Wow came out nice, tough call.....what are your plans and or future plans for the car. If it's an investment thing leave it all original. If it's for judging you can get NOS chrome but leave the paint.
Now if it's for joy and the paint bugs you go ahead and have it blocked and painted and go show it off, remember only vette nuts will know if it's not original.
My 1980 has 25k original miles original paint that has factory runs, sags, drips, thin spots, dri spots, and is starting to check in some areas. I do not plan to paint it as long as I have it.
Now my Red project car (money pit) I'm going a little nuts as it's something that is my ideas and I don't care what others want..... it's mine......
So I have not helped one bit but was nice to write a bit over a nice cup of coffee this morning!
Either way now that it's running.....you better bring it to a gathering.
Also take all your pictures and make a story board to display at shows.....that car has a kewl history and it's story needs to be told!
ebo
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Wow, nice car and fantastic find. I agree with most on the post that it is only original once, but definitely drive and enjoy. Documentation and talking to the original owner is a great feeling. Have you considered taking it back to show him ?? Please post more pics or do a photobucket link, here's one to my 73.
http://s42.photobucket.com/user/jlsigmund/library/
For me the best part is the day you got a hold of the 86 year old original owner. a day to remember, you probably made him the happiest man in the world that day knowing that you will care for that car as he did and I'm sure it brought back many wonderful memories. Bless your heart for making his day brighter and thankful he cared for the car as many of us do ours.
Enjoy the car everyday and maybe someday someone will put a smile on your face with a phone call.
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!