Rusted 1966 Corvette gets Completely Restored Chassis

[@memoalonso3317]

I appreciate this level of detail and explanation of what it takes to make it right! You and your technicians are true craftsmen! Thank you.

[@azstanp]

In a time when everything is half-assed and stupidity is king, seeing such attention to detail and to doing things right is like medicine for the soul. Keep up the good fight!

[@theraven9156]

Shimming the body mounts to get the door alignment ...thanks

[@loutruckmd]

You guys are the best. I am an old auto mechanic, I love watching guys that know and really love what you do.

[@sturdythorpe7585]

They are works of art and you're the artist. Well done.

[@clintpeterson9028]

C2 the best looking vett

[@cjcar63]

You have the ultimate job. My first car was a 70 Camaro RS. I bought it when I was 16 years old, (1979). It had been in an accident, but had low mileage and not a spot of rust. My father was the police officer at the scene. I had a part-time job after school and had saved enough money to buy it from the owner's insurance company. I spent that summer tearing it apart at a firend's father's body shop. The crumpled nose and fenders had to be removed, half-frame replaced, interior completely gutted. It was a lot of work, but I learned a great deal that summer. Would love the opportunity to do another one. Keep the videos coming!

[@maxwellbricks7632]

I remember when I was in high school and I tried to convince my parents to let me buy a 66 Corvette coupe with a 327 & side pipes (cannot remember everything). They said the bicycle was fast enough. Enjoyed your KZbin’s.

[@Formula455resto]

Love it! Maybe I'll bring my 68 in?🤔👍

[@larrysorenson4789]

Old Doc Kelly had a hobby of rebuilding corvettes. I helped him out. The early years are so simple; nothing more than a larger dune buggy, honestly. A rusted out frame is really nothing with the availability of new and better frames. We even fabbed most of one. At the right price a beautiful body with a shot frame can really work out well and pay off in the long run. Great video. I’m sure Dic enjoyed it in that great machine shop in the sky.

[@curtbrowning1390]

Ive been searching for a source for lots of C2 content to educate myself and get as much instruction as I can to improve my '66 coupe driver. The first thing I've learned is that I should just look for a better condition car as my frame isnt in very good shape and every seal, rubber bushing and wear item needs done. Until I find a nicer car, I intend to do improvements and replacements that I can afford and accomplish on my own. Your videos have provided a ton of good info and much encouragement already. All that said I have never seen so many C2s in any shop or video at one time. Your shop is quite the great example of a busy, yet clean and orderly which differs greatly from many I have seen. GREAT CONTENT !! Thanks.

[@donlemme898]

Just subscribed as a result of a ‘67 roadster inherited by a friend from his father coming up on my radar. Car has sat for many years. Beginning negotiation. Already learned a great deal from your videos and comments.

[@cd9797]

I think most people never get bored on building vette

[@terrystein1552]

You have very informative videos and someone like me with no corvette experience is learning a lot. Hope to be purchasing a '64 from a family member who has had it since new in the coming weeks so now I have some better insight on things to look for. Keep up the great work!

[@williamberger497]

I just purchased a 65 roadster that you restored in 2020 and discovering your channel is a pleasant surprise. Viewing your work in progress along with explanations makes me even happier with my purchase, knowing the work done was performed professionally.

[@thomasbittlingmaierlo5361]

Always loved C2, great video

[@joehovanec1985]

We love seeing all the details. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and all the very good details.

[@allantaylor3288]

Definitely not boring, enjoy your videos regardless of content. Keep them coming

[@anddan11111]

I love your work and all the videos

[@dennisdouglas4261]

I enjoy seeing the nuts and bolts of the vette.

[@kickit59]

Man that 64 convertible with the silver interior really talks to me! Very cool!

[@murraysilke9867]

Love what you are doing

[@davidclark9687]

Please do not stop showing the build of Corvette"s I am interested to see how they turn out

[@lionden8421]

PLEASE keep showing total rebuilds!... I don't have a Corvette but would like to bring an '04 Miata that has developed rust underneath. These videos let me know the worst to expect and what it will take to do what I need. Thanks!!

[@anthonycadiou8367]

Black and silver interior nice

[@ronlheureux7623]

New viewer, here. Your inventory is impressive, as is your commitment to only the very best restorations. I like that your frame paint jobs look exactly like the factory job would. I do remember the 1960s and my falling in love with the C2 "Vette. A friend had a '63 coupe. Red with black interior. I believe that it was a 350HP with a 4 speed. A real blast to drive. Too bad that whenever it rained, the rainwater ran into the inside of the car. It would stink for quite some time. I have no doubt that there is an easy fix for that problem today.

