Hello Members,
I am viewing a 69 coupe this weekend and is supposed to be numbers matching. Would somebody please help me on how to confirm matching mumbers? Needless to say,this information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Don

 

The basic means is that once you've identified the VIN derivative on the engine stamp pad, compare the last five numbers to the VIN tag on the windshield post...they should match. You can also take that same VIN derivative off the engine stamp pad and compare it to the transmission but that will be tricky unless its up in the air.

This VIN derivative is also stamped on the frame in the back but unless you know where to look...may be a challenge.

Once you get to the VIN...it will read something like 19437 or 19467. The 37 indicates coupe while the 67 indicates convertible. Look at the body style and see if it matches.

If the car was built after Sep 01 69, it should have a blue vehicle certification label and it's stamped with the VIN. Check this out as well.

If all this matches up...you may have across a numbers matching but than you can go even further but you'll have to go on a crash course on date codes and other Identification.

You can go further and do the following. Also on the engine stamp pad is a engine plant ID, date code and engine suffix that will identify the engine, transmission configuration. But for this you'll need some reference like Antonicks Black Book. A "V" at the beginning is for Flint plant and smallblocks while a "T" indicates bigblock and the Tonawanda plant. The suffix is the last three (or two) letters.

I would suggest you read up before you go so you are somewhat familiar with what to look for. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

If this is your first corvette I highly recomend you find a knowledgable Forum member or Corvette guy in the area to go with you as these cars have many "little" and "not so little" quirks that are not common to regular steel cars.

These items, such as completely hidden rust, are actually more important than #'s matching they can also help you finding the #'s and where they are.

Enjoy it when you get one!

 

All the replies to your previous thread told you what you need to know. "Matching Numbers" means different things to different people. What degree of "numbers matching" do you want to verify?

The simplest is to check that the stamping on the passenger side of the block, just in front of the valve cover, has the same VIN derivative as the VIN tag on the windshield post. There are many other "numbers" that matter, head casting numbers, intake, carb, transmission, distributor, alternator (big $$$$ for an original '69), exhaust manifolds, rear differential, rally wheels, radiator, fan shroud, winidow glass, etc.

I stand by my original advice that you need to take someone along with you who really knows Corvettes.

 

Muddy, I can help you out. A previous poster mentioned that "matching numbers" can mean different things to different people. He's right. Some are happy with the correct VIN and date code stamping on the engine block. At the other extreme, if your ultimate goal is NCRS or Bloomington judging, then the bar is MUCH higher. I know this from experience. And keep in mind, your own idea of what "matching numbers" means to you may change over time. The last Corvette I had, I purchased with the intent of finding a matching block. Upon researching the car, I found it to be VERY original and worthy of restoring to judging standards.

Regardless, here is some of the help I promised you:

For this weekend's '69 Corvette evaluation:

1) Chevrolet by the Numbers - Written by Alan Colvin, there are several out now, each manual covers all of the Chevrolet models (not just Corvettes) for that range of years. The two I have cover '65-'69 and '70-'75. They decode data plates, engine blocks and all components, trans, rear, carb, etc. Somewhat general in nature, but invaluable for you this weekend. Available online, or possibly in stores, through Borders or Barnes & Noble. Price is $30 each. GET ONE NOW!

For futures:

2) NCRS TIM/JG - This is the NCRS Technical Information Guide / Judging Manual. Available, through NCRS's website, for each year of Corvette and specific to that year(s). Go to www.ncrs.org. Click on "Online Store" at the top, next page scroll down and click on "1968-1982 Library". Scroll down until you find these manuals. You will need the '68-'69 TIM/JG, I have the '70-'72 one in front of me now. Unlike the more general Colvin manual, these manuals are specific to Corvettes and are VERY detailed. Provide decoding, options, and parts descriptions (down to the finest detail), colors, correct finishes, etc. Great judging and/or restoration guide. Price is $30, and you don't have to be an NCRS member to buy one.

3) Corvette Black Book - It won't help you this weekend much, but it provides production numbers for each year of Corvette, and then breaks down those total production numbers by option, color, etc. Without this book, I would have never known that my '72 was one of only 82 SB cars with a HD battery, one of only 811 with a vinyl hardtop, and one of only 300 'verts painted Pewter Silver. Also available through NCRS website for $16.

4) NCRS membership - Join for $30 and have access to their website's message board. The NCRS judges frequent the board and are very knowledgable, and willing to share that knowledge. NCRS also provides a good source for hard to find parts, services, etc.

If you need help this weekend, or after, post here or email me through my profile. Send me numbers, vehicle description, whatever you can and I'd be glad to help. If, by some wild coincidence you live in the St. Louis area, email me and I will go with you. Price for this service: A cold Bud Light. Remember, ask lots of questions and good luck.