62 Starfire or 88?

[justinj]

My project is a '62 Super 88 Holiday Coupe I inherited from my father in-law. The engine is in decent shape (could use some sandblasting and painting). It was rebuilt around 8k miles ago, and I've since rebuilt the carb. The interior is in great shape.

Canadian winters have not been kind to her. The frame has seen better days, lots of rust in the usual places, floors are a little 'soft', etc. So, this spring I bought a parts car from the high desert and had it shipped up here ($$$). It's got a few minor rot spots, lots of surface rust, but nothing a patch panel or two can't fix. Problem is, it's the sheet metal shell from a Starfire, minus most of the Starfire trim and the interior is gutted.

Originally, my plan was to 'save' the 88 - weld in new floors, trunk pan, quarters and put it on top of the Starfire's chassis. Now I'm re-thinking this approach since it sounds overly complicated.

Now I think I should just build a Super 88 on the Starfire's shell.

This is my first restoration, and I'm not too concerned about it being 'numbers matching', and I'm not looking at this as an investment, more of a learning experience. However, I do want to keep it as period correct as possible. The one thing that bothers me about doing this is the tail lights being different.

Anyway, just looking for some general advice if anyone has any to share. Photos of both the 88 and Starfire can be found below.

-Justin

http://picasaweb.google.ca/justin.ja...r88AndStarfire

[Oldsguy]

It appears you plan to be removing a body from a frame either way correct? So why not go with the best of both? Gearheads78 could help you out, he is not quite done with his 442 and has done all this most recently, he may have some time and effort saving steps and tips for you. Since you aren't worried about numbers matching and you want to preserve a period correct look that is mostly superficial it shouldn't be too hard. What I mean is, body treatment, paint, wheels, etc. and all that can be achieved with whichever body you end up using. Am I making any sense???

[justinj]

Originally the plan was to take the floor pans, chassis, fenders etc. and put them on the Canadian Super 88. This would involve a frame off for sure.

Now I'm thinking to use the 'California' Starfire - leave the Starfire on its frame, and then bolt on the interior, engine & tranny, wheels, and other goodies from the Super 88.

So I'd end up with a Starfire frame, chassis, and body, with Super 88 engine, trim and interior. It would have 4 tail lights instead of two, though - which might be strange.

Anyway - I've been thinking about this for quite some time and it's been difficult to come to a decision.

thanks

Justin

[citcapp]

Sounds like a fun mod. Several people would ask if the taillights are a factory option

[Oldsguy]

OH, ok that makes sense then. I should have looked more closely at ALL the pictures in the album. I think that would be a good plan, and like justin said, it would keep people guessing.

[tonycpe]

Sounds like you have a good plan. I hope its on the road next spring.

[PetChemMan]

I see nothing wrong with combining the best of the two vehicles. It will be a pretty car , however you wind up building it. The red interior in the 88 looks nice, and I would find a way to keep the four tail lights from the Starfire. Get some Starfire spinner hubcaps too ! They look sharp.