Major Progress: ‘58 Corvette

The Corvette body is now mounted on the chassis.

The latest on the 1958 Corvette

Here you see the Corvette taped off and getting a paint touch up in the door jam.

Here at Roseville Rod and Custom, our passion for restoring vintage cars to their former glory is matched only by our dedication to excellence. One of our current projects, a 1958 Corvette, showcases our commitment to precision and quality craftsmanship. This 1958 Corvette, a classic American sports car, is not only undergoing a meticulous rebuild but is also receiving state-of-the-art upgrades that combine the best of vintage aesthetic with modern technology.

Finishing the color sanding and polishing of the underside of the Corvette hood.

In April, we started the Corvette assembly. We're excited to share that the Corvette’s body is now securely mounted on its chassis. A significant focus has been on ensuring that every aspect of the car looks as good as it performs—even in places you might not immediately see. This includes the underside, which has been fully color sanded, and polished to perfection, reflecting our team's attention to detail.

Installation of Dynamat which is a sound deadener.

The heart of our recent efforts has been on upgrading the car's interior, specifically the insulation on its floorboard and firewall. This process is not just about enhancing the car's aesthetic appeal but improving its comfort and noise control. Installing Dynamat sound deadening material in the floor, firewall, doors, and trunk ensures a quiet and pleasant drive.

The installation is done with care, ensuring that every inch of the Corvette's interior meets our high standards. The installation has also included the complete wiring system, windshield, windows, dash components, and the AC and stereo systems.

We decided to outsource the creation of this interior to DJ Designs, a specialized upholstery shop in the the Bay Area. Taking a step forward in interior customization, DJ Designs utilized a sophisticated 3-D computer scanning process. This high-tech approach involves mapping the Corvette's interior to create a detailed digital model. Key points, or 'dots', were identified on the surfaces within the car’s interior, which serve as crucial reference markers in the 3-D computer program. Notice the dots in the photos.

The digital scandots in this photo are are used as reference points for the computer program.

This technology enables the upholsterer to meticulously craft each panel away from the car, minimizing the need for physical adjustments and repetitive measurements inside the vehicle. Once these panels are produced, they will be brought back to our shop for fitting. This method not only enhances the precision of the fit but significantly reduces the turnaround time for completing the upholstery work. This blend of traditional craftsmanship with modern technology highlights our approach at Roseville Rod and Custom—honoring the heritage of classic cars while embracing innovations that enhance their functionality and beauty. The use of digital tools ensures a flawless finish and a custom fit that respects the unique contours of the 1958 Corvette.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to breathe new life into this iconic car. We are excited to move forward with the restoration, eagerly anticipating the day we can unveil the finished masterpiece. The owner will soon be able to enjoy long drives in the cool mountain air in this beautiful ‘58 Corvette.

Remember to visit our blog for future posts and updates on this and other projects. At Roseville Rod and Custom, we're not just rebuilding cars; we're preserving a piece of automotive history.