I Found The Original Chassis For My '63 Split Window Corvette!

[@MynameAintjamesjr]

Use the stock parts and do a fun build. Kinda like your wife's El Camino. Not stock, and not outwardly crazy. Just a cool looking driver with big power.

[@CzechSixTv]

I'm with you. He needs to build something reliable for a change. There are plenty of bolt on aftermarket suspension components for C2 Vettes that will greatly enhance the ride and handling without going to an aftermarket chassis. The stock frame will always be to spindly for a crazy engine combo, but they can easily be beefed up to handle anything a naturally aspirated SBC will throw at it.

[@Heyyo_Friday]

I second this comment

[@dougwatkins7985]

A nice cruiser for you and the wife . Something that won’t give the police a reason to read your new t shirt.

[@iadc43]

This. Classic looking vette with performance upgrade.

[@adamorsini4585]

I like your idea. It's a solid concept and would be a great car after it's built.

[@Chris-uq5mg]

My 15 year-old son and I think anyone fortunate enough to own a 63 split window should retain the stock appearance with the original frame and body, while achieving a modern driving experience through suspension, engine and trans upgrades. That car retains exceptional value and a level of respect from a much wider audience than the pro touring approach. When you walk into the garage 20 years from now, you won't regret the choice you made, but the pro touring car even money says you may no longer own by then.

[@blucheer8743]

i agree with these sentiments

[@shawnholmes3881]

I agree! 63 split window is worthy of no cutting up. Original appearance with modern upgrades to enhance the experience.

[@delphipascal]

Keep the OG chassis and make it a nice cruiser that you can take out every weekend. You've got enough crazy builds

[@morganleblanc730]

This is one car that needs to go back to original. Mike do it for your kids. Well into the future it will be worth so much more.

[@MWolf380]

Use stock frame, enchance with modern parts and hardware. Not everything you need to do has to be bananas. Make a good car like others are saying, like El Camino. Something both you, the wife and an occasional friend can enjoy. You got plenty of hopped up extreme projects.

[@retroanderson]

OG Chassis with bolt-ons to enhance it. Already lots of crazy builds in the fleet, a "sane" street car would be cool to see.

[@patsgarage8593]

I like the stock frame route. It's what most guys watching are doing. Specialized stuff isn't as interesting as Ill never use it on any of my projects. We have to connect to the build!!

[@AB-80X]

Most do that because that is what their wallet and mechanical skills allow. As a C2 owner I can tell you that if you can swing a nice chassis for something you want to drive, do it. 9 out of 10 times people say keep it stock etc. they have no experience with the stock C2 chassis. Even with bolt-ons it pretty bad. The C2 chassis is not something GN is remembered for.

[@charlielitz6395]

I say stock frame with Added strength big motor with mini tub and have fun.

[@blucheer8743]

ya i can see a roadster shop frame for camaros n mustangs but this is a split window that's the holy grail to vette ppl! get a 427 if you dont have the original engine and man that would be sweet

[@scottgshomewrenching1352]

I love the resto mod idea, anyone who has ever driven a C2 would want modern suspension

[@danmyers9372]

For sure.

[@wanderingweederspapa7878]

And top notch A/C.. they kinda warm

[@59redwing]

I own a 62 FI car and a 63 split window. I disagree. There a lot of fun stock. Nothing like raw power and white knuckle steering. Especially the 63. The irs is really makes the carfun.

[@StudioBeast7575]

Do the stock chassis with top notch bolt ones. Keep the value up and it would be a lot of fun driving.

[@chrisblankenship9449]

Use the stock frame. It would be cool to see how far you can go with a stock chassis. I love the week build with friends idea.

[@bobdaily836]

USE THE STOCK CHASSIS, Then pro tour the vette with aftermarket parts.

[@AB-80X]

What is your personal experiences with stock C2’s?

[@brenth9930]

My vote is to just use the stock frame and upgrade the suspension, and dont get too crazy. Just make a fun driver

[@Johnnyvette383]

If I had the chose I for sure would put it back as close to stock as possible. The value of the 63 Split window cars is insane. Now you have the frame and the original rear end. This is a build date code on the rear end housing on the bottom I believe that would help in knowing it was built near the year of 63.

[@stuartstogdill2406]

Frame, body and motor are the most important... the rear end is pretty meaningless unless you have the engine.

[@danmyers9372]

Have you driven or ridden in a C2? They ride and handle like crap.

[@Johnnyvette383]

@@danmyers9372 I own a 73 same frame.

