I had a ‘63 convertible Fuel. In my mind, it was a fantastic memory but in reality, the car had problems. At high speed, the front lifted up. On a date, I had to plan to avoid any railroad tracks as they rattled, badly. The fuel injection caught on fire coming back to meet on Interstate 10. The last major problem was when I let my roommate drive it and he dropped the rear end at an intersection. The only replacement we could find was from an automatic so the gear ratio was too high. I couldn't even burn rubber but man did I have a high end. I'm sure I still hold a record between Tucson Arizona and L.A. (Newport Beach) where I went for a post-finals party given by the Phi Delt frat.
I bought my first C2 a few months ago. It’s a restored 1967 L79 Coupe with all the original paperwork including the protect-o-plate. And it’s a 3-time NCRS top flight car. I love these Midyear Vettes!!!
Back in 1975 I had the opportunity to buy a 67 coupe. It was originally a 327 but that engine had been replaced with a 350 of unknown origin. The clutch needed replacing, the paint was faded, the interior was heavily worn......but.....it was a 67 coupe. I didn't buy it thankfully. It would have cost a fortune to put it back in shape and it was money I didn't have Instead I bought a beautiful 72 coupe which needed nothing and got to enjoy it right away. Fast forward to 2023 and I decided I wanted another Corvette. I'd still love to have a 65-67 coupe but they're out of my financial range. I looked at maybe buying a 69-72 C3 but they're getting up there in price as well for one in nice condition. Anyway, I ended up buying a 2016 Stingray 1LT with the 7 spd and I'm loving it. Glad to have a Corvette again even if it isn't the C2 coupe I always dreamed of owning.
Great video, I have a 1966 327 350 hp i had a nice one from 1974 to 1980 I paid $3,500.00 for I finally got one 4 years ago I paid $69,000.00 for 😱 I’ve had a 62, 66, 70 & 95 & 66 is by far my favorite
Great info: I own an all original white over red coupe with numbers matching/original with a 250 hp 327 four speed Muncie with 308:1 positrac with 32000 original miles. Factory a/c and am/fm radio. It’s had only three other owners and has been a southwest USA car mostly garaged and in our family since 1969. Still visible are the factory assembly line numbers on the firewall and original frame rail stencils. I’m keeping it and passing it on to my son, whose maternal grandfather was the previous owner.
I really appreciate your obvious willingness to help people succeed with their corvette experience. Any number of us have talents and capabilities that range from pretty limited to folks like myself that have complete fabrication facilities and years of experience under our belts. You do a fabulous job of sharing your deep library of accumulated knowledge, and do so with a very welcoming attitude and a sincere wish to help. This is gold in my opinion. It attracts and retains folks into this realm. It grows the amount of people having a quality experience. Tip of the hat sir. Well done. Glenn Evans. 69 L71 Tri-Power roadster. COPO car. N-14 off-road. M-22.
Two years ago I had the opportunity to buy my dream car. A 1966 427 4 speed convertible with removable hard top. I have had several Corvettes over the past 20 years or so. I had two from 1986, and one 1976, but I have always loved the C2 body and performance. I bought it from my Uncle, who over the years has had many exotic cars from Porsche to an XKE Jaguar. Back in the 70's he had a 1966 convertible in silver. I still remember that car vividly. I got a great deal on it because he knows my love for the old cars. It is a driver and I take it to shows year round. I live here in FL and enjoy the nice weather with the top down. Great informative video, and I will have to stop down at your shop in Sarasota to see how things are going. Great job!
Tri-power wasn't available until 1967. And in '67 the knock off wheels became a bolt on look alike because a federal standards against the spinning ears. The standard transmission was a 3 speed manual.
After graduating college I bought a 1966 327/350 convertible with a hardtop for $4,200. Loved driving it for four years before selling it to a good friend when I got married. So many happy memories. Even today people ask me if I still own it. Six Corvettes later bought since then. My current 2009 model has some similar visual cues to the C2 coupes. Love C2’s! Except the prices.
I have had my 67 L68 C2 for 54 years now! Never raced it, but I have driven it to 100 mph twice, that was enough! Last time it was rained on was 35 or 40 years ago. It has been a dream.
That's funny. My dad brought home a 67 L68 coupe in 1970. He took us 4 kids to the drive-in numerous times. I drove it in high school in the late 70's. What a blast. He passed it down to me in 2005. 54 years in the family. I've only had it over 100 mph a couple of times also. 373's in the back. 5000 rpm's at 100mph. Wasn't much left. Hope you love yours as much as I do. Good luck to you. Ps, also no rain or snow.
I was the proud owner of a used 65 vert in 1966. Think I paid $3,500. Got drafted into the US Army in May of 67 and sold it in Sept 68 for $2,500 with a 59 chevy post coupe 6cyl as a trade in. I got orders for Vietnam so I had to sell it and was newly married. Loved that car!. I think all the C2s could be purchased with a 3 speed stick as I set in a new one at Berger Chevrolet in Grand Rapids, MI. It was a "stripper" coupe with a 3 speed 65, 327.
Yep, I hated selling my '31 Ford DeSoto Hemi powered rod in November '71 day before shipping out for EvilJFK's War on Vietnam! But didn't know if I would ever be back... alive...
