Resurrecting a 10-Year-Old FantomWorks Project: Otis' '65 Corvette Road to Restoration

[@njlauren]

This has to be the hard part, when you have a nice guy with a great car who loves the car and can't afford to restore it. Dan and Otis came up with a great way to make something great out of a sad situation. One suggestion would be sharing the proceeds, maybe battered women, abused children and mental health help for vets in distress.

[@tomanderson1129]

I've followed nearly all the classic/muscle car restoration shows, and Dan is the only person I've seen who clearly and honestly explains to the owner the realities of the costs involved in restoration. There's a video in which Dan and Audrey take Q&A, and he details the reality of labor and parts costs to restore a car. Also, as a fan of the Carlisle and Hershey shows, I've seen the prices people are asking, even for cars that have to hauled in on trailers or exist only as boxes of parts. As Dan cautions over and over again, if restoration costs far exceed the market value of the restored car, the owner should really think long and hard about the project.

[@richkuban2027]

Any charity you deem worthy and your team supports is good. Thanks Dan, Otis, and everyone at Fantomworks!

[@timwoodruff8184]

After my daughter has been living with this since she was 9 I think Juvenile Diabetes is a great charity that can and does help so many people by work toward finding a cure for type one diabetes.

[@troyjustet8315]

What a great solution for the car. As a retired veteran I'm sympathetic to those who have been injured or affected by war but I also agree with you in helping women and children in need.

[@michaelpwilliams9352]

Outstanding Dan!

[@pdlegend6829]

Fantomworks is the one channel I love to watch because its a no drama, no bs, "Mostly" unscripted show about CARS!!! Not storylines about Dan and his crazy escapades outside the shop

[@BarbaraBradley]

Great idea Dan, can't way to see the build and where it ends up!

[@Fantomworks]

You and me both!

[@ruthwayneperry3097]

Thank you Dan! ... the charities you talked about,or wounded warriors.

[@edm1204]

Great idea. Kudos to Dan for steering Otis away from a partial rebuild and I hope some parts suppliers decide this would be a great project to donate to. Pick your charities and funnel it through Barrett Jackson auctions in the hopes it sells there and gets donated back again to maximize its potential.

[@Kyfordman1989]

Wounded warriors . As a US Navy veteran that’s the top of my list.

[@edstrangeway3831]

I love the split idea. The finished car should generate a fair dollar amount to disperse. Perhaps a battered women's/children's shelter or foundation and a DAV or Wounded Warriors combo? I appreciate you doing this no matter who you choose. Be the change you want to see.

[@drdab_]

puppies behind bars and the yellow ribbon fund is who im behind this year great causes also thank you sir for your service

[@TheBuckeye]

Awesome idea and build. I will be watching. As far as the charity or charities go, any that are truly helping battered women, kids or veterans is a win for me. Like Dan said it is reprehensible that we even have these issues in America.

[@robertgastreich9846]

Any charity you pick will be fine with me. You two gentlemen make me want to cry. This is the best for everyone. Can't wait to see the results when you start work on the car, and the charities come out on top at the end.

[@Butch344]

Definitely Disabled Veterans, I am one & DAV is an outstanding organization. I also recommend Wounded Warriors. You being a vet can see why I am saying these 2 are my picks. thanks Dan!

[@ronaldguerrieri3993]

God bless you all.

[@Barbarapape]

You have a heart of Gold Dan Good luck with the rebuild and hope the car helps those deserving charities.

[@louiekoeppen6741]

I love that you and your show is I'm a big fan so thank you for coming back

[@davidsimmons6197]

Dan, here in Cherokee County Georgia we have the Cherokee Family Violence Center. They have a transitional housing unit that helps survivors get back on their feet, plus they have education and rehabilitation for the children. I think they are a very worthwhile organization that could benefit from your project. I have worked with them for years in my capacity as a law enforcement officer helping on the board as well as fundraising. I hope you can consider them.

[@Fantomworks]

Thank you for the recommendation, and for your help with them already.

[@baz041268]

Dan you're got a big heart ❤️ great work great team your a great boss

[@keith4936]

You're a good man Dan. How about Vettes for Vets? They do good things for Veterans, the Vet project would be great for them

[@jimromero1384]

Looking forward to a corvette build & with a great cause. Win,win.

