n the first installment of our coverage on this remarkable Corvette—a full-scale reimagining being crafted by the talented team at Roadster Shop—we explored some of the work that went into reshaping the firewall, floor, and interior panels. This time, we’re taking a closer look at a different side of the build: what it takes to fit the glass and trim to a level that goes far beyond factory standards.

Beneath the hood, the inner wheel panels were smoothed and carefully reshaped to nestle cleanly around the new front suspension. New flanged fiberglass panels were fabricated and bonded into place, adding strength and giving the lower edges a finished, coachbuilt look.

The Corvette’s signature side vents also received a complete rethink. New pieces were machined from billet aluminum, and 3-D–printed polymer prototypes were created along the way to perfect the recesses before committing to metal. On the inside, hand-fabricated aluminum panels were added to properly duct air through the functional vents—blending design and engineering in equal measure.

One of the most dramatic changes was the decision to replace the entire roof and deck panel. The original body, though it appeared clean, had suffered from structural distortion over the years. Once the steel inner structure was straightened and realigned, new panels were painstakingly fitted and permanently bonded in place, establishing a solid foundation for everything that follows.

Even the installation of the rear glass was elevated far beyond original production methods. Rather than relying on the factory-style rubber gasket, a stout recessed flange was created so the glass could be bonded directly into the body. This secure connection not only improves rigidity but also allows the surrounding trim to be installed with surgical precision. Some original trim pieces were retained, while others were machined from billet—all with the goal of achieving a flawless, uniform fit.

Once all the body modifications were complete, the entire surface was sealed in catalyzed primer—protecting the car during the remainder of the build and establishing a stable, high-quality substrate for the color coats that will come later.

Stay tuned for future installments where we’ll continue following the build of this extraordinary Corvette as it makes its way from a bare shell to a world-class showpiece.