mayberg

It all started several years ago when I couldn’t determine how many 1974 big-block convertibles were built. I’ve seen several assertions, but no one has produced an authoritative source. So I thought, “why not collect the VINs and compile the stats?” After all, the engine is designated in the VIN, and while there may have been a few assembly-line mistakes, once all the VINs were collected we would have the number. And we’re not talking about that many – either the total of the convertibles, or the total of the LS4s. Here’s the stats:

Total production: 37,502
Convertible production: 5,474
454 production: 3,494

These numbers are readily available from authoritative sources. So I concentrated on collecting VINs for convertibles and big-blocks (sorry L82 coupe enthusiasts!). I’ve recently surpassed the 300 mark and was wondering whether any of you might know whether that is statistically significant. Here’s the stats to-date:

454 Coupes: 97
454 Convertibles: 28
L82 Convertibles: 30
L48 Convertibles: 147

So I suppose I have the beginnings of a 1974 Corvette VIN registry, and I’ve decided to collect all VINs (not just convertibles and 454s) from here on out. For what it’s worth, I’ve also been collecting a few key options also, namely auto/4-speed, PS, PB, PW, Tilt, AC, and while it can obviously change, interior/exterior color and trim. This information isn’t complete, but at some point I’ll be able to measure among the observations. For example, 15 of the 28 454 convertibles in the registry have 4-speeds. And while some of the VINs have come via personal observation, publication in the Driveline, usedcorvettesforsale.com, and a few of you, the most by far have come from eBay.

So, what do you guys think? Anyone care to comment on whether a registry website would be worthwhile? I can’t be too fancy – maybe put up a submission page that validates the VIN and collects the other key options. And we might have a bit of fun with something like a trivia question of the day. That, however, takes time and money.

And I’d like to request any of you with friends at the DMV to check in to seeing whether we could get a listing of all 1974 Chevrolet Corvette VIN numbers in the state’s database. I certainly don’t want name and address info, but if I could get just a list of VINs from some states that would be a good “shot in the arm” towards compiling a significant list and firming up our statistics.

If you don’t have friends at the DMV, maybe you have friends with 1974 Corvettes that would like to contribute their VIN to the collection/registry? Maybe if you spot one at a cruise-in you could jot down the VIN and send it to me?

Let me know your thoughts.

evilsmf

You can add one more to 16. Though nothing is original.

I to had that question and found some numbers but never verified them.

I would be interested in what you find and could contribute.

Spike-74

1974 Convertible
L48 engine

Other options: Deluxe interior, power steering, power brakes, AM/FM radio but no AC (go figure).

audiec

Mayberg, I would like to see a 74 Registry. I like to see the numbers and how many are still out there...

1974 L82 Auto Coupe
Origionally Dark Brown with Saddle Interior (Currently White) going back to brown ASAP.

L82 block was gone and replaced with 1975 9C1 Police Nova Block, now replaced with 4-bolt 383 Stroker.

1FUNVET

well I was born in 1974, so that is the main reason why I wanted a 74. Only problem I ran into, was that I couldn't afford that 74 454 auto with all the bells. So I got my 1976. Any way here is some info I happend to have saved.

1974 CORVETTE

Major changes for 1974 involved the following:
a restyled, sloping rear end
elimination of the conventional rear bumper and replaced by a body-color urethane bumper
The new rear end eliminated the last vestiges of the long-lived rear-deck-lid spoiler and replaced it with a smooth-surfaced rear deck and a body-colored resilient urethane extension covering the actual rear bumper and including the circular taillights
The new rear end met federal energy-absorbing standards
It added 30 pounds to the weight of the Corvette
The rear cap section was of a two-piece design for 1974, but was chaged to a one-piece design with a pair of fake bumperettes molded in for 1975
The increased weight of the rear end cap necessitated minor suspension changes such as revised front and rear sprig rates.
A new optional "Gymkhana" suspension featured
a 0.9375-inch (23.8 mm) diameter front stabilizer bar
heavier-duty front suspension bushings
front springs with a 550 lb/in rating
rear springs with a 304 lb/in rating
The poer steering, seat belts, and radiator were improved.
The alarm system activator was relocated
Ten exterior colors were available
Bright Yellow
Classic White
Corvette Gray
Corvette Medium Blue
Corvette Orange
Dark Brown
Dark Green
Medium Red
Mille Miglia Red
Silver Mist
All convertibles came with a choice of Black or White soft tops
Interior colors were
Black
Dark Blue
Dark Red
Neutral
Saddle
Silver
I.D. NUMBERS