[@bobbolieu9013]

I thank you from the depths of my being for the foresight to make this a charity car.

[@Fantomworks]

Thank you

[@timvilleneuve7244]

Reminds me of the episode of the fellow with the white '61 Impala who did not have enough money to complete the car. It had great paint but you had to cut him loose because of his limited budget. Hard to believe you continue to take calls from people who want work done for nothing. I keep thinking of a generic build sheet that would have the systems broken down into parts and labor estimates, just as you described Otis' Corvette. Folks could take a look at that and see the parts and labor for each subsystem and realize you specialize in the whole car not just one or two subsystems. You need your sleep! Can't wait to watch this build, thanks Dan and to your team.

[@Fantomworks]

We do have a guide on the website before people get through - you can see some of Dan and Audrey reviewing build submissions on one of our podcasts! Otis is an old friend.

[@davehendry8056]

Dan its a start i hope we get videos every week i cant comment where the money goes am not from the US but i hope this is a start to a youtube channel

[@paulsullivan6392]

What worthy causes...I lean toward the abused children as benefactors of your charity build. Well done sir...well done.

[@bassiclymike]

These are the only Corvettes I like, can't wait to see it come together! As for charities, I don't really know of any but I trust you to choose a deserving one.

[@mrchopitup6832]

Thank you Mr.Dan and Fantom Works,God bless!,I love you all!

[@ronmccoon6886]

Great idea!

[@Fantomworks]

Glad you think so!

[@ModelARickLasCruces]

What a great idea! Can't wait to see how this progresses.

[@williamkrusejr1846]

Dan you are a good man, and very nice to see that you are.

[@Fantomworks]

Thank you.

[@wfussner]

Thanks Dan. The charities you chose are good for me. Keep up the awesome work.

[@markturner5996]

Beautiful car to start with!

[@davidhill4711]

Love the idea.

[@Fantomworks]

Thank you! 😊

[@fredericrike5974]

Double load of awesome sauce and a split window roof! I have pop corn, reserve me a seat! Great way to turn a tough situation into a dream every one can share.

[@danoneill2846]

Thanks

[@billdemming2870]

Great idea on the charity build of the ‘65 Vette!

[@roberthaynes8467]

Wellhouse here in Alabama and Wounded Warriors and split the proceeds Thanks for doing this..

[@michaelvandergrift133]

Good to see you still freeing the oppressed Dan.

[@henrycarlson7514]

Such a good idea , a fine build for charity.

[@Fantomworks]

Thank you

[@tunnelratlt8302]

Dan,you are the man, I am so happy to see someone like you acknowledging the trafficking issues with women and children,so many people are ignoring this issue until it hits home. You need to make this go super viral and get it out there. I have some ideas to help

[@nukenuked5749]

all ways link your videos mate glad i can watch you build the amazing cars thank you mate

[@thomasangelo4219]

Veterans of America are a battered woman of great choices

[@vdyroffz]

We'll be watching! 🎉

[@wileycavender3697]

Thanks for what you doing

[@lowella598]

Farley's boys club. A charity for abused or abandoned young boys and teens. Great idea!

[@Tbird1549]

What a great idea! Good Luck! I am for helping Veterans!

[@Fantomworks]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@royvazquez1244]

there is an actor who was in the movie Forest Gump, his name is Gary Sinise, he played Lieutenant Dan. He has a foundation that helps support Veterans and their families, his foundation might be a good one to consider.

[@Fantomworks]

thank you

[@damonshropshire1385]

Awesome plan and benefits a great cause. Can't wait to see it.

[@mmatejka01]

Your idea is great one Dan. I support what you want to do. excited to see this happen....!

[@Fantomworks]

Awesome, thank you!

