three or so years later the Canadian Pontiacs base model had a 261 as a base engine. I think that was the only 261 that was factory built with hydraulic lifters. In the Corvette the 261 probably would have been rated at around 180 hp, but a higher lift cam would have helped push that higher.

[@justinkeller9187]

Exciting video. I love watching you guys living the dream.

[@Demo12345]

Something I would like to see you do is have a series where you talk about old time mechanic tips and tricks. Talk about what old timer mechanics would do for fixing things and diagnosing things and quirks of different engines. Such as talcum powder when you're putting inner tubes in tires, using Vaseline as assembly lube for engines and such, talking about how certain older Indian motors would need different temperature plugs for each cylinder because of how their cooling was, heck even how motors from way back when didn't have the same tolerances as modern engines and even certain tractor engines were made to be able to be fixed by a couple of farmers in a field with simple hand tools and whatever they could get their hands on. I'm fairly certain if any place would be able to get this info gathered and talked about, it would be here with this channel.

[@johnnylightning1491]

Matt, I don't think we need to worry about you becoming a car guy although that 54 is really cool. You have too much motorcycle in your blood but ain't nuttin' wrong with having a coo ride if you don't want to take a bike. Keep the good stuff coming buddy and get back to work on one of your really cool bikes.

[@aaronkelly2439]

Nothing wrong with being a car guy! Shoot, I'm a car guy that has never had a motorcycle, subscribed to a motorcycle channel! Great content as always.

[@JasonAlexander-uz4ns]

This is what classics are about. I really enjoyed this video 👍

[@m.cigledy6769]

At 4:27 you mentioned that the straight 6 engine was only available for 2 years, which is incorrect. In 1955, the straight 6 was standard, and the new V8 was available as an option. Almost everyone realized that the V8 was worth the $135 extra. That is about$1,500 today. Only seven 1955 Corvettes came with the straight 6. Weirdly, the AM only radio cost more than the engine upgrade ($145.15).

[@genehart261]

'53 and '54 were the best Corvettes ever. My old boss had a '53 and I got to rebuild the carbs on company time!

[@Olle-555]

So now you are a "car guy" 😅😂. Good for you 😊. I'm thrilled to see more of this. I like the old Corvettes as well. I guess you haven't synced too many carbs in your life 😂

[@braamvorster8249]

Wow, mán, what a nice looking car!

[@kickit59]

Wow that Corvette is really cool! I am glad you got it running better.

[@bjs4291]

Wow - what an expected find for you. Lots of fun to be had in that car!

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

You guy's weren't too far from my neck of the wood's. Great find. Beautiful ride.

[@micksterboone4517]

Lots of us bike guys are car guys as well. No shame in that, especially if you're rockin' a '54 'Vette.

[@stensballe3683]

wow that red is beautiful. kept out of the sun 👍

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

any machine you put your hands on = IS ALWAYS BETTER ! = thank you master cycle mechanic .

[@nathanbopp6163]

Nice. Too many wheels or not, ya can't go wrong with that beauty

[@sneakysgarage2412]

Nice, enjoy it with the family .

[@markwitkowski6418]

Nice ride Matt,not a 54 Panhead,but a very important car in American history.Enjoy it Matt,once the bugs are gone,that Corvette will be a joy to drive.

[@TaylorHomeCare]

Haha I love Ken. I'd love to work at wheels through time. You are all amazing and this has to be the coolest place on God's green earth

[@Wooley689]

That car fits in just right for the museum in my opinion.

[@outdoorfreedom9778]

With those carbs you really need a Vacuum gauge gage and there are books that will show you the timing and plug type. I love the old ones but they like to have everything set correctly.

[@brianellison3525]

Sweet find. I'm glad this gem fell in your lap, it'll be taken care of. A lot of us old bikers out here on the peninsula NW WA are starting to collect some rods and vintage classics. My partner and I just went and traded a flatside shove in a duoglide chassis for a 1925 Dodge Brothers Doctors Coupe. And I'm half way through a 29 chevy one ton dually. (Cab swapped 1 ton toyota motorhome chassis with custom bed) just a toy to build to have something different. You can be a true biker and still find the love and appreciation of some cool four wheel contraptions too. Be well and have fun.

