How to tell difference in Corvette years
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 627
Likes: 5
From: Frisco TX
How to tell difference in Corvette years
When I pass vettes on the road I'm always trying to guess the year as I'm sure you guys also do. I can usually narrow it down to a range of 2 to 3 years but sometimes it's hard to pinpoint. Here's a link to a website that explains the differences in years. I thought it was pretty interesting. Enjoy.
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/D.../differyr.html
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/D.../differyr.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,186
Likes: 45
From: detroit area
this is how u tell
if you are driving/at a stop light and see another vette and u wave and they don't then they are in the present era.... those that wave are in the older era...... those that look stupid at you belong in the wtf era..... those that give the piece sign are in the "it's a rental" era....those that give a thumbs up are in the "i got a vette but not really sure how it works" era.......... those that give an open hand raise are in the "70's i'll beatch slap you" era........ more to come
b
if you are driving/at a stop light and see another vette and u wave and they don't then they are in the present era.... those that wave are in the older era...... those that look stupid at you belong in the wtf era..... those that give the piece sign are in the "it's a rental" era....those that give a thumbs up are in the "i got a vette but not really sure how it works" era.......... those that give an open hand raise are in the "70's i'll beatch slap you" era........ more to come
b
Emerging Vendor
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 114
From: San Diego CA
The original 70's front grilles are different than the 71-2. It used studs on the bottom edge to bolt into place where the 71-2 had screw heads showing. I think the side egg crates are slightly different too with the 70 having chrome edging only on the horizontal areas. The 71-2 also went to a different type of rear window storage tray for the t-top cars.
Otherwise only engine/drivetrain changes changes.
Greg
Otherwise only engine/drivetrain changes changes.
Greg
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 139
Likes: 1
From: Folsom CA
Originally Posted by Fevre
From the side 73's are the easiest to spot, only one with rubber up front and chrome in the rear.
Wish I was 22 again as well.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 936
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa OK
Originally Posted by Chopper Larry
The hardest for me are 74-77; to me 78 & 79 look alike; also 80 & 81 look alike.
75 and 76 I can't tell appart. They both use the smaller round emblem.
77 switched from the round sunburst emblem to the flags. Same flags that 79 used.
That's how I tell anyway. I'm sure there are more diffs than that visually though.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 8,295
Likes: 30
From: one night in Bangkok you are never lonely
Originally Posted by onaqwst
this is how u tell
if you are driving/at a stop light and see another vette and u wave and they don't then they are in the present era.... those that wave are in the older era...... those that look stupid at you belong in the wtf era..... those that give the piece sign are in the "it's a rental" era....those that give a thumbs up are in the "i got a vette but not really sure how it works" era.......... those that give an open hand raise are in the "70's i'll beatch slap you" era........ more to come
b
if you are driving/at a stop light and see another vette and u wave and they don't then they are in the present era.... those that wave are in the older era...... those that look stupid at you belong in the wtf era..... those that give the piece sign are in the "it's a rental" era....those that give a thumbs up are in the "i got a vette but not really sure how it works" era.......... those that give an open hand raise are in the "70's i'll beatch slap you" era........ more to come
b
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 6
From: Nevada City California
Although '70, '71 & '72 do look a lot alike. There are more than subtle differences.
On the outside 1971 is the hardest year to identify, because this year has traits from both 1970 & 1972.
1971's have used both conical tail lights from 1970 and convex tail lights that 1972 use.
1971's use 1970 style side louvers and 1972 also use 1971's revised style.
1971's also use 1970 style front grills, as well as 1972 style.
Inside changes, 1971 is much more like 1970 than 1972.
Fiberoptics like 1970, chrome pedal trim like 1970, stainless rearview mirror like 1970, instrument lettering green tint like 1970, radio like 1970.
Engine console data plate like 1970, instead of 1972 style.
I could keep going on, as there are a myriad of other minute changes as well!
On the outside 1971 is the hardest year to identify, because this year has traits from both 1970 & 1972.
1971's have used both conical tail lights from 1970 and convex tail lights that 1972 use.
1971's use 1970 style side louvers and 1972 also use 1971's revised style.
1971's also use 1970 style front grills, as well as 1972 style.
Inside changes, 1971 is much more like 1970 than 1972.
Fiberoptics like 1970, chrome pedal trim like 1970, stainless rearview mirror like 1970, instrument lettering green tint like 1970, radio like 1970.
Engine console data plate like 1970, instead of 1972 style.
I could keep going on, as there are a myriad of other minute changes as well!
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 235
Likes: 1
From: West Seneca New York
Originally Posted by Bangkok Dean
I never saw side emblems on an 80? 79 yes but not 80s 
Darryl
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 19,793
Likes: 0
From: Belgium/Germany Hot, freewheeling honeybee
Originally Posted by Xakk
77 switched from the round sunburst emblem to the flags. Same flags that 79 used.
So technically, crossed flags + vertical rear window = '77
Correct me if I'm wrong...
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 23,957
Likes: 174
From: South West - but north of Dayton, Ohio
Originally Posted by Chopper Larry
The hardest for me are 74-77; to me 78 & 79 look alike; also 80 & 81 look alike.