[@stelis328]

Awesome

[@jackrsanders]

What a Great Idea! Charity Beautiful

[@richardfrank4959]

Veterans there is a lot of veterans that can benefit from the 65 and yes our children are not for sale either one would be great 👍🇺🇸💪💯

[@overniteowl]

That is an amazing offer for the car to help your customer/friend out of a jam and then do a charity build with the car. That car needs alot of work to meet your standards and I know you and your crew wont miss a beat. And then to turn around and donate it is very cool. You are supporting all good causes. Definitely have the homework done on your charity choice. You maybe know more about charities than I do so you have heard the horror stories of some bad apples in charity work who send their CEO on vacation and print fancy brochures and give very little to the cause. Iam not sure how big the roll of red tape is to get your car sold on Barrette Jackson. A perfect spot to be able to explain your charity, your build, and tell the story of your car to many with large budgets. I am not telling anyone at Fantomworks what they dont already know. :) i am sure the car will turn out awesome!

[@carlevans7966]

This is fantastic. Well done.

[@davidmayers3563]

Great Idea.

[@nige1147]

Cannot wait for the next episode 👍

[@joserobertomompo6055]

sweet lola

[@averyroot7643]

You guys Rock!

[@joefreeman9733]

Some years ago I supervised and participated in the restorstion of a 1963 Corcette. The car in all respects appeared to be a numbers match fuelie. Satin silver with black interior. Problem was the owner had paid 75 000 for the car and it had zero documentation. He wanted it restored to show condition but withva few deviations for comfort and safety but which could be undone and reversed for originality if he decided to sell the car. Other problem was the car at some point had been in a front end accident and the entire front clip back to the furewall had been rebuilt with hand laud and chopperguned pieces. So it had to be removed abd replaced with the correct press moulded pieces and bonding strips. Fortunately itcwas a dry southwest car with a lmost no rust but the body still had to come off the frame to make it pristine. The engine needed rebuilding. The trans and the rear end needed rebuilding. Trans for bearings blocker and synchros rear end f I r vlutches and gearing change The brajes were drums and he wanted them changed to a 65 power disc setup which meant different trailing arms along with the rest of the suspendion due to deterioration of the rubber parts. The front springs were gone but the rear transverse leaf assy was ok. He wanted the engine to make nort of 400 ho with no outside changes using the original head castings and to run on 91 pump gas. And finally he wanted Air conditioning that was as unobtrusive as possibele and looked factory on the inside of the cabin . Even though no known 63 fuelie ever was oroduced with air. The silver was according to the tag Sebring silver the mixing formula for whic had long been lost and the exact shade of which remains a natter for some dispute among judges Original parts were aldo to be restored wrapped boxed labelled for possible future use. Well. I estimated the job at 100 000 with a 10 percent possible overrun and explained to him that hed be underwater on a resale by 30 to 50 thousand. He didnt care. Thats what he wanted. Hed wanted it fir 40 years ever since he was a 10 year old kid and saw a silver 63 fuelie. The trickiest part was the engine. We had to drop the compression almost 2 points to get it to run on 91 octane. The I riginal higher compression engine only made 360 hp new. Essenti a lly this was accomplished by internal head mods invol b ing careful porting and polidhing installation of larger valves using stellite seats on the exhaust consultation with Comp cams for arevised solid lifter cam that would work with the lower compression and the use of 6 inch rods with modigied flat top pistons and rejetting of the injection system.result was 412 hp at 6200 rpm. Mission accomplished. The center vertical portion of the dash was replaced with one taken fron a wreced air car. Standard controls were used along with the center vent and dide ball vents. A small Sanyo rotary compresdor was cradle hung from custom mounts low on the passenger dide of the block. The car was finished after 9 months. The amount ofvresearch on some items was appreciable since even within the model year there had been some running changes that were date sensitive. A respected retired Corvette judge was frequently consulted. Getting the correct Sebring Silver look with 2 step water based paint was an adventure. Over 20 test panels had to be shot before according to the judge the color looked r ight in the shade and had the correct color shift in the sun. I had previously owned 5 C2 Vettes before all 427 435 hp except for 1 65 fuelie. I had never been concernedcwith numbers matching or originality beyound genersl appearance. Most of them had not been in such rough condition or required seperating the body from the frame or stripping the frame media blasting wnd putting it back together except for 1 67 Sunfire yellow convertible. It was a real education to work with a couple of experts in the field of conciurs restoration. It was also fascinating to see the tech that had evolved in vintage racing in the engine tech. Most people I concluded that go to a car show have no idea of the knowledge and skill that is being evaluated by the judges or what they are looking at other than shiney paint bright chrome and bew seat civers and carpet. In a ll it was a humbling and enlightening experience. The owner was a businessman with a busy schedule. But he was deeply involved in the research and decision making on his car. He was slso enormously pleased and satisfied with the outcome and stated that he has no concern about the economics of the oroject as he intended to keep the car forever. I saw the car 5 years later at a local show. It was being judged in a modified class. Which it won.

