77 Paint Code Help
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 135
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From: The North Coast
77 Paint Code Help
My son just picked up a 1977 coupe. The paint code is " 0IL" (The number Zero, uppercase letter " I " as in Impossible, uppercase letter " L" as in Lost.)
Any help in decoding it would be greatly appreciated.
Just another Corvette guy
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,518
Likes: 3,865
From: Palm Springs, CA.
Don,
I have done much research over the years on C3 trim tags and especially paint codes, but this is, hands down, the oddest one I've ever come across and I have no logical explanation for this code. But I am very intrigued and would love to help you get to the bottom of it. Although fairly rare, I have come across SPEC, SPECIAL, PRIME and PRIMER for unusual codes but never OIL.
Interior trim shows Smoked Grey which only came with 7 of the 12 offered exterior colors, White, Silver, Black, Light Blue, Dark Blue, Red and Dark Red. And clearly the code is nowhere near any of those codes (as in a mis-stamp).
Build date shows September 7, 1976 so it's a very early build car, probably in the first 5,000 out of a full run of almost 50,000 for the entire year.
A few of questions:
1- What history came with the car?
2- Does your son know how many previous owners?
3- What is the car's current color?
4- Does it look like a repaint?
5- Can you pull one of the rocker sills and see what is the oldest color underneath any repaints?
This car would really be worth looking into for a build sheet on the fuel tank.
Cheers, Greg
I have done much research over the years on C3 trim tags and especially paint codes, but this is, hands down, the oddest one I've ever come across and I have no logical explanation for this code. But I am very intrigued and would love to help you get to the bottom of it. Although fairly rare, I have come across SPEC, SPECIAL, PRIME and PRIMER for unusual codes but never OIL.
Interior trim shows Smoked Grey which only came with 7 of the 12 offered exterior colors, White, Silver, Black, Light Blue, Dark Blue, Red and Dark Red. And clearly the code is nowhere near any of those codes (as in a mis-stamp).
Build date shows September 7, 1976 so it's a very early build car, probably in the first 5,000 out of a full run of almost 50,000 for the entire year.
A few of questions:
1- What history came with the car?
2- Does your son know how many previous owners?
3- What is the car's current color?
4- Does it look like a repaint?
5- Can you pull one of the rocker sills and see what is the oldest color underneath any repaints?
This car would really be worth looking into for a build sheet on the fuel tank.
Cheers, Greg
Last edited by Greg; Apr 20, 2022 at 01:29 AM.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 135
Likes: 3
From: The North Coast
Hi Greg,
Sorry it took so long to get back to everyone, I had some difficulty logging in to the forum, and finally got back into my account tonight.
.
I guess as they say, it's a genuine barn find.
We need to get the build sheet from the tank to learn more.
Thanks for sharing an interest in this mystery, I'll keep you posted.
Don
Sorry it took so long to get back to everyone, I had some difficulty logging in to the forum, and finally got back into my account tonight.
.
- The Vette has a custom front end, and was definitely repainted black. When we get a chance, we'll pull the rocker to see what's under it.
- It's interior is Smoke Grey as it should be, and appears original. The leather seats, & steering wheel are is in very good condition.
- The engine appears original and all there, the engine bay is in good condition as well.
- Still don't know much of its history yet, other than it was in PA, then FL, then back to PA. Guessing 3 owners?
- Only 88 miles put on it since 2015.
- Has a very low production number, below 3000.
- Has factory speed control (Cruise), but is a 4 speed car. According to the literature, it should of only been available on automatic transmission cars.
I guess as they say, it's a genuine barn find.
We need to get the build sheet from the tank to learn more.
Thanks for sharing an interest in this mystery, I'll keep you posted.
Don
Last edited by C0RVETTED0N; Apr 22, 2022 at 02:59 AM.
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From: Central Florida
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Hi Greg,
Sorry it took so long to get back to everyone, I had some difficulty logging in to the forum, and finally got back into my account tonight.
.
I guess as they say, it's a genuine barn find.
We need to get the build sheet from the tank to learn more.
Thanks for sharing an interest in this mystery, I'll keep you posted.
Don
Sorry it took so long to get back to everyone, I had some difficulty logging in to the forum, and finally got back into my account tonight.
.
- The Vette has a custom front end, and was definitely repainted black. When we get a chance, we'll pull the rocker to see what's under it.
- It's interior is Smoke Grey as it should be, and appears original. The leather seats, & steering wheel are is in very good condition.
- The engine appears original and all there, the engine bay is in good condition as well.
- Still don't know much of its history yet, other than it was in PA, then FL, then back to PA. Guessing 3 owners?
- Only 88 miles put on it since 2015.
- Has a very low production number, below 3000.
- Has factory speed control (Cruise), but is a 4 speed car. According to the literature, it should of only been available on automatic transmission cars.
