Esoxpirate

I know that for my 1976 there are two modle early and Late. How do I figure out which mine is? Is it just a production number greater then, and if so, what is the number?


Esox

Easy Mike

Early and late usually refer to specific running changes made on the assembly line. For the 76s, the big one was the change from the A6 AC compressor to the R4 in the spring of 1976. That's probably ball park, but check the assembly instruction manual (AIM) for specific change dates.

20mercury

I suggest 2 items which will be useful or it was for me with my 76.

1. Check out the website to determine your Corvette's birthday, not sure of the address, but do a search. You need the last 6 digits of your Vin#

2. Get the AIM or Assembly Instruction Manual, the original GM version, and you can see that GM made a number of running or ongoing changes to the 76 during the manufacturing year.

So, I do not think there is an exact cutover for "early" vrs "late". Just the 76 had a relatively large number of changes during the manufacturing year. Parts can be different whether early or late and the AIM can help.

Good luck and hope this helps.

20mercury

Good morning "Easy Mike"!

Hi, you must be drinking coffee and reading Corvette Forum like me!

(I will have to learn to type quicker if I am to out draw you!)

Esoxpirate

Thanks Fella's... I need to replace my Radiator support, so I will take a look at the AIM...

Esox

Easy Mike

If memory serves, radiator, radiator support, and shroud changed with the AC compressors. Do you have the A6 or the R4? A6 would be early; R4 would be late.

What's the time/build code for your 76?

Thank you, Willcox:
http://willcoxcorvette.com/instructi...ly_or_late.pdf

gbvette62

I think the majority of 76's got the 1st design, or "early" core support.

I have 2 Corvette Parts Books from 1976, one dated January and the other June. Both of these books, only list one 76 core support, part number 339176.

My 77, and all later Corvette Parts Books, list 2 core supports for 76. Radiator core support part number 339176, is listed as 76 "1st Design" for use in 73-76. The support carrying part number 379921 is shown as the 76 "2nd Design" support for use from 76 through 82.

Based on the parts books, I don't think the 2nd design (late) 76 support was put into use till sometime after June 1976. If my assumptions are correct, no more than the last 6,000 76's, would have the 2nd design core support, and possibly even fewer.

Esoxpirate

So my approximate vette's B-day is 8 june...
The A/C compressor was removed before we bought the car... I guess I will go with the early, seems thats the one that seems to fit the bill...

Esox