in need a 1957 body

[Roy A.]

I purchased a 57, at what I thought, was a great price. I have already rebuilt the chassis, engine & had all chrome plated. My shock came, after I had the paint removed, to find the body in such bad shape it would cost over $30,000 to repair. Can anyone help me in my search for another body?

[Leif A.]

Re: in need a 1957 body

If you can't find a nice donor at a reasonable price this may be an option at half the price you're being quoted to repair your current '57 body.

http://www.corvettecentral.com/concept_57/

[Donald H.]

Re: in need a 1957 body

Speaking from recent experience, if the $30,000 you were quoted includes all body part/panels, body finish work and painting, I doubt you will find a replacement body then have that body worked and painted and get out at less that $30,000.

When I restored my 1960 the front end was a real mess and I ended up replacing it with correct reproduction panels, bonding strips, etc. The parts for that alone was $5,000. I spent another $20,000 plus to get the actual body work and painting.

[Eric E.]

Re: in need a 1957 body

It might be worth while to post some pictures of what you found after removing the paint. Those that have been there, done that in the group might be able to give you some more specific advise.

[Tracy C.]

Re: in need a 1957 body

I purchased a 57, at what I thought, was a great price. I have already rebuilt the chassis, engine & had all chrome plated. My shock came, after I had the paint removed, to find the body in such bad shape it would cost over $30,000 to repair. Can anyone help me in my search for another body?

I smell a hungry body shop....

[Roy A.]

Re: in need a 1957 body

I have looked into purchasing a body from them. Do you know of anyone who has used their body?

[Leif A.]

Re: in need a 1957 body

I have looked into purchasing a body from them. Do you know of anyone who has used their body?

I do not...but, you might can get some references directly from them as to who has purchased the body kit.

[Brooks G.]

Re: in need a 1957 body

Roy, My '56 was like many early cars with extensive spider cracks and UV damage on most all of the top surfaces of the body. The tops of the fenders both front and rear were really bad. I was faced with either grinding down the damaged areas and laying new fiberglass or replace the panels. The car has also been wrecked on three out of four corners of the car. I chose the replacement option. I took the car to Wayne Womble who has a shop in North Carolina. Wayne posts on this forum and is a NCRS member. The exterior panels saved were the hard top, hood, doors, rocker panels, deck lid, and trunk lid. Everything else was replaced with panels made by Corvette Image located in the state of Washington. I wish I knew how to post pictures as they are worth a thousand words. I was very well pleased with the final result and it did not cost anywhere near what you were quoted. I was also pleased with Wayne's time line on getting the job done. The way some places work you wonder if you will live long enough for the job to be finished. I wish you all the best with your project. Brooks Glover Jr. (2141)

[Wayne W.]

Re: in need a 1957 body

Roy, My '56 was like many early cars with extensive spider cracks and UV damage on most all of the top surfaces of the body. The tops of the fenders both front and rear were really bad. I was faced with either grinding down the damaged areas and laying new fiberglass or replace the panels. The car has also been wrecked on three out of four corners of the car. I chose the replacement option. I took the car to Wayne Womble who has a shop in North Carolina. Wayne posts on this forum and is a NCRS member. The exterior panels saved were the hard top, hood, doors, rocker panels, deck lid, and trunk lid. Everything else was replaced with panels made by Corvette Image located in the state of Washington. I wish I knew how to post pictures as they are worth a thousand words. I was very well pleased with the final result and it did not cost anywhere near what you were quoted. I was also pleased with Wayne's time line on getting the job done. The way some places work you wonder if you will live long enough for the job to be finished. I wish you all the best with your project. Brooks Glover Jr. (2141)

Hi Brooks, Hope you are doing well. Thanks for the compliments. You will have to supply the final pictures.

[Brooks G.]

Re: in need a 1957 body

Wayne, I have been trying but apparently I am not doing something right as I cannot get the pictures to appear on my post. Brooks Glover Jr. (2141)

[Roy A.]

Re: in need a 1957 body

many thanks for your advise.

[Francis F.]

Re: in need a 1957 body

Leif ,very good info.thanks for posting.Good to know.
CC 57 body.
Francis