The dash and interior of the 'vette were dirty and in need of a total restoration.
With the dash removed, the condition of the firewall insulation and the amount of dust and dirt accumulation becomes very evident.
In this picture, the dash, steering wheel, windshield moldings, sunvisors, rear view mirror, and door vent wings have been removed.
New firewall insulation, refurbished wiper mechanism and heater box become evident in the left pic. The picture on the right shows the restored dash and steering wheel in place, as well as the newly chromed vent wings. Even the brushed aluminum panel on the glovebox door was replaced with a new panel.
During the restoration of the teakwood steering wheel, once the wood was properly cleaned and prepped, there were areas in which the outer band of wood needed to be glued and clamped. Then, proper sanding and filler was used prior to applying several coats of finish.
Above pictures feature an unrestored headlight motor on the left with a restored motor on the right. These are often overlooked on partially restored 'vettes.
Even the horn relay was restored !
This is a picture of the properly cleaned and restored outer heater box. When this 'vette came to the shop, the heater box had been painted black with the firewall. The natural fiberglass finish is the proper look for a correct restoration. Also, note the color coded writing on the heater hoses.
The hood and deck lid are removed in this picture. Also, the new direct-bolt reproduction cast aluminum rims and new gold line tires are being installed. The car came in with incorrect newer rally rims and radial tires.
As seen in these three pictures, the factory frame part numbers are stencilled in the correct location along with a frame manufacture date written in red lumber crayon.
In the pictures above, the shocks and front coil springs have proper tags as well as the front sway bar. The picture on the right shows the yellow inspection paint daub on the tie rod links. More detail!
The dash and interior after many hours of careful restoration. Notice the clear vinyl correct floor mats.
The headlights are now a complete set of the correct "T-3" sealed beam types that came on every new Corvette in 1966. For many years, restorers had to pay premiums for surviving working units. Thanks to the availability of affordable reproductions, a set of four new ones can now be purchased for about $150.00.
The correct mounting brackets and fasteners were purchased for the installation of the new grille. If you like detail, you will find it on this Corvette!
The correct mounting bolts for the rear bumper and exhaust panel are clearly visible in the above picture.
