I've searched the threads and have read a few posts regarding matching number but have a question. Is there a reference somewhere that I can look at which will tell me the location of all the numbers I should look for on my car and how they should "match?"

My car is a 1964 Convertible, 300HP, and I was told that it is a matching numbers car. I have a lot of documentation/receipts with the car and know that it has a lot of replacement parts on it so probably wouldn't score very high on an NCRS judging but I'm curious. I'd like to locate the various stampings/tags and evaluate them for myself. I really don't want to do a full NCRS scoring, just a better understanding of how original it still is.

I have the names and sales documentation for each of the four previous owners. The first owner bought the car new in Nashville, TN and kept it for 25 years, selling it in 1989. Owner two kept it for another eight years. It must have been rough when he sold it. Owner #3 bought it in late 1997 and immediately spent two years restoring it. I have many of his receipts and an itemized list of what he did and how much each thing cost him. It looks like the drivetrain was rebuilt and much of the interior was replaced. There were a ton of miscellaneous parts replaced. I know he used the Noland Adams guide because it was in his itemized list of things he bought for the car. The body was painted in 1999 or 2000 and is still the original color. I don't know how much body work was done to it before painting but I know the hood sags now and is on my list to have repaired.

After restoration, owner 3 kept the car until 2017 when he sold it after 20 years. Owner #4 drove it for one summer and then stored it for two years due to personal issues. I bought the car a few months ago so I'm now owner #5. I plan to keep the car as long as I'm healthy and able to keep it running. Given my age that could be another 15 years or maybe more if I'm lucky. Therefore I'm willing to put a few dollars into the car at this point.

I've started taking care of all the deferred maintenance items to get it back into reliable driver condition. I've found a good local shop that's doing much of it but I'm doing some of the easy work myself. I'm also considering making a few upgrades to improve the drivability of the car but before I do I'd like to understand the car a little better, hence my question about numbers. I'm torn between working toward an all stock restoration since it's almost that now or doing just a few modernizations along the way.

So a couple questions.

What numbers should I look for to see if they are truly matching? How do I cross reference them?

What things if any would you prioritize to upgrade for a reliable weekend driver?

Thoughts?

 

For a weekend driver all you need is radial tires with everything else up to par it should suit you well. Unless your spoiled and need all kinds of modern stuff. Matching numbers mean that the stamp numbers on the engine stamp pad are original and the vin number on the pad matches the vin number on the car. There is also a vin number on the tans. Everything else only has dates cast into them that have to precede the cars build date.

 

Thanks. What are the tans? Where are the dates I should look for? Is there a list somewhere?

I'm not planning to modify much. It was suggested that I put gas shocks and electronic ignition on it. I'm going to put new wheels and tires on it for a better look. I don't like the tires it has now.

To be honest I prefer it being mainly original. I've never owned a Corvette before but drove a 68 firebird in high school. It reminds me of that car even though I haven't owned it for over 40 years.

 

That was supposed to be the trans. Are your shocks in need of replacing? If not I would not change them just to change them. Electric ignition is really not needed unless you don’t like checking points every 10k miles or so

 

There are books out there that you can get that will explain the numbers to you

 

I'm not opposed to checking points. I've done it but it's been so long I'm going to have to look for a youtube video to show me how. I can't remember the last time I did it.

I found a used "by the numbers" book on Amazon and ordered it. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

I asked a similar question about matching numbers on my 65 Corvette.
You might find the thread interesting:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-matching.html

There will be some differences between a 65 and 64 car, but, for the most part, it should be helpful to you.
I learned quite a bit searching for the numbers and date codes on my car.

And, I still have some more things I'm going to check and add to that thread one day.
.

 

the best book is the NCRS judging manual. even though you don't plain on having it judged it will have everything your asking, and just return that other book after you get the judging guide

 

Why tell the guy to buy a book, hes here!! LOL
OP youll see some guys post up pics and tell you how to check for them. Fix your car YOUR way not how someone off the internet tells you to.

 

sometimes the best thing to do is have a good book that will answer all your questions when you think of them.

 

Matching numbers are

1) Engine VIN Number. Lets suppose its 000001 you lucky dog
2) The Transmission should be S000001
3) The Vin on your car would be XXXXXXS000001

but
Matching also extends to the ****
So for instance, if your car was S000001 then it would have been made in September which has a Letter attached to it
So the letter lets assume is K
Then your Rear End, would have to have a stamp before K and the Gear insertion would have to be before the actual build date
Then your Alternator must be dated correct, Carburetor, etc etc

So Matching Numbers and a Correct Car can be separated with the **** part of Restoration, which is Nut bolt correct also.
When you get to nut bolt correct, you turn into a NUT (personal experience). You can have a bolt that is correct for every month but K, perhaps because of a shortage or a supplier change. So the bolt may have a headmark of WB but your car was produced while they were using the same bolt but with headmark TR
Get the point?

 

op I bet there are members in your area that can help you with points..post in the regional section too.

 

I don't mind buying useful books. I've already have the 63 shop manual and 64 supplement. I've been looking through those quite a bit even though I haven't tackled anything very challenging yet.

I also have an assembly manual coming because I want to replace the seat belts and couldn't find that in the shop manual. I read on here that the A.I.M. is the book for that.

I considered buying an NCRS judging guide but figured that would be way too deep. Sounds like I should just go ahead and get it.

When I was young my dad was my book. He taught me most of what I did with my cars back in the day. He's been gone for over 25 years now so he can't show me anymore. I considered myself a motorhead in high school and then went to college and became an engineer. Now I'm a couple years from retirement and trying to relearn things I once knew. This will keep me busy I believe.

 

Got any book names, titles, suggestions from your experience on C2s?
Just asking since I also am a new 65 owner and trying to find a good source of reference materials.









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Contrary to some peoples opinion that books are passe, good old fashioned printed material still provides knowledge and answers questions just like the OP asked.

 

the NCRS judging manual, the AIM or Assembly instruction manual and the GM service manual is a great place to start.

 

I would add the frame to the "matching numbers" list. It should be located in two places. Not easy to find but great if you do.

 

As you can see, when you say “matching numbers” , that can be anything from the VIN tag matches the title (the minimum) to every single part (like the capacitor on your coil) having the part number that your car came from the factory with. Everyone has an opinion on matching numbers, and most are not shy about telling you what you should do. Getting the NCRS judging manual for 63-64 and studying it can help you decide where along that spectrum you want to be. And then be comfortable with your decision, knowing that you have fully investigated your options. And enjoy your beautiful car every day.

 

And then there is the question of “matching numbers” vs original from the factory numbers.