Vetting a Corvette C3
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 86
Likes: 12
From: Radnor PA
Vetting a Corvette C3
Ok, Ive searched the forum and I think the answer is you can't!
However, I just want to make sure.
I'm looking at C3s, 1969-1972 only.
If the Dash VIN matches the Engine VIN and matches the Trans. VIN and they do no look reworked, I guess that is one thing.
But with no Window Sticker, no Tank sticker, no P-O-P , and no other paperwork, there is no way to vet a vette?
How do I know if it originally came with Air Conditioning, Leather, Shoulder Belts, Power Windows, Etc....from the factory, and that these things were not added by someone since the car was built???
Am I missing something or am I just a spoiled Mustang guy with a Marti Report? LOL
If I'm correct about not being able to vet the car, how do you protect yourself from buying a "made-up" car".
Thanks in advance!
Tony
However, I just want to make sure.
I'm looking at C3s, 1969-1972 only.
If the Dash VIN matches the Engine VIN and matches the Trans. VIN and they do no look reworked, I guess that is one thing.
But with no Window Sticker, no Tank sticker, no P-O-P , and no other paperwork, there is no way to vet a vette?
How do I know if it originally came with Air Conditioning, Leather, Shoulder Belts, Power Windows, Etc....from the factory, and that these things were not added by someone since the car was built???
Am I missing something or am I just a spoiled Mustang guy with a Marti Report? LOL
If I'm correct about not being able to vet the car, how do you protect yourself from buying a "made-up" car".
Thanks in advance!
Tony
Last edited by vespaholic; Aug 3, 2017 at 11:34 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,361
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Tony,
If you're not too experienced it's a good idea to have someone with an experienced 'eye' take a look at the engine stamp pad, the VIN tag on the a-pillar, the stamps on the transmission, and the stamp on the left rear frame rail, (if it's legible), to see what EACH of them look like, and what they look like in TOTAL.
Also, a car generally will tell it's own story if you give it a chance.
Made-up cars very often give themselves away in very subtle ways.
Looking at the many other parts through out the car that have part numbers, date codes, and configurations that indicate what cars they would be appropriate for, and can point to a made-up car too.
Regards,
Alan
If you're not too experienced it's a good idea to have someone with an experienced 'eye' take a look at the engine stamp pad, the VIN tag on the a-pillar, the stamps on the transmission, and the stamp on the left rear frame rail, (if it's legible), to see what EACH of them look like, and what they look like in TOTAL.
Also, a car generally will tell it's own story if you give it a chance.
Made-up cars very often give themselves away in very subtle ways.
Looking at the many other parts through out the car that have part numbers, date codes, and configurations that indicate what cars they would be appropriate for, and can point to a made-up car too.
Regards,
Alan
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 434
Likes: 47
From: Lake in the Hills IL
Ok, Ive searched the forum and I think the answer is you can't!
However, I just want to make sure.
I'm looking at C3s, 1969-1972 only.
If the Dash VIN matches the Engine VIN and matches the Trans. VIN and they do no look reworked, I guess that is one thing.
But with no Window Sticker, no Tank sticker, no P-O-P , and no other paperwork, there is no way to vet a vette?
How do I know if it originally came with Air Conditioning, Leather, Shoulder Belts, Power Windows, Etc....from the factory, and that these things were not added by someone since the car was built???
Am I missing something or am I just a spoiled Mustang guy with a Marti Report? LOL
If I'm correct about not being able to vet the car, how do you protect yourself from buying a "made-up" car".
Thanks in advance!
Tony
However, I just want to make sure.
I'm looking at C3s, 1969-1972 only.
If the Dash VIN matches the Engine VIN and matches the Trans. VIN and they do no look reworked, I guess that is one thing.
But with no Window Sticker, no Tank sticker, no P-O-P , and no other paperwork, there is no way to vet a vette?
How do I know if it originally came with Air Conditioning, Leather, Shoulder Belts, Power Windows, Etc....from the factory, and that these things were not added by someone since the car was built???
Am I missing something or am I just a spoiled Mustang guy with a Marti Report? LOL
If I'm correct about not being able to vet the car, how do you protect yourself from buying a "made-up" car".
Thanks in advance!
Tony
If you're looking for a particular car, folks on here will help when you post pics and whatnot. When you narrow it down, might want to contact a local NCRS chapter and see if they have a guy that specializes in X year that can help you with an inspection.
Also, read the sticky on 10 things before buying your first corvette.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,151
Likes: 294
From: Opelousas, Lousiana
CI 6-7 & 9 Veteran
Without a tank sticker or ORIGINAL window sticker, I do not think there is any way to know what options came on a 1968-1972 Corvette. Maybe some day archives will be discovered. Later C3s have some recoreds avaiable, but early ones do not as far as I know.
Ok, Ive searched the forum and I think the answer is you can't!
However, I just want to make sure.
I'm looking at C3s, 1969-1972 only.
If the Dash VIN matches the Engine VIN and matches the Trans. VIN and they do no look reworked, I guess that is one thing.
