C3 Options
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Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 93
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From: Granbury, TX
C3 Options
Hey Guys,
I'm a new owner of a 1971 Corvette. 454, 5 Speed with AC!
Is there a way to find out what options the car had on it when it was built? I understand the VIN and trim info.
I have seen something about info on top of the gas tank, but not sure.
Any help if much appreciated.
Jeff
I'm a new owner of a 1971 Corvette. 454, 5 Speed with AC!
Is there a way to find out what options the car had on it when it was built? I understand the VIN and trim info.
I have seen something about info on top of the gas tank, but not sure.
Any help if much appreciated.
Jeff
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,334
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
The only way to know options is the build sheet that went down the line with the car and was typically left on top of the tank when the body drop happened. Lots / most are gone / turned to dust / unreadable but it's the only thing that really listed the options the car was built with.
Maybe you're is still there, usually you can't tell but sometimes removing the filler door / surround some have managed to get a glimpse of it. Dropping the tank is the only way to know for sure / get it if it's there
M
Maybe you're is still there, usually you can't tell but sometimes removing the filler door / surround some have managed to get a glimpse of it. Dropping the tank is the only way to know for sure / get it if it's there
M
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,007
Likes: 4,164
From: US-PNW
In addition to the tank, other copies of the sheets were sometimes stuffed behind the driver's dash, behind the rear carpet, or inside the frame at the top of the rear tires. It's a very loooong shot if anything is still in these places, but you never know.
There are no GM records for these cars until '77 or so, but you can do a bit of detective work to evaluate if an option was there and removed or is there now but may not have been installed according to factory parts & processes. This requires a list of all options and an understanding of how they were installed.
Some folks have been very fortunate in locating past owners and recovering paperwork from them. After 50 years that's a very very looooong shot but it has happened.
There are no GM records for these cars until '77 or so, but you can do a bit of detective work to evaluate if an option was there and removed or is there now but may not have been installed according to factory parts & processes. This requires a list of all options and an understanding of how they were installed.
Some folks have been very fortunate in locating past owners and recovering paperwork from them. After 50 years that's a very very looooong shot but it has happened.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 21,438
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From: Massillon,Ohio USA
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
....my 1974's broadcast sheet(build sheet)was folded neatly under the jack in the jack compartment. Guess I got lucky on that one.
