This is the very beginning of our newest project, the restoration of another 1963 Corvette split window coupe. For anyone that is unfamiliar with the split window coupe Corvette, it was a one year only production by Chevrolet. For the 1963 Corvette model the rear window was “split” into two windows giving the Corvette its split window coupe name. It was quickly found that this split window coupe design impaired vision through the rear view mirror though and the split window was changed to single piece glass for the 1964 model year. This split window Corvette will be going through a full “frame-off” restoration that will include full NCRS (National Corvette Restoration Society) Judging with hope for achieving a Duntov award.
The best way to tackle a project of this magnitude is to stay organized! Removing parts during disassembly without documenting will come back to bite you in the end. There is lots of documentation on these vehicles, but your own photos and notes can be invaluable. The first thing we do when starting a project of this size is take many many photos of every different part of the car. You never know when you might want to look back at the car when it was still assembled and you will really hope you have a photo of what you are looking for. Also, take large photos; you may want to zoom in to see little details.
So here is a gallery of the beginning of the split window coupe project, starting with general photos of the outside of the car and then photos of the engine compartment before disassembly. We will be documenting the entire restoration process of this vehicle from disassembly to reassembly. Please check in regularly to see the progress of this project!