The serial number [Vehicle Identification Number -- VIN] was stamped on a plate on the inner vertical surface of the left windshield pillar visible through the windshield.
Convertible Serial numbers ranged from 1Z67*4S400001 to 1Z67*4S437502
Coupe Serial numbers ranged from 1Z67*4S400001 to 1Z67*4S437502 Position Character Description
1 1 Chevrolet Division
2 Z Corvette
3 & 4 67 convertible
37 coupe
5 * Engine type where * is replaced by the following
J = ZQ3 350-cid V8, 195-hp, 4-barrel
T = L82 350-cid V8, 250-hp, 4-barrel
Z = LS4 454-cid V8, 270-hp, 4-barrel

6 4 1974
7 S Assembled in St. Louis, MO
8 to 13 400001 to 437502 production sequence

Engine serial number 1 to 7 0001001 sequential production number
8 F or T Flint, MI or Tonawanda, NY
9 to 11 Carburetion & transmission Code Engine Compression transmission Carburetor
CKZ 350-cid 195-hp V-8 9.0:1 manual four-barrel
CLB 350-cid 195-hp V-8 9.0:1 4-speed manual with NB2 four-barrel
CLA 350-cid 195-hp V-8 9.0:1 THM-400 automatic four-barrel
CLC 350-cid 195-hp V-8 9.0:1 THM-400 automatic with NB2 four-barrel
CLR 350-cid 250-hp V-8 9.0:1 4-speed manual four-barrel
CWM 454-cid 270-hp V-8 8.25:1 4-speed manual four-barrel
CWR 454-cid 270-hp V-8 8.25:1 THM-400 automatic four-barrel
CWS 454-cid 270-hp V-8 8.25:1 THM-400 automatic with NB2 four-barrel

Corvette engines have the last six digits of the VIN stamped on the block next to the engine number
The body number plate was located on the engine side of the cowl.
The Fisher Body Style Number 74-1YZ67 identifies a Corvette Stingray convertible
The Fisher Body Style Number 74-1YZ37 identifies a Corvette Stingray coupe
The body number is the production serial number of the body.
The trim number indicates the interior trim color and material.
The ten 1974 Corvette exterior colors were:
946 = Bright Yellow
910 = Classic White
917 = Corvette Gray
922 = Corvette Medium Blue
980 = Corvette Orange
948 = Dark Green
968 = Dark Brown
974 = Medium Red
976 = Mille Miglia Red
914 = Silver Mist
Upholstery Codes Color Vinyl Upholstery Leather Upholstery
Black 400 404
Silver 406 407
Neutral 408
Dark Blue 413
Saddle 415 416
Dark Red 425


IDENTIFICATION

Series No. Body/Style No. Body Type Factory Price Shipping Weight Production Total
Z 37
2-dr. Sport Coupe - 2 passenger $6002 3532 32,028
Z 67
2-dr. Conv - 2 passenger $5766 3532 5,474

ENGINE

Feature Standard Engine (RPO ZQ3) Optional Engine (RPO LS4) Optional Engine (RPO L82)
Type V-8, Overhead valve
Block Cast iron block
Displacement 350 cid 454 cid 350 cid
Bore & Stroke 4.00 x 3.48" 4.251 x 4.00" 4.00 x 3.48"
Compression ratio 9.0:1 8.25:1 9.0:1
Brake horsepower 195 @ 4400 270 @ 4400 250 @ 5200
Torque 275 lb-ft @ 2800 380 lb-ft @ 2800 285 lb-ft @ 4000
Main bearing five
Valve lifters hydraulic
Camshaft high-performance camshaft High-performance camshaft
Fuel supply Rochester Quadra-Jet four-barrel Model 4MV Rochester Quadra-Jet four-barrel Rochester four-barrel with 2.50-inch diameter dual exhaust system