I really appreciate your knowledge of corvette. I am a huge corvette fan. My father had a 69 L36 . My parents were members of a corvette club in Ontario Canada. So corvettes are in my blood. I now own a 2019 grand sport. Love it. I’m trying to pass on the same appreciation of this amazing vehicle to my son. We both like watching your vlogs and learning about everything corvette.
36 fiberglass gallon gas tank and knock off wheels were only lister as part of the Z06 package in the early part of 1963. however it is unconfirmed that any of the 13 of Knock off sets shipped with cars as non were listed on window stickers, but popular theory is they were sold over the parts counter.in 63 only part of the Z06. Later in 1963 the Z06 package eliminated 36tank/knock off price was reduced about $600.+ added the option availbility to the roadster. However the 36 gallon tank for Coupe only was availiable uptill and including 1967. Sorry Tri-power didn't come out as an option until 1967. (Sorry it was listed in the factory assembly but NA in 1966).
Excellent overview; thanks, Lyle! I remember when the 64s came out, guys were taking their 63s to the body shop to eliminate the split-window so theirs would look like a 64.
As Forrest Gump said, Stupid is as stupid does. I know the split window coupes were difficult to see out the rear, but to take an iconic body style and convert it is unfortunate.
I was surprised of no mention of being cautious of buying a C2 corvette because of frame issues. I have wanted one of this generation of corvettes and was in the hunt for one. While at the NCRS event at Sun N Fun Lakeland a few years ago I noticed there was a lot of vendors selling these C4 style frames for C1 and C2 cars. They was supposed to improve handling and matched with a LS3 engine improved performance and mpg on these older cars. I was in a tent with this guy looking at the displays of these frames and made comment about why is there so many of these vendors there. This guy had recently bought a c2 corvette for $65,000 and a few months later discovered his frame was rusted out and unsafe. So he had purchased one of these frames and was transferring his cars parts to a new chassis. As I researched it is more common problem than openly talked about. The frame is two c channels welded together and over time can have major rust issues. The bird cage area around the windshield and the coupes roof areas can be really compromised. I talked to a restorer of C2 corvettes and he indicated he uses a small snap on endoscopy camera to go into the main frame to check a car out before he restores it. These are beautiful expensive cars you need to hire someone who knows what they are doing to inspect the car before you spend a lot of money for one.
Rusty frames and bird cages always been an issue, even on C3. Many of these frames have been swapped over the years and hopefully not from a car that was ever reported stolen. 😀 I remember when you could buy new frames from Chevrolet, guess those days are gone.
I bought mine used and I had a lot of trouble with the dual piston break system. The leader screws always broke off. They were undersized cost me a lot of money. But I finally did get him to work properly.
Sorry but you failed to mention the 390 horse with one 4 barrel which was a 427. Also the L 88 is SUPER RARE…..ONLY 20 made. Plus if you ordered one you got no fan shroud, no heater, and no radio. I had a new 435 horse coupe in 67. I raced it. With a totally stock engine and the addition of 9 inch wide slicks, a 4:56 rear end, a HURST 4 speed shifter,and a set of JARDINE Hedders, I turned consistent 11:62-11:65 ET’s. I didn’t even Re jet the carbs or change the timing. Later I changed to a little hotter cam and ran 11.30’s. I drove this car to the track with the slicks behind the seats……..I really appreciate your article……Thanks!! Charles Chappell
Nothing mentioned on lines and gills that make up the Corvette years. 64-65 coupes gills that are functional, or the oppcional hard tops. Love your videos very informative.
Subscribe folks , Lyle is one of the best follows on TH-cam and unbelievably knowledgeable. If I didn’t live 1700 miles away , his shop would be the guy I’d go to , hands down ! Another great show Lyle , thank you !
Excellent video, great breakdown on these cars. Currently have a C5, and have had three C3's. When I was a young man a buddy of mine was crewing on a great lakes freighter. He came back with a ton of money and bought a 64 vert, which had manual trans. Unfortunately, he didn't know how to drive a stick so he asked me to show him. Great times!
I love these videos. I've always been a fan of Corvettes but now as I'm shopping for my first Vette I've really been nerding out on em. I've found some helpful videos and a lot of videos that don't pertain to me but are interesting and entertaining. I'll be ordering from your store due to the free info and entertainment you have given me. Thank you
I remember getting in one of those early drum models. Boy was I scared when I hit the brakes and realized I wasn’t stopping like I wanted too. It was very fast thought.
Actually, last of drum brakes had much more initial stopping power than early disc brakes as the wheels/rotors were too small... but disc brakes recover from the heat of repeated braking quicker...
67 fastback 427/435 hp was my favorite I almost bought one but didn't because it was a yellow color I didn't care for now I regret that decision now😢😢😢😢
I would love to have a visit and conversation with you Lyle. I was , for what is worth, VP for NCRS in KY where the CORVETTE IS BUILT SINCE 1981. But, were also still made in St. Louis if solid color
Thank you for a great overview of these beautiful cars. I am patiently waiting for a grieving widow of four years to decide the time is right to sell their 67 roadster which has sat since 2019,in a garage, started periodically. What's the most critical thing(s) I should look for with a car that hasn't been driven in four years? As I recall when I did see it driving around the neighbourhood it appeared to be in meticulous condition...he was an engineer.Thanks again.