[@danielcombs3048]

Score Matt. Nice to know you and your Pops are Big C- series enthusiast's. Just sold a C-3 last month. Went through it from radiator core support to new muffler tips and taillights. And everything in between. Next to my HD Ridged EVO Trike. Inspired by Dale's. There's nothing else I would rather work on than my formula designed C-4. Hand crafted machine's all the way. No cookie cutters. Bar and shield And Bowties all the way 🇺🇸🗽🥧

[@demenACE]

When I was working as a mechanic, we would get a car in that was flooding so bad. Once you see the black spark plugs you know that once you get it running good you would have to drive the soot out of the cylinders. 20 to 50 miles. Then it would run "normal". Good find Dale!

[@buellfan8854]

Nice looking vette. I seen it in person this past Saturday when I come to visit.

[@michaelkrysiak5282]

"Back in the day" at real service stations, swapping plugs for different heat ratings were common Saturday morning jobs. Customers coming in and requesting a new set of plugs "With little more Heat" I think many of the real problems were things like what you found in the distributor bearings. Old vintage car and vintage bike, living the dream...s You'll need to do a follow-up on your "Car Guy" transformation

[@thejackofalltravels8267]

Saw a 53 when I was 18 what a car

[@toddricketts9498]

Great addition Matt enjoy your new ride

[@orsonwells7997]

Local corvette mechanic pulled out in front of me one day driving one of those. I was impressed how much those six cylinders had for acceleration. Was also equally impressed with the amount of carbon blowing out the back end.

[@randallfrank5682]

Lucky find, enjoy it and drive it with pride.

[@jimilite]

Loved this episode..... Love that car, I love bikes too. Old and cool is what I like... and that was definitely cool. Enjoy your toy, love it.

[@quagmiredavis4117]

Marvel mystery oil helps keeping everything from sticking and premium fuel And drive it just needs exercise 😊 thanks for sharing

[@mwyatt222]

l worked for a collector/broker that had 20-30 cars at any time. He has a 62' 327 4speed convertible. l loved that car. So much fun to drive. l remember how tiny it felt. The wheel is in your lap.

[@robertcribb3859]

New plug wires , new distributor cap and I think a distributor out of an early 192 or 194 inline 6 will work to get rid of the slop in that bushing if you can't find a bushing but it's definitely a Beautiful car

[@thepolkster46]

the 235/261 distributor will not interchange with the later engines, the advance on the "Stovebolt 6" physically moves the distributor body.

[@deannoun]

Hilarious! Could not take my eyes off that flapping beard. You guys use no equipment to set dwell, timing, throttle plate syncronization, etc. I laughed thru the whole thing. Love it. You guys are great! Won't let you touch my cars though.

[@sparkplug0000]

The Chevrolet inline 6 is one of the true wonders of the automotive world. It is overshadowed by the V8 in some circles, but it’s reliable, has tons of torque, and is easy to work on. Various displacements were in production for over 70 years, testifying to what a great engine it is. It fell out of favor only because it was too long to fit under the stubby hoods of smaller cars.

[@michaelbednar4550]

What a beautiful car. I own 2 Corvettes and they can turn you into a car guy so be careful!! They are fun just like motorcycles! I agree with most of the posts. Grab a new distributor and put in the proper automotive plugs. It sounded like you were not firing on all cylinders with the old fouled plus for sure. Enjoy!!! You did not make a bad decision! Just need a bit more time is all

[@danielesbordone1871]

No doubt about it , that is one beautiful car.

[@WayneTheSailor]

Hey, I have and idea. Why don't you try installing the correct spark plugs rather than just something that you found lying around your bike ship? If that doesn't do it, my next move with be some new plug wires. By the way, here is how the colors went in 1954: the split in terms of production was Polo White (3,230), Sportsman Red (100), Pennant Blue (300) and Black (4).

[@gilbertotrevisan6538]

Back in the '70's i had a red, '59 283cu powered with a pair of quadrajet Strombergs and a 4 speed rock crusher...The nicest car i had to date!!!

[@RonBraese]

Harleys and vetts go hand and hand together!l! Nice buy!!!

[@RXRSawdustStation]

There is no "Going Backwards". There is only Moving Forward in a Different Direction! 😉 Sweet ride! Beautiful! All the very best! #SemperFi

[@EdJackson-v8r]

I was at the museum for your July 4th shindig. I'm from Louisville and noticed the VV Cooke Chevrolet license plate frame on the front. I wondered what the connection to Louisville was, now I know.

