When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I'm the new owner of a 69 that has been repainted Monza Red. However, the Trim Tag states the original color was Tuxedo Black which I understand to be a rare color.
I recently learned from reading another thread on this forum that it's common for the Trim Tag to be counterfeit. I'm wondering if any of you specialists out there can asses the authenticity of my tag.
Pic below...
I'm including photos of the Engine block stamp and the VIN plate in the event that's helpful...
Car history: 2) 1969 Corvette Stingray T-top coupe, Professional Frame-off Restoration on this highly optioned Corvette(look under this car!) Matching #s Chevrolet 350cid V-8@350HP, Matching #s Muncie 4 Speed Transmission, Fully Independent rear diff with posi-traction, Mirror Finish correct 974 code Monza Red, Color Matched removable T-Tops w/storage bags, Optional Saddle Leather Bucket Seat Interior,Optional Power Windows, Optional Power Steering, Optional Power 4 wheel Disk Brakes,Optional Factory Air-conditioning, Optional Tilt Steering Wheel, Factory Console w/Full Gauge Package, Correct Corvette Rally Wheels Mounted to period correct Red Line Radial Tires, Great Sounding Dual Exhaust with Factory Tips. $39,990. March 24, 2015.
1) The car is an all numbers matching original tuxedo black car that only 708 were made, its a 350/350 hp - 4spd car, new stainless exhaust, body and interior had a complete restoration last summer, looking to sell the car to make room for a new corvette so please serious bidder only. The list of parts that went into the car is to long to put down but the pictures will explain it. Impossible de grossir les photos. August 6, 2014.
Last edited by aquaroscoe; Dec 16, 2020 at 08:33 PM.
I know the car. Actually, I almost bought it It is 100% an original trim tag and was delivered as a Tuxedo Black car from the factory. It is also 100% the original motor and a factory TI car which is rare for an L46 350 HP. If I bought it I was going to put the car back stock and paint it black. You got a great car, congrats!
Thank you. I absolutely love the car. I wasn't overly concerned about the Trim Tag but as I mentioned I came across another thread that mentioned the Tuxedo Black's are often forged, so I grew curious. I like the red but I too have considered one day returning it to the original 900 Tuxedo Black.
I'm curious... how do you know the car? Anything else you know about it? Where did you almost buy it?
I almost bought it a number of years back before it was sold to Flemings Garage in MD. Then it popped up on BAT a few months ago and talked with the seller at length and almost bought it, It's a great car!
Congrats on a great car! In reading through this post and looking at your photos I see an engine suffix code of GD. I own 1969 as well, with a non AC 350hp 350 with a build date G12 (the month prior to your car). My suffix code is HW which is correct for a non AC car. The suffix code for a 350hp AC car is HX.
Everything I see looks absolutely authentic from the photos. I'm just curious if any of the numbers gurus on this site can explain why the GD suffix code? In several of the web sites I reference for suffix codes I don't see any listing for this code used on a 1969 vette. GD does show up for a 1957 283 w/powerglide.
Is it possible this code is used to denote the rare TI option?
Just curious
Norm
From: Loud, Raw and Dangerous 1968 327 4S in Southern California
And here is a picture of one that was just sprayed over and then cleaned up by my cars P.O. Car exterior color was changed from blue to red and I believe this is the original tag for this car.
From: Loud, Raw and Dangerous 1968 327 4S in Southern California
Originally Posted by itpbrian
You guys are the best! Thanks for all the great info. Any idea how much it would cost to return this car to its Tuxedo Black origins?
My guess is anywhere from $2-3K to do it yourself to $10K+ at a professional shop. I wonder if it would add that much to the value of the car or not. Let's see what the experts say.
According to the Black Book GD is for the cars with transistor ignition also.
I learned something new today about the 1969 model Thanks to all who chimed in to confirm my suspicions. This is the first GD suffix coded I have seen either by photo or in person.
itpbrian, My 69 is a Riverside gold car that was white when I purchased it back in 2011. I spent the next 3 1/2 years doing a complete frame off including paint. My business has had me running a spray gun for the last 30 years so painting a car was no issue for me. My base coat, clear, primers and all other related alone were in the neighborhood $2000. It is all about prep-work and with black it is all that more important. I don't know what you paid for your car but in light of the rarity and desirability of the black cars spending 10K to have the car professionally done could very well net you at least an increased value of what the paint job cost.
All the best,
Norm
OP: some great info from very helpful members here.
* If you decide to clean up the pad more, you should use a little chemical paint remover vs. scraping the area with screwdrivers, putty knives, etc. You don't want to mess up the broach marks on the pad.
* According to my NCRS spec guide: GD: 350 ci; Order code L46; 350 hp; Rochester Q-jet, Special Cam; A/C; K66 (TI); 4-speed. Nice
* Good direction on advice on paint. IF you know how to prep yourself (and Boswell is 100% correct - a good paint job is all about correct prep), plan on at least $2-3k in materials. If you have a good shop do it, you're probably looking at over $10k and likely more because you're changing colors and all jam/other areas need to be prepped and done correctly.
I love this forum. As I mentioned, I'm new to this. So impressed with all the knowledge you guys have and your willingness to help a rookie. I've wanted this car since I'm a kid and been feeling like a kid ever since it rolled off the truck and up my driveway. Thanks again!
Brian,
It would cost between $5k and $11k depending on how much you do yourself. Your paint is nice so a body shop wouldn't need to strip the car but they would need to disassemble the doors etc to ensure proper coverage of the new color. To save money you could remove and install all exterior trim, bumpers, door handles etc that way you are not paying someone hourly to do it. The key with black it to make sure the prep is done right because black shows everything and then make sure the body shop is good at finishing and buffing. In regards to the value I think if your car was finished in Tuxedo Black and was as close to stock as possible it could bring up to $45k. BTW, here is another 900 code 420 interior Tag from an original 69 paint car for reference:
Thanks DKM... I just saw your Tuxedo Black in your other thread. That is a magnificent car. Really tempting me to go black.
With all the history and documentation on your car, it's a safe investment in my opinion to put her back to black. Done right, I am just a huge fan of black lacquer cars and it looks like you have one underneath the Monza Red. Great car, you've got a really nice ride. Congrats!
Trim tag verification
It is 100% an original trim tag and was delivered as a Tuxedo Black car from the factory. It is also 100% the original motor and a factory TI car which is rare for an L46 350 HP. If I bought it I was going to put the car back stock and paint it black. You got a great car, congrats!
Thanks to all who chimed in to confirm my suspicions. This is the first GD suffix coded I have seen either by photo or in person.
