Festivals of Speed Ocala | FerrariChat

Festivals of Speed Ocala

Discussion in 'Florida' started by wthensler, Apr 22, 2021.

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  1. wthensler

    wthensler F1 Rookie
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    Apr 27, 2015
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    Next FOS is at the new Equestrian Center in Ocala on 30-April and 01-May. We’ll be there for the gala event and the show.

    I could be wrong but I think FOS is just part of the Grand Opening of the Center.

    Anyone else going?
     
  2. Ianjoub

    Ianjoub Formula Junior

    Dec 22, 2019
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    Ian Joubert
    I am close by. Bump this thread next week so I remember!
     
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  3. JohnnyRay

    JohnnyRay F1 Rookie
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    Still considering it. I have an invite to show the 550. Not sure if we want to commit the day...or the weekend to it...
     
  4. wthensler

    wthensler F1 Rookie
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    We’re headed down tomorrow afternoon. Going to the event Friday night, then showing on Saturday. We’re staying Sat night, too.

    It should be a great time, we love the FOS, Joe Sabatini is first class, and the Equestrian Center is going to be fabulous. I’d encourage anyone on the fence to consider joining us. There always seem to be too few Ferraris there, and too many Lambos, lol!

    if you’re going, look for the white 458 Spider, or ring my cell 908-500-7593.

    William
     
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  5. wthensler

    wthensler F1 Rookie
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    C’mon down (or up) Johnny............Heck, I go to C&C for the day and it’s 2 plus hours each way.
     
  6. JohnnyRay

    JohnnyRay F1 Rookie
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    Thinking of going just as spectators. No time to detail any cars right now...
     
  7. JohnnyRay

    JohnnyRay F1 Rookie
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  8. wthensler

    wthensler F1 Rookie
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    #8 wthensler, May 3, 2021
    Last edited: May 3, 2021
    Johnny,

    Great event and super glad you came by to say hello. I was so busy I forgot to take pics.

    This place is unbelievable! We hung out and watched the Derby on the big screen. It was packed with southern belles with their mint juleps and fancy hats.....

    Not a Ferrari, but I saw this ‘66 Stingray for sale and may end up as the owner, we’ll see. Of course I know nothing about them. Whaddya’ think?

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  9. greatscott73

    greatscott73 Formula Junior

    Sep 1, 2017
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    A/C has been added, radiator, fan and brake booster have been upgraded, and ask for the chrome shielding around the dis. cap, plugs and wires. Pretty simple machine compared to a Ferrari, and looks like a nice example. Even better if engine is original and it has the removable hardtop.
    Make sure the headlamps flip as designed, and look underneath at frame for rust, especially in the rear where it kicks up just in front of the rear wheels. Shiny red paint can hide an expensive frame swap (ask me how I know!) That front plate looks like a Michigan example, and that state loves their road salt.
     
  10. wthensler

    wthensler F1 Rookie
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    #10 wthensler, May 3, 2021
    Last edited: May 3, 2021
    Howard,

    Correct, the car was initially a Michigan car, it underwent a complete frame off restoration, engine, transmission and suspension rebuild (see below). I’d want more details, of course. There are some imperfections, but its going to be tough to beat at this price point. The owner is getting older and wants out.

    In doing a fair bit of comparison, prime examples are going well above 100k, in some cases 150 or more. Case in point - the owner of the black one (show condition) wouldn’t sell for less than 175 (what he told me anyway).

    This one has a modified 327 and a few other things that would render it a non-show car. But I’m thinking just to have for around town type thing. No wheelies or Concours events for this one. It would be my first ever and last Corvette.

    I’m having a PPI done at a reputable shop that specializes in the C2 Corvettes, and I’ll probably go ahead if it checks out. And yes, I was once scorched on an old Datsun 240z.....

    I’ll do a few things to it like tires and stock exhaust, maybe some interior fixes. It doesn’t appear to need much, but we shall see.....

    William

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  11. greatscott73

    greatscott73 Formula Junior

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    Very good!. Sounds like you are doing all the right things. They are fantastic cars if sorted. Best of luck, and that side exhaust may be a factory option. It looks correct.
     
