I've got a 75 that I've had for about 12 years that went through a couple of mini-restorations over the years and I'd like to see what some of the "cor-vetterans" here might suggest would be my best options for a vehicle of this era. First off, as far as the mini restorations, before I bought it, from what I understand, the original owner rear ended someone with it, doing minor fiberglass damage only. The car was originally silver and when the front end was repaired the owner had the car painted Bright Corvette Red, which is what it was when I got it. it had been painted in lacquer and shined like crazy but had been "keyed" on one door and had a few paint chips in most every panel. I lovingly filled each chip with the matching touch up paint and after many applications and a light sanding and buffing, had it looking presentable for a long time. I also had an 80 Vette as my daily driver and felt the
75 would some day be my "pride & joy" car. Couldn't afford a 67 Coupe which was my fantasy car but did own 12 Vettes starting with a 57, next was a 59, then I skipped to a 69 Convertible with both tops. Missed the whole C-2 era Dammit!). Most of my cars of distinction, were when I was young, single and working in a family service station business, after returning from Viet Nam in 72. My family business had relocated from Cincinnati Ohio to Miami Florida while I was away in the Navy, but I found them anyway! LOL I was a charter member of "Miami Corvette Association" when about 1/2 of the membership were on the Miami Dade Police Department or on their CSI department (No Shit just like on TV LOL) We had a hell of a lot of fun back then. It was a much different time! Sorry, I'm getting off track here again!My main question is this. It seems that the C-3's even 74's & up are finally starting to gain popularity. I decided a few years back give it another simple restoration. I rebuilt the entire front suspension using the newer style urethane bushings, same in the back and I also replaced the rear spring with a tamer fiberglass spring. The front and rear bumpers were shot by this time and the car needed paint badly. I bought a new stock rubber front bumper, but decided to go with the fiberglass rear bumper instead of the rubber one. Maybe a bad idea, haven't really decided yet. I fit the panels up pretty well and put the body in prime and it's been sitting for 2 years since then. OK here's where I'm looking for advice, the car does have all matching numbers. Would it be best to paint it the original silver, since that would match the paint code on the body and if I were going to do that should I change it back to a rubber rear? Is a matching numbered 75 Corvette worth going through all that or should I paint it like I'd like and not worry about originality?
Thanks for any opinions. I'm kinda on the fence!
Sherm Adamson Sherm Custom Billiard Cues snipped-for-privacy@shermcue.com