Do you still make Grand Sports?
We do not. Our contract with General Motors ran for ten years, and we chose not to renew it four years ago. It cost too much to build the cars and when we priced them based on cost, the market would not support more than one car build at a time. We originally envisioned building three Grand Sports at a time and if we did that, we could price them to appeal to a broader market, but for ten years we built one at a time. The market was much stronger for resto rods, and with those cars there is no royalty obligation, so we went in that direction.
That said, we still produce Grand Sport parts, including headlight covers, hoods, fender flares, etc. We still have all the molds, jigs and fixtures, so the best bet is to contact Alan, as wrote the book on the Grand Sport.
What is the general time frame for a total frame off restoration of a C2 or C3 Corvette?
From 6-12 months depending on a number of variables including:
- Budget – everything starts with budget.
- The condition of your car.
- The extent of the work, e.g. wiring, NCRS, paint quality, etc
What does a total chassis restoration cost on a C2 or C3 Corvette, and how long does it take?
At Duntov, a total chassis restoration means sandblasting, straightening (if necessary) and fully seam welding the frame, cutting out any rust areas and replacing the lost metal leaving no evidence, painting it with epoxy and assembling with all new components including differential, etc.. Depending on the condition, the cost runs between $15,000 and $20,000, and takes about 45 days.
What does a paint job cost for my vintage Corvette.
Normally from $10,000 to $25,000, although we have done some cars that were in great shape for as little as $6,000. The paint itself is a big factor in the total cost, as paint costs range from between $600 to $2,700 a gallon, just for the color coat. There is also a wide range of costs for the primer and clear coat. On a first class, show quality paint job, the materials can run as much as $5,000. A show quality paint job will take from six to eight weeks, start to finish, and will include a total strip down to the fiberglass and the inevitable fiberglass repairs.
What does the Duntov restomod rolling chassis weigh?
The completed rolling chassis with LS engine and modern transmission weighs about the same as the original Corvette rolling chassis with its original small block engine. The center of gravity is much lower and the weight bias front to rear is much better balanced for handling compared to the original rolling chassis.
