I Restore C2 Corvettes WRONG on Purpose... Here's Why!

[@stevenbauer2205]

To me a key difference is these cars is that they were made on an assembly line by people as a disposable product to be used and eventually replaced. Now that they are considered rolling art and collectable it makes sense to make it nicer and longer lasting.

[@1575murray]

The key words in this post are "to be used". In other words cars were built for people to drive and enjoy not to be judged in a show contest. Safety improvements such as dual circuit brakes and disc brakes are absolutely necessary for older cars to be driven safely in today's traffic. Other items such as hardened valve seats and radial tires are obviously not original but are also necessary as well. I am obviously not a member of the "100 per cent original" crowd.

[@damonangelo9135]

100% wrong but 500% better. Could not agree more. Period correct is best for car museums, but driver cars need 21st century tech.

[@deney54]

I drive my Vette's .... So I don't care about NCRS... Great Vid, Thanks

[@jhans3278]

Thank you for taking the time is explain these important alternatives.

[@zone47]

Right on! I agree with everything you're doing to upgrade these cars without modifying the appearance.

[@meltondaniels2825]

Everything you’re doing makes a lot of sense , making it a reliable everyday driver . If you just want to look at it buy a picture! Lol

[@jasmith1867]

Pictures are all I can afford. But I would buy one of these restomods if I could.

[@kimosabbe50]

This channel should have WAY more subs.

[@gregsimon1285]

Your care and quality of restoration is fantastic. There are very few NCRS 100 point cars. It is the owners choice of the type of restoration you do. As an NCRS judge I would bet your cars would receive an NCRS Top Flight Award. A Top Flight means a score of 94 percent or better. Even a total deduct for base coat paint would mean losing about two percent which still leaves four percent to lose. The standard for paint is it appears to be factory correct. Any base coat paint job can be made to resemble factory enough to get a relatively small deduct for paint. I’m not pointing fingers at you when I say Corvette “experts” who denigrate the NCRS process without really understanding what they are talking about are misguided. If you own a classic Corvette join NCRS and have it judged. You will learn a lot about the car and meet new friends with similar interest. Then it is your choice whether to make changes to your car to make it more correct. It is a hobby and a game and can be quite addictive. The important thing is these beautiful cars are being saved.

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

Thank you for taking the time to reply Greg! The general consensus among the NCRS crowd has always been positive about my work and enthusiasm for restoring these cars. Hopefully one day you find yourself in S FL and can pay me a visit! Either way, thank you for the insight and for checking out my channel.

[@ralphmillais5237]

There are actually many different types of competitions that are labelled "concours". Many clubs have categories for modified and driver cars. Here in the UK, clubs I know even have daily driver classes where the underside is not judged at all, only top and engine bay. Many judges also put a higher value on originality, even if it does come with some patina. We have all met certain examples of the interminable car snob, but in actual fact most clubs want to be inclusive, want to see the cars used and enjoyed and just want people to enjoy the cars.

[@petermiller9631]

I agree with everything you do to make the Corvette a better car.

[@choward5430]

I think pretty much everyone wants a better-looking and better-performing original-style car.

[@mikeguthrie5432]

My friend, I don't think you need to apologize for any of the work you do on those 'Vettes! I rather like that you chose to do upgrades when you are restoring them. Thunder On!!!

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

Thanks 👍

[@dougirwin2735]

Excellent video. You know what c2 fans want to see. Where do you find your replacements for rotted out c2 frames?

[@billvs6505]

I'd take a driver's car over a show car any day - you're doing it right! And I love that color on the Vette.

[@joedelucia6719]

Great vid! I'm a bit of a purist, but I never wanted a museum piece. You're right... a driver needs to be setup to be driven.

[@Agislife1960]

In places like TX, I would think a good Air Conditioning system would make the car more drivable.

[@markf4328]

Another great video Junior. Keep them coming.

[@sturdythorpe7585]

Great video. I love to see these Corvettes in different stages of restoration. You guys really have a passion for what you do.

[@jasmith1867]

I never see any work getting done. I guess it's weekend or break time. I would like to see some work in progress sometime.

[@JackBWatkins]

My new favorite car channel.