Alan, the main things to look at on a car that has sat for a period like this are fuel system contamination, tire rot and brake system leaks. If the car was well-maintained beforehand, rust and other structural issues shouldn't be an issue from sitting indoors for a year. Lyle
Yeah, '61 - '63 Tempest plot of that movie was dated by time movie came out... nobody driving them any more... That Tempest also had tranny in the rear way before Corvettes did... And the '62 - '63 Olds Jetfire version of that car also had aluminum V8 and turbocharging way before Corvette...
Pardon me but the 66 did not have the three duces. The 67 was the first Vett with the 427/435 (3 Holley two barrel carbs). However the 53 and 54 and some of the 55’s with the 6 cylinder engines you got 3 Side draft 1 barrel carbs. The 55 could be ordered with the 265 V8 or the 6 cylinder. Thanks for your article, Charles Chappell, Age 781/2
you mentioned the 63 split window is not driven much because it's such an iconic collector car, which i agree one hundred percent. if i ever win the lottery, i am going to find one and buy it, but i am going to drive that beauty everyday, not stick it in a garage and enjoy it like a Picasso! My brother had a 69, with side pipes. when did the drop the Stingray badge?
Hey Lyle - Good job on this video, as always. I'd like to add an interesting detail regarding cabin ventilation. I owned a '63 split window coupe. Without AC, these cars got very hot inside. On my '63, the faux vents behind both driver and passenger windows, were just molded in for appearance. However, starting in '64, they became functional as the outlets for a standard cabin exhaust fan.
Lyle, great video but with one iconic omission-sidepipes! Corvette set the standard and then everyone thereafter copied it, including C3 owners whose cars never came with them.
@@johnthonig8832 There are many "car guys" that have done enough of that to recognize the "smart" way to go about business. You guys may still be doing your exteriors with indoor outdoor carpet, for all I know. Why would anybody take advice from you, when they can get it from verifiable experts?
@@BuzzLOLOL My 65 Roadster L79 cost me 3150.00 in 1973. Perfect mechanically but cosmetically more of a Rat Rod. Just the way I like it and a daily driver
I have a 63 Fuellie coupe which I purchased in 1987. My question is regarding the idler pully, my car has power steering and I was told that you could get power steering and you would not get the idler pull and you only got the 5 quart oil pan to clear the power steering slave cylinder. Is this correct?
I am not an expert on that specific year but I am going to recommend that you reach out the NCRS for that answer. They will know exactly what the correct answer is. Lyle
Don’t forget that the three-speed manual transmission was standard. And maybe not considered an “American” car, but Cobras had disc brakes all-around from day one.
Other than the change to the split window, I am surprised you didn't mention the styling differences between the years. The most obvious is the side vents. But still love your videos!
Have you ever looked into why there wasn’t a 1983 corvette. I’d love to see you do video on that and what you would have liked to have seen in the 84 or 83 had it been released and not delayed to 84
My dad had a '64 327/365 coupe with a 4 spd and 4..10's. He bought it new for what ibrecall hearing was $4200-$4600What a blast. He sold it to expand his company and buy more trucks. Two weeks after he sold it the young man who bought it ran off the road, down an embankment, and ended up on some railroad tracks. The doors wouldn't open and he had to kick out the rear window to escape. The passenger got out first and the driver escaped just as a train hit the car. He shattered his ankle but considered himself lucky. Dad regrets selling that car every day since then.
I was 2nd owner of a pale yellow 64 coupe 4 speed with a/c, power windows, and 3 tail lights each side. I never hear anyone talk about the 6 taillights. They looked so much better than just 2 each side.
Standard on a 67 Corvette was...nothing. It came with no radio and a 3-speed manual transmission. That was the one I had, and while I traded if off years ago I have wondered if it became more valuable than some other 67 Corvettes because, it"s very rare?
Off topic , I took my 01 c5 today and got a straight pipe muffler delet done. Man it sounds great. Sounds like a vette should. Sorry again about the off topic. Just have a renewed buzz on my vette lol.
In a word: no. There has been a lot of "interesting" chicanery with VIN #'s over the last 60 years, and it is possible that the car is a '64 with '65 body panels and interior---this happened a lot in the late 60's and early 70's when two damaged cars were used to create one "whole" car. A corvette expert could put the car on a lift and tell you precisley what it started life as. It is also possible that the car was stolen years ago and "cleaned up" with a VIN change...whatever happened, it will be an intersting story! Lyle
Thanks Lyle, my guess is that it is a recovered stolen 65. Everything from top to bottom and front to back is 65. Except, the seats, door panels, and deck lid trim strip. I bought it in 76, parked it in 78 and almost finished with a 4 year restoration. I was told I'm the 4th owner. I bought the car from a girl in South Bend who at the time wanted a new 77. Thanks for your speedy response I look forward to your next video.
@@jimrains8314 Be careful with that car. Look for the alternative VIN stamps and see what they say. If there's any discrepancy and one of those VINs comes back as stolen you could lose your car. I know its been a long time but a lady a few years ago was reunited with her restored Mustang that stolen from her in 1966.
as a owner..n-proud of it/a 19 z06-manuel...coop..this is a very informative video..i wood say all corvette owners shood watch!!! 1 thing i will say..and seems the only 1-ever..its absolutely HILLARIOUS thar a 327 made more h.powera than most -or-alot of big blocks back in the day!!!!why is that???some over 100 c, inches larger???..I_DUNNO??
rather surprised you left off the most important fact about the 1967 being it was never supposed to exist in the first place; 1967 was a big anniversary year and the General wanted to celebrate it with the introduction of the C3 sharks; we all know that rollout was so plagued with production troubles GM had to delay it a good part of the next production year and even then the C3 wasn’t fully sorted which a number of snooty European-pandering car magazines took great joy in pointing out;
Ahhh.... No....some where I seem to remember a little car from Germany in '63 call a Bug, or perhaps another one of Ralf Nader's favorite cars called the Covair? Just Saying.....Hay wait another second ....what about that guy named F. something “ Porsche?” 911?
