Over the last year, we have featured many Corvettes that get driven. In fact, many of our featured Corvettes are driven a lot. But Corvettes are owned by a large, diverse demographic, and many Corvette enthusiasts like to own Corvettes primarily for the pure pleasure of owning a rare and valuable piece of history. Many times that investment is stored in a heated garage and rarely driven. While we personally like to drive our cars, we also greatly appreciate and will continue to feature high-level restored Corvettes. All we wish, as auto enthusiasts, is that once in awhile, the car is taken out for a spin. We ask you, is that so wrong? We didn't think so.
Here at Corvette Fever, we constantly strive to please all levels of Corvette enthusiasts, so we wanted to show you an awesome example of a car worthy of a hermetically sealed environment-this amazing 427/435-horse '67 Sting Ray that is proudly owned by Harvey Cohen of Long Island, New York. This coupe has been restored back to NCRS-grade quality, with its interior never having left the cockpit. The carpet has begun to show its age, but after 40 years, it's hard to believe how nice it is. When the car was ready to undergo the restoration process, the body was lifted from the chassis complete, with the interior intact.
Starting with a totally rust-free chassis, every nut and bolt was examined for correctness, cleaned, and replated. Most all the painted components of the underbody suspension were removed and powdercoated, as well as the chassis. The bare metal parts, such as sway bars and springs, were coated in a zero-shine clearcoat, while everything else was returned to the factory color. powdercoating offers improved adhesion to painted surfaces, as well as superior thickness, which improves longevity. The chassis was rust-proofed with Ziebart, a clear, waxy material that is sprayed on the inside of the chassis.
In addition, the exhaust manifolds were powdercoated with a high-temperature coating that looks indistinguishable from cast iron. The side pipes were Jet Hot coated, ensuring their life for many more years to come.
The restoration didn't end with mere cosmetics. All the bushings were replaced, along with all wheel bearings that showed excessive wear and age. The rotors were slightly turned to ensure they were true. Only minor components needed to be changed, such as the spare tire hub. A N.O.S. piece that had survived without being pre-drilled with the part number molded in was installed, in addition to a N.O.S. grille and side pipe covers. A reproduction fan shroud replaced the original as aged '60s-era plastic never holds up well. The starter, alternator, and wiper motor all needed to be refurbished and rebuilt, bringing the Corvette back to working order.
By the end of all the restorative work, primarily conducted by Cary Kuczkowski of D&M Corvette in Downers Grove, Illinios, the car was ready to return home. Cary's detail to authenticity is unequaled.
This '67 was returned to its owner so slick that it's now too nice to drive and remains in a de-humidified, weather-sealed garage under a car jacket at all times when it's not competing. It has taken home three Top Flight awards from NCRS, Bloomington Gold certification, the Gold Spinner from Chevy-Fest, and the Triple Crown in 2001.