What to do about a missing Trim tag?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
What to do about a missing Trim tag?
I have a 1969 tripower coupe...VIN matches drive train and frame, but the trim tag was removed in the 70s during a repaint...It is a low optioned Lemans Blue car with 14,600 original miles on the odometer...It has been sitting since the early 80s when the owner put it into a ditch and cracked the rear body panels...
I am going to start putting it back together, and am trying to figure out how to handle the trim tag...The big features of this car are the numbers matching, and the low miles...There is no need to try to do anything to throw the car into question, so would it be better to just leave it with no tag? Or have a repop made? They painted it black in the 70s, but i'm tempted to go back with the Lemans Blue...
I'm not looking for crazy conspiracy comments at all...Just simple advice on what the community thinks is the best approach pertaining to the trim tag missing...
I am going to start putting it back together, and am trying to figure out how to handle the trim tag...The big features of this car are the numbers matching, and the low miles...There is no need to try to do anything to throw the car into question, so would it be better to just leave it with no tag? Or have a repop made? They painted it black in the 70s, but i'm tempted to go back with the Lemans Blue...
I'm not looking for crazy conspiracy comments at all...Just simple advice on what the community thinks is the best approach pertaining to the trim tag missing...
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 4,510
From: Virginia
You are free to paint it whatever color you want, including non-stock modern colors! Graystone Metallic would look awesome on a chrome bumper car, for example.
But seriously, see if you can find the tank sticker (borrow a borescope to see if it's there, if you need to), or anything else that can prove the original color, including anywhere that wasn't painted over.
I'd feel much more comfortable buying a car with no trim tag, especially if there was other documentation. A counterfeit trim tag is a HUGE red flag for fraud. An homage trim tag, that clearly states that it is a repro, and contains either the original colors, or even the modern paint code if you go the restomod route, could be a fun thing to add.
But seriously, see if you can find the tank sticker (borrow a borescope to see if it's there, if you need to), or anything else that can prove the original color, including anywhere that wasn't painted over.
I'd feel much more comfortable buying a car with no trim tag, especially if there was other documentation. A counterfeit trim tag is a HUGE red flag for fraud. An homage trim tag, that clearly states that it is a repro, and contains either the original colors, or even the modern paint code if you go the restomod route, could be a fun thing to add.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 4,510
From: Virginia
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,380
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From: New York
2017 C3 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '20- '21
The odds are not with you but there are legit trim tags floating out there. Finding the correct one would be a "shot in the dark"!!!!I
More realistically would be to have as much documentation you can get an I agree with Bikespace, a repro trim tag that clearly states that it is not real and simply a tribute to the Vette would look good. It would be nice to fill the void with something. Good luck Ike
More realistically would be to have as much documentation you can get an I agree with Bikespace, a repro trim tag that clearly states that it is not real and simply a tribute to the Vette would look good. It would be nice to fill the void with something. Good luck Ike
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,176
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From: perth western australia
what color code for the interior ?
976 for the paint ? correct ?
mine was a 976 with 411 interior . Interestingly it was painted / dyed black about 20 odd years ago
976 for the paint ? correct ?
mine was a 976 with 411 interior . Interestingly it was painted / dyed black about 20 odd years ago
Last edited by bazza77; Nov 17, 2020 at 07:21 AM.
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
I'm trying to figure out what would be thrown into question without the tag...The numbers are all there, and they match...The tag only tells the body color, and interior code...Do people really try to fake a Lemans Blue car? I have minimal experience in the Corvette world, but I know the stories that I have heard...Thats why i'm here asking for opinions.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,400
Likes: 1,226
From: Tampa Florida
I'm trying to figure out what would be thrown into question without the tag...The numbers are all there, and they match...The tag only tells the body color, and interior code...Do people really try to fake a Lemans Blue car? I have minimal experience in the Corvette world, but I know the stories that I have heard...Thats why i'm here asking for opinions.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,103
Likes: 802
From: Massapequa Park NY
I'm trying to figure out what would be thrown into question without the tag...The numbers are all there, and they match...The tag only tells the body color, and interior code...Do people really try to fake a Lemans Blue car? I have minimal experience in the Corvette world, but I know the stories that I have heard...Thats why i'm here asking for opinions.
Also, it will only matter to certain buyers, but it’s usually those buyers who want a correct original car.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Yes, unfortunately there is lots of deception where money is involved. It’s not just the Corvette world it’s everywhere. LeMans Blue is a desirable color. Green not so much for example. Everything can be faked, even all the matching numbers.
Also, it will only matter to certain buyers, but it’s usually those buyers who want a correct original car.
Also, it will only matter to certain buyers, but it’s usually those buyers who want a correct original car.
I come from the Pontiac world, and we have the luxury of the PHS documentations...It sure wouldve been nice if there were the same options for Corvette information.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Chapel Hill NC
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If the vehicle has been sitting since the early 80's and only has 14k miles on you may be lucky and find the build sheet on the tank. I would document (photo) the removal of the tank and the sticker on the tank. I would rather have a build sheet than a trim tag. My build sheet on my 71 was in bad shape and didn't fair too well during the removal from the tank but I have plenty of photos of it on the tank.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
If the vehicle has been sitting since the early 80's and only has 14k miles on you may be lucky and find the build sheet on the tank. I would document (photo) the removal of the tank and the sticker on the tank. I would rather have a build sheet than a trim tag. My build sheet on my 71 was in bad shape and didn't fair too well during the removal from the tank but I have plenty of photos of it on the tank.
The car was taken apart back then...The previous owner was a car guy and knew the value of the build sheet...Unfortunately his widow has been in a bad emotional state since his death, and digging through everything hasnt been a high priority for her...With knowing the feeling of being widowed, i'm not going to press her at this point in time...I'm going to go forward with the mindset that i'll never get the original trim tag or build sheet...
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,236
Likes: 355
From: Albuquerque, NM
I don't think it matters too much unless you're going to have the car judged. I agree with others who have said just leave it with no trim tag since a reproduction is easy to spot and will cast doubts on the whole car. The loss of the trim tag is just part of that car's history and at least the car is honest. I would, however, keep an eye out for an original trim tag that matches the interior and exterior colors and build date. They come up, and Le Mans blue is not a rare color. Heck, there's a guy parting out a Le Mans blue '69 in the parts forum right now. Also watch ebay and the NCRS Driveline, and run an ad in the Driveline.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,502
Likes: 1,510
From: Little Rock AR
Its missing. Just like any other part on a car. It really serves no functional purpose at this time. It does not even look nice.
The only time it will matter is at resale. If the buyer wants to add a repro tag, he can do it himself with ease. It will not change the sale price. A fake tag will hurt you with some buyers.
If you leave it off, you will not hurt anything.
The only time it will matter is at resale. If the buyer wants to add a repro tag, he can do it himself with ease. It will not change the sale price. A fake tag will hurt you with some buyers.
If you leave it off, you will not hurt anything.