Corvette: Any "musts" or "avoids" ??

[HondaMan]

Just curious, since I had one and hope to in the future.

Since the Corvette is Fiberglass (I think it's the only fiberglass-made car), I was wondering if that presented any special opportunities with any of the stuff we always talk about. Do you definitely want to use/avoid a wax, a resin, a polymer, an acryllic, etc?

I used to use Classic Liquid Glass (you might remember my thread on that!) which was a sealant. Tough to get off (this was pre-MF towel, remember!) but I took it off dry and hard and without any water spritz.

If anybody here has a Vette or details them, I'd be interested if the Corvette's fiberglass construction means you have a certain preference or avoidance of any products or chemicals (SSR's, polishes, claying, sealants, etc). It can be because somethings are easy or tough to apply on the Vette from an effort standpoint, or just because some stuff doesn't last or work well on a fiberglass body from a chemical/molecular standpoint.

I would guess that the paint job on a Corvette, given fiberglass, is better/smoother than paint applied on metal (but I'm guessing).

 

[Nickc0844]

I've detailed over 40 Corvettes in the past 3 years, most of which are at the annual Corvettes at Carlilse show. Treat'em like any other quality paint job. I've put polymers, carnaubas, acrylics, and resins on my personal one, and have never seen an adverse difference.

If anything, they are harder to get completely dry. They tend to retain water in the back crevices. Compressed air is a great solution, so is the 75mph dryoff drag. :lmfao

 

[CharlesW]

The Corvette hasn't been fiberglass for about 20 years. It is still a plastic composite, though.
It is still painted no matter what they use for the body material. My 1981, which does happen to still be fiberglass, gets the same treatment as my GTP or the Trans Sport. A good SMR, a good polish, and a good sealant/wax and you should be all set.
Also, contrary to popular belief, the Corvette is susceptible to rust. It is still a steel frame and basic structure on the older ones. The bodies don't rust, but there are lots of other places to be aware of. Frames and windshield suport areas are particular problems. The later models with the aluminum frames probably have their own little corrosion problems as well.
I love 'em all, but they sure ain't perfect.

Charles

 

[HondaMan]

I never knew it wasn't fiberglass....I wonder if they changed because of the high-speed impact problems?

 

[CharlesW]

I never knew it wasn't fiberglass....I wonder if they changed because of the high-speed impact problems?

Cheaper, better quality control, cheaper, more durable, did I mention cheaper?

Charles

 

[HondaMan]

Good post, Charles....BTW, I heard from a confidential source at Bowling Green that it was cheaper than fiberglass.

 

[abc]

Just curious, since I had one and hope to in the future.

Since the Corvette is Fiberglass (I think it's the only fiberglass-made car), I was wondering if that presented any special opportunities with any of the stuff we always talk about. Do you definitely want to use/avoid a wax, a resin, a polymer, an acryllic, etc?

I used to use Classic Liquid Glass (you might remember my thread on that!) which was a sealant. Tough to get off (this was pre-MF towel, remember!) but I took it off dry and hard and without any water spritz.

If anybody here has a Vette or details them, I'd be interested if the Corvette's fiberglass construction means you have a certain preference or avoidance of any products or chemicals (SSR's, polishes, claying, sealants, etc). It can be because somethings are easy or tough to apply on the Vette from an effort standpoint, or just because some stuff doesn't last or work well on a fiberglass body from a chemical/molecular standpoint.

I would guess that the paint job on a Corvette, given fiberglass, is better/smoother than paint applied on metal (but I'm guessing).

No difference :drunk :hah

 

[05SilverTRD]

I don't want to steal this post, but I have a question along the same lines. My father is the original owner of a 1969 LeMans Blue Corvette. It has a 427/435 and 33,000 original miles. The car also has the original paint. While the paint is great for being 35 years old, it could use some love. What are some suggestions about this. I would like to help him out and make the car look great. The car isn't running really good right now, nothing major, just needs some work. He jsut retired and is having some trouble getting the motivation to do it. I would like to get him kick statrted. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[CharlesW]

I don't want to steal this post, but I have a question along the same lines. My father is the original owner of a 1969 LeMans Blue Corvette. It has a 427/435 and 33,000 original miles. The car also has the original paint. While the paint is great for being 35 years old, it could use some love. What are some suggestions about this. I would like to help him out and make the car look great. The car isn't running really good right now, nothing major, just needs some work. He jsut retired and is having some trouble getting the motivation to do it. I would like to get him kick statrted. Any help would be appreciated.

While I'm not personally into the collector aspect of Corvettes, he has something that is very likely collectable. If at all possible, keep everything original and be very careful to not damage the paint, chrome, weather stripping, etc. The car might qualify as a "Survivor" and could be worth a lot of money. That's the problem with the collectable ones, they are worth so much money, everyone is afraid to drive them.
Unless it has been repainted, it will be single stage lacquer with no clearcoat. Not much different to take care of than any paint really. Mild polishes and a good wax or sealant. (AIO/UPP?)

Charles

 

[05SilverTRD]

While I'm not personally into the collector aspect of Corvettes, he has something that is very likely collectable. If at all possible, keep everything original and be very careful to not damage the paint, chrome, weather stripping, etc. The car might qualify as a "Survivor" and could be worth a lot of money. That's the problem with the collectable ones, they are worth so much money, everyone is afraid to drive them.
Unless it has been repainted, it will be single stage lacquer with no clearcoat. Not much different to take care of than any paint really. Mild polishes and a good wax or sealant. (AIO/UPP?)

Charles

Thanks, I am going to hopefully get up the nerve to try something really soon. The car is quite a collectable. I agree about having something that valuable, it's not me. I like things I can personalize. Hopefully I can takes some pics of it before and after to track my progress. We are also going to try to repair one of his stainless beauty rings that has some road rash on it.