Springer Automotive Restoration
Chris Springer                                                        (408) 857-2088
1957 Chevrolet Corvette
Work continues on the 'Vette as the flares are being made to fit the custom billet
wheels. Unfortunately, the rear flares we received were poor quality. They simply
wouldn't work, and thus we've had to fabricate our own set of rear flares, using
them as a starting point. Our fabricated front flares look mean, and are a welcome
contrast to the slab-sided look of the 1st generation Corvettes.
Cheap chopper-gun style flares have no place on a six-figure street machine. This
construction process leaves voids in the fiberglass, and is prone to weakness. These will
not work and will only be used as templates. Note original Chevrolet fender behind flare.
Car prior to flares. Surround has been installed. Fiberglass
repair work has already begun throughout the car.
Much progress has passed. Both front and rear fenders have been mocked for fit.
Work begins on the fender vents (soon to be functional). Wheel fitment is crucial, and
a lot of Kitty Hair has been used to get the wheel opening shape ready for glasswork.
Great picture shows how far this car has been flared in the rear. The wider hips give
the car a better look, and provide for wider wheel fitment. Car still needs glasswork,
and then the original fender and forming material will be removed.
Right front fender almost ready for glasswork. Aluminum form in place to
continue coke bottle shape and make fender vent functional. There are many
hours left, but one can now begin to see how the finished product will look.
Same fender after fiberglass has been applied. Car is fairly rough after
glasswork and will require many hours of grinding and finishing. Forms will
be removed from back side, and finished fender will be uniform thickness.
Left fender has been sanded and
prepped. Fender vent is being prepared,
and will eventually be fully functional.
Almost ready for fiberglass.