Rick Moore Created a Unique 1964 Corvette Restomod

SEMA PART 1B: RICK MOORE’S 1964 CORVETTE RESTOMOD – MOORE’S GARAGE, BELFRY, MT.

Whether you are into restomods or not, you will likely enjoy following the story of Rick Moore’s 1964 Restomod unveiled at SEMA.

To provide wider dissemination of the stories we have collected for VETTE VUES subscribers, we are posting excerpts of the original articles, complete with additional photography. If you enjoy our added coverage, please feel free to subscribe or send a gift subscription to a friend.

Photos and Article by Wayne Ellwood

Corvette Chevy Expo 2024 – Show Cars, Vendors, and More in Galveston, Texas

Stunning LT4 1964 Corvette Restomod by Rick Moore

Rick Moore has set out to take his 64 Corvette Restomod to the next level. Starting with a C2 1964 Corvette, the car had a running 327 with Powerglide transmission and only 30,000 miles. But Moore wanted to give this classic Corvette a facelift, so he decided to make some upgrades to the engine, frame, paint, and interior. By taking a classic C2 Corvette and giving it a modern twist, Moore is creating something truly unique. Follow along as we document the progress of Rick Moore’s 1964 Corvette Restomod!

Rick Moore purchased this 1964 donor Corvette from a gentleman in South Dakota in 2020.
Rick Moore purchased this 1964 donor Corvette from a gentleman in South Dakota in 2020.
The 1964 Corvette had a running 327 with Powerglide transmission and only 30,000 miles.
The 1964 Corvette had a running 327 with Powerglide transmission and only 30,000 miles.

Donor 1964 Corvette Stingray Coupe

Rick Moore (Moore’s Garage. Belfry, MT) purchased this 1964 Vette donor from a gentleman in South Dakota in 2020. The car was in excellent shape, and Rick (+ family) planned to keep it. The car had a running 327 with Powerglide transmission and only 30,000 miles.

It came with factory power windows, power steering, and a decent interior. But all of this was due to change….this kind of upgrade is Rick’s daily bread.

1964 Corvette Project Car’s New Frame

The job all started with an updated frame from RR Frames. RR Frames was an in-house operation but has since been sold. RR Frames were actually updated with various strengthening and boxing of the frame rails and the addition of C4 suspension.

1964 Corvette Disassembly
1964 Corvette Disassembly
The body of the 64 Vette goes on the modified frame.
The body of the 64 Vette goes on the modified frame.
The 1964 Corvette Restomod got the updated frame with various strengthening and boxing of the frame rails and the addition of C4 suspension.
The 1964 Corvette Restomod got the updated frame with various strengthening and boxing of the frame rails and the addition of C4 suspension.
The job all started with an updated frame.
The job all started with an updated frame.

1964 C2 Corvette Restomod’s New Brakes and Tires

The brakes are a standard C4 carry-over with 13″ rotors on the front and 12″ on the rear. Wheels are Budnik, 17x 8 in front and 18×8 in the rear. Nitto tires are 225x50x17 front and 235x50x18 rear.

1964 Resto Mod Corvette Gets New Engine and Transmission

The engine was pulled, and a new LT4 was sourced from Gandrud Chevrolet”, in Green Bay (WI). The engine, as we all know, is a major upgrade with 650 HP mated to a 4L75 transmission. Rick purchases all his engines from this source, so when Gandrud planned their display for SEMA, they knew where they could find a display car.

The engine was pulled, and a new LT4 was sourced from Gandrud Chevrolet", in Green Bay (WI). The engine, as we all know, is a major upgrade with 650 HP mated to a 4L75 transmission. Rick purchases all his engines from this source, so when Gandrud planned their display for SEMA, they knew where they could find a display car.
The engine was pulled, and a new LT4 was sourced from Gandrud Chevrolet”, in Green Bay (WI). The engine, as we all know, is a major upgrade with 650 HP mated to a 4L75 transmission. Rick purchases all his engines from this source, so when Gandrud planned their display for SEMA, they knew where they could find a display car.  
The 1964 Corvette Restomod gets a major upgrade with a 650 HP engine mated to a 4L75 transmission.
The 1964 Corvette Restomod gets a major upgrade with a 650 HP engine mated to a 4L75 transmission.
SUPERCHARGED!
SUPERCHARGED!
LT4 engines from Gandrud Chevrolet Performance is in! The 64 Corvette is almost ready to run and soon be on display at The SEMA Show in the Gandrud booth in November (2022).
LT4 engines from Gandrud Chevrolet Performance are in our 1964 Restomod! The 64 Vette is almost ready to run and soon be on display at The SEMA Show in the Gandrud booth in November (2022).

