1972 lt1 transmission
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 100
Likes: 1
From: Molalla Oregon
1972 lt1 transmission
Looking at purchasing a 1972 LT1 coupe. The engine codes are all correct, as well as intake, carb, and ignition.
The transmission was changed, but a period correct M21 was installed.
A.I.R. system is missing.
How does the lack of these two items affect value?
The transmission was changed, but a period correct M21 was installed.
A.I.R. system is missing.
How does the lack of these two items affect value?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 5
From: Brown Summit North Carolina
The AIR is a managable item to be missing, if you look long enough and spend ~1,500.00 you can buy the correct dated parts and put them back.
The trans is different.
There are only 2 items on the car that have the frame VIN # stamped into them, the block and the transmission.
You will never be able to correct the missing trans unless the current owner knows who has it. LONG SHOT!!!
The trans being non oroginal would have a big effect on selling the car at a future date for TOP $$
David
The trans is different.
There are only 2 items on the car that have the frame VIN # stamped into them, the block and the transmission.
You will never be able to correct the missing trans unless the current owner knows who has it. LONG SHOT!!!
The trans being non oroginal would have a big effect on selling the car at a future date for TOP $$
David
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: North Hills California
Transmission is NOT stamped with VIN like the engine is. It should be the correct date code. However many transmissions and engines were replaced under warranty so these cars may still be considered "original" in some respect.
I played the numbers matching game for years and it gets very boring and not fun. I have kept all of the original parts from my car in case i want to go back to numbers matching someday, but I doubt it. Having too much fun actually hauling ***!
Reid '72 T-top
I played the numbers matching game for years and it gets very boring and not fun. I have kept all of the original parts from my car in case i want to go back to numbers matching someday, but I doubt it. Having too much fun actually hauling ***!
Reid '72 T-top
Last edited by vncruiser; Oct 11, 2011 at 02:30 PM. Reason: spelling sucked
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 5
From: Brown Summit North Carolina
Transmission is NOT stamped with VIN like the engine is. It should be the correct date code. However many transmissions and engines were replaced under warranty so these cars may still be considered "original" in some respect.
I played the numbers matching game for years and it gets very boring and not fun. I have kept all of the original parts from my car in case i want to go back to numbers matching someday, but I doubt it. Having too much fun actually hauling ***!
Reid '72 T-top
I played the numbers matching game for years and it gets very boring and not fun. I have kept all of the original parts from my car in case i want to go back to numbers matching someday, but I doubt it. Having too much fun actually hauling ***!
Reid '72 T-top
I may be mistaken on a 72, but I thought they were also.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Frame stamps were done by machine.
After making this stamp, the worker woudl move back to the top of the frame rail just in front of #4 mount and stamp the frame a second time.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Not sure why folks think original trans is so important to value. The original engine not only has the vin derivative but that vin proves car is an original LT-1. Original engine is important. Depends what you want out of the car. Even if you wanted to have it flight judged at NCRS meets, I have seen a top flight 69 missing AIR (car was near perfect otherwise), and I don't believe the vin stamping on the transmission is even seen or verified during NCRS flight judging. (Please correct me if I am wrong), so, knowing the trans is not original to the car is a good piece of information to have, but I don't think it hurts the market value more than $1 or $2k.
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 5
From: Brown Summit North Carolina
Not sure why folks think original trans is so important to value. The original engine not only has the vin derivative but that vin proves car is an original LT-1. Original engine is important. Depends what you want out of the car. Even if you wanted to have it flight judged at NCRS meets, I have seen a top flight 69 missing AIR (car was near perfect otherwise), and I don't believe the vin stamping on the transmission is even seen or verified during NCRS flight judging. (Please correct me if I am wrong), so, knowing the trans is not original to the car is a good piece of information to have, but I don't think it hurts the market value more than $1 or $2k.
I think the affect on the value of the car is something that the potenial buyer has the right to assign in each case.
When you call a car an Original Matching Numbers car, the trans and block are 2 items that need to be present. and if they are not there, that makes the possibility of correcting the missing items impossible.
My reply was not related to getting the car judged by the NCRS, who I agree do not crawl under the car and look at the stamp on the trans. But if the OP may want to sell one day after investing dollars to improve the look and condition of the car, the lack of the original transmission may well cause some buyers to pass on a car that they may otherwise have considerd paying a premuim for.
Last edited by dmayhew; Oct 11, 2011 at 05:39 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,283
Likes: 4,373
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi j,
I agree that having the transmission the car left St. Louis with might be icing on the cake, but I also believe that matching numbers and date codes go FAR beyond the engine stamp pad, casting number, and casting date. Some cars have SO MANY original parts still on them that they sort of OVERWHELM you as you start to check them out carefully.
I guess it only matters as much as it matters to you, and as much as it is reflected in the car's price.
In the unattainable situation of the same car 'with' and 'without' the original transmission, wouldn't the 'with' car be worth a little more $ ?
Regards,
Alan
For a few people, are original parts sort of like horsepower is for most people... you can never have too many?
I agree that having the transmission the car left St. Louis with might be icing on the cake, but I also believe that matching numbers and date codes go FAR beyond the engine stamp pad, casting number, and casting date. Some cars have SO MANY original parts still on them that they sort of OVERWHELM you as you start to check them out carefully.
I guess it only matters as much as it matters to you, and as much as it is reflected in the car's price.
In the unattainable situation of the same car 'with' and 'without' the original transmission, wouldn't the 'with' car be worth a little more $ ?
Regards,
Alan
For a few people, are original parts sort of like horsepower is for most people... you can never have too many?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,850
Likes: 142
From: Tampa, Fl.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,850
Likes: 142
From: Tampa, Fl.
Not sure why folks think original trans is so important to value. The original engine not only has the vin derivative but that vin proves car is an original LT-1. Original engine is important. Depends what you want out of the car. Even if you wanted to have it flight judged at NCRS meets, I have seen a top flight 69 missing AIR (car was near perfect otherwise), and I don't believe the vin stamping on the transmission is even seen or verified during NCRS flight judging. (Please correct me if I am wrong), so, knowing the trans is not original to the car is a good piece of information to have, but I don't think it hurts the market value more than $1 or $2k.
Each and every aspect and component of an anticipated purchase is subject to scrutiny. The agreed price should be reflective of the car.
Different strokes/different folks.