[@ianhoyt2638]

Definitely use that stock frame. New suspension and drivetrain components, but not something over the moon crazy. Just please don't make an altered wheel-base or a stock restoration. A cool little hot rod is what I would love to see.

[@brianlafollette7530]

Daily driver Plus, big inch small block, six speed, side pipes, suspension upgrade and stock looking wheels with great tires. Also if you can fit 235 "tiny tire" in the back that would be awesome. Go do that class in drag and drive

[@bryceduchcherer2605]

Big Block, Stock Chassis, lots of upgrades. Badass street car, nothing crazy for the track.

[@brucepowell7986]

the 327 owned the streets

[@Solodrumer]

Stock chassis Bolt it up getting it going Get it driving and in the road!!

[@ChrisJackson36]

Big block and lightly pro touring. Something that one day Mike’s kids can drive to school. My high school girlfriend’s parents had a 71 454 car we got to drive to school and just felt like the coolest kids in school. In the late 2000s, a loud burbling big block was way out of place in amongst the modern econoboxes and it was awesome. They even let us drive it to prom. Setting of limo car alarms was hilarious.

[@tonymorse7178]

I would use that original chassis. BBC, tremec, rebuilt rear end , good wheels. It's got so much value all original that it's seems hard to justify cutting it up. It can be super cool without ruining the ability to restore it when you're 60..😊

[@elisell8299]

Old school gasser build, hilborn injection, fender dump headers, solid front axle.

[@lukestrasser]

I dig upgrading the stock frame with bolt on goodies, throw the whole catalog at it. Bolt it together in a week and do burnouts and have fun.

[@michaelnault5905]

The split window is pretty special. It at least deserves special consideration.

[@joshdrake1515]

Use the stock frame to show that you could still build a great pro car with a big block

[@mightyd42]

Not gonna lie, would LOVE to see you Drag Week a C2. It's kinda my dream project car so I'd be living vicariously through you lol. But that being said, I look forward to any level of rebuild process to follow. If pro touring makes the most sense, go for it!

[@kenhenderson8795]

It’s yours brother. Do it like you want. I just finished a off frame resto mod of my 68 SS/RS Camaro. I love driving it as much as possible and taking friends and family for rides. I do love your 63 and can’t wait to see more.

[@birdmandavej]

Definitely pro-touring. Put the 711 in something else you stumble across you can go mental with

[@MoreBollocks-ui2zs]

To do that where it actually enhances the vehicle you lose the character of it. You also risk fading in to the crowd by doing what everyone else is already doing.

[@DavidScott-jr2zj]

What birdman said. Wait for the Hemi in Blasphemi to shit the bed and put the 711 in it with a 14/71 blower and show the world what a gasser really is! It's still a Hemi!

[@THEREEFREPORT]

My thought is to keep everything original, but just enhance it with aftermarket parts because there’s not a lot of original 63 Corvettes around. I’m kind of a purist I would like to see it stay original. Maybe do a roadster shop chassis with a fiberglass body for the pro touring

[@thomastribble2498]

Get as far as possible with the stock chassis and new front suspension parts and make it as fun as you want!

[@chrishigh5206]

All aluminum big inch small block, rowdy hydraulic roller with side pipes, 6 speed trans, stock chassis with tubular everything, coil overs and 18 inch salt flats. Love LS but it’s done to everything. Think an split needs to stay old school. Just my opinion guys. I’ll love it know matter what y’all do. Love the channel and all the content! Keep it up and I’ll keep watching

[@phileaton8671]

Stock frame, bolt on suspension, flat boxer (maybe turbo) Porsche engine up front! That’ll throw in enough of a challenge for you guys to make it more fun to watch for us lol!

[@IraqVet0608]

Such a pretty design. Even in pieces, it’s gorgeous!

[@JEREMY-xq7sk]

Finn, put a Raodster shop chassis in it and make it a super high horsepower corner carver Pro Touring C2

[@jamestyndall529]

They only made that body style for one year I would put it back stock

[@Mystic-l3r]

Dollar dollar bills. Be worth some coin

[@trumbley22]

There are 48 1963 Split Window coupes on hemmings for sale. For comparison, there are only 25 1964 Impala 2 door hardtops. Most of the 48 split windows are stock. There are plenty out there. Who cares about resale if it turns the car into something the owner doesn't care for?

[@rickcarlson8063]

Keep it original, do not cut it up

[@IraqVet0608]

Personally, I’d enhance the stock chassis (budget build but cool). The pro-touring route would be more fun/usable. Ok- I’m on the mild pro-touring wagon.

