You need to carefully inspect Corvettes. Over just five years of production, GM delivered almost 25 original 1963-1967 C2 Corvette paint colors. This can help offset the cost of replacing incorrect casting or date-coded pieces. If the dealership that sold the car is still open, you may be able to do further research. The Fisher Body Style Number identifies the model of Corvette. 13. 1964 and later trim tag build date codes contain a letter that represents the month, followed by two digits that represent the day of the month (1 or 01 through 31). 3. metal. Still, the Corvette did not go home empty-handed. Engine Block & Cylinder Head Casting Numbers 5. This is a structural issue and patching is not the answer. Well, that depends; on early generations, VIN trim tags moved around a bit. Of course, I went to look at it because you never know what decent-looking means to someone else, and it is a Corvette after all! 4 Corvette C6.R, Coupe and convertible versions also include Z51 Performance Package and NPP Performance Exhaust, Optional MX0 6-speed paddle shift automatic on coupe and convertible, Optional U3U Navigation System on all models. Keep scrolling or use the links below to jump directly on this page to your model car and find your Corvette Information. Starting in mid-1964 and continuing throughout the 1967 model year, all body sequence numbers were prefixed with the letter A for the A.O. The side vents on the coupe dissappeared Rear axles were also stamped with rear axle codes and dates, but these can be very hard to see clearly. The best procedure is to remove all crud and paint from the area for a thorough inspection. I find that the bumper brackets do not line up or that the exterior grilles are out of position. Thanks, Tim, Your email address will not be published. Select a year and a model to view the vast history of Corvettes. existing tail lights. General Motors, like all the other car manufacturers of the time, did not put much valuable information on the vehicle identification number (VIN) plate. The major difference was that the 65-67 were riveted instead in the same location. Lower side fenders are attached to the upper surround to complete the front end. Holley carburetors which were on some optional engines before This VIN plate is riveted onto the lower dash support brace where the glove box door is attached. 3. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable. Help if you can. The sequence number is the last production car made in that corresponding period and can be found as the last six digits of the VIN number on your car. Log in to add vehicles or quickly search your stored vehicles. A friend of mine called me frantically telling me that his early Corvette had a possible title problem. The passenger-side tire and wheel was back so far that I could not turn the steering wheel. If you are looking to restore your C2 Corvettes original color, contact Corvette Central. Cleveland, OH. Spliced or patch panels are used in an effort to save money and many of these spell trouble. 66-19467 - Corvette Sting Ray convertible 66-19437 - Corvette Sting Ray coupe The body number is the serial number of the body. To the left of the VIN tag, General Motors placed a trim tag with some helpful information. Rear Axle Ratio Identification Codes On the left side of the trim tag is the word "Trim", which designates the interior trim code of that particular car. The small-block Chevy began a revolution of [Click here to read more], Wheel and tire selection and fitment have a big impact on traction and performance so you should choose the wheels that suit your car, application, and rear axle setup. Casting 461 (as most people in the business call it) was available on optional engines in 1963 and 1964. Corvette Horsepower time line for every current model and year! Following the word "Style" is the last two digits of the model year (63 or 64), a blank space, and the three digit body style code (837 for a coupe or 867 for a convertible). Some critics believe that those ratings may be on the conservative side, and feel the actual ratings were closer to 420 and 450 for the two engines. Those who had the foresight to save the buyers order, window sticker, and Protect-O-Plate warranty booklet have added substantial value to their Corvette. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Buying a severely corroded Corvette can really hurt your budget and ego. There are three Corvette VIN decoder sequences for 2009 Corvette ZR1. Written by Chris Petris and Posted with Permission of CarTechBooks. The 1966 had two casting numbers: 3872702 represented the oval-port, closed-cham- ber head for the 390-hp version, while 3873858 specified the 427-hp version with closed chambers and rectangular ports. 8. BUILD DATE: April, 2nd WeekBODY STYLE: Coupe MANUFACTURER: St. Louis H2 STYLE 63 837 S 1234 BODY TRIM STD 9 2 3 PAINT BODY BY CHEVROLET TRIM: Black Vinyl I called the owner to see what documentation he might have. The 1966 through 1967 big-block engines had six different casting numbers. Once you determine whether the engine VIN matches the vehicle VIN, paperwork concerning the validity of the Midyear increases the value. Directly below the time build code is the word Style. Following the word Style is the last two digits of the model year (63 or 64), a blank space, and the three digit body style code (837 for a coupe or 867 for a convertible). This also applies to short-cap distributors. Cast-iron cylinder head casting number 3782461 was widely used from 1962 through 1966 on small-blocks. T Pt 1963-1967 618M Search: SWATCHES ST. LOUIS COUPE (837/S) COLOR VINYL LEATHERCODE Black 4 STD Black4 898A Red 4 490AA Red4 898EA Blue 4 490BA Blue4 898JA Saddle 4 490CA Saddle4 898CA Silver/Black 4 491AA Silver/Black4 899AA Silver/Dk . Bottom line: Lots of money makes this frame rot go away. Press-molded fiberglass costs quite a bit more to manufacture so hand-laid is popular for replacement panels. 3. They were built in early June 2008 and most have since been sold to Corvette dealers. Alternator codes have an obvious placement at the alternator brace, which is typically on top of the alternator. This turnabout in events was rather interesting, especially given GM managements earlier decree that no car line smaller than a full-size model would carry an engine larger than 400 cubic inches. Corvette Sting Ray Gold Portfolio 19631967 has data, history, and plenty of specifications to assure you are looking at a correctly-numbered Midyear. When I say high production, I mean paint color of the 14,436 convertibles built that year. Seats were updated to decrease wear and tear. There are Corvette numbers fanatics who can tell you that on the fourth week of May only x number of bodies were built because there was a shortage of resin. All too often, a for sale sign is next. 1955-62 Corvettes did not have a trim tag. While this may not seem like a major concern, many early Corvettes could have a questionable past. Go home and think it out. Power Team Combinations- Engine, transmission and rear axle. The serial number below it coincides with the VIN plate. See the complete breakdown of technical specifications for the 1966 Corvette, including engine, suspension, brakes, body dimensions, and power. Attached to left rear wheel housing in engine compartment. 6 to 11 Production sequence number 01001- 109670, How Do You Read a Corvette VIN? When gingerly closing the door, any corrosion pieces land on the white towel. The interior electric ventilation system was dropped (in conjunction with the aforementioned exterior vents), extra pleats were added to the Sting Rays bucket seats, chrome door pull handles were introduced, headrests were made optional, and a vinyl-covered foam headliner replaced the previously used fiberboard. I had a very nice 1967 Midyear convertible with a 435-hp 427 in the shop for some repairs. does anyone make interior paint for my 1963 CORVETTE window frames in red,?? Search: Showing 1 to 25 of 59 entries So, if youre looking to refresh the color of your car, your first step is ensuring that you pick the right one. The body build date code consists of an alphanumeric code representing the month followed by two numbers representing the day of the month. The format is not the complete VIN, but enough to conclude the original VIN's number. Table of Contents: Jump to your Corvette year here for our Corvette VIN Decoder: Visit our Corvette Answers Consulting Tab if you need help decoding! This buyers order spells out what options and trim level this 1967 had from the factory. However, even despite the staggering horsepower and the impressive performance numbers, the fact remained that the Corvette was half a ton heavier than the Shelby Cobra so, even with the same horsepower rating, it was considered less than a threat. Car Series "E" for 1953, 54, 56, 57 or "J" = Chevrolet Corvette for 1958-59, V=V8 for 1955, 2 & 3 Model Year 53 = 1953 Corvette VIN Decoder. The cars with 427 engines also included special 427 racing emblems. How to Measure Your 1953-1982 Corvette for Proper Tire and Wheel Fitment, C4-C6 Corvette Weather Stripping Replacement, C5/C6 Corvette Serpentine Belt Replacement (With Examples & Photos). The body build date code consists of an alphanumeric code representing the month followed by two numbers representing the day of the month. engines. Wadded-up pieces of fiberglass cloth sticking out from the underside of a repair that never got saturated with resin are common. However, most of the ancillary pieces had been changed and had incorrect numbers. Visible through window from outside. The VIN of 6 cylinder cars will always start with the Letter "E". No changes to the actual engines was made but the literature This could turn out to be a stay at home in the garage and look at me situation, not a drivable Midyear after restoration. The crazy thing is that with all the chassis rust, the windshield frame and birdcage looked pretty good. Power Team Combinations - Engine, transmission and rear axle. 1966 Corvette Factory Options - A list of options with their cost. In the top left corner of 1963 through 1967 trim tag is the body build date code. this year. Once the rear differential has been rebuilt, you want to optimize performance and [Click here to read more], The Chevy 12-bolt differential is one of the most revered and sought- after differentials for first-generation Camaros. Some forgers have created weathered reproduction tank stickers to look like the original item, so beware. It boasts a 6.0L GM LS2 all-aluminum crate engine under the hood, delivering power through a GM 4L60E automatic transmission. 