new guy question
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3
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new guy question
Hello,
I am considering buying a 1977 corvette. I went and looked at it yesterday. The current owner has owned it for 17 years. The engine was rebuilt in 1989 by the previous owner. I attempted to check to see if the engine was numbers matching and the number on the right side front of the engine below the head is "MG12800". I know the last six of the vin is supposed to be on the pad but obviously it's not. Is if possible it was removed in the rebuilt process? Does anyone know what this number means? Is there another way to find out if its a numbers matching car?
Thank you in advance for any help.
I am considering buying a 1977 corvette. I went and looked at it yesterday. The current owner has owned it for 17 years. The engine was rebuilt in 1989 by the previous owner. I attempted to check to see if the engine was numbers matching and the number on the right side front of the engine below the head is "MG12800". I know the last six of the vin is supposed to be on the pad but obviously it's not. Is if possible it was removed in the rebuilt process? Does anyone know what this number means? Is there another way to find out if its a numbers matching car?
Thank you in advance for any help.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Thank you,
Scott
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,997
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Even if the scenario is true (good luck proving it) that the (VIN derivative) number was machined off, and the engine was original, it is no longer numbers matching.
At any rate, there are no other engine numbers that "match," only a block number and a casting date that "might" be correct.
That number could be a rebuilder's stamp.
At any rate, there are no other engine numbers that "match," only a block number and a casting date that "might" be correct.
That number could be a rebuilder's stamp.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 983
Likes: 35
From: Redding California
Not sure what the numbers you have mean. I have a similar type series on the right side of the pad and the VIN on the left. It's highly unlikely that it was machined off. But it you want to be sure of that, take a small amount of muriatic acid, a q-tip and a rag with you next time you look at it (rubber gloves as well). Get the q-tip wet with the acid and rub it over where the VIN should be. If a VIN was ever stamped there you will see the numbers show themselves. Works really well. Then wipe the pad with the rag. We use this a lot recovering stolen vehicles and parts. Works really well. Of course, you should make sure the owner is cool with that first. If nothing shows, it's never been stamped.
Last edited by 13611; Aug 31, 2015 at 01:31 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,524
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From: Medina Ohio
I completely respect that and agree. Just don't know how "new" he is or his perspective. If it is his preference, I understand, but on the flip side if he thinks it is a huge value changer or possibly influences his decision on a car he would otherwise buy because of the terminology "Numbers Matching" I thought it should be mentioned.
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: SW Florida.
I completely respect that and agree. Just don't know how "new" he is or his perspective. If it is his preference, I understand, but on the flip side if he thinks it is a huge value changer or possibly influences his decision on a car he would otherwise buy because of the terminology "Numbers Matching" I thought it should be mentioned.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Thanks for the replies. I was hoping for numbers matching for originality not for value. The only real issue I can see with the car was the floor boards were replaced at some point and not done to the quality I would have done them too but I can fix that later. The car is solid and the owner allowed me to pull the kick panels and put the car on a lift. The current owner has receipts for a lot of work that has been done over the years. I'm looking for a solid car that I can work on and drive at the same time. Thanks again for the help.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,456
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From: Piedmont Va
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13,'19-'20
Plenty of re-stamps go across Barrett and Mecum presented as "number matching" cars. Numbers Match /= Original Block in many cases. In fact when it can be proven to be the original block, they actually state "Original Motor". If the casting and date codes line up and the car is otherwise solid and priced to your liking I wouldn't consider it a show stopper. 