VIN decode
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Cumming GA
VIN decode
Help! This is my 4th Vette ( 69, 79, 71, now a 69) whew. I took a 15 year leave of absence but I am back! I just purchased the 69 currently red but tag says silver. Anyway, before I destroy this car by changing up motors, etc, can anyone help me with this suspicius VIN that ends with 42788. I wish, but I doubt it. Here it is:
VIN = MI0255R167X042788 the car was titled in Michigan
Paint = 986 Cortez Silver Metalic
416 = gun metal interior ???
Current front engine pad = V0710YTZ / C5 (E or F) 179286
Bell hsg flange = 3970010
My biggest question is the VIN, why does it end with 42788? Coincidence?
ANY and all help appreciated. Thanks, Jeff
VIN = MI0255R167X042788 the car was titled in Michigan
Paint = 986 Cortez Silver Metalic
416 = gun metal interior ???
Current front engine pad = V0710YTZ / C5 (E or F) 179286
Bell hsg flange = 3970010
My biggest question is the VIN, why does it end with 42788? Coincidence?
ANY and all help appreciated. Thanks, Jeff
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
The number 42788 means the car originally had a 427 cubic inch engine with the RPO code L-88. They only made a few of those in 1969 and they are very valuable! Oh wait, sorry, my bad. It actually means you have a salvage title, probably number 42,788 issued by the state of Michigan since they started doing that way back when. 
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 21,427
Likes: 456
From: Massillon,Ohio USA
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
...I don't think you can "destroy" any of the car's value at this point given your VIN # & pad #s. What you may want to do here is be very careful of how much $$$$$$$$ you're going to invest in this car. Many people consider a "salvage title" a death sentence to a car. I don't know if I'd go that far, but many, many people would never buy a vehicle(let alone a Corvette)with a salvage title. Who's to say this "trim tag" even came on this car originally? This car could have been a theft recovery, flood car, totalled car at one time, fire car, etc. Too many unknowns here.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Cumming GA
Code YTZ
Originally Posted by Mike Ward
Are you sure your stamp pad code ends with 'YTZ'? Can't find that code anywhere.........
Two of us have looked at it and that is what it is. By the sound of these responses (and thank all of you) it sound like I can do what ever I want, but keep a close eye on the total cost! Thanks again, Jeff