I guess as they say, it's a genuine barn find.
We need to get the build sheet from the tank to learn more.
Thanks for sharing an interest in this mystery, I'll keep you posted.
Don
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Just another Corvette guy
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,518
Likes: 3,865
From: Palm Springs, CA.
Hi Don,
Thanks for the update. You are correct about option K30 (Speed Control) only being available on cars with automatic transmission for 1977. So either the cruise control was added or the car was converted from an automatic to a 4 speed. You can determine which by checking the engine suffix code:
L-48 automatic code is CLA
L-48 4 speed code is CKZ
L-82 automatic code is CLF
L-82 4 speed code is CLD
If I had to guess, I'd say someone probably converted the car to a standard transmission. It's not a common change up, but happens more often than you'd expect.
I'm anxious to hear back on what you find under that rocker sill.
The tank sticker would be a super bonus on this particular car.
Cheers, Greg
Thanks for the update. You are correct about option K30 (Speed Control) only being available on cars with automatic transmission for 1977. So either the cruise control was added or the car was converted from an automatic to a 4 speed. You can determine which by checking the engine suffix code:
L-48 automatic code is CLA
L-48 4 speed code is CKZ
L-82 automatic code is CLF
L-82 4 speed code is CLD
If I had to guess, I'd say someone probably converted the car to a standard transmission. It's not a common change up, but happens more often than you'd expect.
I'm anxious to hear back on what you find under that rocker sill.
The tank sticker would be a super bonus on this particular car.
Cheers, Greg
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,225
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From: Lake Tahoe, CA
I have a query for the paint code on NCRS so far I found this:
Lower. In late model C3 years the L was used and I'm not sure when it started showing up on trim tags. But paint codes were used for lower, upper and middle and the first letter was used. So with Pace Cars and Silver Anniversary Cars with two paint schemes, both the U and the L were used.
In other Chevrolet fleets, they used all three which I believe goes back to the fifties when three colors could be used to paint a car
Re: 1977 Trim Tag Paint Code 26L
Lower. In late model C3 years the L was used and I'm not sure when it started showing up on trim tags. But paint codes were used for lower, upper and middle and the first letter was used. So with Pace Cars and Silver Anniversary Cars with two paint schemes, both the U and the L were used.In other Chevrolet fleets, they used all three which I believe goes back to the fifties when three colors could be used to paint a car
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 943
From: Lake Tahoe, CA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 943
From: Lake Tahoe, CA
Dave Perry (19643) has just replied to a thread you have subscribed to entitled - Need to clarify Paint Code for a 1977 Corvette - in the Technical Discussion forum of NCRS Discussion Boards.
This thread is located at:
https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...e&goto=newpost
Here is the message that has just been posted:
***************
I have a Service Parts Operations "GM Production Options" book, effective March, 2001. It lists 01L as 1976-2002 Exterior Color, Secondary Special.
My observations have been that if there is more than one color, the "L" or "secondary" color is the second paint operation. On single color cars (all 76 Corvettes), both the U (primary color, first operation) and the L are the same RPO and WA number.
Your 1976 should also have a "U" paint code. If it is the same as the "L" code (01L), your car may have been painted as a non-standard paint color. _Usually_ a "special color" will also have RPO ZP3 "Special Paint" in its options. There also should be a "4001A*" pricing code for the ZP3. The last character denotes the charge to the dealer for the ZP3. A= No Charge, and in 1970, the highest charge was F=$140.
There will also be an "F&SO number" on the build sheet. Fleet and Special Orders was a sub operation of the Central Office Production Orders group. While a ZP3 is not a "COPO", it was processed by that group. The F&SO number begins with the letter of the assembly plant ("S" for Corvettes and Pick-ups built in St Louis) than sequentially, beginning with 0001 at the beginning of the model year. The F&SO number is basically the instructions to the plant on how to paint the car, and any special color formula numbers to use. The same group also set the pricing depending on several factors.
"01L" means a non-standard color. It does not mean "primer". "Primer" was "00U and 00L".
If you are fortunate enough to have the tank sticker from your car, there is the explanation for some of the codes and numbers found on cars with "Special Paint" RPO codes. Happy hunting.
***************
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 135
Likes: 3
From: The North Coast
You may or may not need this other info :https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/doc...t-Corvette.pdf
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 135
Likes: 3
From: The North Coast
Here is what I recieved from a NCRS member:
Dave Perry (19643) has just replied to a thread you have subscribed to entitled - Need to clarify Paint Code for a 1977 Corvette - in the Technical Discussion forum of NCRS Discussion Boards.
This thread is located at:
https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...e&goto=newpost
Here is the message that has just been posted:
***************
I have a Service Parts Operations "GM Production Options" book, effective March, 2001. It lists 01L as 1976-2002 Exterior Color, Secondary Special.
