I RESCUED A 1963 SPLIT WINDOW CORVETTE HIDDEN IN A BASEMENT FOR 20 YEARS!
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- čas přidán 7. 01. 2023
- Episode 227 of Mike Finnegan's Garage is all about crossing another one off of my bucket list and don't worry, the Cadillac is not taking a back seat to this one. In fact, a week from now I should have the engine for the Caddy, which means more work, more progress, and more videos. In the meantime, I managed to drag this 1963 Chevrolet Split Window Corvette out of my neighbor's basement, where it's been sitting for years.
After the Caddy is running, then it's full steam ahead on turning the Vette into a 6 second street car, using the 711ci Sonny Leonard Hemi as the powerplant. Hope you enjoy this video as much as I had buying and pulling this car home.
Want to support the channel? Do me a favor and check out the new apparel I've just made at www.fsmgarage.com
-Finnegan - Auta a dopravní prostředky
This is a killer starting point
cool
Nice
What a great commendable efforts.
Very nice
Cool
I need to walk around my neighborhood and chat with my neighbors. They are just not bringing enough to the table. They really need to up their game. Great find Mike.
lol.
You joke but if you did you might find something good, 20 years ago I lived in Mesquite Tx. and in a regular ranch style home with attached garages there was one that had a 68 Mustang with stuff piled on top of it, one day the guy was mowing the lawn so I stopped to ask about it, first thing out of his mouth was Not for sale, I ask if I can look at it, Nope, why not?, Tells me that was his son's car bought new 6 months before being drafted and sent to Vietnam where he was killed, car had like 1200 miles on it. There are cars out there in the wilderness of neighborhoods.
The small list of answers I get for asking about old bodies in fields... even among the cattle are.
1. Can't sell Grampa's car
2. My cousin wants to restore it
3. It's been there a long time and I'd miss seeing it
4. That's not on my property
5. Stop looking at my field with the spotting scope
6. My relative (son, dad, grandfather--any male relative) was killed in --insert any war here..owned it and I won't sell it
@@tt600pch Ain't that the truth, hate seeing cars rot away, in this case it was in a neighborhood with small lots and I knew the story was true as a buddy grew up across the street and went to Vietnam the same time as the guys son, he verified the story. At least it spent it's life in a garage so the Texas sun didn't destroy the paint and interior.
Good find. You never know what you're going to run into
Very nice, Mike! The front clip & hood is from a '67 427. The '65 & '66 had 3 upright gills on the fenders. The '67 had 5 canted gills on the fenders. Cheers. Leigh in Scotland.
Great info! 😊 ty
Right! So really, it's fake.
noticed that right away!
Didn't know it was on my bucket list until I drove it. Porsche gt3 rs. Awesome. My wife's birthday present to me. A dream drive.
Hey Mike, happy to hear about Mk4 Supra and also Split window, both are epic cars. I would heavily suggest looking at underbody aerodynamics of fellow finn Kimmo Nevalainen’s Six-5 split window C2. He came to USA for Texas Mile and is fastest C2 top speed world record holder with ”identical” car. If you want to be fast, safe and stay attached to ground at high speeds, the bottom end aerodynamics are very important. What is best that it looks absolutely stock in body, but the magic happens underneath.
100%
YES! 👍
Thx for the heads up of Kimmo , that's a cool and fast ass ride ! 😎
i'll definitely search him out. dont want to be doing any backflips. i'm hoping to not run wheelie bars on this car.
100% That body makes a ton of lift and needs a good floor / under tray to stay on the ground.
This is another home run Finnegan !!! Bringing that beautiful car out of the darkness into the sunlight doesn't get any better .
That was a beautiful moment! Seeing the color shine.
Please don’t kill that car
I am totally against your point of view
@@ReanuKeevesAus it is already cut up it don’t matter. Did not realize that
Thought it was green while it was inside
In my opinion, this is the most beautiful car ever built
To me there is NOTHING BETTER THAN A 63 SPLIT WINDOW.
Mike, I’d just leave the incorrect front clip on it.
Got the fins for looks and possibly extra air.
Plus keep the tri-power hood.