[@indycollie6424]

Do whatever you think will be fun for you Fin, its yours. Make sure you are happy with what you do. Otherwise you will just let it sit.

[@alphazulu3555]

Make it crazy bro! New chassis, big block, big drag radials... hell yeah

[@c00n3yl4nd]

I think the idea of a build like the wife's el camino would be cool. resto mod that's got some power, but still reliable-ish

[@DarkChocolate325]

Pro touring big block all the way!💯 Keep as many original parts as possible while modernizing it. Keep some soul.

[@MastaT_150]

That’s a tough one because It’s a real ‘63 split window and they are soooo valuable. So the first question you need to ask yourself is do you plan on keeping this long term. If so do what excites you. If you build it into a restomod are you actually going to drive it much? If the answers no then I would say do something radical, something fun that is going to put a smile on your face every time you look at it like put the 711 in it, that be sick. If you plan on sending down the road eventually then obviously it behoove you to do what ever gets the best return on investment.

[@mikecunningham5686]

Finnegan's one week wonder!!! Definitely stock chassis and rear end! Lots of modern bolt on parts available for a quick build! BBC or LS....toss up! Great highschool starter car!! So many possibilities with that car!! I'm so jealous!!

[@ZeGermanHam]

My vote would be to put the stock frame back underneath it and do pro-touring suspension and build a cool 327ci engine with some upgrades that let it scream and just have fun. No LS engine, but old school SBC with port EFI, etc.

[@tonykemper8896]

I was hoping there would be fsm video today!! 👍🏻 I say do a pro touring with a 2j!! Piss off every corvette enthusiast on the planet!

[@morophineswordphich8229]

Restomod, make it look stock but make it nice. And it never hurts to do a nice set of wheels, even if they do hurt the stock look.

[@ronaldhellengreen7063]

An original looking Split window with an LS and suspension, and brakes upgraded would be COOL!

[@danmyers9372]

Yeah but it’s kinda been gone to death. I also don’t think that Mike would be into it and drive it that much. Mike is a drag racer at heart, not a roundy round guy.

[@rancherlee]

Ah the hardest part of a build, deciding which direction to go with it. You already have tons of different style builds from fun wacky beaters to awesome go fast bad asses. I personally would do a stock frame "resto mod" which seems to be the modern term for a light pro touring build. Something you can drive everywhere, will "decent" horsepower, and a wheel/tire combo that you don't have to worry about hitting a pothole with. I mean, you do have the Elco, but that's the Wifey's Whip ;) . I went the Resto mod route with my 70' Chevelle and it's a great driver. I recently picked up a 69' Torino Fastback bare roller with the intentions of building a "not TOO fast" Drag and Drive car, but when I started to dig into it, I'm finding its even more rust/rot free then I though so I'm not sure how I'm going to proceed with it.

[@gregdenman2342]

Make it OG!! Those things are rare and are worth a mint. And, it will come with a great set of videos and a story!

[@ronaldwatts4372]

Pro touring with your ideas would be killer!!! I’d like to see it done and being towed by the c10 to a auto cross event lol

[@shawnhaas5158]

I would definitely build that into just a nice daily driver. Upgrade the suspension and maybe a few other little tweaks,and an old school big block chevy

[@johnharmon6615]

Glad to see u back on that car wanna see wat way it goes for u

[@youngcummins0892]

Pro touring, do a week build, maybe a roadkill episode? And then road trip it to Iowa and do the good guys event with him for another episode. Good for the channel, entertaining for us, and motortrend will pay for a chunk of it! Who won’t win with that?

[@russellstevens2222]

It would be good to see a basic build as you've got lots of year long builds already

[@patrickcurran1042]

I'd like to see the stock chassis under the Vette. Make the build more relatable for us low buck guys.

[@TaldrenDR]

Restromod this thing. Complete modern suspension, modern engine, modern brakes, but make it all look period correct from an onlookers perspective. They have some nice digital gauges and radio that look just like the old ones, so for all intents and purposes its a completely modern car but with an original period correct look.

[@Yoder_the_yeti]

The week long build sounds like it'd be fun, you could do a youtube event where you're live and have fans choose like an option a or option b. You'll make it awesome no matfer what you do!

[@AB-80X]

Maybe he should try not to rush something for once and do it right the first time. If he does that one week build, that car will end up mediocre at best.