[@jpro8724]

Another very well done video! Love the historical significance of NCRS, however I'm a restomod guy and won't apologize cause it's way way more fun! The answer is easy, buy more vettes!!

[@joehovanec1985]

I agree with your justifications. Well said, and they do improve the car for driving purposes. That metallic light green is beautiful. Would look good with white or light green interior.

[@royalway12]

I noticed the boat props sitting on the table. Where do they get installed on the vettes? Just kidding. Love your attention to detail and quality.

[@fatboysgarage7984]

I actually dig that one of the things you take so seriously is safety. I've never really been a car show guy, myself. The way I see it is if I'm gonna invest my money into a car then it's gonna get driven.

[@michaelwoodward2824]

Dude, great video! After owning our '64 for 32 years, we (my twin brother and I) finally finished the restoration. To a non-NCRS judge the car looks stock. We added dual circuit, power-assisted four wheel disc brakes, power steering, radial tires and a MSD ignition. Our car is show quality, but is meant to be a driver. Please keep encouraging your clients to make these safely/comfort/reliability upgrade....

[@d.michaelpratt5987]

I am an old guy with an unrestored C2, and I really enjoy listening to this young man. Every time I do, I come away knowing more about this iconic car than I did before seeing and listening.

[@johnpick8336]

You do incredible work !

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

Thank you very much!

[@josephstabile9154]

I wholeheartedly agree with you. Furthermore, I think the NCRS point system should be reserved for ORIGINAL cars with factory original paint jobs ( you know, the kind that has 'orange peel'), etc., etc. I say that realizing that if NCRS had only factory original cars to judge, they'd be limited to new cars! Just because you repainted with one step lacquer 60 yrs later should not confer originality points. Restored to LOOK original is beautiful, but it ain't original, A 2023 Delco tartop is not a 1966 Delco tartop. By analogy, an original 1873 Colt Peacemaker in good original condition is worth WAY (tens of thousands) more than a reconditioned 1873, even if it was refinished exactly the way Colt did it. Just my opinion. By the way, what is your opinion regarding polyurethane vs rubber bushings?

[@jackdale9831]

Makes sense to upgrade, especially where it cannot be easily seen. Why not use copper head gaskets? Isn't AMS oil synthetic? Eventually, all those anal, old-fart judges will die, to be replaced with potentially smarter, more practical judges that are "true" to the Purpose of the C-2--SAFE, enjoyable driving. If I was buying a Bloomington-car, it MAY need to be rebuilt to enjoy--Ridiculous, UNLESS you have money to "burn." The period when it was initially-built, was NOT "good-enough" for me!

[@houseofno]

Hey if Singer can resto-mod Porsche 911's and Shelby can modify Mustangs, why not Corvettes too? Eat it, purists. The nitpickers need to understand they're not the ones having to live with and pay the bills on individual owned cars. Not everyone keeps their cars in an air conditioned showroom, or can afford that. If a nitpicker isn't writing the checks on the build, they've got no say in it. Just because the car LOOKS sixty years old, doesn't mean it has to drive like one or kill you like one. What do you do regarding the headlight doors? I've seen the old vacuum operated system - it leaks, and headlights take what seems like a day and a half to open and closed. I've heard of some people converting the headlight doors to a third gen F-body headlight motors or the C5 Corvette motors.

[@verndaley3471]

NCRS is fine for the museum display but for true enjoyment a C2 must be drivenNCRS is great foe the museum and trailered car show C2 but corvette are to be enjoyed by driving them. Safety and reliability are paramount. Thank you for all you do for the corvette.

[@robj2704]

There are collector cars and then there are classic cars.

[@Mightymerc1]

Interesting video, thanks for putting this together.

[@brianmchale6668]

Use a Delco battery and get 1/2 the points. Same with Radials Use an OE mfgs radial for 1/2 the points.

[@dukeman7595]

Upgrades are the only way to go, screw the NCRS, safety is paramount car shows are not.

[@dah960]

I predicted most of your list and completely agree. And you added a few I didnt consider. NCRS should have a restored/oem and restored/improved caregorories. And your would be the definition of restored/improved.