TRANSMISSION

Standard Manual Transmission: close-ratio four-speed manual all-synchromesh transmission with floor-mounted gear shifter
Automatic Transmission: Three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission with floor-mounted gear shifter (optional)


CHASSIS

Feature Convertible Coupe
Wheelbase 98 inches (2.489 m) 98 inches (2.489 m)
Overall length 185.5 inches (4.712 m) 185.5 inches (4.712 m)
Overall width 69.0 inches (1.753 m) 69.0 inches (1.753 m)
Overall height 47.4 inches (1.204 m)
Ground Clearance 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) 4.5 inches (11.4 cm)
Front tread 58.7 inches (1.491 m) 58.7 inches (1.491 m)
Rear tread 59.4 inches (1.509 m) 59.4 inches (1.509 m)
Tires F70-15 F70-15
Frame Full-length welded-steel ladder type with five cross members. Steel box sections, welded.
Front suspension Independent, unequal-length A-arms, coil springs; tubular shocks and stabilizer bar
Rear suspension Independent, trailing arms, toe links, transverse chromium-carbon steel leaf spring, tube shocks, and anti-roll bar
Steering Saginaw recirulating ball, 17.6:1 ratio, 2.9 turns to lock, 39.0 turning circle
Rear axle type Sprung differential, Hypoid gear
Brakes Hydraulic, vented four wheel discs; 11.75-inch diameter, single calipers, optional power assist
Swept area 11.75" front and back
Total swept area 461 sq. in.
Wheels 8" wide slotted steel 15" 5-lug disc
Standard rear axle ratio 3.36:1
Optional rear axle ratio 3.70:1, 3.08:1, 3.36:1, 3.55:1, 4.11:1

OPTIONS

RPO Custom interior trim ($154)
RPO A31 Electric power windows ($86)
RPO A85 Custom shoulder belts ($41)
RPO C07 Auxiliary hardtop for convertible ($267)
RPO C08 Vinyl cover for auxiliary hardtop ($329)
RPO C50 Rear window defroster ($43)
RPO C60 Air conditioning ($467)
RPO FE7G81 Gymkhana suspension ($7)
RPO G81 Positraction rear axle, all ratios ($12)
RPO J50 Power brakes ($49)
RPO L82 350-cid 250-hp V-8 ($299)
RPO LS4 454-cid 270-hp V-8 ($250)
RPO M21 Four-speed close-ratio manual transmission (n/c)
RPO M40 Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission (n/c)
RPO N37 Tilt-telescopic steering wheel ($82)
RPO N40 Power steering ($117)
RPO QRM White stripe nylon steel-belted radial tires GR70 x 15 ($32)
RPO QRZ GR70 x 15 raised-white-letter steel-belted radial tires ($45)
RPO U05 Dual horns ($4)
RPO U58 AM-FM radio ($276)
RPO U69 AM-FM radio ($173)
RPO UA1 Heavy-duty battery ($15)
RPO UF1 Map light ($5)
RPO Z07 Off-road suspension and brake package ($369)

HISTORICAL NOTES


95.6% had power steering (up from 91.5% last year)
88.3% had power brakes (up from 79.3% last year)
63.1% had power windows (up from 46% last year)
77.7% had air conditioning (up from 70.8% last year)
33.7% had four-speed manual transmissions (down from 41.2% last year)



it was from a site when I started looking to buy vettes.

corvette74

I would also like to see a 74 registry. It would be interesting to see how many are still on the road.

