L88 identification
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: May 2017
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L88 identification
Guys I´m from a foreign country very close to US, and here we know certainly of a true
´69 L88 that was brought in 1968 for drag racing purposes, and so it lost his engine very soon togheter with its ID #. Today the car is otherwise complete and functional, but without the traditional documentation. HOW CAN WE DOCUMENT IT AS A REAL ONE? Thanks for your advice.
´69 L88 that was brought in 1968 for drag racing purposes, and so it lost his engine very soon togheter with its ID #. Today the car is otherwise complete and functional, but without the traditional documentation. HOW CAN WE DOCUMENT IT AS A REAL ONE? Thanks for your advice.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: May 2017
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Investigator
sadly the gas tank became rotten a couple years ago, and the owner changed it for a new one, without considering this important fact. Also
the VIN # from the left pillar was lost due to a water leak repair. The car was imported through the GM official and only dealer here and we obtain the receipt also quite some time ago, but it didn´t help because was with no details from the car but the VIN #.
the VIN # from the left pillar was lost due to a water leak repair. The car was imported through the GM official and only dealer here and we obtain the receipt also quite some time ago, but it didn´t help because was with no details from the car but the VIN #.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 304
From: Lansing MI
Vin # on the early C3s tells you nothing about the engine and GM has no records of which Vin # came with which engine.
There are clues around the car that can point to it being an L88, but they aren't a guarantee because they were included with other engine options as well. Ex. a single fuel line with no return, a radio delete, or the J56 brake option.
Without the tank sticker or original documentation from the dealer when it was ordered you are $#!+ out of luck.
There are clues around the car that can point to it being an L88, but they aren't a guarantee because they were included with other engine options as well. Ex. a single fuel line with no return, a radio delete, or the J56 brake option.
Without the tank sticker or original documentation from the dealer when it was ordered you are $#!+ out of luck.
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Chaz, my 69 has the criteria you listed,
The j 56s , single fuel line, ( i bought the l88 tank ) even radio plate, but i assure you its a 68 small block 4 speed chassis, under a 69 body......lol
The j 56s , single fuel line, ( i bought the l88 tank ) even radio plate, but i assure you its a 68 small block 4 speed chassis, under a 69 body......lol
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,100
Likes: 800
From: Massapequa Park NY
You will have an easier time proving there is a graviton particle then you will proving that this car is a real L88 without a tank sticker or the original engine.
As stated above, the VIN is stamped onto the frame so you can solve that. But that will not establish its an L88.
If the car has the original trans and its a 4sp then it will be a M22. That would go a big way to proving its a L88 as that trans was not offered on any other engine except possibly one 435 car. The trans will also have a VIN derivative on it.
As stated above, the VIN is stamped onto the frame so you can solve that. But that will not establish its an L88.
If the car has the original trans and its a 4sp then it will be a M22. That would go a big way to proving its a L88 as that trans was not offered on any other engine except possibly one 435 car. The trans will also have a VIN derivative on it.
Last edited by ed427vette; May 6, 2017 at 01:25 AM.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: May 2017
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Thanks guys, I feared to hear all that you have said, some time ago I wanted to buy this car, because I knew it from new, but all this facts made me reconsider doing so. Now I´m just helping it´s owner. It sure wears an M22, and the rest of the signs. Is there a way I could send you pictures of it through here?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,100
Likes: 800
From: Massapequa Park NY
Post a pic of the transmission date stamp including the VIN stamp. If its the original M22 then that's a good indicator. Also, if it is a real L88 its worth ripping up the interior to see if there is another copy of the Corvette Order Copy somewhere in the car. Could be under the carpet, behind the dash or any interior panel.
Good Luck
Good Luck
Last edited by ed427vette; May 6, 2017 at 10:05 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 304
From: Lansing MI
Exactly why I stated the tank sticker was the only real way to know now lol. Heck, I'm sure you remember the drama surrounding the original L88 crate engine in dad's 68. An original L88 engine yes, an original factory L88 car no.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: May 2017
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The car was originally Cortez Silver color, the last picure was from the early 70´s when the car raced. The sadest thing for me, is that I´m completely sure, that it was a real L88 when it came, and now because of years of neglect such a treasure is not going to be part of the survivors.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
a while back a cat came to the forum thinking his field find was a real factory l88, the cat wasnt vette savy or even very car savvy, but could spin a good yarn,
I got drawn in, and noticed he was making his basket case fit what actual l88 experts said it should be, his proif was weak at best,
But none of the so called l88 experts felt the documentation was up to par,
Yet from what i am told to my dismay it still sold for big money to some true believer,
Point is your situation is a bit different, you seem to personally know the car and a lot of history, l88s can and are faked,
but if you are that into it start going in reverse, track it backwards see what you can uncover, in the real world wont be easy,
if wanting to just flip it for tall money you will need some good proof, but if you just want it yourself, is the proof that important, sounds like you already feel and know in your mind its the real deal...so what is the agenda?
I got drawn in, and noticed he was making his basket case fit what actual l88 experts said it should be, his proif was weak at best,
But none of the so called l88 experts felt the documentation was up to par,
Yet from what i am told to my dismay it still sold for big money to some true believer,
Point is your situation is a bit different, you seem to personally know the car and a lot of history, l88s can and are faked,
but if you are that into it start going in reverse, track it backwards see what you can uncover, in the real world wont be easy,
if wanting to just flip it for tall money you will need some good proof, but if you just want it yourself, is the proof that important, sounds like you already feel and know in your mind its the real deal...so what is the agenda?
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: May 2017
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Nice essay, and you are right. The brief answer is that the actual owner feels guilty of leting his baby be lost in history, and wanted to find if there was something to be done in order to autenticate the car, and leave something worthy to his descendants. Thank you all for your help and information it was nice to chat and share with you all.