[@dukeman7595]

Hope you are not leaving those black wheels on that build. They are at best a fad and many are ridding themselves of them.

[@kenzaccaria7763]

I wish I had a C2 so I could give it to you for restoration. What about paint Lacquer vs enamel?

[@georgeryan603]

Well done JR . Great video , stunning colour on that C2 . Is your painting done in house or do you send out ?

[@billbynon9839]

You certainly showed me the direction I should go instead of factory perfect!

[@jameshuban6515]

I can relate to your opinion of synthetic oils. I was having an issue with my C3 Camaro. (please, no jokes) I was having a leak problem with the power steering pump. While complaining about the issue, the NAPA guy stressed that I go back and use the cheapest fluid available instead of the premium synthetic version. The leak disappeared. As for your cars - I wish I could afford one. My brother had a 72 big block convertible. It was this teenager's dream. I wish both were still here.

[@faststingray86]

Restoration of a C2. 1965 Coupe I've owned for nearly 50 years. I'm doing it the way I like it. Painted frame, stainless steel brake lines and fuel line. Little changes but a lot of detail to make it pop. Loving the project! Thanks for the great video!

[@billtirelli3489]

Wow, great shop

[@harveycohen2343]

I had 2 C2s restored the way you do them. With the correct finishes my cars won the Triple Crown many Top Flight awards and Bloomington Gold 2X

[@nolongeramused8135]

"wrong"..... Nothing that I wouldn't insist on.

[@dominickserignese8837]

I agree with your techniques!makes for a much better restoration!

[@itsjustme1949]

I have to stay with synthetic motor oil. I have a friend who was over the labs at a major oil company when synthetic oils came on the market. Their tests indicated such a dramatic improvement in every facet of protection, wear, etc. he became a big proponent of the synthetic variant for motor oils. Sorry about the cork gaskets but they're easier to replace than a worn out engine.

[@RawcomputerAZ]

I'm a big fan of synthetics too. I bought a new truck in 1999 and changed the factory oil for synthetic. Ran it that way for 20 years and sold it to my dad. It's still going at 200k and the engine is just as tight as when it was new. Nothing has been changed on it other than oil and spark plugs.

[@stankeith761]

Without knowing your process of upgrades I used almost all of them when I built my '65 Roadster 19 years ago. I use calipers that have been stainless steel sleeved, I use a new-technology battery, I run radial tires and my car was painted with lacquer using clear lacquer for the final 3 coats of paint. My paint is not perfect at this point, but it still looks very good. I had my engine rebuilt using hardened valve seats and I run conventional 10W-30 oil. My clock has been upgraded to a quartz mechanism. It happens that my car came from the factory with power brakes and as a part of that brake package GM equipped power brake cars with dual circuit brake lines. Why they did not do that on manual brake cars, I can't answer. The downside is the 1965 master cylinder is hugely expensive. I was fortunate enough to have found a shop that rebuilds those master cylinders and I had it rebuilt rather than put a new-design master cylinder on my car. Great video - thank you!

[@nickrice7535]

I've always been a stickler for originality on all of my C2s but saying that I agree with your approach 100% from what I've seen in your shop. Great work!!...

[@mightymikethebear]

All the changes you make to the classics make sense. I would strongly agree with the safety upgrades.

[@heartoftexasbarnfindsandcl5193]

nice

[@TheEngineerJason]

I would add electronic ignition and electronic voltage regulator to my suggestions. They're simple and virtually invisible. The only one on Junior's list that I'm torn on is dual circuit master cylinder. I'd like to do it to my 63 but it's very obvious and not easy to go back to single at a later date. Edit: I also did aluminized exhaust on my car. Corvette Central has sets with the correct bends, just aluminized. Would've gotten stainless if they had it.

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

Excellent additions, I will add these to the bottom of my list. Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@TheEngineerJason]

@@HorsepowerWarehouse yeah, thanks for posting this stuff. I'd love to have you restore my car because you have the same restoration mentality as me. The problem is I live in PA so that's quite a hike. Keep up the good content.

[@brianplay4758]

@@TheEngineerJason where at in PA. I am hoping to pick up a 63 convertible. If I do I'd love to reach out and share info.

