GM Documentation rumors... True?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 507
Likes: 5
From: Seattle WA
GM Documentation rumors... True?
Okay - so the rumor mill churns on...
The other day I conversed with a fellow who specializes in tracking-down the ownership history of classic cars. He was saying that GM production records for early Corvettes DO exist, and that they will be made available in the near future. He would not offer any other details. The fellow sounded very credible to me.
Does anyone know anything about this at all? For years I've heard rumors of some form of shipping records kept by a 3rd party on microfische, or insurance records, ect., ect. But no one has actually stepped fwd to say the records absolutely exist.
I would expect that the only issue holding someone back from releasing the information would be some problem with GM's lawyers about how to split-up the revenue. Anybody care to weigh-in?
The other day I conversed with a fellow who specializes in tracking-down the ownership history of classic cars. He was saying that GM production records for early Corvettes DO exist, and that they will be made available in the near future. He would not offer any other details. The fellow sounded very credible to me.
Does anyone know anything about this at all? For years I've heard rumors of some form of shipping records kept by a 3rd party on microfische, or insurance records, ect., ect. But no one has actually stepped fwd to say the records absolutely exist.
I would expect that the only issue holding someone back from releasing the information would be some problem with GM's lawyers about how to split-up the revenue. Anybody care to weigh-in?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
Sure,
Since 2004/5 you have been able to order a photocopy of Corvette shipping records for 1977 and up from the GM archives. The shipping records contain much the same information as the window and tank stickers. (Options, Dealer, dates, etc.)
http://www.gmmediaarchive.com/
I have not heard anything about the availability of records for Corvettes earlier than 1977.
Since 2004/5 you have been able to order a photocopy of Corvette shipping records for 1977 and up from the GM archives. The shipping records contain much the same information as the window and tank stickers. (Options, Dealer, dates, etc.)
http://www.gmmediaarchive.com/
I have not heard anything about the availability of records for Corvettes earlier than 1977.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 582
Likes: 1
From: Madison Wisconsin
Sounds like the same story we have been hearing for years that someone at GM squired away all of the old Corvette production documents. Or some third party vendor has them. Most of the leading authority's on Corvette documentation like Mike Antonick author of the Corvette Black Book have said that they just do not exist. Will believe it when I see it.
Last edited by Mad Vette; May 14, 2009 at 04:17 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 331
From: Indy Indiana
great rumor, but why do it? if the doc was found and not destroyed then great... but would I pay for this info, and how much? I don't know. would you pay a couple thousand to have the great corvette guru authenticate your car? this is what it boils down to. only a small subset of people will do what it takes to get this info.
besides, just think about if you find out that your original engine Big block car is really a small block base car.. and the lawsuits that will open up...
it would be fun watching all that stuff escalate...
besides, just think about if you find out that your original engine Big block car is really a small block base car.. and the lawsuits that will open up...
it would be fun watching all that stuff escalate...
GM Cert Corvette Tech
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,559
Likes: 585
From: Anaheim Hills California
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 61
From: Wichita KS
As I understand it there was a fire at the St. Louis plant that destroyed all of the records prior to 1977.
cc
PS, the historical documents search for 1977 and newer vehicles is now in the hands of a private company and they change $50 per vehicle.
cc
PS, the historical documents search for 1977 and newer vehicles is now in the hands of a private company and they change $50 per vehicle.
Last edited by CCrane65; May 14, 2009 at 09:38 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 6
From: Nevada City California
Okay - so the rumor mill churns on...
The other day I conversed with a fellow who specializes in tracking-down the ownership history of classic cars. He was saying that GM production records for early Corvettes DO exist, and that they will be made available in the near future. He would not offer any other details. The fellow sounded very credible to me.
Does anyone know anything about this at all? For years I've heard rumors of some form of shipping records kept by a 3rd party on microfische, or insurance records, ect., ect. But no one has actually stepped fwd to say the records absolutely exist.
I would expect that the only issue holding someone back from releasing the information would be some problem with GM's lawyers about how to split-up the revenue. Anybody care to weigh-in?
The other day I conversed with a fellow who specializes in tracking-down the ownership history of classic cars. He was saying that GM production records for early Corvettes DO exist, and that they will be made available in the near future. He would not offer any other details. The fellow sounded very credible to me.
Does anyone know anything about this at all? For years I've heard rumors of some form of shipping records kept by a 3rd party on microfische, or insurance records, ect., ect. But no one has actually stepped fwd to say the records absolutely exist.
I would expect that the only issue holding someone back from releasing the information would be some problem with GM's lawyers about how to split-up the revenue. Anybody care to weigh-in?
Your assumptions are correct. Records do exist for C2 & C3 gen cars from a third party source. I have spoken with the source that has seen them and is working on procuring them.
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Brett Foote
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Barrington IL
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 333
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From: Portage Michigan
http://www.gmmediaarchive.com/
50 bucks and all you get is an email that you have to print out....capitalism at its best
50 bucks and all you get is an email that you have to print out....capitalism at its best
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
http://www.gmmediaarchive.com/
50 bucks and all you get is an email that you have to print out....capitalism at its best
50 bucks and all you get is an email that you have to print out....capitalism at its best
Times change. I already had a reasonably legible tank sticker, but it was nice to get the shipping document as-well. If you don't have any info on the car, the $50 would be worthwhile IMO.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,166
Likes: 284
From: Springfield MA
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12, '19, '21
When I ordered mine (2005) the service was FREE and they sent a photocopy along with a nice letter. Times change.
I already had a reasonably legible tank sticker, but it was nice to get the shipping document as-well. If you don't have any info on the car, the $50 would be worthwhile IMO.
Times change. I already had a reasonably legible tank sticker, but it was nice to get the shipping document as-well. If you don't have any info on the car, the $50 would be worthwhile IMO.
Same here, and I got the paperwork in a few days. I laminated mine and stick it in the winshield at car shows. Get quite a few comments on it.
Dave
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
I'm ready, I have a "true" 1970 LT-1 with o documentation but I knew it was a LT-1 by the parts still existing on it after years of hard useage by some Drag Racers. After 2 years of hard work and LOTS of $$$$ the car looks like this now:
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: In limbo
St. Jude Donor '13-'15, '17 thru '22
Aren't those the wrong inner tail light lenses?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Houston Texas
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,821
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From: Lincoln CA
I'm out of luck. It only goes back to 77. My 69 is eight years too old. Given the fact that my car is basically untampered, it would be great to display an original window sticker or build sheet. I hope the statement above about the existence of C2 and older C3 records is true. I know Ford distroyed all the records for the 65/66 Mustangs. A third party bought up the 67 and forward records and now sell "reports" on your car for prices ranging from reasonable to ridiculous. I'd love to have some verifiable historical documentation for my car.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Castle Hills Texas
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Wichita KS
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 507
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From: Seattle WA
Warren - you've been involved with business, finance and legalese all of your career. Do you think the hurdles to getting the docs released are insurmountable? Dare I ask, what are your expectations?