The Transformation

 
 

THE TRANSFORMATION

I quickly got on the CRC waiting list for their conversion at their manufacturing plant in Tacoma, WA.

In July, 2007,’ I drove up and left it there for around three months. I have to admit, it was a little painful to watch the process as my spotless “donor car” was stripped and torn apart – but I have never regretted the decision after seeing the final product.

Boeing engineers created the software that scans the CRC design using the most powerful three-dimensional scanning software to define the body shape and sub-structures needed. This information is then created to make computer models of each part.

If you check out their website crcoachworks.com you will see that they use a very sophisticated process to mold the custom body parts on the C5 which are made of new, high tech carbon fiber and are incredibly light and durable, instead of the “high maintenance” old fiber glass.

As I toured his plant, he picked up a baseball bat and took a healthy swing at the side of one of the cars under construction with no damage to the car. You can see why the new carbon fiber technology is being used on so many new products. Amazing!

The finished product is around 4″ bigger than the original ’62, which dictates every part (from chrome bumpers to all quarter panels, convertible top, etc.) be custom made.

t was a large investment, but I ended up with a completely custom ’62 that I could enjoy driving as much as I wanted…and “still keep my teeth in my mouth.”

I picked out all the colors for the car (Magnetic Red Metallic II and White Diamond) and decided to have the cove painted with the ingenious way they do the chrome with airbrushing around the cove. I felt it would give a desirable effect that the models up through ’61 had without the maintenance issues that the chrome actually had on the ’61’s. I also added the Xenon lights features along with Dynamat sound deadening option.

I ended up with a ’62 that has today’s comfort and performance but also the original’s legendary styling! A dream fulfilled and a 2nd chance for the car and myself.

 

Additions

 
 

Since bringing it home in the fall of 2007, I have been able to make some further additions:

THE WHEELS

Roy Benson and his people at The Tire Factory on W. 6th did a great job helping me find some over-sized 17″ and 18″ beautiful Boyd Coddington wheels with the proper clearance. A few years ago, Roy once again helped me send them off to Paramount Wheels in California to have them triple chromed.

THE UPHOLSTERY

Jim Valenzuela of V-34 Custom Interiors did the custom upholstery. He had to work around many obstacles to come up with the look I wanted and did a masterful job. It’s no wonder his work is in such high demand. I found him to be very thorough, creative, and conscientious. I love the red double stitching, the strategic use of the logo, the trunk work, and the improved comfort of the seats.

 

ENGINE & EXHAUST

Eron Andersen, owner of Precision Classic Inc., did a great job installing the Borla Custom stainless steel quad tip exhaust system to give me the sound I wanted along with some additional horsepower on the LS1 engine. He also spiced up the engine with some additional chrome and paint and had the wheels triple chromed by Paramount Wheels in California.

SOUND SYSTEM

I found Brian Cramer and his people at Soundsational easy to work with as they installed an impressive sound system. They had to do quite a bit of modification to install the custom Alpine system on the dash and some custom paint and fabrication for the console to work. Very nicely done.

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Dan Schmeedding from “The Schmeed” did the logo while Gene Shands, from “Shands Consulting,” did all the marketing materials package including the handouts, signs, and the web page. Creative, professional and top quality.

 

The Final Product

 
 

since it's completion…

This car has simply been a “hoot” to drive. The windshield always leaves people scratching their heads and asking a host of questions. Very fun to drive around town and always gets awe, excitement, thumbs up and waves from many.

Hope you enjoy the video and photos: