Classic Car VIN Decoding/Model Info
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Edmond, OK
Classic Car VIN Decoding/Model Info
Prior to purchasing a classic vette (or any car for that matter) has anyone used an internet VIN Decoding service to provide information on a particular car's original parts/options as disclosed by VIN numbers? If so, then which service is seems best for the money?
The reason I ask is that in looking at C3s, a few individuals have offered the VIN as evidence of originality of the car. This doesn't really do me any good unless I can access information on the VIN.
Thanks!
The reason I ask is that in looking at C3s, a few individuals have offered the VIN as evidence of originality of the car. This doesn't really do me any good unless I can access information on the VIN.
Thanks!
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Prior to purchasing a classic vette (or any car for that matter) has anyone used an internet VIN Decoding service to provide information on a particular car's original parts/options as disclosed by VIN numbers? If so, then which service is seems best for the money?
The reason I ask is that in looking at C3s, a few individuals have offered the VIN as evidence of originality of the car. This doesn't really do me any good unless I can access information on the VIN.
Thanks!
The reason I ask is that in looking at C3s, a few individuals have offered the VIN as evidence of originality of the car. This doesn't really do me any good unless I can access information on the VIN.
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 539
Likes: 1
From: Edmond, OK
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,438
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From: Raleigh NC
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
1972+ will have the engine options within the VIN, and a few earlier years will tell you coupe or convertible. This is nothing you should pay for, widely available information:
http://www.corvette-web-central.com/...INdecoder.html
http://www.corvette-web-central.com/...INdecoder.html
Administrator
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
This is about it. Providing the VIN will tell you when the car was built. I'd ask them what exactly are they thinking they are providing with a VIN?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 539
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From: Edmond, OK
Thanks, all! I kinda figured there was something screwy with providing me with the VIN because as I tried to get detailed information about the car, all I was getting was three or four pieces of information such as the year built, location of build and one or two other bits. There was no information on original options.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
With the exception of engine codes for applicable model years, C3 VINs do not contain option information. You will need original documentation with the car to determine the options (window sticker, Corvette order copy, original dealer invoice, etc.)
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Team Owner
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Engine stamp is on the pad on the block at the front of the right head.
The second stamp on the pad (larger characters) is the engine identification stamp with identifying suffix and the day the engine was assembled.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Jan 15, 2012 at 11:00 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
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'72 and up Corvettes have the original engine option encoded into the VIN as stated above by Lemans Pete. Whether your car has the original engine in it or not is a different question.