Sell that ‘63 front clip to help fund the project.
Same. I guess some people like flip up headlights but I'd keep the 67 front end on it. Looks so much cleaner than the original one.
Mike, it's not only rare to find a '63 Corvette Split Window body with title, but it was just down the road from you and even more importantly, an owner who was willing to sell it. The stars all aligned in your favor. I will be definitely be following this build!
Yup, awesome being amongst the stars eh!
That 65 Vette nose looks great with lights behind a tube grille. After it's removed save it, it'll be usable to someone else.
Switch rare with impossible and then you’ve gotter brother.
Strange,the three split window Vettes my father restored ALL had titles,if you are looking at cars with no titles you must be hanging with the wrong crowd.
@@carlinshowalter1806 you are mistaken, if he had you would be very rich. Try to find one for sale for less than your home that still needs restoration and I will buy it.
i took my time and searched the whole united states looking for the vette i wanted, and it was weird that i found it and it was about 3 miles from my home,
63 is by far the coolest year vette ever built, that split window makes it look so much better! Always been one of my favorite cars, congrats on finding one. Looking forward to watching the progress.
And very rare & expensive too.
Mike is such a genuine, cool guy. Great to see him get a dream car like this. Can't wait to see it get built
Ya know what would be more valuable to me (age 43) and everyone younger. Have that guy walk us through his life for how he got to multiple 63 Vettes, a 6 car garage, side by sides and a motor home.
The honest blueprint for that from him right to the camera would resonate with people and may send them on a new path. Idk, just an idea.
For start, for a long time, these cars were not as expensive as you might think. In the '70s, these were just used cars. I have a guitar now tat is "vintage" and worth bucks. It was a used 8 year old guitar when I bought it for 500 bucks. Now it's about 7K. Not a perfect parallel but you get the idea.
@@bbb462cid true, but that guy bought it 20 years ago not 50 years ago. Split windows were already incredibly rare classics when he bought it.
@Tito Rigatoni my dad had 4 vettes back to back to back in the early 70's. To have those now is different. Plus you're focusing on the cars, the house is very large, a motorhome can be 250k, ect ect. That's either loans and a mortgage to death, or he makes some serious money.
Its called hard work. My collection is not as nice but with 3 in my fleet being collectible and 7 total it all came from hard work.
I didnt see a wife in sight, might be the ticket
So SICK! we just finished the restoration on my dads 1956 corvette. Drove it for the 1st time last weekend. 50+ years since its been on the road.
Your neighbor is LOADED!!
Next to an original 1932 Roaster,, the 1963 Split Window is right there with it as among the most desirable cars on the planet and NOW Mike has one. When he has it ready for Drag Week,, WOW!!
The 63 has always been my favorite year Corvette. My uncle had a white 63 that just sat in his garage my entire life, and I would get in the corvette and my cousin would get in their other car and play Duke's of Hazzard. Good memories!
Jerry seems like a top notch guy!
My father and I built a 1963 C2 split window Corvette with a company in Sarasota Florida. Godspeed Rides, the owner Mark Pierson gave us an amazing opportunity to build the "Holy Grail" of Corvettes. The car made the cover of Vette magazine. Was given the name "the punisher". An amazing journey with some of the best guys I've had the privilege to work with. I'm thankful. Not many people can say that. A special shout out to Midyear Corvette in Osprey florida. They specialize in corvettes and my father worked with Rachel the owner on a few 63 projects.
Way to go Finnegan!! Cracking into the top ten on CZcams trending is huge! Thanks for being my inspiration for getting into cars and motors! Much love from Wisconsin
This is a killer starting point. Can't wait to see what direction you go with it.
Probably destroy like he did with the rare caddy
Cars are meant to be enjoyed. I may not agree with some of the things people do to their cars, but guess what? Its their car to do with it as they please and what makes them happy.
You are building quite an impressive stable of hotrods! I can't wait to see more on the split window!
I went the camro seem me the phone 1969camro
That old dude is legit!
dream car straight out of the movie...or a barn 😅
huh, real youtube
JACKPOT!!!!! This will be an EPIC build! 63 split window, Sonny Leonard HEMI. Nice score Mike. This is gonna be SICK! My favorite Corvette of all time. I was 6 when it hit the streets.