I'm going to guess that you haven't paid to strip/fix/prime/paint a 60's Corvette. I'm also going to surmise that you have never priced a complete interior for one of those cars, either...let alone the labor to replace the whole thing. Lyle
@@LastBastian It's a combination of the C2 Corvette having a lot of "corvette only" parts in it and the sheer amount of labor involved in getting a proper paint job put on one. The least expensive C2 paint job from a specialty shop that I know of STARTS at $25K, and that does not include additional panel repairs and also assumes you are bringing them the car already disassembled and ready for stripping/prep/paint. You can drop $10k on just the parts for the interior, and close to that number for labor. This isn't even getting into the mechanicals, the chassis, the electrical, etc.. This is why paying "too much" for a really nice, completely done car is by far the better route to take. Lyle
@@csvette That's insane to me. C2 is my dream car, but out of my price range it seems. What part of the U.S. are you in? There's a shop near me here in Cedar Rapids Iowa that specializes in high end custom C2's that I would believe such pricing on. ( Eddie's rod and custom ) But I would have *never* guessed that kind of $$ for basic paint and upholstery.
@@LastBastian You used a key word there: BASIC. There is nothing basic about bringing a C1 or C2 from "decent automobile" to "as-new restoration" condition. That is a big reason why we don't offer restoration services. You can buy a really well-done C2 for $80-$100K right now (depending on a multitude of factors)...which makes buying an "ok" car that needs everything done for $40K simply nuts! Let someone else pay for the restoration and buy it done. It will always be cheaper in the long run, AND you'll have a lovely car to drive on day 1! :) Lyle
I love the looks of these corvettes. Unfortunately the ride is poor in my opinion. Shacks and rattles, uncomfortable, lousy on gas, the list goes on. What a beautiful car cosmetically…
Please buy a Vette Vues Fact Book MF Dobbins for facts. Sorry 400hp had oval port heads 10.25 to 1 hydraulic cam 390 engine with a tri-power set up. The 435hp is a complete different engine I.E. forged 11 to 1 compression pistons, solid lift cam, square port heads and matching square port intake.
I had a ‘63 convertible Fuel. In my mind, it was a fantastic memory but in reality, the car had problems. At high speed, the front lifted up. On a date, I had to plan to avoid any railroad tracks as they rattled, badly. The fuel injection caught on fire coming back to meet on Interstate 10. The last major problem was when I let my roommate drive it and he dropped the rear end at an intersection. The only replacement we could find was from an automatic so the gear ratio was too high. I couldn't even burn rubber but man did I have a high end. I'm sure I still hold a record between Tucson Arizona and L.A. (Newport Beach) where I went for a post-finals party given by the Phi Delt frat.
Bought my first C2 last Christmas, 1964 coupe, 327/300hp 4 speed, riverside red . I love this corvette
Can’t afford a C2 but I have a 99 FRC and I love it. C2’s are the best looking Vettes made to date
I bought my first C2 a few months ago. It’s a restored 1967 L79 Coupe with all the original paperwork including the protect-o-plate. And it’s a 3-time NCRS top flight car. I love these Midyear Vettes!!!
Great purchase.👍👍
@@67stingray1 Thanks! 🙂
I have a 67 coupe with L79, Protect-o-plate, build sheet, Regional & National NCRS Top Flight and Bloomington Survivor. White with a Teal office.
@@67stingray1 NICE!!! Mine is a Sunfire Yellow with Std Black interior.
@@brendas.1374 wq
Back in 1975 I had the opportunity to buy a 67 coupe.
It was originally a 327 but that engine had been replaced with a 350 of unknown origin.
The clutch needed replacing, the paint was faded, the interior was heavily worn......but.....it was a 67 coupe.
I didn't buy it thankfully.
It would have cost a fortune to put it back in shape and it was money I didn't have
Instead I bought a beautiful 72 coupe which needed nothing and got to enjoy it right away.
Fast forward to 2023 and I decided I wanted another Corvette.
I'd still love to have a 65-67 coupe but they're out of my financial range.
I looked at maybe buying a 69-72 C3 but they're getting up there in price as well for one in nice condition.
Anyway, I ended up buying a 2016 Stingray 1LT with the 7 spd and I'm loving it.
Glad to have a Corvette again even if it isn't the C2 coupe I always dreamed of owning.
Much more reliable.
Great video, I have a 1966 327 350 hp i had a nice one from 1974 to 1980 I paid $3,500.00 for I finally got one 4 years ago I paid $69,000.00 for 😱 I’ve had a 62, 66, 70 & 95 & 66 is by far my favorite
Worth more than the new ones.
Great info: I own an all original white over red coupe with numbers matching/original with a 250 hp 327 four speed Muncie with 308:1 positrac with 32000 original miles. Factory a/c and am/fm radio. It’s had only three other owners and has been a southwest USA car mostly garaged and in our family since 1969.
Still visible are the factory assembly line numbers on the firewall and original frame rail stencils. I’m keeping it and passing it on to my son, whose maternal grandfather was the previous owner.