74 L82 coupe

evilsmf

[QUOTE=1FUNVET]well I was born in 1974, so that is the main reason why I wanted a 74.QUOTE]



I did the same thing

J R C

Graduated from HS in '73 but liked the model changeover in '74 to the split bumper from chrome so that's what I've got ... it's been in the body shop since the end of May and just about ready for paint (was Corvette Orange, repainted "bright red" (unsure of shade) and now get to decide on the next color --- medium saddle interior so its a bit limited, considering many options as well as Vesuvius Orange that's found on of all things a Range Rover, lot's of latest TV ad's have shown it). Will eventually have to resell it so not going for too exotic or one-off show car like ... red has been overdone but may end up with it anyway (don't call it resale red for nothing!).

'74 L48 Vert 4-speed

stingraymaniac

i have a 74! nice year for vettes.
I have a question: if i read my trim tag it says:Chevrolet H21 Trim 416 74L Paint,what in words does that mean :o ?

J R C

Trim 416 = Saddle Leather (as opposed to 415 which is in Vinyl)

74L Paint = (probably) Medium Red, the "L" was used for Lower & Upper two tone designation, but as '74's were all one color the L refers to the entire car

H21 = Your final assembly date is March, 21, 1974

rhubarb74roadster

74 L48 4 Speed Convertible with A/C, stereo AM/FM, power windows

Sportsman Heads, 2 1/2" long tube headers, Flowmasters, Holley 750

68K original miles .. original paint stripped off .. .getting ready for repaint.

Mike Ward

Not necessarily. The trim tag date is the date the tag was stamped and attached to the car at a certain station on the assembly line. The actual final assembly date could be anywhere from 0 to 3 days later, depending on the day of the week, the time of day and holiday schedule.

My trim tag is stamped the 3rd, but the car came off the line of the 5th.

smkunder

Dont have a vert, but I have a white L48 4 speed, learning a lot about the car, have not figured out if it is fun yet, been spending too much money so far, but I quess thats what older vehicle ownership is all about.

Steve's74

1974 Red LS-4 coupe with Silver interior (certainly different). Let me know if you start up a registry. Hope you've got yours repaired and back on the road.

Steve

mayberg

Thanks Steve. I'm not yet back on the road. It's been quite an ordeal.

KALAWAY

I was born in 1955. How much will THAT Vette cost!

mpprice

My story is that I purchased my black and silver 74 automatic coupe in around 75 – used, barely. I was recently divorced and going crazy for the first time. Soon after that time I started dating the girl next door – got married – and we started a family. Had to release my baby (the Vette) to the wind because it was not practical for a family. Best and Worst year of my life! Never saw her again (the Vette).

Now – 30 years later, kids are gone and we decided to renew our affair with our first love. I have been searching for about 2 years and finally found, in Memphis, a silver on silver convertible. The engine was replaced with a crate 350/386, so this time around I will have plenty of power and none of that emissions crap.

She traveled (trucked) up north to us one rainy morning in March and looked a little worst for wear – but you could see the potential. I soon made arrangements to have the front bumper replaced (the original was busted, mostly gone and brittle as a potato chip) and the whole car painted Black – what the hell. They did a great job and we have just had the most wonderful Corvette Summer, riding her almost every weekend. Just took a ride this past weekend and it was rather cold out – for a change. That was the very first trip we had with the top up.

So – I would like very much to be in the loop if your are able to create the 74 registry.

Have you seen the 70 Registry - very nice . . .

IMA 66

I used to hate these years when i was younger. After seeing the new Vettes and wanting another one to cruise in i liked the idea of having a Vette fromthe year i was born. Once i started looking into them i also liked all of the 74 only items such as the only year for the split bumper, last year for dual exhasut and no cats. Picked mine up in July of this year and havebeen having fun ever since. While it is a base coupe and only the base 350, it has a 4 speed and is quite fun to drive. only options a re ps and pb

dladd74roadster

74 L48 Convertible

Options = Auto, p/s, a/c.
Manual brakes and Windows

VIN: 1Z6754S406625
Engine: 146406625

dladd74roadster

74 L48 Convertible

Options: p/s, a/c
Manual brakes, windows, and locks
No tilt, No telescopic

VIN: 1Z6754S406625
Engine: 146406625