[@islandnite77]

I personally like to have the old car but the performance and handling of today with a fee creature comforts. I think that is called a resto-mod? So you can take it anywhere and track it, drag it, sunday cruze it or to special occasions where it is still comfortable and reliable. Whatever you do, just enjoy yourself. It was meant to be driven!❤

[@locktown]

I was a kid in the 60's and that Vette was so cool back then. We are getting to the point where the only originals are going to be in museums collecting dust instead of on the road collecting miles. It's a '63 Split Window Vette. It doesn't need a bunch of fancy new parts to make it cool. Change isn't always better. Just my two cents.

[@coryzepp238]

Do the stock chassis pro touring thing. Just make it fun, fast, and reliable.

[@paulmaigler289]

Enhance stock chassis with aftermarket upgrades, keep the car easily returned back to original.

[@Mathias_Ruby]

Hotchkis is supposed to be releasing their c2/c3 coilover suspension setup soon. I am sure they would like to see their parts on this! I like the idea of a week build, fun auto cross protour that isn’t as extreme as the c10. Something to rival the el Camino you know… reliable, fun… fiscally resp… nevermind add turbos.

[@trevor6248]

Restomod. 427 big block fuel injected, 6 speed, disc brake conversion. A fun, beautiful car with new day driveability. There's nothing like a nice, clean build to be appreciated

[@danielgooderham9644]

Love to see you go do a stockist looking sleeper build that has modern upgrades that you can still have plenty of fun with

[@Auto_Breve]

Don’t go stock, 711 that bad boy!

[@benallen9178]

Use as many stock parts as you can. Make it awesome with small add ons.

[@skippeery5333]

I like the stock look with powerful things hidden underneath 😂

[@Storyracing387]

Fab party! Get all the stuff to make it PT, but have all guys come down to help, then drive back to where Roadkill started! For some of us that would be Rick's house in AZ and for others that would be ElPaso 😊

[@MoreBollocks-ui2zs]

I don't know what age Mike's kids are or what they're in to but rather than going pro touring like every joe schmoe i'd make this into a nice driver that he can enjoy driving around. If it is also something his kids would be proud to own one day, even if it is just the memories of spending time with dad going for ice cream or whatever then even better.

[@CodyHaviland7982]

I've always wanted to do a split windows as a old school gasser with blown 392 hemi... Just because it would upset some of the purists and not something most would do these days.. lol

[@tonycansler]

Big block pro touring sounds like a lot of fun.

[@moabwheeling1305]

Definitely do the pro touring route. It would be a super fun car to drive and do power tour in .

[@robertmcfarland3323]

Awesome that you got the frame and rear end can't wait to see the build

[@scottimusgarrett15]

Original, factory "spin-off" wheels in a larger diameter, updated suspension, and just make a nice cruiser out of it. New brakes, LS swap, Tremec T5...Could be nice! Thanks for the episode, gentlemen! ✌️❤️🙂🇨🇦

[@michaelfowler8289]

I say you go basically stock with a built engine that fits in the factory mounting 😊

[@teddyjones8027]

I think you should absolutely put the Sonny engine in it and then turn it into a bad azz kind of clone of the 1964-65 Grand Sport from the Sebring Corvette grand sport cars

[@blindy2001]

I like the idea of Roadstershop chassis and making it drive and handle well

[@CharlesCharland]

Definitely would like to see a hot resto-mod style build. Keep it sorta original update all suspension components and drive axle. Original style engine with aluminum block and the best aftermarket support… maybe a 5 speed… make it nice it deserves it!

[@Joebrownbug]

One week build would be amazing!!

[@speedicusmaximus]

A Pro-Touring build that isn't extreme, leaving you some room for amenities and comfort, so you can drive it daily if you wish. Whether you have a completely new chassis or add to the original Chevy chassis depends on your available time, money and effort.

[@dustintackett4727]

I like the pro touring thing. I will follow the build no matter what you decide. It will be awesome for sure!

[@benmiller5015]

I've been waiting for the 63 to come back. I'd love to see you just put it back to the way it was. Maybe throw in a spicy engine just for funsies n enjoy the car

[@davidbeattie4294]

Mild resto-mod is the way to go with a car like this. You want to be able to enjoy the hell out of it with modern performance bits but leave it so that it could be restored to stock. Can't wait to see what you end up doing with it.

[@juanvillarreal4509]

Protouring sounds like the best deal, the one week build sounds like a good watch as well.

[@danieltubbs5422]

Stock appearing, four wheel discs from a later C2, stroked small block with EFI and a 5 speed! Something fun, fast enough and driveable in the same color as the El Camino.