[@Fantomworks]

Wow, quite a journey! Nothing compared to the real work though... good stuff.

[@lougaru2445]

Wow this is great

[@rustyrodgarage2686]

Such a great cause dan

[@Hasley1]

Audrey Jr in the background. 😊

[@johnforrester9120]

IT’s a great idea

[@corssecurity]

Kudos!

[@thomasangelo4219]

Would a great idea great cause

[@deepjunkgarage]

Operation Underground Railroad, Tim Ballard's organization. I can't think of a better recipient. I would like to know how I could help (send a contribution) with this project. 🙂

[@brendad6058]

❤

[@hammerdon1962]

❤ Dan

[@rogerspaulding6569]

👍❤️

[@ROXSTARCorvette4371]

I have two charities that are near to my heart. The Pearl S. Buck Foundation for children. The other is an organization called Operation Underground Railroad. Frankly though, any organization that helps abused and exploited people is fine with me.

[@brianmcwhite721]

😮

[@gotchagoing4905]

Being a totally disabled vietnam veteran in a wheelchair, I would love to see it go to a disabled vets organization then auctioned off.

[@ramjr]

👍🏼🎉🎉

[@MF-rn5os]

USO or Navy Relief any charity that has low operating costs which gives most to those that are seeking the help.

[@renatorossoni8652]

Seria ótimo se fosse em português também

[@sidneyjackson8005]

Salvation army who helps children and battered women I stayed with my mother when I was 11years old when we were homeless

[@blackbuttecruizr]

I hope he takes the 15k he has saved, adds the 11.2k you gave him and buys something fun.

[@paulelliott682]

If it won't start you don't need brakes done

[@paulb1928]

Commemorative Air Force maybe

[@9983sp]

One and a maybe. 😂

[@greggbrown0]

Disabled Veterans

[@AltonStrain]

St Jude for children with cancer.❤

[@jagvette1]

Animal Charity

[@williamrobinson8406]

Dan stole this man's car this car is worth as it sits easy $35k bucks

[@Fantomworks]

They're working together to do it for charity - no one is keeping it. Both are happy.

[@JoshGraham-gp7hz]

The children

[@crazzywolfie]

not trying to be mean but really seems like you guys could have likely fixed the car up for $15k he had. i would assume if you guys had fixed it 10 years ago it is likely not that bad. i agree that the brakes and fuel system need to be gone through but doubt the bushings and wiring should be that bad from sitting unless he had a major rodent problem and lived in a desert. would the car be perfect? no but it would at least be driveable and enjoyable. cars don't need to be perfect or if they are it is nearly impossible to drive or enjoy in fear that it will be destroy. it is not worth putting $40-60k into a car that is only worth $30k.

[@Fantomworks]

15k would about cover parts for the basics for safety. No room for labor.

[@icemangt16]

50k should be more than enough for what he just ask, that why all these is just fake!, come on…

[@donedmisten4998]

Dunno. Something is missing from your previous programs. Seems scripted. Not quite real.

[@Fantomworks]

We've got a very small crew filming right now, we're doing what we can to share the stories of what goes on in the shop

[@jameswaldrope1119]

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital a great hospital been helping children for a long time

[@4pezheads]

This exciting! Thank you!

[@73er-xy3ky]

I feel for the guy . He shoulda worked on the car himself. He could fixed it to like new (Free labor) Stuffs not rocket science. Dan's heart is in the right spot. However donating to those charities while (Very thoughtful) are only a drop in the bucket . If people really care about that we all need to come together and vote this administration out of office and getting our borders secure!

[@brendad6058]

❤

[@brendad6058]

❤

[@brendad6058]

❤