The Restoration Saga of a 1965 Corvette Convertible C2
Photos By Jan van der Walt https://www.instagram.com/janvander_walt/
Monty's intention was not to find a matching numbers Corvette or restore the car with an old stock 327 engine and drivetrain. Instead, he aimed to create a classic-looking C2 with a modern LS engine and a fresh gearbox—a true up-to-date resto-mod Corvette. Monty was adamant about avoiding old suspension systems with outdated controls and an unstable steering box. His vision was an original-looking exterior paired with brand new components underneath, ensuring reliability and superior handling.
After careful consideration and additional research, Monty decided to make the purchase on eBay, acknowledging that it wasn't a cheap buy but understanding the increasing rarity of C2s. When the car arrived in Florida at Ash's American Connection, detailed pictures were sent to Monty, revealing the Vette's appalling condition. The challenges that lay ahead became apparent.
After a 5-month wait, the car arrived in Durban, and Monty, along with his friend Richard Irwin, commenced the task of unloading and transport. Unexpected issues at the docks and other snags cropped up, and upon arrival in Midrand, the car's real-life condition was even worse than depicted in the initial pictures. Undeterred by the challenges, Monty and his wife, Gaye, decided to start stripping and sorting the recoverable pieces that same weekend.
The chassis exhibited severe rusting, suggesting prolonged exposure to moisture, and the doors and window metal mechanisms were rusted to bits. All metal fasteners and brackets in the interior, floorboards, and engine bay suffered extensive rust damage. The soft top was beyond restoration, and the fiberglass body comprised parts from different Corvette panels, painted matte black for a presentable eBay appearance, with shoddy repairs evident.
Doors could only close due to missing claws, the front windshield was cracked, and the dash was extensively cracked and missing parts. The seats were in pieces, and the inner door panels were badly damaged. Despite receiving the original rotten carpet, Monty faced a significant challenge.
The arduous journey began with the chassis sent to Marius Raaths for sandblasting, welding, and painting in Corvette Torch Red. The body panels underwent meticulous sanding, repair, and reinforcement by fiberglass specialist Bern van Gass, with a new 1967, 427 bonnet secured and fitted. Approximately 500 weekend hours of labor were invested in achieving the straight, strong, and standard-worthy result.
Monty's first task involved securing missing/broken/used C2 Corvette parts locally, supplemented by purchases from Vic Hugo, Anton de Lange, Russel from Supaquick in Sunward Park, and Mick van Rensburg (Tarlton). A Jim Meyer full racing front and back suspension kit with a racing Wilwood disc brake system was sourced from Oregon, along with an extensive list of missing parts from Ecklers in the U.S.
An LS1 engine and a 4L80E gearbox were prepared and sprayed silver by Dave Corbett and Doors Bezuidenhout. Modifications included an aftermarket Holley LS sump and rear pickup oil pump, new LS engine mounts, and an aftermarket Holley 90mm throttle body. The aluminum radiator and power steering bottle were crafted by Barry from Walkerville, and a specialized cover concealed the windscreen wiper motor in the engine bay. Dale from US Connection provided the specialist wiring computer box loom to match the stock GM one.
Bern van Gass primed and sprayed the body in Monty's garage, with Mike Miscia and Riaan from Shield Car Care & Chemicals offering insights into polishing techniques. The body received meticulous attention, painted to exacting standards both underneath and on top. Bern's expertise transformed the rear bumpers to achieve a tighter, sexier rear look, with the removal of unnecessary symbols and de-chroming of shiny bits on the seats, dash, and console. Classic American Racing Torque Thrust 2 wheels were fitted for a hot rod aesthetic.
The interior, soundproofed with Dynamat and carpeted in black Van Dyck thick pile house carpet throughout, featured a stock steering wheel and new black calf leather. Pierre from Speedometer Services tweaked the stock gauges to match new electronic signals from the LS computer box, while Clint Mann and his son Wesley from Alberton Autolec handled the meticulous wiring, resulting in a top-notch finish.
The entire car, dedicated to Monty's late mother-in-law Mavis Verster, was brought to life with immense effort, dedication, and attention to detail. It stands as a testament to Monty's vision and determination, offering a world-class Corvette that rivals high-dollar restorations in the U.S. To truly appreciate its splendor, one must witness it in person—this Corvette is a work of art that defies the challenges it overcame.
