steve0415

Hi. Looking to purchase a 65 L78 396 Vet now, and have seen Trim Tags from both St Louis (S) and also AO Smith (A). Were they built at both locations?

I remember reading somewhere that the 67 427 cars were built at the St Louis plant (S) and I wonder if that is also true for the 65 L78s?

Any help would be appreciated. I know there are many fake big block Corvettes out there, and would like to make sure I don't make a big mistake here.

Thanks in advance for your help,

Steve

gbvette62

All Corvettes from 1954, up till mid 1981, were built in St. Louis.

From 64-67, Corvette bodies were made in both St. Louis and at AO Smith's plant in Michigan. AO Smith bodies were shipped by rail to St. Louis, where they were mated with completed chassis'.

Nowhere Man

The body plant has no baring on the engine Unles the car has factory side pipes

gbvette62

The engine doesn't effect where the body came from in 65, which is the year the OP initially asked about. But, as you know, the engine does make a difference in 67, which was the second part of the OP's question, and neither of us addressed that in our previous responses.

Because of issues AO Smith had with painting the hood stripe, it's believed that no 67 big blocks were built using AO Smith bodies.

midstyle

In Noland's Vol 2, page 33, there are 3 photos of 1965 Corvettes in the paint booth at Ionia (Dow Smith), and show a big block hood on 2 or 3 different cars.

Powershift

I think Roy Sinor documented one about a year ago, and we discussed/debated it here on this forum. I believe there were a few very early 1967 BB cars with AOS bodies.

Larry

Nowhere Man

And ever since then everyone and there brother thinks they have this rare unicorn car GM never made

steve0415

Hello to all who have responded. Thank you very much for all of your answers and help. This Forum has always been so helpful to me, as well as 100s of others here who don't have as much knowledge or experience that you guys have. I really appreciate it.

If anyone here knows of a 1965 L78 396 Corvette that is or might be for sale, please let me know. I am looking for a car with some kind of documentation, such as a Protecto Plate, or documented on Noland Adams C2 book, and the original motor, I would like to buy it. I don't care about the condition, but do care about the original, born with drive train. Restored or un-restored is fine, and doesn't have to be a Top Flight or Bloomington Gold car.

Thanks again for all of your help,

Steve
Boca Raton, Fl

ps: I also have a WTB post here:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-396-only.html

John BX NY

Also keep in mind 65 L78's came later in the model year so you wouldn't expect to see an early VIN.