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1971 corvette code decoding help please

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Old Feb 12, 2013 | 06:53 AM
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Default 1971 corvette code decoding help please

If someone would be so kind to look at this stamp and tell me if it makes sense? What I mean by this is that the vehicle is a 71 454/365hp convertible and does it reflect this? I was wondering what these numbers all mean and if the stamp looks good?

Thanks so much for looking.

Here is the picture:


Last edited by theblackvette; Feb 12, 2013 at 07:58 AM.
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Old Feb 12, 2013 | 07:04 AM
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CPH is the code for the 454/365hp motor with manual transmission. Is it a stick?
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Old Feb 12, 2013 | 07:23 AM
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Originally Posted by SpartyGW
CPH is the code for the 454/365hp motor with manual transmission. Is it a stick?
Thank you for your response. Yes it is a 4 speed. I am seriously considering this corvette and want to join the c3 family. But want to confirm authenticity. So far so good. All comments are appreciated!
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Old Feb 12, 2013 | 07:47 AM
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T0202CPH = The engine is a 71 454/365, 4 speed (CPH), assembled at the Tonawanda assembly plant (T) on February 2, 1971 (0202).

C11S109465 = The VIN derivative (09465) found on the block, indicates that the car was built approximately February 13th, 1971, at St. Louis (S).

The only remaining question would be, does the VIN number on the block, match the one on the a-pillar VIN tag and the title?
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Old Feb 12, 2013 | 07:55 AM
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Originally Posted by gbvette62
T0202CPH = The engine is a 71 454/365, 4 speed (CPH), assembled at the Tonawanda assembly plant (T) on February 2, 1971 (0202).

C11S109465 = The VIN derivative (09465) found on the block, indicates that the car was built approximately February 13th, 1971, at St. Louis (S).

The only remaining question would be, does the VIN number on the block, match the one on the a-pillar VIN tag and the title?
Hello gbvette62-thank you for taking the time to generate your response. I will answer this with a YES. I saw the title and it has the same VIN. As for the a-pillar I have a picture right here for you to see. So far so good I think.

I so want to pull the trigger on this one but I do not make impulsive decisions. I have been looking for years for something like this.



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Old Feb 12, 2013 | 08:42 AM
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Come on, quit teasing us and show us the car! I think you have a real nice original big block car there. And a 4 speed and convertible? Buy it.
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Old Feb 12, 2013 | 09:23 AM
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Originally Posted by SpartyGW
Come on, quit teasing us and show us the car! I think you have a real nice original big block car there. And a 4 speed and convertible? Buy it.
Thanks! I am just being very cautious. I sent you a PM if you can kindly review it. I will post a pic here for everyone to see what the car does look like.



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Old Feb 12, 2013 | 10:48 AM
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Originally Posted by theblackvette
Thank you for your response. Yes it is a 4 speed. I am seriously considering this corvette and want to join the c3 family. But want to confirm authenticity. So far so good. All comments are appreciated!
Authenticity can never, ever be confirmed via a photograph. It's hard enough to pick out a better quality restamp in person, never mind a low-res pic on the internet. No offence, but if you need to ask here how to decode a pad, you're ripe for the picking by the crooks.

I do see a bounce on the engine machine code stamp (which is not bad, the crooks don't usually do sloppy work) but would want to know why two of the characters in the second attempted stamp are still faint at the bottom.

If you're paying orignal engine money for this car, get a qualified inspector to see it in person.
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Old Feb 12, 2013 | 11:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Mike Ward
Authenticity can never, ever be confirmed via a photograph. It's hard enough to pick out a better quality restamp in person, never mind a low-res pic on the internet. No offence, but if you need to ask here how to decode a pad, you're ripe for the picking by the crooks.

I do see a bounce on the engine machine code stamp (which is not bad, the crooks don't usually do sloppy work) but would want to know why two of the characters in the second attempted stamp are still faint at the bottom.

If you're paying orignal engine money for this car, get a qualified inspector to see it in person.
Hello Mike, thank you so much for responding in my thread and i sincerely appreciate your input. I have always ended up with late model corvettes. I just sold my Z06. I want CHANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I specifically want this model, color, body, engine, etc.....

I am no way an expert in any way, shape, or form of the C3 corvettes, but I do have enough sense to not make an impulsive buy and ask for help. And people like you totally who offer such assistance and input are high class!!!!!!!!

I will keep you updated!!!!!! Thank you and best regards.
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Old Feb 12, 2013 | 01:16 PM
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Originally Posted by gbvette62
...February 2, 1971...
Ground Hog Day.
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Old Feb 12, 2013 | 03:59 PM
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Hi tbv,
This looks like a very nice car.
Since it seems you don't have a lot of 68-72 experience have you considered hiring a knowledgeable 68-72 person to take a look at the WHOLE car and tell you what he sees, ....and what you may want to pay for it?
I'd think the price on this car is substantial enough that you wouldn't want to make a mistake.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
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Old Feb 12, 2013 | 04:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Alan 71
Hi tbv,
This looks like a very nice car.
Since it seems you don't have a lot of 68-72 experience have you considered hiring a knowledgeable 68-72 person to take a look at the WHOLE car and tell you what he sees, ....and what you may want to pay for it?
I'd think the price on this car is substantial enough that you wouldn't want to make a mistake.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Hello Alan! Thanks for the reply!!!!!!!
Your advice is GREAT!!!!!! I have heard the same from others
regarding an inspection and I ordered an inspection!!!!!!!!

