VIN question
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: statesville nc
VIN question
I found the VIN for my 73 on the divers side rail.
135431941. What does it tell me? How can I check the history?
The car has a state assigned VIN because the VIN tag on the windshield pillar is missing.
135431941. What does it tell me? How can I check the history?
The car has a state assigned VIN because the VIN tag on the windshield pillar is missing.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
If the original VIN was replaced you may be SOL to recover any original history with the car. Without it, it would be hard to verify if your engine was correct, or if the car is missing any of it's original equipment. The trim tag(if present) should at least be able to give you colour when assembled.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
3 Model year 1973
5 That's an alpha S for St. Louis.
431941 consecutive unit number for your 73.
You can determine what your actual VIN would have been with body style (coupe or convertible) and original engine.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Apr 30, 2012 at 11:32 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
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It tells me you've got very good eyesight and that the frame is not too badly rusted. 
The '5' is actually 'S', for the St. Louis assembly plant where all Corvettes were made at the time.
Even if you had the complete original VIN, it would only state which engine option the car originally had, and whether the car was a coupe or convertible. The car serial number 31941 can be reverse engineered to calculate when the car was built- but the actual date is stamped on the trim tag and is more accurate.
If your engine pad has the same VIN derivative as the frame, there's a good chance it might be the original.
The '5' is actually 'S', for the St. Louis assembly plant where all Corvettes were made at the time.Even if you had the complete original VIN, it would only state which engine option the car originally had, and whether the car was a coupe or convertible. The car serial number 31941 can be reverse engineered to calculate when the car was built- but the actual date is stamped on the trim tag and is more accurate.
If your engine pad has the same VIN derivative as the frame, there's a good chance it might be the original.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 971
Likes: 45
From: Middlesex NJ
If you have a state issued vin... its been done for a reason and I doubt you could ever reverse it. I would also suggest you leave sleeping dogs lie.
The old vin turning up could cause you headaches.
The old vin turning up could cause you headaches.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 331
From: Indy Indiana
1Z37J3S431941 if coupe with base engine
if convertible, the 3rd digit would be a 6
if L82 engine option, the 5th digit would be a T
if LS4 engine option (454) the 5th digit would be a Z
a state issued vin could be several things, from a retirement of the old vin due to theft recovery, a rebuilt car, a flooded car, a totaled car, a rusted out windshield pillar vin tag, a salvage car, a car built from 2 cars, etc...
you are not obligated to find out what happened, but if you do find out, you are obligated to disclose the facts when you sell. What you find out may possibly effect greatly the value of the car and greatly effect your number of potential buyers. Best just enjoy your car.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 106
From: Sloatsburg NY
Oldtimer
Best guess is it is J3S431941, number 31731 was the last one produced in Jun '73, so you're an early July build
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: statesville nc
Thanks.
I am always amazed at the knowledge available on this forum.
The sill on the driver's side had been cut open, so some one else must have been looking.
I don't think it has been wrecked, but it has a state assigned number.
I think I'll "let sleeping dogs lie".
Sam
I am always amazed at the knowledge available on this forum.
The sill on the driver's side had been cut open, so some one else must have been looking.
I don't think it has been wrecked, but it has a state assigned number.
I think I'll "let sleeping dogs lie".
Sam
Last edited by sjmcdowell; Apr 30, 2012 at 02:39 PM.