Tri-power did not come out until 1967. You forgot the 427/ 390 HP in 1967. No pins on factory knock offs. Great video, Lyle.
I really appreciate your obvious willingness to help people succeed with their corvette experience. Any number of us have talents and capabilities that range from pretty limited to folks like myself that have complete fabrication facilities and years of experience under our belts. You do a fabulous job of sharing your deep library of accumulated knowledge, and do so with a very welcoming attitude and a sincere wish to help. This is gold in my opinion. It attracts and retains folks into this realm. It grows the amount of people having a quality experience. Tip of the hat sir. Well done. Glenn Evans. 69 L71 Tri-Power roadster. COPO car. N-14 off-road. M-22.
When I was 13 in 1963 I first fell in love with corvettes as i assembled and painted a newly released 63 Sting Ray model
Two years ago I had the opportunity to buy my dream car. A 1966 427 4 speed convertible with removable hard top. I have had several Corvettes over the past 20 years or so. I had two from 1986, and one 1976, but I have always loved the C2 body and performance. I bought it from my Uncle, who over the years has had many exotic cars from Porsche to an XKE Jaguar. Back in the 70's he had a 1966 convertible in silver. I still remember that car vividly. I got a great deal on it because he knows my love for the old cars. It is a driver and I take it to shows year round. I live here in FL and enjoy the nice weather with the top down. Great informative video, and I will have to stop down at your shop in Sarasota to see how things are going. Great job!
Please stop by when in town! Lyle :)
My favorite corvettes !
5 most iconic years in Corvette history. Probably never again see a Corvette body style that lasts only 5 model years.........
Tri-power wasn't available until 1967.
And in '67 the knock off wheels became a bolt on look alike because a federal standards against the spinning ears. The standard transmission was a 3 speed manual.
After graduating college I bought a 1966 327/350 convertible with a hardtop for $4,200. Loved driving it for four years before selling it to a good friend when I got married. So many happy memories. Even today people ask me if I still own it. Six Corvettes later bought since then. My current 2009 model has some similar visual cues to the C2 coupes. Love C2’s! Except the prices.
C2's are a heavenly automobile. I love my '66.
great overview! I learned quite a bit about the C2!
I have had my 67 L68 C2 for 54 years now! Never raced it, but I have driven it to 100 mph twice, that was enough! Last time it was rained on was 35 or 40 years ago. It has been a dream.
That's funny. My dad brought home a 67 L68 coupe in 1970. He took us 4 kids to the drive-in numerous times. I drove it in high school in the late 70's. What a blast. He passed it down to me in 2005. 54 years in the family. I've only had it over 100 mph a couple of times also. 373's in the back. 5000 rpm's at 100mph. Wasn't much left. Hope you love yours as much as I do. Good luck to you. Ps, also no rain or snow.
I was the proud owner of a used 65 vert in 1966. Think I paid $3,500. Got drafted into the US Army in May of 67 and sold it in Sept 68 for $2,500 with a 59 chevy post coupe 6cyl as a trade in. I got orders for Vietnam so I had to sell it and was newly married. Loved that car!. I think all the C2s could be purchased with a 3 speed stick as I set in a new one at Berger Chevrolet in Grand Rapids, MI. It was a "stripper" coupe with a 3 speed 65, 327.
Yep, I hated selling my '31 Ford DeSoto Hemi powered rod in November '71 day before shipping out for EvilJFK's War on Vietnam! But didn't know if I would ever be back... alive...
@@BuzzLOLOL and Ronald Warren... Thank you for your service to Our country!
Thankyou for this little history lesson on these early cars!!
Great video summation on the mid year cars. Top notch as always
Thanks Lyle, great episode, I searched and finally bought a L-79, side pipe car, just as you said, paid but it is beautiful.
Far out... my buddy's got a 63 vert...
Awesome wheel...
Thank you! Frank and solid advice, especially at the closing!
Great summary of the C2 corvettes.
I really appreciate your knowledge of corvette. I am a huge corvette fan. My father had a 69 L36 . My parents were members of a corvette club in Ontario Canada. So corvettes are in my blood. I now own a 2019 grand sport. Love it. I’m trying to pass on the same appreciation of this amazing vehicle to my son.
We both like watching your vlogs and learning about everything corvette.
36 fiberglass gallon gas tank and knock off wheels were only lister as part of the Z06 package in the early part of 1963. however it is unconfirmed that any of the 13 of Knock off sets shipped with cars as non were listed on window stickers, but popular theory is they were sold over the parts counter.in 63 only part of the Z06. Later in 1963 the Z06 package eliminated 36tank/knock off price was reduced about $600.+ added the option availbility to the roadster. However the 36 gallon tank for Coupe only was availiable uptill and including 1967. Sorry Tri-power didn't come out as an option until 1967. (Sorry it was listed in the factory assembly but NA in 1966).
Excellent overview; thanks, Lyle! I remember when the 64s came out, guys were taking their 63s to the body shop to eliminate the split-window so theirs would look like a 64.
As Forrest Gump said, Stupid is as stupid does.
I know the split window coupes were difficult to see out the rear, but to take an iconic body style and convert it is unfortunate.