I might be a chrome bumper owner if this turns out to be the real deal. This will be like more fourth attempt at it! The others were not as advertised. This has been like over a 10 year period trying to find my specific year. This is a first NON resale red though. Everytime I would end up with late model years. I just sold my 2008 Z06 to a forum member last weekend! I know this is a different animal and I will be the first to admit i really am a novice at these car. I have driven them though and love it! I will gladly pay for the right person to keep them up and learn a few things along the way to start do it yourselfing. I hope I get cut some slack. I will update you all!

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Old Feb 12, 2013 | 04:41 PM
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Default Nice Corvette

Nice Corvette!

I would suggest checking for the vin# on the 4sp transmission too to see if it matches.

And agree, not that I was smart enough to do this, but getting a local Corvette knowledgeable person to check it out with you would be a great idea. If you can check your local Corvette Clubs or NCRS, you can likely find somebody to help you out for a nominal fee or for fun!

Best of luck to you!
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Old Feb 12, 2013 | 04:57 PM
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Originally Posted by 20mercury
Nice Corvette!

I would suggest checking for the vin# on the 4sp transmission too to see if it matches.

And agree, not that I was smart enough to do this, but getting a local Corvette knowledgeable person to check it out with you would be a great idea. If you can check your local Corvette Clubs or NCRS, you can likely find somebody to help you out for a nominal fee or for fun!

Best of luck to you!
Thank you 20mercury for replying! If this doesn't work out at least I know there are a LOT of nice C3 people here. This is the best one I seen so far and I have strict requirements.

Last edited by theblackvette; Feb 12, 2013 at 05:05 PM.
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Old Feb 12, 2013 | 05:07 PM
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Originally Posted by theblackvette
Hello Alan! Thanks for the reply!!!!!!!
Your advice is GREAT!!!!!! I have heard the same from others
regarding an inspection and I ordered an inspection!!!!!!!!
I hate to ask this question now, but who did you order the inspection through?

If it was a Corvette inspection service, a Corvette restoration shop, or a knowledgeable NCRS judge; great, your on the right track!

Unfortunately, if it was one of the generic automotive inspection companies, don't expect to learn too much. They can tell you if the paint is in good shape, or if the engine blows smoke, but not if the 71 your looking at is painted the right color, or has the correct original radio, seat covers or engine.

If you have contracted with a regular inspection company, do yourself a favor and see if you can cancel it. Then find yourself someone qualified, to do a correct nut and bolt inspection, of a 71 Corvette.
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Old Feb 12, 2013 | 05:37 PM
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Originally Posted by gbvette62
I hate to ask this question now, but who did you order the inspection through?

If it was a Corvette inspection service, a Corvette restoration shop, or a knowledgeable NCRS judge; great, your on the right track!

Unfortunately, if it was one of the generic automotive inspection companies, don't expect to learn too much. They can tell you if the paint is in good shape, or if the engine blows smoke, but not if the 71 your looking at is painted the right color, or has the correct original radio, seat covers or engine
If you have contracted with a regular inspection company, do yourself a favor and see if you can cancel it. Then find yourself someone qualified, to do a correct nut and bolt inspection, of a 71 Corvette.
Tank sticker has turbo hydromaric on it. Turns out tank sticker and protecto plate are not for this car. That is not cool. Engine code is correct for 4 speed 365 but the fact that incorrect documents are being passed makes this corvette suspect. I dont like it. Back to drawing board again!

Last edited by theblackvette; Feb 12, 2013 at 06:58 PM.
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Old Feb 12, 2013 | 07:11 PM
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Originally Posted by theblackvette
Tank sticker has turbo hydromaric on it. Turns out tank sticker and protecto plate are not for this car. That is not cool. Engine code is correct for 4 speed 365 but the fact that incorrect documents are being passed makes this corvette suspect. I dont like it. Back to drawing board again!
That's a shame. The car would have gone well with your tutu.

Keep trying, the right car is out there.
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Old Feb 12, 2013 | 08:04 PM
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Default Oh well,

Oh well, I still say half the fun is looking......once you buy that puppy in the window, you own it and rest of the fun begins!!!
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Old Feb 12, 2013 | 08:24 PM
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Thanks guys....you are right. It is fun to look for them. It would be awesome to find someone here on the forum that is selling theirs. Much better chance of finding an honest seller and a nice real car.
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Old Feb 12, 2013 | 09:42 PM
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any chrome bumper convertible big block has a very high motivation to be faked.
that pad stamp looks good and could fool easily 99% of us. but you have to look at all the numbers thruout the car and the date codes thruout the car to determine what it is.

looks like a real nice car.. if the doc is being passed of as authentic when it is not then base the price accordingly.

nothing wrong with a fake car... just don't pay original engine money for it.
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