[@TheEngineerJason]

@@brianplay4758 delaware county. There's a few 63s around here that I've seen at car shows. Convertibles are affordable at least. Coupe pricing has shot up a lot in the last couple years.

[@markp3296]

Great explanation of what and why you do what you do! It all makes sense.

[@mikes9939]

I agree completely with everything you said especially the Borgenson steering box. I have installed one in my C 3 and it is the only way to go. Just working on the car now is more pleasant as there is no longer this leaking mess of hoses and ram cylinder. The steering feel is far better especially if you add lots of caster, the car points better and tracks better. All the other things that you mentioned just make good sense, to be able to enjoy driving the car is what it's all about.

[@MrCbell57]

Thanks for video. Well done. But I disagree with using any type of accustic sound dampening material. . You need material for sound deadening. It’s an acoustic vibration, dampener only. not noise dampening-it’s only stopping metal vibration and you’re putting it in a fiberglass car which makes no sense to me at all. Plus it adds 30 pounds of weight to the car. So if you wanna stop sound, and noise you’ve got to use wool, or other sound deadening materials. Fat mat, killmat and such rips off the public by false advertising as their materials are only for Audio suspension and reducing vibrations… not noise removal !!! It appears you’ve listened To the wrong people. However, since you are on top of most everything else, it seems like you would do some research and actually do a sound decibel test on these cars when you use this Kmat material you will find that they are just as loud as they would normally be, without it. if you did not use it…and also add that extra weight to these peoples cars. For no reason. It is also time consuming and not cheap. Does not stop road noise wheel noise or engine noise in the least. Please check into it. I’ve got it in half of my cars and the other half none. No difference in fact the cars without it tend to ride quieter! Great info here In Making these cars safer and last longer. I’m doing an 81 project taking it from a $7k worn out mess to a new $30k pride making cruiser. I won’t be adding fat mat or kill mat as this car is already too heavy from the factory. 3800.

[@elinaarmour]

Where is their warehouse located? How can you see their inventory for sale?

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

We are located in Sarasota, FL and our website is www.classiccarsofsarasota.com Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@dannygiesler9337]

Impressed with the stunning work you do there! I've done most of your recommendations over the past 9 years to my 66 convertible matching number 300hp 327 car. Borgeson steering, Tremec 5sp, Vintage air, quartz clock, dual master cylinder, Edelbrock 8 injector MPI fuel injection with single plane original height aluminum intake to retain original oil tube and PCV, electronic Voltage regulator inside original cover, bluetooth radio and speaker system in rear compartment, and another important safety item - 3 point shoulder belts (no steering wheel face plants for me)

[@peterfoxwell5198]

Do u do anything with the frame? Reweld it? Box in wear points? Put a metal plate behind steering box? What are your thoughts of electric headlight and wiper motors? Pete

[@mikewatch1487]

Is there a way to identify your restoration on C2 corvettes. ? NCRS. Don’t play that game anymore.

[@JohnDoe-gz8dw]

You're doing nothing wrong, especially with the brakes, and 63-67 are the best looking vette's ever made.

[@georgemattar1182]

I drive my 50 year young Corvette but never use Chinese junk parts. NOS only and repo ONLY when orig not available.

[@bobbaker9545]

I have owned many NCRS & Bloomington Gold cars in the Past. But I agree 100% with what you are doing. You are really Preserving these Corvettes to last a long, long time. Kudos to you!!!!!!!!!

[@northerniltree]

What about using DOT 5 brake fluid (silicone) to avoid the long term storage issues of using conventional DOT 3?

[@MrTexasDan]

NCRS: Where removing a perfectly good original but blemished part, and replacing it with a reproduction part made from pure Chinesium, gets a higher score. No thanks, not for me. Great info Junior. There might be some items I would consider for mine (in my dreams), like stainless exhaust, decent speakers, ceramic brake pads, and probably the greatest automotive technological advance in the last 60 years ... EFI.

[@gregsimon1285]

Not necessarily true. Reproductions often have discernible differences so you will lose originality points while gaining condition points. The point difference may be a wash as the original gets full points for originality while possibly losing condition points.