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  12. greatscott73

    greatscott73 Formula Junior

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    That black one next to it is a 1967 big block, which is the Holy Grail of C2 Vettes, especially if it has three carbs. That makes it worth a fair bit more, and not far from his value point. Its the one everyone wants. Nice color scheme as well.
     
  13. wthensler

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    Here’s a ‘65 L87 completely restored, closing in on 100 points. I’m liking the color scheme but no A/C, and I have to see about the wheels. Haven’t seen in person yet....considerably more $$$.
     
  14. greatscott73

    greatscott73 Formula Junior

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    A 65 big block (L78) is a rare animal. Only year for the 396, and not the entire model year, since they switched mid year from the small block fuelie to the big block. Only about 2000 made. Worth mucho dolleros...assuming its a real one.
     
  15. FerrfanFL

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    Rust in the birdcage is the most important thing to look for, as well as making sure the Trim Tag and VIN tag are original. They are the most problematic items. I am a National level NCRS 67 team judge. We see fake Trim Tags and VIN tags all the time and it's a heartbreaker for sure for the owner when we advise him/her.

    Kinda funny you posted this, as i am thinking of using my 67 Big Block Corvette as trade for my first F car soon. Good luck. ARA
     
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  16. greatscott73

    greatscott73 Formula Junior

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    An NCRS judge is a brave man. I was at meets years ago where I thought the judge(s) might not survive to see sundown after catching people at obvious evil doings. One of the reasons I got away from the Vette world was that it was getting really hard to find something that hadn't been somehow counterfeited. It happens with all Marques, but the unscrupulous vette guys seem to have taken it to a new level.
     
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  17. wthensler

    wthensler F1 Rookie
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    Do yourself a favor and get a Ferrari. You’re playing in a different league, but well worth it.

    I’d trade my 458 for a BB (just kidding), but I want a SB. Thanks for the info. I found another car out in San Diego, a 67 drivers car. I think I prefer this one as no mods and a bit more sedate.

    Inspection set for early next week by TopFlight Corvettes.
     
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  18. FerrfanFL

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    I have a SB 67 too, with the L79 motor. Fantastic motor. Light, fast, etc. Enjoy the search and the drive. Feel free to reach out if you have questions or anything. ARA
     
  19. wthensler

    wthensler F1 Rookie
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    Thank you Ara. I actually am enjoying the search and learning quite a bit. The Corvette Forum has provided lots of great advice, and I visited Lyle at C&S Corvettes in Sarasota. He spent a good hour with me imparting his knowledge about C2s. Super helpful.

    The car being inspected this week is a 327 300hp. Ideally I’d like the L79 but have to remind myself it’s an around town toy.

    I already have newer, sleeker, faster, etc., this is purely a nice driver to enjoy the stingray experience.

    Several are being auctioned at Concours Amelia Island this weekend and at Mecum Indy. And I’ve gotten PMs from private owners, too. So they’re out there and less stressful than hunting for a 458.

    The premium folks are asking for the matching numbers big blocks is incredible - $ 120k and up. But no BB for me......three duces arw a bit harder to keep tuned and prone to overheating, especially here in FL.
     
  20. FerrfanFL

    FerrfanFL Formula 3
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    Yeah, SB cars with a single carb are great for cruising. Enjoy. The Corvette Forum is a good place for info and advice. My handle over there is 93RubyRedCoupe. Cheers. ARA
     
  21. greatscott73

    greatscott73 Formula Junior

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    I owned a 1968 for many years with the 327/300 and it was a great little motor. When it hit 150,000 I thought I should probably take it apart for a rebuild. It showed little to no wear anywhere but the cam and the valve seals and guides. Last I heard, it had passed another 150K and was still going. Personally, I think the 327 was the best of the small blocks Chevy ever built.
     
  22. JohnnyRay

    JohnnyRay F1 Rookie
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    Did you buy? A PPI from a knowledgeable Corvette specialist would be worth while. I'm refreshing a number of items on my 65 that probably should have been caught. They are a nice vintage driving experience...perhaps a bit more livable than my Cobra...