[@dianelee2100]

How in the heck don't you have more scriber's? Your attention to detail in second to none. I live in Apollo Beach. I finishing my 1969 AMC AMX GO PACK 390 WITH EVERY AVAILABLE OPTION. I'M going to get you more scriber's for sure. Neal

[@joeldawson442]

Just sick because I’ll never be able to have this kind of high level restoration on a vetted IF I ever get to buy one. Great vid and even better work. Thank you.

[@AerosolKid]

Great work on saveing the car. Keep up the content

[@joehutter4816]

Love your videos. Keep creating content and I’ll keep watching!

[@woodymoyer8421]

Just found this channel and love the walk arounds on the C2's. I have had a 65 coupe for 35 years now and is in need of new paint. Have had a 66, 396, a 63 coupe and my first was a 61 that I bought for $ 100.00. Keep up with the videos. Thanks

[@CarguyEd5150]

As I mentioned on the earlier video, the customer was smart to bring his corvette to you and I enjoyed seeing the transformation so much, I subscribed to your channel. This car is now truly a rebuilt classic from head to toe, that is ready to hit the road without any concerns and worries of what may be lurking underneath, ready to break. I would be proud to drive this car and hopefully this beautiful piece of automotive art will live on for many decades to come and be driven like it was intended! Great job.

[@Mike-en4ye]

Great work. I’m jealous

[@nickh4646]

Nice Job.

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

Thank you!

[@TheDecguy]

Thanks. Another one saved.

[@conradbaker5448]

Hi Jr, How about some content on some smaller stand alone projects such as a Vintage Air install on a non-A/C C2 or Tremec install? Thanks, I do enjoy ALL your hands on content!!

[@kentdavis2940]

Jr, I’m a new subscriber having found your channel a few weeks ago. I am learning so much viewing your videos and am working my way thru and “liking”all of them. Please keep them coming. I had a ‘62 in 1975, but sold it to purchase a business. I have a 2017 GS now, but have a yearning for a C2. Seems I need something to tinker with and polish. You have a great business model with these videos.

[@timboehm8700]

Love this content- so interesting!

[@johnburke2285]

I’m a 1st time viewer today. Your work looks superb, video very well done, I’m a fan and just subscribed. Kudos.

[@donaldrobinson9823]

Great video! Looking forward to the follow up.

[@bobfultz1937]

Went to the O-ring pistons with stainless sleeves calipers. Got tired of them leaking two or three years down the road from siting to much. I do like your reviews.

[@southernbreeze3278]

better idea - drive regularly 😃

[@deansherman8855]

Excellent work! Keep the progress videos coming please.

[@earlsmithson4749]

Just found your channel, new sub, long time C2 owner. By all means keep the C2 content coming as not much on u-tube on mid-years.

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

Thanks for checking my channel out! I stay buried in Mid-year vettes so I will absolutely keep the corvette content coming.

[@mikebryant6174]

This is phenomenal! Great work

[@dukeman7595]

I like your channel, you do a great job explaining the work process/sequence. 1963 corvette head light motors, I could never get them to work correctly so I left them up, I hated them things. Just subscribed and looking forward to more content.

[@SpartanBrian1]

Love your channel and the content!! I greatly appreciate all the details you go through. I’m learning a ton! Keep up the same approach to these videos. I love all the knowledge/references to NCRS spec too.

[@MrYAMAHA32177]

Nice upgrade.

[@pierrerousseau9453]

great job. I have a 67 roadster and need to swap out frame. grateful for all your insights, I am at the opposite end of the country in northern NH so I can't send it to you ., thanks again for the info.

[@stephensousa6934]

Real enjoy your video. I have a 92 C4 real clean car.

[@stephenhoosick7434]

Great videos and really nice work,,keepm coming

[@nickrice7535]

It looks like great work. The black 64 has a black brake booster, thinking it should be a gold cad? Of course the blue 427 is a 66, if 65 it would be a 396. Not nit picking, just paying attention. Love your work.

[@williamjenkins9]

I love the C2.... I love what y’all do! Tell me where to go and how much it’s going to cost me

[@markwest9447]

Spectacular attention to detail. Old World Quality, in a modern crazy world. I tried to google you folks, however the only information that keeps coming up is your Facebook page. I am not a member of Facebook or any Social Media platform. I do I get in touch. MANY THANKS

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

I appreciate the compliment! I don't mention my business info in the videos because I don't want my content to look like a sales pitch. Check us out at www.classiccarsofsarasota.com

[@victorleiter8168]

I don't know very much about C2 Corvettes, but I am trying to educate myself. I love your videos. One thing I am wondering about...I hear about the "bird cage" on Corvettes and how they are subject to rust issues. I don't see you mention that so far in the few videos I have watched. Do the C2 Corvettes not have that problem?