I was surprised of no mention of being cautious of buying a C2 corvette because of frame issues. I have wanted one of this generation of corvettes and was in the hunt for one. While at the NCRS event at Sun N Fun Lakeland a few years ago I noticed there was a lot of vendors selling these C4 style frames for C1 and C2 cars. They was supposed to improve handling and matched with a LS3 engine improved performance and mpg on these older cars. I was in a tent with this guy looking at the displays of these frames and made comment about why is there so many of these vendors there. This guy had recently bought a c2 corvette for $65,000 and a few months later discovered his frame was rusted out and unsafe. So he had purchased one of these frames and was transferring his cars parts to a new chassis. As I researched it is more common problem than openly talked about. The frame is two c channels welded together and over time can have major rust issues. The bird cage area around the windshield and the coupes roof areas can be really compromised. I talked to a restorer of C2 corvettes and he indicated he uses a small snap on endoscopy camera to go into the main frame to check a car out before he restores it. These are beautiful expensive cars you need to hire someone who knows what they are doing to inspect the car before you spend a lot of money for one.
Rusty frames and bird cages always been an issue, even on C3. Many of these frames have been swapped over the years and hopefully not from a car that was ever reported stolen. 😀
I remember when you could buy new frames from Chevrolet, guess those days are gone.
I bought mine used and I had a lot of trouble with the dual piston break system.
The leader screws always broke off. They were undersized cost me a lot of money. But I finally did get him to work properly.
Sorry but you failed to mention the 390 horse with one 4 barrel which was a 427. Also the L 88 is SUPER RARE…..ONLY 20 made. Plus if you ordered one you got no fan shroud, no heater, and no radio. I had a new 435 horse coupe in 67. I raced it. With a totally stock engine and the addition of 9 inch wide slicks, a 4:56 rear end, a HURST 4 speed shifter,and a set of JARDINE Hedders, I turned consistent 11:62-11:65 ET’s. I didn’t even Re jet the carbs or change the timing. Later I changed to a little hotter cam and ran 11.30’s. I drove this car to the track with the slicks behind the seats……..I really appreciate your article……Thanks!! Charles Chappell
I'm on my daughter's TH-cam. With 4:56 gears that thing must of had great acceleration. What was the top speed? About 105 mph?
I Love my 1971 Red Convertible Corvette. It's not for sell but it can be had.
This guy knows his midyear vettes. No bullshit from this guy. I had a 67 427 and all he states is 100% true. Thank you.
Nothing mentioned on lines and gills that make up the Corvette years. 64-65 coupes gills that are functional, or the oppcional hard tops. Love your videos very informative.
C2's rule
Subscribe folks , Lyle is one of the best follows on TH-cam and unbelievably knowledgeable. If I didn’t live 1700 miles away , his shop would be the guy I’d go to , hands down ! Another great show Lyle , thank you !
Great Job Lyle, great information as always...
Thank you for the advice.
Just got the plates for my '66 Sting Ray coupe. Don't care that it's not all original. Frame off done in 2016.
I had one ride in a mid year vette many years ago. Not sure what year or engine but it was a beast. What beautiful cars!
Great job on the video. I've always wanted a 63 - 67 Vette. Maybe someday it will happen. It would need to be a driver for sure.
Excellent video, great breakdown on these cars.
Currently have a C5, and have had three C3's.
When I was a young man a buddy of mine was crewing on a great lakes freighter. He came back with a ton of money and bought a 64 vert, which had manual trans. Unfortunately, he didn't know how to drive a stick so he asked me to show him. Great times!
I love these videos. I've always been a fan of Corvettes but now as I'm shopping for my first Vette I've really been nerding out on em. I've found some helpful videos and a lot of videos that don't pertain to me but are interesting and entertaining. I'll be ordering from your store due to the free info and entertainment you have given me. Thank you
I enjoy watching your videos. You are a true corvette historian. Very interesting. Thanks
I had a 66427390 horse Marone co-op.
I love that car.
I remember getting in one of those early drum models. Boy was I scared when I hit the brakes and realized I wasn’t stopping like I wanted too.
It was very fast thought.
Actually, last of drum brakes had much more initial stopping power than early disc brakes as the wheels/rotors were too small... but disc brakes recover from the heat of repeated braking quicker...
@@BuzzLOLOL Agree, friend had a 64 that I drove several times and nothing wrong with those drum brakes for normal driving.
Amazing machine 🚙
67 fastback 427/435 hp was my favorite I almost bought one but didn't because it was a yellow color I didn't care for now I regret that decision now😢😢😢😢
Lyle, I really enjoy these videos! keep them coming!! God Bless!
I always enjoy your videos Mr. Lyle! My biggest automotive regret is selling my 66 / 427 4 speed blue all original 32,000 mile Corvette.
I planning on buying one this year if I can find a good one that I can comfortably afford. Thanks for the review.
I'm in love with my c8 im75 drove vettes from 60s Zora dream came thru
I would love to have a visit and conversation with you Lyle. I was , for what is worth, VP for NCRS in KY where the CORVETTE IS BUILT SINCE 1981. But, were also still made in St. Louis if solid color
I live in Beverly Hills, Florida
Thank you for a great overview of these beautiful cars. I am patiently waiting for a grieving widow of four years to decide the time is right to sell their 67 roadster which has sat since 2019,in a garage, started periodically. What's the most critical thing(s) I should look for with a car that hasn't been driven in four years? As I recall when I did see it driving around the neighbourhood it appeared to be in meticulous condition...he was an engineer.Thanks again.
