HELP with the term "Original"

[David S.]

Hello I'm new to this site and to Corvettes. Back in late October 2014 I was lucky enough to purchase a 1966 coupe "barn find". At the time I was advised that I should keep it "original" to maintain it's value. Somewhere along the line tires that were too big were installed and they got into the fenders resulting in repairs being necessary; now it's not original. Then I was also told that the repair was OK but the paint has to be the same and just the repair area.
Then the headliner (after almost 50 years) is only attached at the edges. The seat stuffing has been repurposed into mouse nests and needs new stuffing.
I'm not talking about customizing or hot-rodding this car just bring it back to a presentable condition and rolling back the years. Then I notices the heading on this forum uses the terms Restoration and Preservation not Original and wonder what this group says the difference is.
So all that to ask my question:
What are the rules for "Original" condition? and who makes/enforces those rules?
Thanks in advance.
Dave

[Frank D.]

Re: HELP with the term "Original"

You have quite the hill to climb. Anybody can basically claim a car is "original"; however if you are talking judged "survivor" class then that has standards that have to be met and that's a whole different ball game; others here will no more on that score.

If you want it as "rolled out of the factory" then that would be some level of "Flight" judging status and that is a whole different set of standards but does NOT necessarily mean the car has all its "born with" (original ?) parts. NOS (new old stock) or correct used parts off other cars can be used to meet the standards.

[Jerry W.]

Re: HELP with the term "Original"

For Sale...Abe Lincolns Original Ax ( head replaced only once..handle three times )

[Terry D.]

Re: HELP with the term "Original"

David
Welcome aboard. The first thing you have to ask yourself is what do I want to do with this car? If you are after an original car that you want to restore to "Top Flight" condition then there are lots of books you can purchase from the NCRS to achieve this goal. You will want to also join a local chapter and attend as many meets as you can and don't be afraid to ask questions. This can be a very lengthy, costly, and time consuming process. One in which you will most likely never get your investment back. If on the other hand you want to drive the car a lot and aren't interested in a trailer queen then do what you want to the car and enjoy it, after all it is your car. This also can be costly and time consuming and you will probably never get your investment back. Very few people buy their Corvettes with the idea of making money on the car. It is a hobby, granted an expensive one but a hobby none the less. Take your time deciding the fate of this car, as has been said many times, they are only original once! Either way join your local club and have people look at your car and tell you just how original it really is. This might make your decision much easier.

Terry

[Michael W.]

Re: HELP with the term "Original"

What are the rules for "Original" condition? and who makes/enforces those rules?
Thanks in advance.
Dave

There are no rules regarding 'original' and no one enforces any such thing. A car is 'original' the day it rolls off the dealer's showroom floor and slowly deviates from that day forward. Some deviate faster than others.........

'Preservation' means maintaining in a given condition- whatever that might be.

'Restoration' means returning something to a previous state.

Most likely your car could be referred to as 'mostly unrestored'. It's entirely up to you if wish to restore it or preserve it. NCRS has the Bowtie Judging program for unrestored cars and Flight Judging program for restored cars.

[Dan D.]

Re: HELP with the term "Original"

I think all the guys have passed on some good advice. As Terry points out, you must decide what you want to do with your car. One can not dispute taste and preference...because there is no right or wrong...only what you want to do, and you owe no one an explanation or reason. The only caution I would interject...my old Irish Mother-in-Law had a saying..."Act in haste...repent at leasure." So, take your time thinking about it. Remember...anything you bolt on can be unbolted...when you start cutting the plastic and changing contours...not so easy to reverse

[Harry S.]

Re: HELP with the term "Original"

As others have said, understand where you want to end up and that will determine the $$$ required. As an example, if you want the car full restored and are not handy, there is a restorer that says, leave the car with me and 150k and you will be returned a full restored NCRS top flight eligible car. Other restorers will work with you if you wish to do some of the work, such as obtain and/or restore parts at your home and have the restorer install them.

You cold attempt a full restoration yourself if you have the time, space and needed skills.

If you decide to just have a nice driver that requires a good deal less $$$. In this case attack the safety items first (all brake components, steering, bushing, lights, etc)

If it's a Bowtie car even less $$$ are required but the car may or may not be drivable.

[Philip A.]

Re: HELP with the term "Original"

Join a local chapter and I am sure fellow members would be wiling to go over the car with you and give their informed (expert) advice.

[Mike T.]

Re: HELP with the term "Original"

David - Welcome. You're getting some good advice here. Your description of the 'repurposed seat stuffing' cracked me up. Sounds like the 'caliber' of Corvette I'm used to buying. No matter which road you take, full restoration or freshen up enough for street duty, there's a lot of satisfaction in the process. Can you post up some pics of your new project?

[Steven B.]

Re: HELP with the term "Original"

Welcome to NCRS and acquiring your '66! At the top of the page click on "STORE" and you will find some good publications that will guide you through definitions and help you make your decisions. The books are the "Corvette Judging Reference Manual" and the "1966 Corvette Technical Information Manual and Judging Guide." If the condition is good enough you may be able to glue the headliner with 3M and install new foam in the seats. Good Luck with whatever you decide! Tell us about your car: color, coupe/conv., interior, options, etc. Steve