I was 10 and remember seeing them around. A friend in Boston has one in original condition including the paint.
You're 3 years older than me and you use terms like "epic & "sick", what's next "sketchy" or "rad"?
Great project Mike! One of your best best. Thanks for letting us viewers enjoy it too.
omg.. i will be watching this build 100%.. that is probably the coolest and rarest normal production GM ever... I would drive it just like that on that wood crate thing
I don't know the first thing about restoration but I sure do love watching it being done by someone with the knowledge and skill to do it.
Holy cow a split window! So freaking amazing! Congratulations! Can’t wait to see your build.
Wow Mike, this is a home run for you. Can’t say that I’m not jealous. Can’t wait to watch the whole build up of this thing. You never cease to amaze me with your choices of cars. That’s why I’ve been a fan for a long time. keep up the great work.
It's really cool to watch an old Corvette get a new soul. A really tough engine choice awaits the first start. Thanks for the video guys. Greetings from Finland.☺️🇫🇮👋🏻
I drove a 4 speed split window to prom, and I fell in love with the style ever since. Im excited to see how this build goes!
How cool to have another motorhead like this for a neighbor. A 63 would be a dream to add to my garage 👍
They always say what you are looking for is right under your nose. But you have to search a little harder. Congratulations on your new chapter in your automotive dreams. God bless
OMG!!! One of the prettiest old school muscle cars I've ever seen, the Corvette Stingray Split window one! Lucky you! Great work!
Awesome Find! The 63 has always been my favorite corvette. Although I'd love to take the newest for a spin, I would take a 63 any day over any other year; beautiful design. Can't wait to see her come to life!
You've likely never driven a '63 or a C8. Otherwise, your opinion would be different.
@@naughtmeenaym869 You clearly didn't "read" my comment. I never said one was better than the other from a performance perspective, it would be ridiculous to think that a 63 could out perform a C8, or have the modern creature comforts and handling. I said I would love to take a C8 for a spin, therefore acknowledging that it is a better performer. I also clearly highlighted it was a "beautiful design" and that was that because I would want to own a rare, beautifully sculpted classic that I grew admiring in my childhood, than a C8. I prefer classic muscle cars over modern "super cars". I appreciate both equally, but my heart has always wanted a 63.
I've seen every episode of Roadkill many times. I've followed your career for a long time. Magazine reader since 1995. This is a very cool episode, and also a dream car of mine, too. Awesome.
What about employment?
What a beautiful car. Last project my late brother and i had was making his 63 convertible into a restomod. Was 98% done before he passsd. I cant wait to see the progress and fun you have with this.
I wouldn't have changed a thing about it, I love the mix and match, I've always loved the gills on corvettes and that hood is just too sharp. Excited to see how this build goes for you!
Cheers 🍻
Finn, congrats on the find. Really does show how much we need to meet our neighbors. I also would like to hear Jerry's story, especially the race car. On your car, that's a 67 front clip as the grills were much larger on 65-66. The hood was 67 stinger rather than the bubble style of 65-66. Again what a great build.
Yep, ya got a 63/67. Had a mix and match 63 myself many moons ago.
Had a 63 convertable many years ago all original. Greatest looking car of all times. As Jerry pointed out Split window only came out in 63 but the front Clips (fenders) on this car are not 63.
@@raulthepig5821 For sure 67 fenders and big block hood!
Am I alone in thinking the 67 front end is the best looking C2 front end?
@@gordonbowe Yes. It is sad when chevrolet changed the grill to gills.
Sweet!!! But Mike, you have so many irons in the fire now, when are you ever going to be able to finish any of them if you keep adding more? Blasphemi is a constant project, and I would really like to see the Caddy do the 200+ mph run! All I can say to you Sir is you have a very understanding wife and family, and good luck...
Glad your back doing what you do best . So excited for this build , loving it here in the Uk 🇬🇧
Front clip & hood are from a '67, not '65. The big block scoop wasn't functional originally. I'm so glad you aren't tearing apart a running C2 for this and look forward to watching this project!
