Hawaii's tropical climate...
Hawaii's tropical climate also took its toll on the '63's cabin during its long-term storage. Craig Nichols Restoration Services did away with the growing tropical foliage and restored the red-vinyl seats and interior trim.
Owned by Arnold and Sydney Yuen, Frisco, California
Body
Restored original production '63 Sting Ray coupe body
Restored by: Classic Cars LTD., Spokane, Washington
Replacement parts: '66-vintage coupe body "birdcage"
Paint: A repaint in the original RPO 941 Sebring Silver color
Painting & prep: Classic Cars LTD., Spokane, Washington
Chassis
Restored production '63 Sting Ray, with original frame
Restored by: Classic Cars LTD., Spokane, Washington
Suspension: Restored '63 Sting Ray four-wheel independent suspension (Front) Coil springs with upper/lower A-arms, anti-sway bar and tubular Delco shock absorbers (Rear) Independent rear suspension with lateral struts, radius rods, transverse leaf spring bundle and tubular Delco shock absorbers
Steering: Restored GM/Saginaw "quick ratio" recirculating ball, non-power-assisted
Brakes: Restored RPO J65 GM Delco drum-and-shoe brakes with sintered-metallic linings, non-power-assisted
Wheels: Cast-aluminum 15x6-inch "knock-off" wheels with three-prong spinners and '63-style as-cast finish
Tires: Big O "Eurotour" whitewalls, 205/75R15 all around
Engine
Modified Chevrolet overhead-valve small-block V8, cast-iron block, RPO L76
Engine modified/built by: California Street Machines, Suisun City, California
Modifications: Block bored .030-inch over/magnafluxed, JE custom forged pistons, 427-style oil pump, double-row timing chain, anti-surge oil pan
Displacement: 332 cubic inches
Compression ratio: 9.0:1
Cylinder heads: Modified OEM Chevrolet cast iron, casting #3782461(Magnafluxed, ported, polished; CC'd and fitted with hardened valve seats and bronze valve guides).
Ignition: OEM GM/Delco points-style ignition with Delco distributor (#1111024)
Induction: OEM Carter AFB four-barrel carburetor (#3826004) atop original aluminum intake manifold
Camshaft: Solid lifter
Exhaust: Reproduction OEM Corvette dual exhaust system with cast-iron manifolds and steel pipes
Horsepower: 340 @ 6,000 rpm (advertised)
Torque: 344 ft-lb @ 4400 rpm (advertised)
Transmission
Restored original Borg-Warner T-10, close ratio (RPO M20). A restored original shifter with reverse lock-out T-handle has replaced Hurst shifter seen in photos.
Rearend: Original '63 Sting Ray with fixed differential containing 3.70 rear gears and RPO G81 Positraction, plus U-jointed half shafts
Interior
Restored original '63 Sting Ray coupe
Restored by: Craig Nichols Restoration Services, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Seats: Restored '63 Sting Ray red vinyl buckets
Carpets: Reproduction '63 Sting Ray red nylon loop-pile
Instrumentation: Restored original '63 Sting Ray (0-160 mph speedometer, 0-7000 rpm tach with 6300 rpm redline, plus ammeter, oil pressure, coolant temperature and fuel level gauges)
Sound system: Restored original RPO U65 GM/Delco signal-seeking AM radio with single speaker
Heater: OEM GM-Harrison heater-defroster
A/C: None
Though the Yuen's '63 had...
Though the Yuen's '63 had high-performance engine and chassis options, the interior was standard-level vinyl. Water and humidity took its toll on the original carpets, seat covers, and trim, which Craig Nichols brought back to showroom-new shape.
While stored in Hawaii during...
While stored in Hawaii during the '60s and '70s, ferns took root in the Sting Ray. Thanks to Classic Cars LTD's expert restoration, you can't tell this '63 from a new one.
Sydney (front) and Arnold...
Sydney (front) and Arnold Yuen show their split-window '63 at big Vette shows, as well as events put on by their club, the Looking Glass Corvette Association.