Corvette

Today's car repair market is dominated by post-accident services, but in recent years the number of cars with the best years behind them has been constantly growing and reconstruction is needed. There are more and more enthusiasts of cars with a soul, because these new cars no longer have their individuality through the ubiquitous electronics and systems that regulate every element of driving. When we look at these cars from a few decades ago, we will notice a completely different style, which distinguishes such a car and it is characteristic for each brand.

We devote a lot of time to new, unique colors, but remember that the car from a few years ago also has its characteristic colors, which we can reproduce using more modern technologies and, of course, more ecological. Many people still approve withdrawn lacquers due to the heavy metal content, but now we can create an equally durable coating using modern technologies. By reviewing trade magazines we have the opportunity to learn how to properly spray the car body. However, if we look at what interests us the most, we have little information about stages of car reconstruction, especially those already aging. That is why I would like to present the reconstruction of a car, the history of which began in 1958.

Tornado could not do it

To begin with, a few words about the model that has been renovated, and this is a Chevrolet car. The brand, which is characteristic for the American market, as part of the General Motors group. It all started in 1911. Over time, cars were faster and faster until the time came for the 58th Chevrolet Corvette. Manufactured over the years, the model's streamlined shapes and ideal combination with chrome still inspire to this day. In 2017 we started to look for the right model. After a several days of search on the auction portal, we found a forgotten copy in Kansas City/Missouri, on one of the farms. The car survived the F3 tornado, i.e. wind speed above 250 km/h. This atmospheric phenomenon can destroy large buildings and overturn trains, but the model has been preserved, even though during the tornado horse-barn doors were blown away by a gust of wind, destroying the front part of the car.

The time has come to verify whether the photos are in line with reality and we went to evaluate the purchase. It turned out that this is a Corvette with the serial number 20. These are the first VIN numbers that were created, today we already have numbers that contain individual specifications of a given model such as equipment or color. It turned out that the damage caused by the tornado is significant, so it was decided to build a new frame and install a new engine.

The deadline for the final completion of the renovation was the SEMA automotive fair in Las Vegas, time was pressing and a lot of work was promising. We assumed that it would be a 1958 car with today's technology.

Time is relative

The first problems we encountered while creating a new frame, because the planned time of creating a new structure was extended from 8 to 16 weeks. We started preliminary testing of frameless subassemblies in order to have everything ready. Basically, the reconstruction started in April 2018 due to a delay in welding the frame. We had only 6 months left to complete the construction of a new super car. So we started working in two tracks, the first issue was to build a chassis with engine and suspension, the second issue was the body and we started by completing the elements damaged by the tornado. The original paint of this car was blue, but we decided to give it a character with a more expressive color. That's why we removed all old layers and.... it turned out that the car has the rear fixed with rivets!

It came to light that the back of our car dates back to 1959, because it was destroyed during the collision. The repair was done carefully for those times, not for the modern needs of our super car. That's why we combined these two elements by means of composites to create a perfectly connected bodywork. Then it was time to repair the individual elements. In order to level the irregular surface of the composite, we used a Profix putty. When we filled in all the defects, we could start to use the primer - of course the Profix brand. Thanks to the primer layer we obtained an insulating layer which will protect our surface and give it adhesion.

Unique car, unique color

You may be curious what is more pronounced than blue, and you are surely expecting it to be red. Well, you assume, but not some ordinary solid, but 3 layers created especially by our color laboratory for our super Corvette. In order to achieve a phenomenal effect, we decided to use VHS CP 2016 wedge by Profix, which is characterized by exceptional transparency and gave the surface an incredible depth. The intensive light source makes the pigments in the paint evoke the thought of thousands of flashing sparks.

Beast inside

Now the time has come to connect the chassis to the body. We would never have guessed that the things of this car would go on like this. We started practically with scrap metal, and we finished the new 1958 Corvette with technology of today. The car was equipped with a new GM LS3 engine, 480 hp, six-speed Tremec, Art Morrison frame, Strange rear axle, Wilwood brakes, just a few. We also used a new leather upholstery, which blends in perfectly with the red color and gives Corvette a touch of elegance. In one year, the team of Tony McAfee, Gary Cook and myself - Doug Call did something milestone, because we created a car that delights not only with its classic appearance of a sports car, but also has great sports equipment.

SEMA raised

We felt we were successful when we saw our car at SEMA. This characteristic car attracted the attention of all visitors thanks to our effort, which was paid for by many hours of planning, ordering and exercising. Now the car is on the freighter and we await his arrival at the new Multichem location in Tarnowo Podgórne near Poznań. We already invite you to paint and color trainings that will take place in this office, and in the break to watch our super car.