Checking Title
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 129
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From: Huntington Beach CA
Checking Title
I'm interested in buying a 1980 4sp corvette but would like to confirm that the title is clear. However when I go to Carfax the Vin number I'm putting in is too short. Is there a way I can check its title and find out some of it's history?
Thanks
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 0
From: Manalapan FL
Originally Posted by more_cc's
I'm interested in buying a 1980 4sp corvette but would like to confirm that the title is clear. However when I go to Carfax the Vin number I'm putting in is too short. Is there a way I can check its title and find out some of it's history?
What state are you in? FLA accepts written requests via mail from citizens and, for a small fee ($5), you are provided a title history.
Your state's Dept. of Motor Vehicles may offer something similar. Check the website.
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 129
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From: Huntington Beach CA
Thanks, I'm in California and trying to work out if the car is originally from california so I can work out whether it's going to need any work to get it through smog.
Maybe a better question, is this a valid 1980 C3 VIN number?
1Z878AS403886
Thanks
Maybe a better question, is this a valid 1980 C3 VIN number?
1Z878AS403886
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 0
From: Manalapan FL
Originally Posted by more_cc's
Thanks, I'm in California and trying to work out if the car is originally from california so I can work out whether it's going to need any work to get it through smog.
Maybe a better question, is this a valid 1980 C3 VIN number?
1Z878AS403886
Maybe a better question, is this a valid 1980 C3 VIN number?
1Z878AS403886
Whether or not the car is originally from Calif., the smog equipment required is the same. I do not believe there were "California-only" 80's. You must bring the car to a smog station and have them take a peek under the hood. I would do this before making the purchase.
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 0
From: Manalapan FL
Originally Posted by more_cc's
Is it possible to tell if the CA Smog equipment is fitted just by looking under the engine bay?
It's MUCH easier to do what I did...MOVE!
No smog checks here.
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,363
Likes: 221
From: Beecher Illinois
Maybe a better question, is this a valid 1980 C3 VIN number?
1Z878AS403886
Thanks
1Z878AS403886
Thanks
305 motor. The VIN you posted is for the L48 350. Does it have the smog pump? Only required in other years for the L48 if sold in California or high altitudes.Mike
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 129
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From: Huntington Beach CA
According to my research, the 5th letter of the VIN indicates the engine type. In this case it's an 8 which indicates the engine is an L48.
When I saw the car I checked the numbers and they all match. Also running the VIN through the California SMOG register shows that it has been smogged since 1998.
I can only assume this car came from out of state but without being able to get a carfax I'm a bit stuck!
I still can't find a way of getting the vehicles history!
When I saw the car I checked the numbers and they all match. Also running the VIN through the California SMOG register shows that it has been smogged since 1998.
I can only assume this car came from out of state but without being able to get a carfax I'm a bit stuck!
I still can't find a way of getting the vehicles history!
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 17,102
Likes: 7
From: Fair Oaks, OK
Originally Posted by more_cc's
According to my research, the 5th letter of the VIN indicates the engine type. In this case it's an 8 which indicates the engine is an L48.
When I saw the car I checked the numbers and they all match. Also running the VIN through the California SMOG register shows that it has been smogged since 1998.
I can only assume this car came from out of state but without being able to get a carfax I'm a bit stuck!
I still can't find a way of getting the vehicles history!
When I saw the car I checked the numbers and they all match. Also running the VIN through the California SMOG register shows that it has been smogged since 1998.
I can only assume this car came from out of state but without being able to get a carfax I'm a bit stuck!
I still can't find a way of getting the vehicles history!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 914
Likes: 0
From: Longview Texas
Originally Posted by more_cc's
According to my research, the 5th letter of the VIN indicates the engine type. In this case it's an 8 which indicates the engine is an L48.
When I saw the car I checked the numbers and they all match. Also running the VIN through the California SMOG register shows that it has been smogged since 1998.
I can only assume this car came from out of state but without being able to get a carfax I'm a bit stuck!
I still can't find a way of getting the vehicles history!
When I saw the car I checked the numbers and they all match. Also running the VIN through the California SMOG register shows that it has been smogged since 1998.
I can only assume this car came from out of state but without being able to get a carfax I'm a bit stuck!
I still can't find a way of getting the vehicles history!
A copy of the dealer invoice would help I'm thinking
Robert
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,706
Likes: 298
From: Concord VA, U.S.A.
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
I had Carfax for a month last year and tried to get some info on my '80 but it's only good on 1981 and up models. From the looks of the VIN you've given, it looks like you have an early production '80 by the last four digits. Mine was built in or around July 1980 according to the last five digits of my VIN and the tags stitched in my seat belts. A book called The Corvette Black Book by Michael Antonick may be able to tell you more about the car. Hope this helps. 
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 129
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From: Huntington Beach CA
Originally Posted by Wife'sVette
I'm guessinng that you don't have 6 weeks to wait on Peggy?
A copy of the dealer invoice would help I'm thinking
Robert
A copy of the dealer invoice would help I'm thinking
Robert
Thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 914
Likes: 0
From: Longview Texas
Originally Posted by more_cc's
No I don't have 6 weeks! Where would I be able to get a copy of the dealer invoice?
Thanks
Thanks
peggy.vezina@gm.com
needs vin #
year
make
mailing address
email address
but it will take 4-6 weeks .......
Robert
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Upper right is definately a Harrison R4 "pancake" A/C compressor. For some reason, even though it is a VERY early production '77, my car has that compressor. Wish it had the big ol' A6.