1963 build date codes contain a letter that represents the month, which is then followed by a single digit that represents the week of the month (1 through 6). With all the correct pieces, it would be a shame to not utilize them on an NCRS restoration. We will cover the rear differentials in brief detail to point out the specific differences that exist. You probably have arrived here to answer the question: How do you read a Corvette VIN number? Finding incorrect casting and date-coded transmissions is commonplace. The Tonawanda foundry supplied all of the big-block 396- and 427-ci engines. Should You Get A C5 Corvette Over A C8 Corvette Today? Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. For the most part, many pieces were junk because they could not be removed without inflicting some major damage. A quick look under the 63 revealed a severely rotted frame that required major reconstruction or replacement. All major castings and many other parts received a part number permanently cast into the component. The smartest tool to use right now is restraint. C2 Corvette Registry Stamp/Tag Database. Directly below the build date code is the word "Style". Learn how your comment data is processed. "This website is a passion of mine, just as much as being a Corvette owner," says Chris. I urge you to be very cautious concerning any date or casting codes. We cover all years in detail below. Its a key detail you dont want to mess up. As it turned out, the body was restored on a dolly off the frame. Headrests were optional for the first time and the interior door pulls are bright When the official ratings were reduced, the decision to make this change was purely administrative and was not the result of any changes made to the engines. The 1967 had early and late versions of both the rectangular- and oval-port heads. They are options. Early Corvette's that had 6 Cylinder engines did not have the Letter "V" as the first Sequence Number. You can see whether the VIN and this trim tag information coincide. Chevy Muscle Car Tech Tips, Guides, Articles & How-To. The lower crossmember is the lowest and first point of impact. 5. Welding heat can weaken areas, especially at the outside edge of the weld, as the steel is pulled and thinner in that area. Read more in our 1966 Corvette VINs page. This 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe has been customized from the ground up, with a custom-built chassis using Art Morrison and C5 Corvette components, including front and independent rear suspension with competition-grade coilover shocks. the "Big Block". You guessed it; they wanted to see the chassis VIN along with the VIN plate. Required fields are marked *, By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Part numbers also should be researched very carefully to ascertain validity if an NCRS or Bloomington Gold restoration is in your future. In fact, 1966 would prove to be another record-breaking year in Corvette sales, with volume rising to 27,720 units sold an increase of more than 4,200 units over 1965s sales of 23,562 units. On a 3-2 setup, the middle carb is main crank/runs on crank-up and normal operation. how many 66 corvette convertibles were produced with auto transmission & factory air conditioning? Smith body source or S for the St. Louis Assembly Plant. The decking or machining also must match the finish that left the factory. That engine was only used for one year, and was replaced by the 427 CID engine in the 1966 models. The vertical clean spot (or kind of clean) has two of what should be letters telling you what gear ratio set it came with. At best, without GM records showing exactly what came on any particular Mid- year Corvette, you have to trust people. I have complete top to work with. Leaving the cardboard back-up for the repair then using the fiberglass woven cloth tells you that fiberglass repair was not their forte. Mileage: 45454 on odometer Trim Tag: 426 Silver Vinyl, 986 Silver Pearl Body Date Code: E14 (01/14/1966) Car history: Posted 11/04/2019 427ci/425hp V8 - 4 Speed Manual - Awesome Silver on Silver - Original side exhaust and wheels - power 4 wheel disc brakes. Starters and alternators were often changed after the vehicles were out of warranty. Chevrolet now felt it would also need a 427 cubic inch engine, and it materialized for the 1966 model year. The next step was contacting a friend who sells Midyears regularly to see what he thought. D27 is the month of April on day 24. Letters began appearing in the 1967 model year using the engine block month designation system. The matching numbers and decent condition made the car sound expensive. General Motors Saginaw 3-speed transmissions were offered as the base transmission. C2 (1963-1967): Windshield Glass, Coupe Rear Glass, Door/Vent Glass. In the top right corner of the trim tag is the body build date code. If you look carefully around the windshield frame you may spot some tell-tale signs of corrosion. |17 Digit Corvette VIN Decoder Explanation andLocation, 4 Car Line or Series: Y = Y-body series (Corvette)1G1YY26W485100001, 5 Corvette Specific information Model/Equipment "Y" or "Z" Z = ZR1, A=1LT mt, B=2LT mt, C=3LT mt, D=4LT mt, E=1LT at, F=2LT mt, G=3LT at, H=4LT at, J=Z06 1LZ, K=Z06 3LZ, L=Z06 3LZ, M=ZR1 std, N=ZR1 3ZR, P=GS LT mt, R=GS 2LT mt, S=GS 3LT mt, T=GS 4LT mt, U=GS 1LT at, V=GS2LT at, W=GS 3LT at, X=GS 4LT at, 9=NON USA/CANADA, 6 Body style: 07=1982 Collectors Edition, 1= Hard Top (99-04 Z06) 2 = Coupe (97-2011+ Coupe, Z06, ZR1) 3 = Convertible (98-2011+), 7 Restraint system: 2= Front 3 = late model seat belts warning and air bags 4= Front/Side 5= Front (2007+) 6=Front/Side (2006-09) D=Front/Side (2010-2013), 8 Engine type: 8 = L98, P = LT1, J = ZR1, 