Alan, the main things to look at on a car that has sat for a period like this are fuel system contamination, tire rot and brake system leaks. If the car was well-maintained beforehand, rust and other structural issues shouldn't be an issue from sitting indoors for a year. Lyle
According to the movie, my cousin Vinny, the Pontiac tempest also had four wheel independent suspension
Yeah, '61 - '63 Tempest plot of that movie was dated by time movie came out... nobody driving them any more...
That Tempest also had tranny in the rear way before Corvettes did...
And the '62 - '63 Olds Jetfire version of that car also had aluminum V8 and turbocharging way before Corvette...
as always you do a good job telling the good ,bad and ugly in detail
Great interesting show
In 1960 Chevy corvair had 4 wheel incipient suspension.
Pardon me but the 66 did not have the three duces. The 67 was the first Vett with the 427/435 (3 Holley two barrel carbs). However the 53 and 54 and some of the 55’s with the 6 cylinder engines you got 3 Side draft 1 barrel carbs. The 55 could be ordered with the 265 V8 or the 6 cylinder. Thanks for your article, Charles Chappell, Age 781/2
Very nice explanation!
They were the only sting-ray and the 63 split window is the most desirable vet
He is so right about the price. They? Were expensive to work? On? When I had him I can't imagine what they would be now.
you mentioned the 63 split window is not driven much because it's such an iconic collector car, which i agree one hundred percent. if i ever win the lottery, i am going to find one and buy it, but i am going to drive that beauty everyday, not stick it in a garage and enjoy it like a Picasso! My brother had a 69, with side pipes. when did the drop the Stingray badge?
67 427 is on my dream car list
Hey Lyle - Good job on this video, as always. I'd like to add an interesting detail regarding cabin ventilation. I owned a '63 split window coupe. Without AC, these cars got very hot inside. On my '63, the faux vents behind both driver and passenger windows, were just molded in for appearance. However, starting in '64, they became functional as the outlets for a standard cabin exhaust fan.
Tri Power was not available until 1967 as far as I can tell
10:39 back-up lights were an option for 1965 though
A great primmer for the novice Corvette enthusiast!
Love your videos
Lyle, great video but with one iconic omission-sidepipes! Corvette set the standard and then everyone thereafter copied it, including C3 owners whose cars never came with them.
Had a 67 coupe with a 327/350 horsepower. Ermine white with a tan interior. Please go thru the C1 years.
My favorite engine. Lighter than a 427, but it has a beautiful idle sound, and plenty of H.P..
'Buy it done" Right on Lyle
That's for a "checkbook rod"... we 'car guys' buy a rundown one cheap and build it our way... daily drive and enjoy it...
@@BuzzLOLOL
Exactly 👍
@@johnthonig8832 There are many "car guys" that have done enough of that to recognize the "smart" way to go about business. You guys may still be doing your exteriors with indoor outdoor carpet, for all I know. Why would anybody take advice from you, when they can get it from verifiable experts?
@@BuzzLOLOL
My 65 Roadster L79 cost me 3150.00 in 1973.
Perfect mechanically
but cosmetically more of a Rat Rod.
Just the way I like it and a daily driver
I have a 63 Fuellie coupe which I purchased in 1987. My question is regarding the idler pully, my car has power steering and I was told that you could get power steering and you would not get the idler pull and you only got the 5 quart oil pan to clear the power steering slave cylinder. Is this correct?
I am not an expert on that specific year but I am going to recommend that you reach out the NCRS for that answer. They will know exactly what the correct answer is. Lyle
Don’t forget that the three-speed manual transmission was standard.
And maybe not considered an “American” car, but Cobras had disc brakes all-around from day one.
Other than the change to the split window, I am surprised you didn't mention the styling differences between the years. The most obvious is the side vents. But still love your videos!
“Slip and Slide with Power Glide!”
Wow! Keep it
Have you ever looked into why there wasn’t a 1983 corvette. I’d love to see you do video on that and what you would have liked to have seen in the 84 or 83 had it been released and not delayed to 84
Great idea! I will do it! Lyle
My dad had a '64 327/365 coupe with a 4 spd and 4..10's. He bought it new for what ibrecall hearing was $4200-$4600What a blast. He sold it to expand his company and buy more trucks. Two weeks after he sold it the young man who bought it ran off the road, down an embankment, and ended up on some railroad tracks. The doors wouldn't open and he had to kick out the rear window to escape. The passenger got out first and the driver escaped just as a train hit the car. He shattered his ankle but considered himself lucky. Dad regrets selling that car every day since then.
I was 2nd owner of a pale yellow 64 coupe 4 speed with a/c, power windows, and 3 tail lights each side. I never hear anyone talk about the 6 taillights. They looked so much better than just 2 each side.
You tell us the first "tri-power" Corvette was in 1966. Tell that to a 1953 Corvette.
Standard on a 67 Corvette was...nothing. It came with no radio and a 3-speed manual transmission. That was the one I had, and while I traded if off years ago I have wondered if it became more valuable than some other 67 Corvettes because, it"s very rare?
Off topic , I took my 01 c5 today and got a straight pipe muffler delet done. Man it sounds great. Sounds like a vette should. Sorry again about the off topic. Just have a renewed buzz on my vette lol.
2023 All 1963 Spit-Window Corvette Sting Rays Should Have a Rear View Mirror Camera Screen Like a Land Rover Defender 110.
Parking brake levers on C4’s were on the left side of the driver’s seat. Not in the center.