My observations have been that if there is more than one color, the "L" or "secondary" color is the second paint operation. On single color cars (all 76 Corvettes), both the U (primary color, first operation) and the L are the same RPO and WA number.
Your 1976 should also have a "U" paint code. If it is the same as the "L" code (01L), your car may have been painted as a non-standard paint color. _Usually_ a "special color" will also have RPO ZP3 "Special Paint" in its options. There also should be a "4001A*" pricing code for the ZP3. The last character denotes the charge to the dealer for the ZP3. A= No Charge, and in 1970, the highest charge was F=$140.
There will also be an "F&SO number" on the build sheet. Fleet and Special Orders was a sub operation of the Central Office Production Orders group. While a ZP3 is not a "COPO", it was processed by that group. The F&SO number begins with the letter of the assembly plant ("S" for Corvettes and Pick-ups built in St Louis) than sequentially, beginning with 0001 at the beginning of the model year. The F&SO number is basically the instructions to the plant on how to paint the car, and any special color formula numbers to use. The same group also set the pricing depending on several factors.
"01L" means a non-standard color. It does not mean "primer". "Primer" was "00U and 00L".
If you are fortunate enough to have the tank sticker from your car, there is the explanation for some of the codes and numbers found on cars with "Special Paint" RPO codes. Happy hunting.
***************
Dave Perry (19643) has just replied to a thread you have subscribed to entitled - Need to clarify Paint Code for a 1977 Corvette - in the Technical Discussion forum of NCRS Discussion Boards.
This thread is located at:
https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...e&goto=newpost
Here is the message that has just been posted:
***************
I have a Service Parts Operations "GM Production Options" book, effective March, 2001. It lists 01L as 1976-2002 Exterior Color, Secondary Special.
My observations have been that if there is more than one color, the "L" or "secondary" color is the second paint operation. On single color cars (all 76 Corvettes), both the U (primary color, first operation) and the L are the same RPO and WA number.
Your 1976 should also have a "U" paint code. If it is the same as the "L" code (01L), your car may have been painted as a non-standard paint color. _Usually_ a "special color" will also have RPO ZP3 "Special Paint" in its options. There also should be a "4001A*" pricing code for the ZP3. The last character denotes the charge to the dealer for the ZP3. A= No Charge, and in 1970, the highest charge was F=$140.
There will also be an "F&SO number" on the build sheet. Fleet and Special Orders was a sub operation of the Central Office Production Orders group. While a ZP3 is not a "COPO", it was processed by that group. The F&SO number begins with the letter of the assembly plant ("S" for Corvettes and Pick-ups built in St Louis) than sequentially, beginning with 0001 at the beginning of the model year. The F&SO number is basically the instructions to the plant on how to paint the car, and any special color formula numbers to use. The same group also set the pricing depending on several factors.
"01L" means a non-standard color. It does not mean "primer". "Primer" was "00U and 00L".
If you are fortunate enough to have the tank sticker from your car, there is the explanation for some of the codes and numbers found on cars with "Special Paint" RPO codes. Happy hunting.
***************
Looks like we need to get the tag off the tank, to know the rest of the story.
Just another Corvette guy
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,518
Likes: 3,865
From: Palm Springs, CA.
Yes, that is excellent info. The tank sticker will certainly add to this info but it probably will not give any more indication of color other than a code showing was a special color. I think the only way to determine what color was used will be to remove the rocker sill and maybe pull the carpet back a bit to see what shows.
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Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Virginia
I didn't see this mentioned yet, and I'm not sure it will work for all 77 cars, but you may be able to get a copy of your dealer invoice. I know it works for 79s and up.
From the first answer of this FAQ at the GM Heritage Center:
https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/faq.html
From the first answer of this FAQ at the GM Heritage Center:
https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/faq.html
Originally Posted by https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/faq.html
Q. Do you have any information on the Buick/Cadillac/Chevrolet/GMC/ Oldsmobile/Pontiac, etc. that I own?
A. VIN requests should be directed to the GM Media Archive (GMMA) website at www.gmmediaarchive.com. Alternately, emails can be forwarded to vehicleinvoice@gmmediaarchive.com.
The direct line for the Vehicle Invoice Collection is 734-261-5086.
Note that only build sheets and dealer invoices for the following makes and model years are available through GMMA:
A. VIN requests should be directed to the GM Media Archive (GMMA) website at www.gmmediaarchive.com. Alternately, emails can be forwarded to vehicleinvoice@gmmediaarchive.com.
The direct line for the Vehicle Invoice Collection is 734-261-5086.
Note that only build sheets and dealer invoices for the following makes and model years are available through GMMA:
- Buick, 1982 to present (dealer invoices)
- Cadillac, 1903 to 1967, 1969 to 1973 (build records); 1980 to present (dealer invoices)
- Chevrolet, 1977 to present (dealer invoices)
- ...