To complement the engine, Frank installed a Muncie M-22 transmission, backed by the stock clutch, paired with a Hurst shifter for a brilliant old-school vibe. The stock rear axle with 4.11 gears provides neck-snapping, off-the-line performance, making the car as thrilling to drive as it appears.

The suspension retains its stock configuration, with new springs and rebuilt upper and lower ball joints for improved handling. Frank also rebuilt the original steering box to ensure responsive control. The brakes, restored by Lonestar Caliper Company, remain true to the factory setup, providing dependable stopping power.

One of the most challenging aspects of the build was obtaining the perfect “Sunoco Blue” paint. With no official color code available, Frank embarked on a months-long quest. “I tried ‘Pepsi Blue,’ but it was too light. I did several spray-outs with different mixes, but nothing worked,” Frank says. After spending $240 on failed attempts, he finally struck gold.

An Internet search led him to a story about Roger Penske’s body shop restoring the “Blue Hilton,” the transporter truck used for Penske’s race cars in the 1970s. On a last-ditch effort, Frank reached out to the Penske Collision Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and was able to reach the body shop manager to explain his dilemma. The shop manager explained they also had a difficult time finding just the right mix. Through PPG they were able to come up with the right color formula and shared with Frank the correct “Sunoco Blue” paint code. “I spent three months and multiple trips to the paint store searching for just the right color, Frank says. “As a running joke, when I would walk through the paint store doors the counter guys would say, ‘Uh oh, here comes Frank again.’

Needing some help taking on the damaged body, Frank called in his former dealership coworker and bodywork guru Chris Morris to form a smooth canvas prior to Frank applying the “Sunoco Blue” pigment and creating a flawless finish. The grille, bumpers, headlights, and taillights were restored to their stock appearance, preserving the car’s classic aesthetic.

Frank chose American Racing Torq Thrust D wheels, sized 15×7 in the front and 15×8 in the rear and wrapped them in Mickey Thompson rubber (235/60-R15 in the front and 255/60-R15 in the rear), giving the Corvette that race-inspired, period-correct look.

Inside, Frank kept the interior true to its factory design, with one notable exception: a shortened Hurst shifter lever, reflecting a modification performed during the time for quicker and more precise shifting. The combination of the restored interior and the powerful drivetrain creates an authentic 1960s performance driving experience.

For Frank, this build was more than just a restoration project—it was a personal journey. “The car is special to me, and it’s a huge compliment when I come out of a restaurant and see people posing by it for photos,” he says. “After putting so much time and effort into the car, that’s the kind of thing that makes it all worth it… well, besides getting behind the wheel. I still get a kick out of hearing that big-block come to life through the side pipes.”

Frank’s 1966 Corvette Sunoco tribute is a testament to his skill, dedication, and love for classic cars. From overcoming structural damage to tracking down the perfect paint color, every step of the process reflects his commitment to getting the car “just right.” The result is a stunning restomod that pays homage to racing history while turning heads on the street.