Another factory Grind Out?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 206
From: Loveland, CO
Another factory Grind Out?
I've been looking at a '72 LT-1 Air car that has an unusual engine pad. The VIN has the "L" designating LT-1 and the engine vin matches the windshield vin. Car is low mileage survivor with 19K miles. Documentation chains ownership from selling dealer, and engine never being out of car. The last letter of the engine suffix really sticks out and is explained as a factory grind out. I have seen one other photo on the Forum that looks the same.
Sorry for the poor photos.
Ralph
Sorry for the poor photos.
Ralph
Last edited by rponfick; Mar 21, 2014 at 11:34 AM.
Race Director
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My addition to your thread would be, that you might compare the vin sequence to the monthly production units built.........
Last edited by Don Rickles; Mar 20, 2014 at 10:05 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,274
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From: Corvetteville USA
perhaps, but....
It could very well be a factory grind out but no way to prove it.
If one is about to shell out that kind of cash there are others available for purchase that do not have excuses.
If one is about to shell out that kind of cash there are others available for purchase that do not have excuses.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 178
Likes: 17
From: South Shore Massachusetts
Ralph,
I had an 72 LT-1 with air a few years back was NCRS top flight judged. To be sure see if you can get a hold of Drew Papsun in CT he has a complete registry of LT-1 air cars.
I will try to find a picture of my vin tonight and pm you.
Tim
I had an 72 LT-1 with air a few years back was NCRS top flight judged. To be sure see if you can get a hold of Drew Papsun in CT he has a complete registry of LT-1 air cars.
I will try to find a picture of my vin tonight and pm you.
Tim
Last edited by Tjf2000; Mar 21, 2014 at 01:06 PM.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 206
From: Loveland, CO
I admit photos are poor. Tried closeup on camera, but not much help. Didn't have a lot of time to picture. Documentation is good , but I guess you take your chances.
I talked to Drew Papsun and it is on his registry, but he doesn't know where his information came from.
From searching old posts hereon, no way to prove much of anything.
Thanks, Ralph
I talked to Drew Papsun and it is on his registry, but he doesn't know where his information came from.
From searching old posts hereon, no way to prove much of anything.
Thanks, Ralph
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
From merely the standpoint of LOGIC [only]: the facts that it has a grind-out and the change makes it an LT-1 AND that is was previously sold through a specialty dealer....I would say that the odds are greatly toward it being a "fake" job.
Without other BETTER documentation, I wouldn't spend extra money on it for being 'real'.
Without other BETTER documentation, I wouldn't spend extra money on it for being 'real'.
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Ralph,
The photos are really not useable but do show me a couple things different then my car? Showing on the first head bolt location, my car has a bolt not a stud with nut and washer. Next I see a tower clamp on the small water pump hose, my has the strap type.
Finally, this car was built 2000+/- cars after my car was produced, but the engine assembly date is two weeks before mine. It does still fall within the accepted "6 month" rule? What's the casting number on the rear flange read? Is the smog equipment missing too? I know taking those stamp pad pictures is almost impossible with the AC and smog in the way........
The photos are really not useable but do show me a couple things different then my car? Showing on the first head bolt location, my car has a bolt not a stud with nut and washer. Next I see a tower clamp on the small water pump hose, my has the strap type.
Finally, this car was built 2000+/- cars after my car was produced, but the engine assembly date is two weeks before mine. It does still fall within the accepted "6 month" rule? What's the casting number on the rear flange read? Is the smog equipment missing too? I know taking those stamp pad pictures is almost impossible with the AC and smog in the way........
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 206
From: Loveland, CO
Kevin, thanks for the comments. The block casting is 3970010, with casting date code of C132. I noticed the VIN sequence spread to your car with the engine dates being close. In checking the Vin production sequence by month to the K02 trim plate date, it comes out about right on.
I did notice the nut and stud intake configuration, but would appreciate some more comments on that. I have always been familiar with bolts being used. I am not sure when the factory stopped using the tower hose clamps. Smog equipment is long gone.
Ralph.
I did notice the nut and stud intake configuration, but would appreciate some more comments on that. I have always been familiar with bolts being used. I am not sure when the factory stopped using the tower hose clamps. Smog equipment is long gone.
Ralph.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,274
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Ralph,
No opinion on the pad here but some thoughts…
Right now this is someone else's car and you have a question about it in your mind… this is HIS problem not yours.
If you buy the car the question will still be in your mind (you'll have convinced yourself to ignore the question), but the problem will now be YOURS.
Why not wait for a car you want that doesn't have this sort of question about it?
Regards,
Alan
It seems like the engine plants could never quite get the stamping process on the high performance engine pads down pat… they seem to be the VAST majority of unusual pads!
???
No opinion on the pad here but some thoughts…
Right now this is someone else's car and you have a question about it in your mind… this is HIS problem not yours.
If you buy the car the question will still be in your mind (you'll have convinced yourself to ignore the question), but the problem will now be YOURS.
Why not wait for a car you want that doesn't have this sort of question about it?
Regards,
Alan
It seems like the engine plants could never quite get the stamping process on the high performance engine pads down pat… they seem to be the VAST majority of unusual pads!
???
Race Director
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Kevin, thanks for the comments. The block casting is 3970010, with casting date code of C132. I noticed the VIN sequence spread to your car with the engine dates being close. In checking the Vin production sequence by month to the K02 trim plate date, it comes out about right on.
I did notice the nut and stud intake configuration, but would appreciate some more comments on that. I have always been familiar with bolts being used. I am not sure when the factory stopped using the tower hose clamps. Smog equipment is long gone.
Ralph.
I did notice the nut and stud intake configuration, but would appreciate some more comments on that. I have always been familiar with bolts being used. I am not sure when the factory stopped using the tower hose clamps. Smog equipment is long gone.
Ralph.
The casting date of March 13, 1972 with an assembly date of March 15,1972 build date June 2nd 1972 is that right?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 206
From: Loveland, CO
Kevin, those are the dates I have. Is that too quick turn around from casting to assembly? Never seen comments on that on Forum. Timing to build date seems OK.
Alan, why do you always have to come up with such logical arguments. You know I need a project. And my L-71 is not even in Hong Kong yet.
Ralph
Alan, why do you always have to come up with such logical arguments. You know I need a project. And my L-71 is not even in Hong Kong yet.
Ralph