[@bengone3349]

The most dreaded rust issue is the birdcage. It puts the frame issue to a lower status.

[@GaryT1952]

Where do you find donor chassis? Very interesting content.

[@andrewratcliffe1548]

Nice work on that 66 convertible chassis replacement. I'm hunting for a 66 convertible small block numbers matching. Are any of the mid year convertibles that you have for sale? If so, how much? If none of the mid year convertibles that you have are not for sale, then would you know anyone that has one for sale?

[@thomaslawry5238]

Beautiful, does anyone do rack & pinion steering conversion? After all its not completely original anymore. But it definitely better than it was when it rolled off the production line.

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

We actually do a Borgeson steering upgrade which eliminates the problematic steering servo and replaces the steering gear box with a much better unit. The benefit is there are no permanent modifications to the car besides the column shaft which is replaceable. Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@mccallfineart7589]

Fabulous video! Love the details. You mentioned a donor frame for the rust bucket.... Are new frames available?

[@troygoodwin2954]

Hello. Suggestions on how to strip the bottom of a c2. Thanks

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

We start with a steam pressure washer on low pressure and various degreasers. Be very careful not to damage the fiberglass. Follow up with many hours using red scotchbrite pads and lacquer thinner / wax & grease remover. We seal the exposed bare fiberglass with a satin UV stable clear coat to preserve the finish.

[@terrybaptist795]

Cauldnt help but notice that you also have a ford bronco and a chevy camaro project as well?

[@motorv8N]

Terrific tour of your work. Subbed!

[@peejay6855]

This may be real nice, but I can't even imagine the cost!!!!

[@TheBeingReal]

My buddy did a replacement roller chassis on a ‘63 Vette and it was $30k and no where near the detail done here. Bet this was near $100k.

[@kerrmudgeon8302]

You haven't mentioned the motor? Was it torn down and rebuilt, or do you just strip it, paint it, and reuse it?? thanks for that build. love c1&2s.

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

We always rebuild the engine, transmission and rear end when we do a frame off. We figure there is no better time than when it is already apart. Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@anthonycadiou8367]

Does your shop weld embracing plates on the weak areas? Cost for new frame?

[@troygoodwin2954]

Hello. Starting a frame off restoration of a 63 split red/red . After sandblasting frame what do you recommend for epoxy primer and frame paint. Thanks Troy

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

You can either powder coat the chassis like some of my more recent restorations or go with Eastwood ceramic 2K Satin Black chassis paint with their chassis black epoxy primer and after blast metal prep. Either way will be expensive but will produce an extremely durable show quality finish if done correctly. www.eastwood.com/eastwood-2k-ceramic-chassis-black-satin-and-activator.html

[@kevinkania8182]

Had a question my dad left me his original 1966 vette 327. It is all factory so I use it as nice driving car. Unfortunately someone backed into me and pushed the front chrome bumper in maybe about a inch so it looks like it's slanted. She also cracked some of my fiberglass on the body. But can the front bumper be realigned? Nobody notices it unless I point it out. But being a original 1 owner vehicle I was just curious. Thanks love your videos.

[@dennisdouglas4261]

Is the engine orginal? Since the chasis is different can iy be sold as all orginal?

[@StrangeDuder]

Nice. I have a '65 327 Convertible 4 speed, numbers matched. Runs well, but really needs your expert touch. I'm in Colorado tho.

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

Thanks for checking out my channel! We have actually built quite a few cars for customers in CO, it's absolutely beautiful there and I'd love to take a mid-year through the mountains. If you decide to tinker with it yourself let me know and I'll help however I can.

[@StrangeDuder]

@@HorsepowerWarehouse Lets chat, I may send it to you next fall, but would want to visit / chat first - post covid of course.

[@Tomatohater64]

Great stuff. Love any C2 videos. What's your opinion of the powerglide automatic tranny?

[@BimmerCris]

How Much Is Something Like This?

[@timbrady6473]

How’s the birdcage on this’66?

[@jerrygillig2969]

What do you use to clean the underside?

[@ruthc8407]

Where do you find a new C2 frame?

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

We have a local source for hard to find C2 items, I pay around 6k for a good frame without powder coat. There are also differences in the 63-64, 65-66 and 67 frames. I always suggest inspecting the frame to make sure it isn't a converted C3 frame, doesn't have metal repairs and is appropriate for your year.

[@johnstuckey2723]

Question, the rusted frame from your other video, rework, or aftermarket?