[@mynameis9057]

OMG 😳! Did you guys run out of the really high quality strap-um down stuff like twine,ducktape and bubblegum?👀👍😮 Lmao! I'm glad y'all made it back safely! Maybe I missed a video or something but I thought the owner didn't know where the original frame was? Hmmm... Nice score no doubt, but now decisions decisions, which way to go with her. Hmmm. Is it an original high horse rare car or something special? The fact it's a 63 split window makes it special enough on its own to go back to original, but that suggestion Joe has is cool too. Idk, good luck bro.

[@dannycurtis1744]

I agree pro touring,if you use the old chassis it will always be the under dog. With the modern stuff the car can grow with upgrades,and also reliable. You have more than enough toys lol. All the best Danny UK 🇬🇧

[@Bernitup55]

I’d use the stock chassis also it would be awesome to see a thrash video with buddies building this thing! Such a cool car.

[@crosbyworx7284]

Im from the UK and I cant argue with the pro-touring comments.

[@QtheTech]

The stock frame will fit 18x10 in the rear, with detroit speed rear end and suspension. Front can fit 18x8 fine, 18x9 easily. And you can bolt/weld all new modern c-arms and coilovers. Big brakes by wilwood and your set for pro touring. Good luck!

[@brucepowell7986]

thease 63s with the 365 horse 327s were very fast decent handling cars stock........................they owned the streets

[@b.s.adventures9421]

Nice simple build. Little upgrades to suspension and drivetrain. Stock looking, but nice cruiser. Something anyone can hop in and drive. Well mannered on the street.

[@moose45cal]

My thought a mid 70’s street machine built by a high school kid… right down to the AC/DC sticker in the window and leopard print fuzzy dice. Using vintage era speed parts with a few modern suspension tricks. Good luck and I look forward to the build.

[@tomharriman5051]

Hi Mike. I have a different suggestion, back in the mid 1960s there were privater groups who raced these at the 24 Hours of LeMans and other road races. History has given a lot of attention to F vs F, but not much to the Corvettes. My idea is to build a tribute car to these early racers and cars, and help keep these memories alive. Also, if you look up pictures of these you will see that they were really cool looking cars, which checks your first box. Whatever you decide just remember to keep the fun in it. Merry Christmas. Tom

[@jlconway]

I'm in the bolt-on pro touring camp here. Take a couple weeks, bolt it all together, put a nice drivetrain into it, drive it around. It's a perfect example for that kind of thing, because there's no matching numbers to worry about saving. I know it sounds crazy, but imagine for a moment a car you can drive 400 miles without earplugs. Lord knows I've done enough of "Well I went full bananas on this and it's awesome but I can't stay in it for more than 30 minutes without my ears melting or my bones vibrating out". Hell, stuff a late model Z06 driveline up in there and be like "what, I got it in pieces and now it's got all factory corvette stuff in it" lol

[@timforsthoffer868]

Absolutely go the pro-touring route using the original chassis, week long build with the crew!

[@lancehowlett3910]

I like the buddy get together 1 or 2 week build,with a twist a fan build. Full bolt on suspension mods, 5+speed,ANYTHING except an LS (I know a guy with a fresh 409), skinny 60’s type road race wheels. Bomber type seats,and side pipes,it must have side pipes!

[@dvorcemkrmotorsports8835]

I don't care what you choose I'm still going to watch the Video. Keep up the good work Mate.

[@jcole4512]

The vintage class runs an Enduro at Road Atlanta in April at the Mitty. Basic roll bar, 5 point harness, fuel cell and wheels 1.5" wider than stock. Take it road racing!!

[@vferrante6436]

use the chassis!! big block cruiser w/AC ,,63 is coolest of all vettes,got that Jetson look..what beautiful car too nice to alter

[@OutCastCrawling]

I kinda agree with Joe. Pro touring would be a blast. With that said I do kinda like the idea of keeping the stock chassis. I know it makes it harder to build cause of the tubs. I think no matter what you do you'll have fun with it.

[@artscott2677]

Keep the stock frame, aftermarket suspension and brake upgrades, fat rubber, at least a 5 speed stick, N/A LS 427, ala Mast like the one in the Crusher, AC, Boom Booms tunes, road trip the crap outta the dang thing. Power Tour, Crusing the Coast, etc. You could still do Drag Week and run in the 10's and have a great week not having to wrench on the ride the whole time. And oh yeah, beautiful paint.

[@jamesgaut3174]

My vote is stock frame, pro touring setup. Cool car! Good job guys with the great content!

[@Rollout001]

Crazy street car that makes you happy!

[@craighuskey5432]

63 swc Pro Touring with factory frame would be my route. Worth all the money in the longrun and something your wife would love to druve as well.