New to Corvettes
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Intermediate
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New to Corvettes
I may be purchasing a 1978 Corvette. My question is regarding exterior colors. The car I am considering is a two tone dark blue top and light blue bottom with red pinstrip. Was this a factory color offering?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Palmdale CA
Yes, they came in two tone colors. The trim tag in the drivers door jamb will have both colors listed. 83U for Dark Metallic Blue Upper and 26L for Frost Blue Power. Not sure about the pin stripe.
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Thanks for the info. I should have the door tag info later today. The VIN # did verify it as the L-82.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Palmdale CA
http://www.hobbycarcorvettes.net/cat...lue-corvettes/
The 1978 Corvette was the 25th Anniversary of the corvette. They release two special corvettes for this year, one was a Black/Silver Indy Pace Car and a Silver/Gray Anniversary Vette. 78 they produced two different color Blue Corvettes: code 26 Corvette Light Blue and Code 83 Corvette Dark Blue. Production numbers are 1,960 Corvette Light Blue and 2,084 Corvette Dark Blue.
The 1979 Vette used the high back seats that where original used in the Indy Pace cars of 78. Chevrolet used the same blues in 1979 as 78 with code 28 Corvette Light Blue 3,203 and Corvette Dark Blue 5,670.
The 1978 Corvette was the 25th Anniversary of the corvette. They release two special corvettes for this year, one was a Black/Silver Indy Pace Car and a Silver/Gray Anniversary Vette. 78 they produced two different color Blue Corvettes: code 26 Corvette Light Blue and Code 83 Corvette Dark Blue. Production numbers are 1,960 Corvette Light Blue and 2,084 Corvette Dark Blue.
The 1979 Vette used the high back seats that where original used in the Indy Pace cars of 78. Chevrolet used the same blues in 1979 as 78 with code 28 Corvette Light Blue 3,203 and Corvette Dark Blue 5,670.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Palmdale CA
That's a really nice looking Corvette. In all honesty, I only see the two RPO options of either the Pace Car Black/Silver or the Anniversary Two Tone Silver. They didn't come out with multi-colors until '81 (correct me if I'm wrong). I get conflicting information.
This C3, might have very well, been ordered that way. Only the trim tag will tell. If it is a Special Order, then it would be a pretty rare '78 IMHO, as this is the only one, I can find on Google Images or Web. It certainly looks like a Factory paint job.
Feel free to elaborate on this, I'm curious too, as to what the tag or the owner has to say about this.
This C3, might have very well, been ordered that way. Only the trim tag will tell. If it is a Special Order, then it would be a pretty rare '78 IMHO, as this is the only one, I can find on Google Images or Web. It certainly looks like a Factory paint job.
Feel free to elaborate on this, I'm curious too, as to what the tag or the owner has to say about this.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Northeast
You would get a two tone paint job if you ordered a Pace Car. The trim tag would read 19/47 Black/Silver Metallic
Or if you ordered a 78 with the Silver Anniversary paint job. 13/07 Silver/Dark gray.
Otherwise you got one of the 10 colors offered that year, no combos
Or if you ordered a 78 with the Silver Anniversary paint job. 13/07 Silver/Dark gray.
Otherwise you got one of the 10 colors offered that year, no combos
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Easton Pennsylvania
Looks like the lower color and the red stripe were added after the factory. The rear bumperette also gives it away. Its supposed to be satin black,
Last edited by persuader; Nov 20, 2015 at 12:30 AM.
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Last edited by Don Rickles; Nov 20, 2015 at 08:05 AM.
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Thank you for all the info. The info on the bumpers makes sense. The fronts are also painted blue. The break on the stripe also looks to be in the wrong position to be factory when I look at the SA and Pace Car models. The interior looks correct except for the ad-on L-82 emblem on the console. I guess he couldn't see the ones on the hood well enough. LOL! I would say the car likely is dark blue with the light blue and stripe added. He probably liked the 2 tones in the 80-82 and wanted to simulate that. I plan on repainting the car regardless but it is good to know.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Northeast
Just an fyi, the console trim plate has been changed. From the factory it would have been black not the wood grain, no option for that. It is possible to get a copy of the original invoice showing how the car left the factory if you do buy it and want further information.
The owner made some changes and none of the changes matter if you like the car, mechanically checks out, and you are happy then good luck.
The owner made some changes and none of the changes matter if you like the car, mechanically checks out, and you are happy then good luck.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2015
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Just an fyi, the console trim plate has been changed. From the factory it would have been black not the wood grain, no option for that. It is possible to get a copy of the original invoice showing how the car left the factory if you do buy it and want further information.
The owner made some changes and none of the changes matter if you like the car, mechanically checks out, and you are happy then good luck.
The owner made some changes and none of the changes matter if you like the car, mechanically checks out, and you are happy then good luck.
I noticed the dash accents. I have seen these in a lot of the parts catalogues. They seemed to be very popular in the late 80's-early 90's. I plan on changing to original style or something different. I hope to have a photo of the data tag and maybe I can find the build sheet when I inspect the car next week. Would the build sheet be under a seat like many other GM cars were? The previous owners were an older couple and I think he liked to add the "ginger-bread" stuff to his cars. I think the tailpipes and mufflers are not correct either. The engine bay and engine appear to look fairly correct for a L-82.
Last edited by Indian-giver; Nov 20, 2015 at 09:04 AM.