1969 Corvette Stingray Restoration & Custom Mako Paint

This was probably my first proper custom vehicle — a 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray that needed plenty of work to get back to something resembling roadworthy condition. At the same time as restoring the car, I wanted to do something a little different with it. The inspiration came from the Mako Shark Corvette prototypes, leading to a custom paint scheme that would give this classic C3 Stingray a very different look.

The restoration covered a lot more than paint. The interior was gutted and rebuilt with custom seats, a revitalised dashboard, repaired fibre optics and new carpets. The vacuum system that operates the pop-up headlights and windshield wiper cover was repaired, while the steering box was rebuilt and new fuel lines and other mechanical components were fitted.

All the fluids were replaced, chrome work was sent away for restoration and the bumpers, fenders, headlight trim and other parts were rechromed. New rocker covers were fitted and several different wheel trims were tried before settling on the period-correct 1969 Deluxe wheels — sourced, rather appropriately, from Arizona.

The custom paint became the real visual transformation. Starting with the base coat and working through the Mako-inspired colour scheme, the project turned a tired 1969 Corvette into something much more personal.

This video documents the restoration, customisation and the process of bringing this classic American sports car back to life.

Chapters

00:00 1969 Corvette Stingray Mako Makeover
02:38 Classic Corvette Club UK
04:40 Daytona Orange 69 Corvette Stingray
05:17 Mako Shark Paint Job Idea
09:52 Base Coat Blue of Custom Paint Job
10:49 Chroming Parts, Fixing Lights & More
11:40 Custom Leather Upholstery
14:59 2005 Corvette C6

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