[@kenzaccaria7763]

Where is your shop located ? You guys sound really knowledgeable and I would like to possibly use your services

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

We're in Sarasota, FL. Check out our website at www.classiccarsofsarasota.com

[@christinewoodruff255]

Wonder what a repair like this costs

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

This one was right around 35k for the chassis restoration. Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@tkitty4ever]

Where did u get a new chassis?

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

I have a local connection for some of the harder to get items like clean chassis, it sure isn't cheap though. We pay around 7k for a clean donor frame that isn't a converted C3. Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@johnsmith-qz4bv]

great video.....would 4.5 inch bolt pattern fit a 07 dodge charger......i the 4.5 equles 5x114.3 ...?..that corvette is looking good..nice work

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

Hey John, I appreciate the compliment! Sorry for missing this comment but better late than never I suppose. 4.5 and 114.3 are indeed the same. For an 07 Charger get that bolt pattern but also look for a wheel with 24mm offset and 71.6mm center bore. Thanks for checking out my vid!

[@johnsmith-qz4bv]

@@HorsepowerWarehouse thanks i got some rims that are i think 40 mm offset...and 8 inch wide the back fit but the front hit the steering knuckle....so im looking for some SRT knuckles....plus the rims are 70.6 mm center bore so i have to get them machined.....the machine shop said that wont be a problem....thanks for getting back to me.......keep up the great content..

[@HawklordLI]

I wasn't aware that fiberglas could 'rust'.

[@johnvallie6265]

How about 1963 stock steel rims want go back to hubcaps on car have trouble finding them in michigan

[@markf4328]

Love this (and the rest) of your C2 videos. May need you to do some work, do you have a preferred email?

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

Thanks for checking out my channel! Our info is located under "contact us" at www.classiccarsofsarasota.com

[@andrewratcliffe1548]

Are any of those mid year convertibles for sale? If so, how much? Thanks.

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

Sure are, see our website at www.classiccarsofsarasota.com . Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@jaytucker4827]

Nice build when your finished how much will it cost ?

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

This job cost right around 35k. This was a customer car so we didn't do the usual full build with paint, chrome, trim, interior, ect. Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@TheNJ54]

Interested in what you changed client for this project?

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

Roughly 35k including chassis, powder coat, engine rebuild, trans rebuild, rear end rebuild, ect. We did pretty much everything but interior, chrome / trim and paint.

[@angelonicassio7131]

You said “new donor” frame. Was it a new frame, or a used 1966 frame?

[@SpectrumRob]

So that's a used restored frame or reproduction?

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

We always use a date correct original frame unless we are doing a full aftermarket resto-mod build. Once stripped and coated inside and out it lasts substantially longer than the first one did. Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@ZebraActual]

Where did the new frame come from??

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

I have a local connection for some of the harder to get items like clean chassis, it sure isn't cheap though. We pay around 7k for a clean donor frame that isn't a converted C3.

[@martinfilardi2614]

Is that a brand new chassis or an old one that has been restored?

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

Its a clean original 65-66 chassis which we restored. Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@georgemattar1182]

Thank you for saving another C2. I want one. Please print tour email or phone number. Beautiful work on the fiberglas underneath. Rear diff is NCRS correct.

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

Thanks for checking out my channel as well as the compliment! Our website is www.classiccarsofsarasota.com and all info is under "contact us"

[@roughrider3620]

Estimated cost?

[@stefanblakeman3317]

Well it all look very nice . But poor handle rear axle joints are weAk and the rear spring is known is in wrong position

[@allenhanks7719]

How much dough?

[@lynnpierce3843]

What does this cost average. Thanks

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

This job cost right around 35k. This was a customer car so we didn't do the usual full build with paint, chrome, trim, interior, ect. Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@sunny689]

The hours of work = mo' money.

[@Corvette.Ronnie]

I’m looking at C2’s right now and I’m being warned about rusty “birdcage” issues. Where is that?

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

Excellent photos of the birdcage can be found here www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c1-and-c2-corvettes/3802386-bird-cage-removal.html

[@Corvette.Ronnie]

@@HorsepowerWarehouse , that looks WAY tougher to repair/replace than even the frame. It seems like the birdcage is nearly impossible to inspect on an assembled car for sale. Tough call....

[@robchell9196]

Website?

[@HorsepowerWarehouse]

www.classiccarsofsarasota.com

[@spignetti]

it cant' be a rust bucket...it's mostly fiberglass...You wanna see rust bucket?? come see my mustang....lol

[@TheBeingReal]

That had to be a near $100k bill to redo that car.

[@jonasgrumby1093]

What does the customer think of you calling his car a rust bucket. Maybe he got the car for a great price and can afford to put some money into it