Summary

A 2015 restoration powered by a factory new 2014 LS3 Corvette engine with 430hp mated to a T56 Magnum 6-speed manual transmission and a Dana 44 rear with 3.45 ratios. Billy Dawson custom double H-box tube frame with C4 suspension.

Details

This custom 1957 Chevrolet Corvette convertible is finished in the color combinations of silver and chrome over an all-sport bright red interior. Much effort was made to keep the original appearance of the car authentic as possible despite numerous modern upgrades. For instance, the door panels have kept the original armrests and chrome trim, which is reconfigured, and pleats were added. The dash retains its character yet is upgraded with a retro-look Bluetooth radio, air-conditioning ducts and a tiny toggle unleashing the QTP electric cutouts. The SPW power windows are unique by routing out the door hinges to accommodate the wiring, thus negating the ugly, noisy aftermarket springs in the door jams. Originality was sacrificed in the cockpit to accommodate a modern upgrade console in lieu of a very ugly carpeted transmission hump. Every exterior chrome piece is retained and most are original. The trunk was enlarged to fit the custom Billy Dawson frame, yet looks new with factory retained indentations. There is a rear fabricated bumper-to-frame metal mount incorporating the trunk latch, eliminating S bars and rubber boots. The custom removable panel in the trunk allows access to the Dana 44 rear end with 3.45 gear ratios. It is mated to a T56 Magnum 6-speed manual transmission. The power comes from a 2014 factory new LS3 Corvette 430hp engine. This Corvette has an Ididit chrome steering column and aluminum Be Cool radiator. The custom frame is a double H-box tube to fit the C1 Corvette with C4 forged aluminum suspension and brakes. The engine compartment is immaculate, with a hidden custom Watershed computer cover. All wiring and rubber hose lines are routed through the inner fenders to the wheel wells. The inner fenders have been fabricated to match the new frame. All rivet lips seem to have been removed from the firewall and reinforced with carbon fiber. Billy Dawson new billet aluminum hood hinges, plus custom struts, allow one-finger opening of the hood and are designed to open 25% wider than the original hood. The air intake is a Billy Dawson water-formed polished stainless-steel design. A Corvette Racing Jake skull adorns under the hood. Many of the historically weak fiberglass areas have been reinforced with carbon fiber. The leading edge of the rear wheel wells has been re-radiused to match the wheels. It is equipped with a gray fabric soft-top and Classic Instruments gauges. The speedometer is original but not hooked up and the Vintage Air system is there, but not working at this time.