More Upgrades for the 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Restomod

For Rick, recognizing that the engine and transmission were all new, it was important to upgrade the ancillary equipment. The biggest item here was a B-Cool radiator, parts from Drive Junky Front Drive, and a shifter from Shiftworks. Rick added a new stainless steel exhaust with Borla mufflers. Rick also added a stainless steel fuel tank from Rick’s Tanks, an in-house spin-off company. Other smaller items were either refurbished or replaced, as required.

Painting the 1964 Corvette Restomod

The paint was in good shape on the C2 Corvette, as was the interior, but they just weren’t on target for what the market wanted. The decision to repaint the car was made all the easier when they considered using a 1965 hood… to fit the new engine better. Also, it’s easier to paint the whole car when you’re that deep into the job. Matching old paint is no easy chore. The paint color was originally a blue-silver, so with the repaint (by Jake Neibauer, Jake’s Collision and Paint), Rick also decided on a slight color change by adding more silver.

The decision to repaint the car was made all the easier when they considered using a 1965 hood… to fit the new engine better.
The decision to repaint the car was made all the easier when they considered using a 1965 hood… to fit the new engine better.
The paint color was originally a blue-silver, so with the repaint (by Jake Neibauer, Jake's Collision and Paint), Rick also decided on a slight color change by adding more silver.
The paint color was originally a blue-silver, so with the repaint (by Jake Neibauer, Jake’s Collision and Paint), Rick also decided on a slight color change by adding more silver.

Getting a new Interior

The interior also benefited from some new work. Kevin’s Upholstery took the original white interior and transformed the whole thing into dark blue leather. The original pattern was retained. To get the best effect new carpet was added. Rick also added Dakota Digital Instruments, a new steering column from Ididit, an American Autowire harness, JL audio stereo system, and Classic Auto Air. All original chrome was buffed, and all glass is still original. The 64 Corvette Sting Ray is coming along!

To get the best effect new carpet was added.
To get the best effect new carpet was added.
Rick also added Dakota Digital Instruments, a new steering column from Ididit.
Rick also added Dakota Digital Instruments, a new steering column from Ididit.

Complete 1964 Resto Mod by Rick Moore at SEMA 2022

The restomod is on display at the SEMA Show in the Gandrud booth.
The restomod is on display at the SEMA Show in the Gandrud booth. First impressions are important, and this C2 looks great from every angle.
This 1964 Chevrolet Corvette by Rick Moore is a perfect example of a Restomod. It’s clear this car was built with performance and style in mind.
This 1964 Chevrolet Corvette by Rick Moore is a perfect example of a Restomod. It’s clear this car was built with performance and style in mind.
The blending of vintage styling and modern performance creates a stunning view.
The blending of vintage styling and modern performance creates a stunning view.
The wheels are Budnik, 17x 8 in front and 18x8 in the rear, with Nitto tires that are 225x50x17 front and 235x50x18 rear.
The wheels are Budnik, 17x 8 in front and 18×8 in the rear, with Nitto tires that are 225x50x17 front and 235x50x18 rear.
The 64 Corvette Stingray Restomod by Rick Moore.
The 64 Corvette Stingray Restomod by Rick Moore.

What do you think?

The C2 1964 Corvette is one of the most iconic sports cars in automotive history, and Rick Moore’s custom restomod exemplifies that style. Extremely well-built, smooth to drive, and fast beyond measure, this 1964 resto-mod updates lots without sacrificing anything about mid-year Corvettes that make them wonderful.

This 1964 Corvette Resto Mod is certainly something special, and Rick Moore can be proud of his handiwork. Would you buy it, drive it, or show it off? What do you think of this beautiful 1964 Corvette Restmod?

Here are some other articles you might enjoy:

1964 Corvette Magazine Advertisement

Rare 1964 Corvette XP-819 Prototype: This Was One Badass Car

1964 Corvette Options and History

Find Your Dream Corvette in Vette Vues Classified Ads

1965 Custom Corvette Sold for $187,000 – The Stunning LOT K21

Every month, Vette Vues Magazine covers Corvette owners and Corvette events. Subscriptions are mailed right to your home or office. Stay up to date with all the latest Corvette news by signing up today. SUBSCRIBE NOW!

Corvette Chevy Expo 2024 – Show Cars, Vendors, and More in Galveston, Texas
Scroll to Top