[@mikeburnett7028]

Congratulations on your purchase Matt. You’ll get it straightened out

[@lovehistory5305]

In 54 if you bought this car you were on the top of the mountain and 70 yrs later if you bought this car yoour still on the top of the mountain.

[@Davey-Drums]

Don't forget new plug wires to go with the correct new spark plugs. Those old wires can get to leaking. I trust you did a compression check. That car won't lose value. Get it dialed in and enjoy! And certainly a added attraction parked at the museum.

[@mdlipps]

I don't think yer a car guy. You just appreciate one of the best classic cars ever made.

[@dougherbert7899]

Valve adjustment, set timing, check fuel pressure, check for vacuum leaks, check compression, then sync carbs at both idle and cruising RPM. If still struggling, use a wideband O2 sensor to better tune carbs.

[@northerniltree]

I test drove a black '54 Corvette in Iowa last summer. It was restored, and quite a looker. No paint codes on Vettes in the early years, no telling what color they were when made. Anyhow, after the test drive, squeezing every last HP out of that Blue Flame 6, that 2-speed transmission let you know you were livin' life in the slow lane. In '56 Corvettes finally got an 8 cylinder, and this year the 2-speed transmission was still the main available gearbox. I didn't buy the car, as I felt it belonged in a museum. I drive a '67 Vette now, and like my antique Indians and Harleys, it is a blast to drive.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@northerniltree, 1955 for a V8 Corvette.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@northerniltree, no paint codes? FALSE.

[@tommycollier1884]

A nice change of pace and who doesn't like a Corvette

[@pauljanssen7594]

Hey guys where's your fender cover. Remember there's always a good machinist someplace that can make bushings, we used to have lot of brass boat shafts so we would make custom valve guides out of the shafts.

[@billcarothers9182]

Matt you are a true ambassador to this museum.

[@SuperOperator4]

Harleys and Corvettes! Works for me!!!!!!!!

[@shangrila73eldorado]

It was definitely a good buy. Dr. Ken is awesome.

[@kentstephens4770]

Like the car. Glad you made progress.

[@55chevconvertiable28]

I own the 54 in the poster , Marshall Goodman , Cleveland , runs beautiful , drives awesome

[@usmclee65]

That was great THANKS!

[@ericswild]

I'm not a fan of the first version of Corvettes but that one is beautiful. Great restoration.

[@patrickdavis833]

Valve Adjustment will help too🎉🎉🎉

[@tstephen951]

You can be both. Car on Sunday for church, bike when ya gotta be free. Not my first (or 2nd, 3rd or 10th) choice, but a nice set of wheels. I hope you get it dialed in and spinning freely.

[@jakedavid8187]

Good for you matter! Sweet vette! I have a few bikes and consider myself a motorcycle guy but.....i love my restored c10 and my kid says he likes em both. (: bet both haha

[@moverplus2853]

I'm glad you got it

[@shawnathon60]

Great job. and VID! Even bike guys go there!

[@JimErvin-d2i]

I had a similar problem with my Model A Ford. I installed used spark plugs to see if they were still good. At least one of them wasn't and it ran like a slug with crappy acceleration. Went back to my new plugs and she perked right up. But don't you have a shop manual for your vette which at least should mention which plugs to use?

[@GorillaCookies]

Correct heat range with your spark plugs , spark gap and quality plug wires are super important on vintage engines.

[@sportsmobile8328]

We were there Yesterday and saw the New Toy.👍👍

[@FappinSteve]

really enjoyed this format

[@fosterhart2013]

Living in the hometown (Indy) of the Stutz Bearcat I might would take exception to the Corvette 1st American designation .!

[@REX-INRI-JESUS]

I love this show. These classic cars and bikes are the most beautiful ever built, like my flh Shovelhead. There is nothing like riding a shovel 4 speed 100mph all day, woo hoo in the wind. 😎🕊

[@REX-INRI-JESUS]

That Corvette only rivals the 1955 baby bird (Thunderbird) and the 36 Jag roadster. The most beautiful rides wind in your face. You can feel you're alive. Best feeling in the world.

[@numbersabcdefg]

Is it easier to look around for a used windshield, or can you give the specs to someone nowadays and have them make it for you? If needed

[@CorvetteStingRayLane]

You should join the NCRS. National Corvette Restorers Society. Suggestion how about using a fender cover when you are working on the vehicle engine compartment!!!