Confirming 69 originality
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From: Johnsburg IL
Confirming 69 originality
I am purchasing a 69 L46 coupe but want to confirm the original drive train is there. I would greatly appreciate knowing where / how to check block numbers and what else is critical to confirm.
The car appears correct except for side pipes the current owner states are factory. They look like fiberglass covers verses chrome-aluminum which I thought factory was but the rear valance does not have cutouts for exhaust.
Everyones input greatly appreciated!!
The car appears correct except for side pipes the current owner states are factory. They look like fiberglass covers verses chrome-aluminum which I thought factory was but the rear valance does not have cutouts for exhaust.
Everyones input greatly appreciated!!
Last edited by colorado1967; Apr 13, 2005 at 12:57 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 948
Likes: 0
From: Johnston Iowa
Here are a few things to check:
On the passengers side front pad of the engine you should have an engine id stamp that you should be able to translate. On the drivers back side of the engine you should have a casting number. The tranny should have the VIN of the vehicle stamped in it. The rear end should also have the VIN of the vehicle stamped in it. The frame should have the VIN stamped in it above the drives side wheel on top of the frame and also on the main frame rail on the drivers side. The VINs on the frame may be almost impossible to see with the body on though. Best bet is to find someone that knows vettes good and take them with you.
On the passengers side front pad of the engine you should have an engine id stamp that you should be able to translate. On the drivers back side of the engine you should have a casting number. The tranny should have the VIN of the vehicle stamped in it. The rear end should also have the VIN of the vehicle stamped in it. The frame should have the VIN stamped in it above the drives side wheel on top of the frame and also on the main frame rail on the drivers side. The VINs on the frame may be almost impossible to see with the body on though. Best bet is to find someone that knows vettes good and take them with you.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 594
Likes: 0
From: Gotham City CA
To be sure that sidepipes were originally on the car, check rear valance/rear fender lines. If it had sidepipes originally, it will be staight. If not, the valance will have "ears" to fill the cut-out for exhaust in the fender. The covers should be chromed metal. Fiberglass are ALWAYS aftermarket or replacements.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,131
Likes: 4
From: May help you? You can sure as hell try!
The rear end won't have a VIN stamped on it. It will have a date that should precede the build date of the car, though. It's possible the car was an original side pipe car that had the pipes replaced with after market.
As previously mentioned, look for the "ears" or a patch job inside the rear valence.
As previously mentioned, look for the "ears" or a patch job inside the rear valence.
