SUBTLE CONVERSION

The Creative Process Behind Boesch’s Corvette Masterpiece

Often it seems that people who are really creative are also somewhat understated, and as they let their work do the talking, most have little to say unless asked. One look at Dale Boesch’s latest creation for Jim Harmon and it’s hard to argue the point. Like Boesch, this Corvette is complex, in that so many changes have been made in ways that are difficult to see. Sure, you know things have been changed, but what exactly? For Boesch, it’s all in a day’s work, doing as he’s been doing for decades. (If you’re wondering, you pronounce his name “Besh.”)

Crafting a Sleeker, Lower Stance

What he’s done here is create a car that gives the impression it’s lower and sleeker than other ’60 Corvettes, and yet nothing stands out in particular. That’s because the project started out with a less-than-100-point (12-1/2 points on a good day) Fuelie model minus its engine, transmission, and front clip, due to an altercation with something solid. It was the perfect candidate for the creative fun that was to come.

Upgrading the Chassis and Suspension

The chassis was discarded in favor of something a bit more tubular, which led to another of Boesch’s full-tube chassis suspended by Corvette C4 hardware front and rear. The only changes here came to the rear gear ratios, changed to 4.11s for a bit more fun. The factory brake calipers and rotors were retained, minus the ABS, which is more than adequate stopping power for this lightened roadster, and we do mean roadster—more on that later. It’s also worth noting that the brake master cylinder and booster have been relocated from the chassis to a transverse position beneath the dash, where a Kugel Komponents reverse-mount 90-degree dash unit solves a huge problem.

Fine-Tuning the Ride and Aesthetics

Air Ride Technologies worked closely with Boesch incorporating ShockWaves to maximize road feel and height adjustment, and from what Harmon has found in the first 1,000 miles over the past few months, it’s been “huge fun” and very capable. Interestingly, and allegedly, the first 200 miles were minus upholstery, including the seats, so it’s obvious the owner is enthusiastic about using the car as intended. At each corner, specially designed Intro wheels have been fitted, with 18×8 fronts wrapped in 225/40 Michelin Pilot Sports and 19×9 rears transferring power through larger 275/40s. The rear wheels actually started out as 19x10s, but to create the ideal fit, they were cut down an inch, and as you can see, the look is just right.

The Drivetrain: A Modern Powerhouse

The drivetrain is one of the naturals these days, a GM LS1 and Tremec six-speed transplanted from a 2000 Camaro, and of course several changes were made here as well. The most important is Lingenfelter Performance Engineering’s chrome aluminum intake manifold featuring improved runner designs and a large throttle body to maximize torque and horsepower. Other alterations can be found in the Street & Performance exhaust headers and the adjoining 2-1/2-inch exhaust system with 3-1/2-inch tips fabricated entirely at Boesch Auto Body in Humphrey, Nebraska (402/923-0770). A custom air cleaner was also shaped using 3-inch U-bends and K&N filters receiving air through specially built vents within the radiator core support. The valve covers are just one of three beautiful sets made by Hunters Automotive, with a hidden oil filter and specially plumbed PCV filter in back. They’ve been relieved of the clunky coil packs, moved elsewhere and concealed beneath custom shrouding. A similar cover was made for the Be Cool aluminum radiator, shrouding the 16-inch Vintage Air electric fan to blend with the nose better.

Transforming the Body for a Unique Look

While the chassis was taking form, the body and other external hardware were being readied for their own transformation. This first involved attaching a new nose to replace the missing original, but rather than fitting it as it was originally designed, it was dropped 1-1/2 inches at the headlights and tapered up to the cowl. This is the primary reason why the car has its distinctive look, especially when enhanced with the low stance.

Creating a True Roadster Experience

The second is the removal of the side windows and top attachment points, making this a true roadster that is all about open air. The window slots were finished over and the frameless windshield was lowered in the rear corners of the cowl 3 inches. The door handles were replaced with flush ’98 Corvette versions, and all the side trim was done away with at the same time. The hinged top cover was retained to allow access to the remaining compartment.

Finishing Touches: A Seamless Design

The trunk lid also has been smoothed off, while the exhaust tips and license plate were recessed within the rolled rear pan. The stock taillight lenses were flush-mounted in the body, and while LED bulbs were mounted inside, the lenses were tinted light black to blend with the body when unused. The original bumpers were replaced with much smaller versions hand fabricated by Boesch from 1/8-inch steel and chrome-plated by Advanced Plating. Smaller details include those in the nose, where the center bar was extended 8 inches and fitted with extra teeth to fill the void within the smoothed but stock grille surround.

A Mirror-Like Finish and Intricate Details

Once all the changes had been completed, a great deal of time was spent preparing the body for the DuPont Diamond Black single-stage paint that was to come. Every panel was sanded and shaped repeatedly to achieve a finish never realized on the originals, and once painted, the proof is found in the mirror-like reflection that seems 10 feet deep. Careful bronze detailing highlights the drivetrain and suspension parts, while silver and lime-green pinstriping lends its own appeal.

Interior Craftsmanship and Customization

More of the same can be found between the doors, where still more specialized fabrication was used to re-create the dash and shape a new console. Specialized foam was cut to shape and then fiberglass was used to finalize them, and they are just the things to set this ’60 Vette apart from other offerings. Again, it’s the small details that are often a big part of the final appearance, including the custom bezels around the pocketed, custom-made Classic Instruments gauges. When the neighboring surfaces were painted with matching DuPont exterior hues and fitted with beautiful leather detailing matching the cut-down seats, storage compartment, and the trunk, there’s no arguing its beauty. The Recovery Room in Omaha, Nebraska, laid out the saddle-colored Ultraleather, and it’s an environment that’s hard to resist. There’s even a leather access panel to the master cylinder hidden within the dash. Additional types of entertainment were left for other projects, as this car was intended from the beginning to engulf passengers with the great outdoors. And let’s face it—nothing is greater than running down the highway, engine at full song, with nature all around.

A Dream Realized

For most of us, owning a car like this is something to dream about, to say nothing of driving it. Fortunately, Harmon doesn’t have to imagine, as he’ll be back behind the wheel soon enough, headed for one event or another. Possibly then you can see this astounding machine in person, and maybe, just maybe, meet the man who built it.