But with no Window Sticker, no Tank sticker, no P-O-P , and no other paperwork, there is no way to vet a vette?
How do I know if it originally came with Air Conditioning, Leather, Shoulder Belts, Power Windows, Etc....from the factory, and that these things were not added by someone since the car was built???
Am I missing something or am I just a spoiled Mustang guy with a Marti Report? LOL
If I'm correct about not being able to vet the car, how do you protect yourself from buying a "made-up" car".
Thanks in advance!
Tony
However, I just want to make sure.
I'm looking at C3s, 1969-1972 only.
If the Dash VIN matches the Engine VIN and matches the Trans. VIN and they do no look reworked, I guess that is one thing.
But with no Window Sticker, no Tank sticker, no P-O-P , and no other paperwork, there is no way to vet a vette?
How do I know if it originally came with Air Conditioning, Leather, Shoulder Belts, Power Windows, Etc....from the factory, and that these things were not added by someone since the car was built???
Am I missing something or am I just a spoiled Mustang guy with a Marti Report? LOL
If I'm correct about not being able to vet the car, how do you protect yourself from buying a "made-up" car".
Thanks in advance!
Tony
Last edited by crawfish333; Aug 3, 2017 at 11:47 AM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 86
Likes: 12
From: Radnor PA
Thanks for the replies.
I am consulting with Pancho and will most likely send him out when I find a car that interests me.
I've read the "Ten Rules" and it has been very, very helpful.
In fact, I have walked from cars based on what I learned in that post.
I've read a lot here on what a VIN should look like on an engine and I'd like to think I've been around the hobby log enough to spot a dash VIN issue...but you never know!
I guess I just like paperwork!!
My 1970 Boss 302 has a Marti Report, Photo copy of the window sticker and sales order (furnished by the original selling dealer), Eminger Report, and a ton of receipts back to 1974 etc......
I'd like to find the same with my C3.
I am consulting with Pancho and will most likely send him out when I find a car that interests me.
I've read the "Ten Rules" and it has been very, very helpful.
In fact, I have walked from cars based on what I learned in that post.
I've read a lot here on what a VIN should look like on an engine and I'd like to think I've been around the hobby log enough to spot a dash VIN issue...but you never know!
I guess I just like paperwork!!
My 1970 Boss 302 has a Marti Report, Photo copy of the window sticker and sales order (furnished by the original selling dealer), Eminger Report, and a ton of receipts back to 1974 etc......
I'd like to find the same with my C3.
Last edited by vespaholic; Aug 3, 2017 at 12:06 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 41
From: Pinecrest FL
2015 C3 of the Year Finalist
Adding factory AC to a non AC car is not an easy task. If all of the components for the AC system are in place, chances are it came that way from the factory that way.
Generally, I don't think anyone would go through the trouble of trying to pass off a car as factory AC unless it was a 69 427 (400hp really, although 390hp also) or a 72 LT1.
There are also some assembly line differences in cars with AC vs non AC cars.
Gary
Generally, I don't think anyone would go through the trouble of trying to pass off a car as factory AC unless it was a 69 427 (400hp really, although 390hp also) or a 72 LT1.
There are also some assembly line differences in cars with AC vs non AC cars.
Gary
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 979
Likes: 254
From: Bethlehem, PA
If you are paying for originality, a special engine or package option you need to get Real proof. For the early Corvettes you are looking at, a build sheet, aka, tank sticker is usually the best overall, But it should be verified authentic by the NCRS. The protecto plate has a lot of information on it along with the vin, But it should also have a shipping report from the NCRS to see if the dealer is the same. Order copies are an excellent piece of information as long as you know it is real; not ordered on ebay along with a window sticker. Engine stamps can be authenticated by a few experts for a fee. Besides the casting date, the broach marks and pad surface examination, they have many examples of genuine stamps and look at the various characters in the stamp and compare it to those near or at the date it was stamped.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ocumented.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ocumented.html
Thanks for the replies.
I am consulting with Pancho and will most likely send him out when I find a car that interests me.
I've read the "Ten Rules" and it has been very, very helpful.
In fact, I have walked from cars based on what I learned in that post.
I've read a lot here on what a VIN should look like on an engine and I'd like to think I've been around the hobby log enough to spot a dash VIN issue...but you never know!
I guess I just like paperwork!!
My 1970 Boss 302 has a Marti Report, Photo copy of the window sticker and sales order (furnished by the original selling dealer), Eminger Report, and a ton of receipts back to 1974 etc......
I'd like to find the same with my C3.
I am consulting with Pancho and will most likely send him out when I find a car that interests me.
I've read the "Ten Rules" and it has been very, very helpful.
In fact, I have walked from cars based on what I learned in that post.
I've read a lot here on what a VIN should look like on an engine and I'd like to think I've been around the hobby log enough to spot a dash VIN issue...but you never know!
I guess I just like paperwork!!
My 1970 Boss 302 has a Marti Report, Photo copy of the window sticker and sales order (furnished by the original selling dealer), Eminger Report, and a ton of receipts back to 1974 etc......
I'd like to find the same with my C3.