MATE! what a score and just down the road is even better, really can't wait for the next episode, love ya stuff, Happy New year to you family and friends, its going to be great much love and respect from New Zealand
Love how we never know what is just blocks away hiding away and you found this amazing gem to create what I am sure will be something many of us can only dream of owning! Look forward to following the journey with you!
@@MidwestFarmToys Car youtubers are known, viewers and others in car comunity tell them about this cars in they neigbours garages.
Aloha Finnegan, congrats on finding this treasure. My uncle here in Hawaiʻi found one without a motor about 40 years ago. Itʻs been a never-ending project for him ever since. He put a 383 stroker small block crate engine into it. Itʻs been under a cover for a couple years. One vivid childhood memory I have is from 47 years ago (1975), a sophmore in high school waiting at a bus stop after school on the Pali Hwy, and hearing an amazing sound coming up the road of a ʻ63 Split Window Corvette racing a Porche 911 Turbo. As they passed by they were neck & neck, but I never saw who won. Those are the only two split window Corvettes I have ever seen in real life, rare birds. Canʻt wait to see your build progress. Keep up the great work. Aloha a hui hou.
A chassis from the Roadster Shop would be freakin sweet!
Congratulations brother🎉 63 split window is holy grail wickedness🤘🏼
People Gona’ be mad!
This is going to be an awesome build can’t wait!!
WOW!!!!!!!!!!! Really happy for you Mike! Looking forward to seeing you complete the project.
James
All I can say is It's good to be you! Congratulations! Can't wait to follow along with this project! Keep up the great work 👍
A man can never have enough cars or projects. Great find man can’t wait to see it done
My girlfriend would argue that's not the case, she claims my property is starting to look like a junkyard😂🤣
super cool project, Mike. It'd be killer with factory looking side pipes on it and custom wheels looking like the turbine wheels with knock offs. The color its currently painted looks a lot like 1965 tahitian turquoise which isn't a vette color. Will be following your journey with this one.
Props for building this car with the goal to drive the wheels off it. Thank you for letting us all enjoy the ride.
Super excited for this build!
A barn find twice! I like how Jerry didn't even pause when you said you were going to chop off the front clip... he just kept going... Any other Corvette owner would have kicked you out. 🙂👍
and even when he said he was putting a hemi in it lol not a flinch
Cant wait to see this project progress!
Which project of him does progress?…
Awesome! Best Ever Corvette!!! Especially setup for a drag n drive car.
I fell in love with the split window when I was 14 I saw a cover of guitar magazine with slash from Guns N’ Roses who had a 66 split window with a Gibson that had the same paint scheme. So sweet. Always loves them since then
Holy shit man, I am hyped to see what you do with this split window. Hands down the best looking corvette ever made
What about employment?
@@MidwestFarmToys - Most ‘63 split windows were converted to non split rear windows back in the day for safety reasons. You flat out can’t see behind you with that bar right in the middle. That is the main reason Chevy dumped the split window in ’64.
So happy for you, Finn.
PERFECT combo, gonna be a blast to watch it come together.
Looking forward to seeing you build this Vette. One of my favorites
Oh that is really nice! Follow through and complete this build!
Mike .... awesome video !!!! , that's the Holly grail of Corvette's that you found . That Sonny Leonard 700 plus cubic inch twin turbo motor from Game Over will definitely put that vette into the 6's at Drag Week
sure if it can ever hook up LUL
There's nothing sure about it. It is not easy to do, and this engine was not built for 3000+ hp drag and drive initially. Running 6's at DW takes some effort, it's not just about power. Making this engine live under those conditions will not be an easy feat. There's a reason why guys like Steve Morris and others don't use these big cube engines in conjunction with boost.
That's gonna piss off more people than the Caddy! LOL
Yep me as well lol
He must not like the caddy or care about it
@@ronniewilliz153 that's ridiculous. You can like 2 things at once.
@@J.C... I no lol
A 63 Vette has been my dream care since I was a toddler... so happy for you and jealous, man. Congratulations!