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  23. wthensler

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    #23 wthensler, May 20, 2021
    Last edited: May 20, 2021
    Hey Johnny,

    It’s been a whirlwind three weeks or so looking at and bidding on several C2 Roadsters. I learned a ton, and mostly, that it’s just not a car I’m interested in owning. For those that have never driven a C2 Corvette, think of the little wagon your Dad pulled you around in, and deflate the tires, Without power brakes, you really need to plan ahead (like planning for a picnic). Steering is super loose, yet without power steering, it’s really tough at low speeds. Much cruder than ai had imagined.

    I had the goodwood green one inspected out in San Diego, and was locked and loaded to have it shipped. It flunked. And I found this Maroon beauty (below) in Clearwater, perhaps the best example of a perfectly restored C2. Numbers matching, original tranny and motor. But with side-pipes, it was waaaayyy too loud! I could never drive it in the neighborhood.

    After driving several of them, I found I really didn’t enjoy the experience enough to own one. And......the Huracan STO I had ordered early this year is being submitted for build next week, so it will arrive much sooner than anticipated. With that and the 458, I just couldn’t see me driving a car that is stunningly gorgeous, but not so much fun to drive, at least for me. So.......I took a pass.

    Yours is really gorgeous by the way.. I hope you have the 3.36 or 3.08 rears and M21 (?) wide ratio transmission. Curious what you’re having to clean up on the car - I’ve looked at a bunch underneath.

    Ermine white became one of my faves and I have a new buddy in Rhode Island that just took delivery of one - also a ‘65.


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  24. greatscott73

    greatscott73 Formula Junior

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    See, what you are supposed to do is go drive a C1 first. After that, a C2 feels like a Maybach in comparison, :D
     
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  25. JohnnyRay

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    Glad to hear you had fun shopping. These cars are a vintage drive - and really need to be well sorted - much like an E-Type Jag - to fully enjoy. On top of that, they really need to have power steering and brakes as a minimum - and perhaps AC and the telescopic steering column.

    I had a number of Corvettes back in the day. A 70, 72, 81, 84 and a 94 ragtop. The 72 and the 94 were my faves though. The 94, although generally regarded as a nondescript model, was white with a red interior and a 6 speed. It was really just a knockabout car that I used as a driver. In that respect, it was rewarding and never had an issue with it. Shifted like you would want it to - and the open cockpit was aerodynamically ideal. Barely messed your hair and you could drive it in the rain and stay dry - as long as you kept moving. I only sold it when it became redundant after purchasing the 2nd Aston. I said for years that I would never own another Corvette - unless I came across a reasonably priced mid-year that was white with a red interior...

    Well...found this car in the Tampa area when I wasn't really looking for one. It's Ermine white with a red leather interior, L79 (327/350HP), rear exit exhaust, close ratio 4 speed, 3.50:1 positraction gear ratio and power disc brakes. Fake knockoffs and redline tires - a common addition that really does add to the looks. Unfortunately, the car had sat too long and the brake calipers were leaking when I took delivery. Ruined my newly finished garage floor to add insult to injury. Upon closer inspection, the emergency brakes were completely non-functional as well. We decided to go with complete new trailing arm assemblies to remedy the brake issue, while ensuring rear end alignment and integrity of the rear wheel bearings. The pinion seal of the center section was leaking, so rebuilt that as well. A front end alignment turned into a complete front end rebuild. Topped this all off with a set of Bilstein gas shocks. The engine ran a bit rough, which translated into a restored Holley 2818 and sourcing of a correct OEM air cleaner assembly. Compression turned out to be a consistent 175 PSI, while fouled plugs and loose plug wires were subsequently identified and replaced in the course of the investigation. Car runs good now, but will soon be getting a transmission rebuild to correct a balky 3-2 downshift.

    The seller was approached on the brake issue and reasonable compensation was negotiated. In the end, I did not immediately get the "driver" that I hoped for, but the end result will be reliable and well sorted and the investment is less than many others out there that have not been mechanically rebuilt to the same level. I plan to use the car for local pleasure driving and occasional C&C events. The plan was to have one vintage muscle/sports car specifically to fit this use while in Florida - and I'm so far relatively pleased with it.

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