Labor of Love: Saving His Lost Brother’s C2 Corvette

CorvetteForum member showcases meticulous revival of his brother’s C2 Corvette reminding us all that it’s a labor of love.

TV shows and auction showcases really make it seem like an in-depth restoration project is something that doesn’t take all that long. In reality, though, most folks don’t have an entire shop and staff at the ready to handle these sorts of things. However, most folks don’t do it for the profit and recognition. Most car enthusiasts are doing it because they are exactly that; enthusiasts. This remarkable C2 1967 Corvette serves as a reminder of that very point.

CorvetteForum member elwood13started this thread — which you should read — back in 2018 when he collected his recently deceased brother’s 1967 Corvette from a packed-out garage. From initial pictures, the condition didn’t look all that rough. However, his remarkable picture thread and attention to detail throughout the restoration process show that it was a little worse off than it seems. That being said, this car is in great hands and is getting exactly the restoration treatment it deserves.

My brother bought his first Corvette in 1978 a few months before my 10th birthday. It was a used 67 Goodwood green convertible. I thought it was the coolest car ever made. It was the first Corvette I ever rode in. First Corvette I ever drove. Instead of studying for finals in high school, I spent the week getting the car ready to take to burn out day on the last day of school. Drove it to high school graduation, 18th birthday party and some other events we don’t tell the wife. I parked it back in his garage that summer of 1986 and that was the last time the car was driven.

Over the years I tried to buy it from him but he “was alway going to fix it up one day soon”. After 21 years of trying, I gave up. I could have had other Corvettes, but I wanted that one. I ended up getting the car when he unexpectedly passed away and that is how I got it. Not how I wanted, but it is what it is. I joined here to learn about the car and go about getting back on the road. The group here confirmed it was probably a 390 hp big block originally as my brother always said. I was warned not go down the rabbit hole, but I did.

This is also the first car I have ever taken apart and rebuilt. My oldest son is helping when he can and this is his first car to work on ever. I thought I would have been done last year but life got in the way. Hopefully this is the year, number 6 since we started, and we will be driving again. My son will also learn to drive a standard in this car. I’m building this car to hit all 48 states before my clutch leg gives out. She will be a driver.

Digging a C2 Diamond out of the Rough

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Every reassembly starts with a disassembly and that can be quite a daunting task. In the case of this C2, though, daunting almost doesn’t justify the amount of effort in its recent history. The owner of this car left virtually no nut or bolt unturned. Starting with the removal of the 327 engine and preparation to remove the body from the frame, he states that he and his son got to work disassembling as much as they possibly could with their time. This spans everything from the removal of the drivetrain and interior components to the nitty-gritty levels of pulling trim pieces, removing the windshield and window glass, dashboard, and everything else.

The entire underside of the car was in pretty rusty shape, especially the gas tank. Pitted chrome trim pieces, corroding bezels, rusty bolts, a rusting convertible top structure, and virtually every trope of a neglected old car make an appearance on this C2. That, however, didn’t put a stop to the process. There’s always a bright side, too. In the case of this car, one of the bright sides is that CorvetteForum members helped him identify the car’s numbers and it turns out it was originally a big block car. In that light, the owner shares that he plans on putting a big block back in it.

Into the Thick of It

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Throughout the disassembly process, elwood13 spent a good amount of time and elbow grease with paint stripper and a plastic scraper to prepare the body for paint. After hours of work and prep, the car was taken to a shop where they removed the body from the frame. An in-depth look at the frame showed some serious wear and tear. Later on in the thread, he shows the extensive process of cutting out any problem areas and welding in fresh metal. Again, this is not a trivial process and there’s no shortage of folks who would have never taken it on in the first place.

While waiting for powdercoating and bodywork to get situated, he posts some pictures of pieces coming in including a nice polished chrome center console and a new Super 10 rear differential. That’ll definitely help put the big block power to the ground.

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No matter how many times you see an old frame get powder coated or an old body gets new paint, it’s always a shocking transformation. Though there’s still plenty of work to go, it’s always a monumental turning point in the restoration process of any car. To some extent, this is the turning point where disassembly becomes reassembly. Undoubtedly, though, there is a massive amount of work to go from here. We have to say, though, the color choice is grade A. What a phenomenal choice!

Moving forward, he brings the car home with the wheels on the frame and the body sitting atop it once again. It’s starting to look like a car again!

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Alongside the modern differential, a full coilover suspension conversion, beefy axles, and gorgeous black disc brakes and spindles start to push this restoration into restomod territory.

At this point, elwood13 reveals the 427 cubic-inch chunk of beauty he purchased to further bring this C2 to completion. It’s also worth noting that, at this point, it’s 2021. This is nearly three years into the restoration. So, don’t feel too bad if your project is sitting on jack stands.

Perseverance Pays Off

Fast forward to now and this amazing C2 Corvette is virtually unrecognizable in comparison to its old self. This gorgeous project is a perfect example of what you can accomplish if you really dedicate the time and effort it takes to get something done. Without a doubt, there are thousands of hours and thousands of dollars into the restoration of this car. As the poster pointed out early on, he could have bought a nice C2 example for much less than the restoration would cost in the long run. However, the sentimental value and pride associated with the DIY approach are things no amount of money can replace.

We could go on forever about the meticulous details involved in this restoration thread. However, we think it’s best if you hear it straight from the horse’s mouth. For all the nitty-gritty details, be sure to check out elwood13’s thread. We’ll be watching to see how it finally comes together!

Photos: Eldwood13/CorvetteForum