I love where this is heading. The Caddy and the Vette are gonna be wild. Keep up the good work Fin I can’t wait to see this at drag week killing it.
Good to see the stars align for Finn. Can’t wait to see the build and the 200mph drag!
This might only make me chuckle, but I had this vision of Derek from VGG just randomly coming out of the bushes and saying "can a feller get this 63 Corvette running after 20 years and drive 3000 miles...?"and then him proceeding to pop the hood put a super start in and drive it away on the dollys...
a few of my favorite things 55 chevys,hemis and 63 split window coupe..all in one video...life is good
What a lucky dawg!!! Caddy, rubber ducky, the other 2nd gen vette, bad ass blue firebird and now this!!!! Damn!!!
*Making money an action. Keeping money is a behavior, but "Growing money with an investment is wisdom" I figured this out a week ago.*
Reach him onTelegram⤵️⤵️
@AndersonEarn
Man thats my dream car ! 63 split window . With a 427 . Great find !
327 427 came out in vettes in 66
Very nice and lucky. Can’t wait to see where it goes. Congratulations Mike.
Love this build. I grew up building 30s and 40s street rods with my grandfather. After he passed away one of his close friends asked if I’d like to help him get his old Chevy running again. He told me stories about all the dumb stuff kid stuff they did in the car but never gave me any details about it. I’d been to this gentleman’s house a dozen times before but when I went over there I that day he showed me his 1967 corvette he as soon as he got home from Vietnam. It was born a small block car but now has a 427 and tri power. With his old man knowledge and my young hands we rebuilt the car. I hope that old 63 give you and your kids just as many memories as that 67 did for me.
Mike…..we the viewers need TONS of build videos on this project. SO COOL!
GREAT VIDEO MIKE!!!! CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR DRERAM CORVETTE BUILD. PLEASE KEEP US UPDATED. GREAT VIDEO AND THANKS FOR SHARING!!!
Not only am I excited to watch this build I'm overly excited for you to be doing this and fulfilling a dream. I just know it is going to be epic.
That is a thing of beauty. Congratulations man!
I'm glad someone already mentioned that the car has a '67 front clip on it. That said it's a beautiful car!
Awesome find. It's nice to know that these type of motoring legends are still being made... Good Luck!
Cool! Built by hand by the vette craftsman who worked at the home of corvette heritage,ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI!!!
Dream car, dream build, and you get to do it....cheers to you Mr. Finnegan.....
This is going to be an awesome project. I'm really looking forward to watching it come together.
When I was young I used to see these old cars all the time, usually in someone’s backyard.
Just badass Mike!!! Make it comfortable!
The 63 spit window coupe is my DREAM car!!
You're building my dream car too! Can't wait to see this complete...
the fact that was hanging around with one of your neighbours is just mind blowing, over here in the uk i was stunned to find the guys in the shop next door to mine had some lovely old fords (european) that included a big block ford sierra drag car. very jealous of your houses around there though! over here you would need to have many many millions to own somewhere like that, cant wait to see this thing be built
I love it couldn’t happen to a better person I am so happy for you congratulations buddy
I like that the car dolly barely stopped rolling into the garage and Mike's pushing the Hemi (capitalized out of respect) over to install it.
My friend has a ‘63 Corvette convertible with a 427 and 4 speed. It’s a great runner. Wild ‘70’s paint job.
What a neighborhood to live in!!!! great find!!!!!
I love the content you post. My dream car has always been a 1968 Firebird. I had a chance to buy it once, but was broke and homeless. Now I'm no longer broke and own my home, but I will never be able to afford a 1968 firebird. I live vicariously through you. Thank you so much for all you do. Dreams can come true to those who try.
Too cool, glad you found the right car for this project.
That is so cool! Great neighborhood. Can’t wait to see the build.
Finn you are one lucky guy! My dream ride is a 63 split window. 😊
Best time in a project car build..... The beginning when anything is possible! Cant wait to see how it turns out!
Cool find finn...they are still out there believe it.......crazy that thing was around your way 🤣👍🙏
Historically I can not focus on television or videos for longer that 15 minutes but I have a first in video addiction...Finnegan's Garage. Thanks guys.