Factory chalk marks

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Feb 18, 2009 | 08:14 PM

71 Green 454

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jun 2006

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From: Tampa Florida

Factory chalk marks

Before I install my new gas tank, I took some pictures of the underside body. When I was laying on my back, I didn't see the chalk marks, but after I downloaded them to my computer I could see them.

Feb 18, 2009 | 10:53 PM

dbeall1968

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 3,352

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From: Westminster Maryland

I took pictures of mine, too. They are on another computer, when I et the chance I will post them. I can't remember any details on the markings, but they were clearly visible to the naked eye.

Look on my album "the 68" from my profile; I have the pics there!

Last edited by dbeall1968; Feb 18, 2009 at 11:01 PM.

Feb 19, 2009 | 09:27 AM

Easy Mike

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Probably factory and possibly parts inspection dates. I'm guessing 2/5/71 and 1/?/71. Your profile says you have a '71. I'm guessing one panel was inspected at St. Louis in January and the second in February. Unless I miss my guess, the time/build date of your '71 will be on or after February 5th.

Last edited by Easy Mike; Feb 19, 2009 at 09:33 AM.

Feb 19, 2009 | 11:06 AM

71 Green 454

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

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From: Tampa Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by Easy Mike

My build date is April, 1971.

Feb 19, 2009 | 03:23 PM

Alan 71

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From: Westminster Maryland

Hi SLK,
I'm surprised about the length of time from the date under your rear deck (2-5-71) to your 'build date' of April.
I've always thought that bodies weren't built until they were ready to go on the line because there was no place to store them.
What's the date code on your trim tag, please?
Regards,
Alan

Feb 19, 2009 | 03:46 PM

71 Green 454

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

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From: Tampa Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan 71

Last edited by 71 Green 454; Feb 19, 2009 at 03:53 PM.

Feb 20, 2009 | 10:48 AM

Easy Mike

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan 71

...I'm surprised about the length of time from the date under your rear deck (2-5-71) to your 'build date' of April. I've always thought that bodies weren't built until they were ready to go on the line because there was no place to store them...

I agree the dates seem early, but parts were stock piled at St. Louis until they were used, often sitting outside the building for a while. It's possible a pallet load of March dated panels were used on the line before they pulled these parts up.

Also correct: bodies were not assembled until the order for the new Corvette was scheduled and worked into production.

Feb 20, 2009 | 03:03 PM

Alan 71

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From: Westminster Maryland

Hi SLK,
Thanks for the pictures of the of the trim tag and Certificaton label.
I see Mike's point, that date under the deck could well be the date the panel was moulded or maybe the date the rear clip was jigged together. I always thought of it as a date from the body line.
Nice Information!
Regards,
Alan