1973 Corvette Restomod: Build-in-Progress Spotlight

This Stingray is getting the best of both worlds: modern performance and convenience in a classic shape.

Corvette Forum member “Tim 1973” has been hard at work on his 1973 Corvette’s frame-off restoration. While it’s not quite finished, it’s high time we showed you how far he’s come because it’s been an impressive journey.

Tim is basically building an early C3 Corvette with all of the tweaks and changes we’d make if we were building one from the ground up.

The twenty-page build thread chronicles the entire story so far, but we’ll condense it here. Toward the end of 2012, Tim was wrapping up a 1937 Dodge pickup truck project. He’d always wanted a Corvette and found a derelict, engine-less example behind a shop. He brought the project home and began stripping it down and repairing the body. Thankfully the frame was in great shape, requiring no repairs prior to powder coating.

ALSO SEE: Latest Build Updates from the Forum

Once Tim began installing new components on the frame, the build’s momentum really picked up. He improved every detail where necessary. All of the brake lines are stainless steel, and the stock dampers were swapped for VBP coil-overs up front, and a VBP transverse leaf spring out back. An LS1 was chosen for engine power, with a modified set of Hooker side pipes set up to work with an LS. The LS1 is backed up by a rebuilt 4L60E transmission.

Inside, custom-covered Fiero seats provide much-needed support, and seat heaters were installed prior to re-upholstery. An LED controller allows Tim to select any color he wants for gauge backlighting. LEDs were also used for exterior lighting, while the headlight mechanism was converted from vacuum to electric operation.

The unique color chosen for this build reminds us of the Admiral Blue used on the 1996 Corvette Grand Sport. We can’t wait to see the entire car painted this color.

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