[@meltondaniels2825]

Do your research , these parts are not Chinese imports , take advantage of newer technologies so you can enjoy it longer with less problems. Your choice

[@MrTexasDan]

@@meltondaniels2825 Sorry, I wasn't too clear. I wasn't referring to the stuff that Junior is installing, but in general the practice of replacing good original stuff with new repop stuff to get a higher NCRS score. Much of these new items are cheap overseas knock offs. The catalogs are full of them.And I am 100% in favor of taking advantage of new technologies for better driveability and performance. You wouldn't find me on bias-ply tires, etc.

[@flatworm00]

What your doing makes all the sense in the world. You are using technologies that are 50-60 years newer. Just makes sense to use the best available "If you are going to drive it", if you are going to park it and look at it do it old way...just remember when you do it won't last any better than it did the first time. Great channel!

[@kevinbarrett9615]

They should have 2 categories, one for original and one for modern restoration. By only certifying original restorations they are encouraging you to not drive your car which is counterintuitive. Driving your car is what it’s for, it’s not a static display.

[@gregsimon1285]

There are two classifications now. Traditional flight judging for original cars and concourse judging for modified cars. You spoke and NCRS listened.

[@kevinbarrett9615]

@@gregsimon1285 problem solved😄

[@Flying_Dollar_Motorsports]

@@gregsimon1285 Beat me to it. I never intended to make my 63 an NCRS and was happy to see they will now recognize all of us who love the cars but know they can be improved upon.

[@waynemorris4773]

@@Flying_Dollar_Motorsports Can see both lines of thought. But, give me your enhanced build for driver. BRAVO... IF I ever get a truly rare Corvette, maybe would want it NCRS perfect. Aside from that these improvements are a 10 in my book Brother...

[@David-q1k4k]

You are a true professional and extremely skilled , you are the C2 Corvette man ! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@allantaylor3288]

Another brilliant video. Awesome work from such a young fella work on the older Vettes. You know your stuff👍

[@MLFranklin]

Very logical.

[@Sergeantgrunt]

I'm 50yo, I have a C5 and I'm looking at getting a C2. Specifically my Uncles 66. Everything you spoke about seems spot on for me. I want a drivers car and I could careless about some judge telling me it's not correct.

[@Miketheold]

Great upgrades to make the car better ,I wish I could afford to have you redo my 64 convertible . It will be handed down to my son

[@jimrains8314]

that was a very well produced video. thanks for sharing. can't wait to see you tear up some asphalt with it. stay safe

[@dgiorgi1725]

I always thought that in 66 the duel master cylinder was offered as an option where as in 67 it was standard. Interesting and I love the stainless fuel and brake lines along with stainless exhaust without mandrel bends.Ha ha ha, the clocks never worked, lol. Nice upgrades, you got my vote. Your cars are built better for sure. I would rather have one of yours. WHAT, NO MOBIL 1, I would rather use that and change the gasket to accept it.

[@oddzillajames]

close ups would be nice,...example,.....like when you are talking about powder coat frames,...give us a close up.

[@duanearcher7576]

Great video, happy I found this channel! Q - I've read the big blocks can really overheat. when you restore one do you make any upgrades or changes to address that issue?

[@klonidier]

There was a time, not too long ago, that this was the norm in restoration. I recall the term “restomod.” It appeared stock but had updated components so the owner could DRIVE IT!!! For the purists, remember that? Driving a car? Not just putting it in a shop, on a trailer, at a show, back on the trailer, back to the shop…..

[@warbonnet64]

Man, I like the way you think. I'm saving my pennies and I'm savin' my dimes cuz I'm close to the point where I can buy me the first Vette I owned. A 66 fastback and the first thing I'm going to do is drivive it down to you to perform your magic I just witnessed in this vid!

[@daemonhall6062]

I like the way you restore your C2s. If or when I get $100,000 to spend on a C2 coupe I’d like to purchase it from you guys at Horsepower Warehouse with all the modern amenities as I’d be getting it to drive it and enjoy it on the road.

[@rpod1246]

Don’t care about NCRS ratings or judges, I would rather have modern touches added. Wrong on purpose. Perfect. Keep up the great work, hope to get up to your showroom soon!

