1969 VIN decoding
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 497
Likes: 0
1969 VIN decoding
I wonder if anyone knows how to decode a V.I.N for me.
For a 1969 Car VIN Is it Possible to verify What Motor/Tranny and combo came with the car based on the VIN of the car,
Now I'm talking for a VIN for a 1969 car.
I thought if you didn't have the tank sticker your SOL for verification on the true indentity of a Corvette prior to I believe 1971
Then they started coding fifth digits to distinguish engines.
Anyone that can enlighten me I'm all ears... I need to find out based on a VIN for a 69 if indeed it is a true Big Block car.
For a 1969 Car VIN Is it Possible to verify What Motor/Tranny and combo came with the car based on the VIN of the car,
Now I'm talking for a VIN for a 1969 car.
I thought if you didn't have the tank sticker your SOL for verification on the true indentity of a Corvette prior to I believe 1971
Then they started coding fifth digits to distinguish engines.
Anyone that can enlighten me I'm all ears... I need to find out based on a VIN for a 69 if indeed it is a true Big Block car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 2
From: Apex NC
Can't be determined from the VIN. Look at the following items and report back what you find:
What is the redline on the tach? Big blocks should either be 5300 or 6500 rpm
Is there a rear sway bar? Big block will have one
Is there a fuel return line on the frame alongside the tank-to-pump line? Tri-power big blocks have no return line
What size radiator? Does it have a cap on the radiator or is there an external supply tank? All big block cars used a 27" radiator with external tank
Are there u-bolts or caps holding the u-joints to the side yokes on the differential? Big block cars had caps instead of u-bolts.
What is the redline on the tach? Big blocks should either be 5300 or 6500 rpm
Is there a rear sway bar? Big block will have one
Is there a fuel return line on the frame alongside the tank-to-pump line? Tri-power big blocks have no return line
What size radiator? Does it have a cap on the radiator or is there an external supply tank? All big block cars used a 27" radiator with external tank
Are there u-bolts or caps holding the u-joints to the side yokes on the differential? Big block cars had caps instead of u-bolts.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 497
Likes: 0
sb69coupe I would have to check those things to see if they all check out.
Also If no Tank Sticker then really no other way via VIN #
That would deter me from buying anything prior to 1972 without the Tank sticker or original Bill of sale then.
Thanks for the info guys
Also If no Tank Sticker then really no other way via VIN #
That would deter me from buying anything prior to 1972 without the Tank sticker or original Bill of sale then.
Thanks for the info guys
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 6
From: Nevada City California
Augustus;
Prior to the 1972 model, any car you look at, would have had initially upon sale to original purchaser a total of six documents that would have provided the information you seek. From dealership, a Corvette vehicle order sheet(listing available options to order), upon sale of vehicle, a Dealer Invoice(listing Corvette vin & options plus prices), at the St. Louis assembly plant, a Window invoice, Protect-O-Plate w/pamphlet & Corvette Order Copy, all these would spell out drivetrain options. Lastly a Car Shipper document, that mimicks the information that a Window invoice shows.
Some owners are lucky to have some of this paperwork for verification purposes, a few have all of it, they are the extremely fortunate ones!!!
Prior to the 1972 model, any car you look at, would have had initially upon sale to original purchaser a total of six documents that would have provided the information you seek. From dealership, a Corvette vehicle order sheet(listing available options to order), upon sale of vehicle, a Dealer Invoice(listing Corvette vin & options plus prices), at the St. Louis assembly plant, a Window invoice, Protect-O-Plate w/pamphlet & Corvette Order Copy, all these would spell out drivetrain options. Lastly a Car Shipper document, that mimicks the information that a Window invoice shows.
Some owners are lucky to have some of this paperwork for verification purposes, a few have all of it, they are the extremely fortunate ones!!!