Yep--didn't think about that as I was speaking. You are absolutely correct. Lyle
The tri power carbs did not come out until 1967 model year.
Will the L88 get its own video? I think it should, just because of the significance
Hi. I have a question and you seem to know alot about these cars. My question is, is it possible to have a 1965 StingRay with a 1964 serial number?
In a word: no. There has been a lot of "interesting" chicanery with VIN #'s over the last 60 years, and it is possible that the car is a '64 with '65 body panels and interior---this happened a lot in the late 60's and early 70's when two damaged cars were used to create one "whole" car. A corvette expert could put the car on a lift and tell you precisley what it started life as. It is also possible that the car was stolen years ago and "cleaned up" with a VIN change...whatever happened, it will be an intersting story! Lyle
Thanks Lyle, my guess is that it is a recovered stolen 65. Everything from top to bottom and front to back is 65. Except, the seats, door panels, and deck lid trim strip. I bought it in 76, parked it in 78 and almost finished with a 4 year restoration. I was told I'm the 4th owner. I bought the car from a girl in South Bend who at the time wanted a new 77. Thanks for your speedy response I look forward to your next video.
@@jimrains8314
Be careful with that car. Look for the alternative VIN stamps and see what they say. If there's any discrepancy and one of those VINs comes back as stolen you could lose your car. I know its been a long time but a lady a few years ago was reunited with her restored Mustang that stolen from her in 1966.
C2s Hardtops are the Greatest Corvettes.
as a owner..n-proud of it/a 19 z06-manuel...coop..this is a very informative video..i wood say all corvette owners shood watch!!! 1 thing i will say..and seems the only 1-ever..its absolutely HILLARIOUS thar a 327 made more h.powera than most -or-alot of big blocks back in the day!!!!why is that???some over 100 c, inches larger???..I_DUNNO??
Considering horsepower, a Cayenne Turbo, 20 years old has 450 hp
L88 ive heard: 520 manifolds, 550 headers and 600 on a carb and distributor tune
I have heard the same, but I don't know of anyone who has nailed it down for a fact. Lyle
@@csvette its never really been nailed down but most people accept 560 as a true number
Vote for Rick Corvette Conti to be inducted into the Corvette hall of fame.
Download form and submit.
rather surprised you left off the most important fact about the 1967 being it was never supposed to exist in the first place;
1967 was a big anniversary year and the General wanted to celebrate it with the introduction of the C3 sharks;
we all know that rollout was so plagued with production troubles GM had to delay it a good part of the next production year and even then the C3 wasn’t fully sorted which a number of snooty European-pandering car magazines took great joy in pointing out;
Mid-Years forever.
65 Roadster L79 C2 here
@@johnthonig8832 67 L79 coupe. White on Teal. NCRS Top Flight. Bloomington Survivor.
Ahhh.... No....some where I seem to remember a little car from Germany in '63 call a Bug, or perhaps another one of Ralf Nader's favorite cars called the Covair? Just Saying.....Hay wait another second ....what about that guy named F. something “ Porsche?” 911?
$80K for a paint job and some upholstery work?!? *....WHAT!?!*
I'm going to guess that you haven't paid to strip/fix/prime/paint a 60's Corvette. I'm also going to surmise that you have never priced a complete interior for one of those cars, either...let alone the labor to replace the whole thing. Lyle
@@csvette Not for a C2 Vette, no. Why in the world is it 10X more than other classic cars?
@@LastBastian It's a combination of the C2 Corvette having a lot of "corvette only" parts in it and the sheer amount of labor involved in getting a proper paint job put on one. The least expensive C2 paint job from a specialty shop that I know of STARTS at $25K, and that does not include additional panel repairs and also assumes you are bringing them the car already disassembled and ready for stripping/prep/paint. You can drop $10k on just the parts for the interior, and close to that number for labor. This isn't even getting into the mechanicals, the chassis, the electrical, etc.. This is why paying "too much" for a really nice, completely done car is by far the better route to take. Lyle
@@csvette That's insane to me. C2 is my dream car, but out of my price range it seems.
What part of the U.S. are you in? There's a shop near me here in Cedar Rapids Iowa that specializes in high end custom C2's that I would believe such pricing on. ( Eddie's rod and custom )
But I would have *never* guessed that kind of $$ for basic paint and upholstery.
@@LastBastian You used a key word there: BASIC. There is nothing basic about bringing a C1 or C2 from "decent automobile" to "as-new restoration" condition. That is a big reason why we don't offer restoration services. You can buy a really well-done C2 for $80-$100K right now (depending on a multitude of factors)...which makes buying an "ok" car that needs everything done for $40K simply nuts! Let someone else pay for the restoration and buy it done. It will always be cheaper in the long run, AND you'll have a lovely car to drive on day 1! :) Lyle
I love the looks of these corvettes. Unfortunately the ride is poor in my opinion. Shacks and rattles, uncomfortable, lousy on gas, the list goes on. What a beautiful car cosmetically…
You made one mistake I bought a 1965 mustang GT with disc brakes on front
Please buy a Vette Vues Fact Book MF Dobbins for facts. Sorry 400hp had oval port heads 10.25 to 1 hydraulic cam 390 engine with a tri-power set up. The 435hp is a complete different engine I.E. forged 11 to 1 compression pistons, solid lift cam, square port heads and matching square port intake.
no tri power on 66
Correct. I totally misspoke. Lyle