C3 factory conditions

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Oct 14, 2016 | 04:49 AM

n3Xar

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2nd Gear

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From: Biberist Solothurn

C3 factory conditions

Hi there,

I'm an owner of a beautiful 77 T-Top Corvette. Sadly the previous owner did some ugly upgrades, interior modifications and a horrible paint job. Now I would like to fix that and bring back the beauty of the factory condition.

But I have now idea how I can find out how she looked when she was born.

With german cars it's quite easy to ask the manufacturer and even get a certification when you finished your restoration.

So I hoped you can help me find out who i need to ask or what I need for that.

- n3Xar

Oct 14, 2016 | 05:18 AM

revitup

Burning Brakes

Joined: Dec 2005

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From: Pawleys Island, SC

$50 to GMHeritage Center will get you a copy of the invoice showing the options it came with.

https://www.gmheritagecenter.com

The trim tag inside the driver's side door will show the original colors, inside and outside. A little sleuthing and deduction usually is required too.

Oct 14, 2016 | 06:59 AM

Easy Mike

Team Owner

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From: Southbound

Cruise-In II Veteran

Congrats on the 77. There are quite a few publications available concerning the Corvette. These can get you started.

Internet searches will also kick up information and pics.

Oct 14, 2016 | 08:19 AM

bmotojoe

Safety Car

Joined: Oct 2007

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From: Seattle Area Washington

There were several changes made to the 1977 during the production run, so knowing if you own a late or early model is important. Most people say the cutoff point between early and late is at serial #1Z37x7S427373. Around that time the alarm switch was moved from the drivers fender and incorporated into the driver's door lock. The change from 19 pin t-top weather strip to 18 pin occurred after that point. Having a copy of the invoice will help with what your car came off the production line equipped with, and where it was delivered to. Wow! $50.00 now for a copy. Mine was free, but that was a long time ago. I own a low mileage late model L48 A/C auto 77 that is mostly original if you have any questions I can try to help.

Oct 14, 2016 | 09:07 AM

Nowhere Man

Team Owner

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From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa

2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified

2015 C2 of Year Finalist

a good start is the NCRS judging manual for 77. NCRS.org

Oct 14, 2016 | 10:01 AM

gjohnson

Drifting

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From: Denver CO

Trim code will tell paint/interior

Oct 15, 2016 | 01:45 AM

tpfarm

Pro

Joined: Oct 2010

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From: Palm Desert California

"Corvette 1968-1982 Restoration Guide" by Richard Prince will give you a lot original pictures of how these cars were built.

Oct 15, 2016 | 08:05 AM

oldgto

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From: Orlando FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by tpfarm

"Corvette 1968-1982 Restoration Guide" by Richard Prince will give you a lot original pictures of how these cars were built.

Quote:

Originally Posted by n3Xar

Sadly the previous owner did.....a horrible paint job. Now I would like to fix that and bring back the beauty of the factory condition.
But I have now idea how I can find out how she looked when she was born.

Remember that back then these cars were painted at the factory by men in a hurry, not machines. So the paint was not without flaws. The restoration guide says runs, over spray, and poor coverage at the lower sections was normal.
A good many restorations actually end up making the car look better than it came from the factory. The suggestions above for the NCRS and restoration guides should help you a LOT to determine how to get what you want.