5 = LT4, G=LS1, S=LS6, U=LS2, E=LS7, W=LS3, R=LS, 2014 C7: 7=LT1, 6=LT4, 9 Randomly generated check digit: 0 - 9 Security Code Check Digit Calculator, 10 Model year designation from GM:1G1YY26W485100001, 11 Final Assembly Plant Location: 4= St. Louis (1981 Corvette's overlap) 5 = Bowling Green, 12 to 17Production sequence number:800001=ZR1,700001=Z06 2013 CONVERTIBLE 60TH,100001=ALL OTHER MODELS. All Rights Reserved. The primary difference is that there are fewer positions where information is listed. There were minor modifications made to the Corvettes appearance. This is where a decision has to be made, Should I try to make it something it is not, or just drive it? Without the proper documentation, the actual collector value is seriously eroded, and a high-end restoration for an undocumented car usually is not a wise investment. I then MIG weld the ground out V going past the V slightly, letting the steel cool naturally. The interior color was also incorrect per the trim tag. Corvette-buyers that ordered the 427 engine were treated to a few standard features that were optional on the 327 models, including Positraction limited slip differential, an upgraded suspension and a four-speed manual transmission. You can use the social sharing buttons to the left, or copy and paste the website link: https://www.chevydiy.com/c2-corvette-restoration-by-the-numbers-what-to-look-for-2/. In many instances, cases were replaced or complete assemblies installed. Backup lights were now a standard item and were incorporated into the We specify precisely when VIN Tags switch generations, sequence, and move locations. How many 1966 corvette coupes were produced with mossport green exterior and green interior /, Your email address will not be published. Exhaust manifolds have casting numbers, but they may not have date codes. History, Specifications, VIN, Options, Performance, & More. The best way to accurately measure this air [Click here to read more], Matching the correct engine gaskets for your particular big-block build is critical for proper fitment and function. For example, P01221 is a typical stamping found on a correct transmission for 1965: P for 4-speed Muncie Plant; 01 January month built; 22 for day built; and 1 for day shift. Windshield leaks are common, letting the water and corrosives work slowly over time. Done properly with the correct matching date and casting codes, it is possible to pass NCRS judging. Midyear frame flex commonly occurs at the steering box, and over time the flexing causes cracks around the box. S identifies the St. Louis assembly plant. Then as years drag by, it becomes apparent that a lot of money has been spent and you are not enjoying the fruits of your labor. Engine Pad Suffix Identification 6. Reproductions are out there, so having an original Protect-O-Plate is a very valuable piece of documentation. The Base Corvette Coupe with 327 cu. Final Monthly Serial Numbers - Calculate the build date. My first thought was that I should not take the time to even look at this car. seen for these colors are only specific to 1965 C2 Corvettes. If you see a major body panel overlap with bonding adhesive oozing out there is a concern. Thanks Dad! In addition, broken or missing bonding strips are easy to spot. The new owner recently purchased the restored Midyear as an investment. We sometimes equate that our time is not a monetary concern; after all, we are working on this as a hobby. Copyright 2008-2020 Corvette-Web-Central.com LLC The paint and interior were dated and could use some TLC to get it back on track. Earlier cars contained no body prefix letter. What makes sense: NCRS restoration, or personalize this relatively high-production Corvette? The driver-side manifold received the machined hole for the fuelies choke heat. They are the first stop to find a correct engine block if that is the direction you are headed. Reportedly, day shift transmissions may not have the shift code suffix. SEAT TYPE: There may or may not be an additional code following the trim code that identifies the type of seat installed in the car. The next position to the right is the body sequence number. On 1956-57 Corvettes a chalk mark was written on the front crossmember indicating the paint code. Holley Carburetor Identification Codes 4. The photos had no VIN documentation, only pictures of someone restoring a multi-colored 1967 convertible Corvette. When I worked with General Motors, we rebuilt all alternators, starters, and wiper motors at the dealerships. Maximum horsepower was not actually increased with the larger engine for 1966, though the new engine did have significantly more torque. Perhaps fortunately for Corvette, it was Carroll Shelbys two-seat Cobra, which featured its own 427 cubic inch V8 engine that prompted the change of opinion. Beginning in 1965 the Protect-O-Plate was imprinted with engine, axle, and transmission code information. Note: Some links on this page are part of our affiliate program and provide a small portion of proceeds to fund the administrative costs and to fund more product reviews. General Motors offered one automatic transmission for the Midyear: an aluminum Powerglide 2-speed unit. *. Copyright 2022 Ecklers Automotive. This is bad, really bad. Smith plant The very first thing you need to do is determine how you are going to use your Corvette. If the price is right, can you afford to have someone do the major work if you do not feel comfortable doing it?