[@bullheimer]

you do all the things i would do and have done myself. this isnt 1966 anymore. some of that older stuff just isnt up to snuff. besides, who drives concourse cars anyway. beautiful work and great vids. thanks for the oil tip with cork gaskets. you sure are young to be working on this old stuff. would sure be nice to have gotten into this myself when i was young, and walk into a shop like this to "work" every morning.

[@whoi0078]

Why not just install stock power brakes? Reservoir is two chamber and you keep it all period correct. Yes a reproduction reservoir is expensive ($800) but for a 100k restoration who cares. Also oem gaskets we’re cork. Issue with oem oil pan gasket is it came in two pieces so pia to install an nit leak.

[@georgedalton1490]

use LED light bulbs whenever possible for marker and especially tail lights. Easier to see, and don't have as much heat. They make them that fit in the factory sockets, so no mods are needed. they also come on and go out (flash) quicker when the brake pedal is pushed so they catch your eye when they come on. These cars already have the handicap of no third brake light that most people are used to seeing when following a car. anything that can make these cars more visible from behind may save a costly crash. dash light conversion to LEDs is also good because they last longer. it is such a pain to change the incandescent ones.

[@johnwarren2420]

If I was building a car to original standards I would want everything like built in the factory but if I am rebuilding a car to to use regularly I would want the best newest parts to have the safest best running car to drive Just Saying ...

[@onsturn]

Never heard of do not use synthetic oil with cork gaskets. Could you explain further on this and which modern oils would be best. Thanks!

[@dam4274]

Love the twin propellor option.

[@briangriffith2394]

Thank you so much for the information I have a 1964 Corvette coupe in perfect condition can you tell me approximately what it's worth

[@brucepeek3923]

The problem with this is that you have to wait 6 plus minutes for him to get to the better disc brakes and dual master cylinder abd proportion vale.. These things are the kind of thing that should be put at the very beginning of the film so that knowledgeable viewers attention is grabbed. This will make him sound more knowledgeable as well, and more importantly get him more business and he will make more money! After all he is in business to make money. best Bruce Peek

[@jasmith1867]

If I had the money I would buy one of your restomods. I don't do car shows and I just want to drive a C2. The cork gasket and no synthetic oil surprised me.

[@marcoohcanada4168]

Oil type question please: I have a 72 c3 454 not original engine. Any suggestions for oil type that I should use?

[@richardcalon3724]

Couldn't agree more and would like to add one more item, electronic ignition.

[@richardcalon3724]

To suggest newly manufactured old parts, which are inferior in performance, should be the standard of authenticity makes no logical sense. Given a choice between also newly manufactured but modernised parts chose the one that offers the best performance because neither one is authentic.

[@markschellhaas]

completely agree. we have been building cars for 31 years and dealing with judges of all makes . we want our cars to look as nice as possible for as long as possible . stop better and always . Run better , be more comfortable to drive and so on. any top flight restoration is available but if the car is going to be driven its not preictal

[@57fuelieman]

If you're going to drive the car, I agree with all the upgrades. I drive mine and I'm in the process of doing all of these items keeping all of the old parts.

[@riccardodepaoli8871]

I don't believe it was single stage paint with clear in it. it was painted in lacquer which needs to be buffed out to shine. Completely different product

[@bobwallace7487]

Thanks! this is a case of....I dont need to know, I just know a guy who knows! Iwant to drive, not show.

[@sixxtoes6]

Can you make the drivers seat go back further ? Lol

[@hansgruber650]

Color change a game changer for a numbers 64 coupe that was frame off and like new? Looking at one now, your thoughts?

[@leeadams5941]

Judges do not generally drive the cars, I totally agree with the upgrades, especially if you plan on driving the car

[@therealjayfreshour]

Excellent upgrades !! That is how I would want you to restore my C2 !!

[@jimpanzer07]

I would go for the better product that looks factory every time over an original with less quality!

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Great Job! Thank You..

[@jpippy7]

Very cool stuff...I just came upon this video and another one of yours. Can you direct me to a site(assuming there is such a thing) where you have all of your vehicles that are for sale? Thanks!

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

www.classiccarsofsarasota.com Thanks for checking out my channel!