Checking a C3 VIN
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
From: Dixon, CA, USA
Checking a C3 VIN
I know that there is no CARFAX available for C3's, but what info is available to decode C3 VIN's. I'm specifically looking at a car with the VIN of IZ37J3S404859 and the mechanic is giving me a story about it being a 1 of only 40 cars built. It's a 73 and the only quantity of 40 I can find is the Z06 option and it's 45 built for that model year. Is the Z06 option a big deal on the 73? I couldn't find the RPO codes, either it's missing or not where I was looking. Where do they hide it on the C3's. I looked on the storage lids like on my 86 and they weren't there. Any and all help appreciated. Thanks, Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,213
Likes: 1
From: South Alabama
Re: Checking a C3 VIN (Steve86)
The "Corvette Black Book" and AIM can help you decipher your VIN and trim codes. The tank sticker can usually be found on top of the gas tank probably on the driver's side.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 951
Likes: 0
Re: Checking a C3 VIN (Cajun75)
Steve,
I think you mean option Z07. This was a off road suspension and brake package. The Z07 package was available only with L82 or LS4 engines, and required J50 (power brakes) and M21 (4 speed manual trans, close ratio). It included special front and rear suspension heavy-duty power front and rear brakes. It was not available with C60 (air conditioning). There were 45 cars ordered with Z07 option.
I think you mean option Z07. This was a off road suspension and brake package. The Z07 package was available only with L82 or LS4 engines, and required J50 (power brakes) and M21 (4 speed manual trans, close ratio). It included special front and rear suspension heavy-duty power front and rear brakes. It was not available with C60 (air conditioning). There were 45 cars ordered with Z07 option.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,041
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, KS
Re: Checking a C3 VIN (Steve86)
Your vin# is IZ37J3S404859 ; or
1 = Chevrolet
z = Corvette
37 = Coupe
J = 350 cubic inch standard motor
3 = Model year 1973
S = Assembly plant = St Louis
eighth through thirteenth digits are the serial number of your car. In 1973 they started with number 400001.
Hope this helps.
1 = Chevrolet
z = Corvette
37 = Coupe
J = 350 cubic inch standard motor
3 = Model year 1973
S = Assembly plant = St Louis
eighth through thirteenth digits are the serial number of your car. In 1973 they started with number 400001.
Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
From: Dixon, CA, USA
Re: Checking a C3 VIN (Cajun75)
Sorry I'm late in reply, had to post then run. I'm familiar with the black book, but what is AIM. Car has A/C and is an auto, so I'm guessing it doesn't have the Z07 option. I think this cars mechanics is trying to shovel a little
s}{it. Thanks for the reply. Steve
s}{it. Thanks for the reply. Steve
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Checking a C3 VIN (Steve86)
Other than engine options for certain years, a Corvette VIN will not give you any information about optional equipment. The VIN you posted is for a base engine 1973 Corvette coupe. The Z07 off road package required the optional L82 smallblock or the big block engines. The VIN you list is NOT one of the original Z07 cars.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,375
Likes: 1,067
From: Virginia USA
Re: Checking a C3 VIN (Steve86)
The AIM is the Assembly Instruction Manual. This is what Chevy used to build Corvettes at the factory. If you decide to buy a Corvette and plan on working on it yourself......BUY THIS BOOK. Get the index that all the major catalogs have also. The book is confusing without it.
John
John
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Checking a C3 VIN (1979toy)
I know this is going to sound lame and show how much I don't know about vette's but here it goes anyway.
I just checked my vin number: 1Z878A5414599
It's a 1980 coupe. L48 with 4spd. but according to your numbers it doesn't match up..
1 = Chevrolet
z = Corvette
37 = Coupe 87 = ?
J = 350 cubic inch standard motor I have a 350 but no J in my number.
3 = Model year 1973 I have an '80.. Thought I would have a 0 in the number..
S = Assembly plant = St Louis
Any ideas. I too was trying to trace my vin numbers but couldn't find a way to do so.. Any help is appreciated.
I just checked my vin number: 1Z878A5414599
It's a 1980 coupe. L48 with 4spd. but according to your numbers it doesn't match up..
1 = Chevrolet
z = Corvette
37 = Coupe 87 = ?
J = 350 cubic inch standard motor I have a 350 but no J in my number.
3 = Model year 1973 I have an '80.. Thought I would have a 0 in the number..
S = Assembly plant = St Louis
Any ideas. I too was trying to trace my vin numbers but couldn't find a way to do so.. Any help is appreciated.
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Posts: n/a
Re: Checking a C3 VIN (1979toy)
I know this is going to sound lame and show how much I don't know about vette's but here it goes anyway.
I just checked my vin number: 1Z878A5414599
It's a 1980 coupe. L48 with 4spd. but according to your numbers it doesn't match up..
1 = Chevrolet
z = Corvette
37 = Coupe 87 = ?
J = 350 cubic inch standard motor I have a 350 but no J in my number.
3 = Model year 1973 I have an '80.. Thought I would have a 0 in the number..
S = Assembly plant = St Louis I'm checking the business card with the vin number written on it.. It looks like a 5 but could be an S.
Any ideas. I too was trying to trace my vin numbers but couldn't find a way to do so.. Any help is appreciated.
I just checked my vin number: 1Z878A5414599
It's a 1980 coupe. L48 with 4spd. but according to your numbers it doesn't match up..
1 = Chevrolet
z = Corvette
37 = Coupe 87 = ?
J = 350 cubic inch standard motor I have a 350 but no J in my number.
3 = Model year 1973 I have an '80.. Thought I would have a 0 in the number..
S = Assembly plant = St Louis I'm checking the business card with the vin number written on it.. It looks like a 5 but could be an S.
Any ideas. I too was trying to trace my vin numbers but couldn't find a way to do so.. Any help is appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 7,722
Likes: 1
From: Charlotte NC
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: Checking a C3 VIN (Koz)
1Z878A5414599
It's a 1980 coupe. L48 with 4spd. but according to your numbers it doesn't match up..
1 = Chevrolet
z = Corvette
37 = Coupe 87 = ?
J = 350 cubic inch standard motor I have a 350 but no J in my number.
It's a 1980 coupe. L48 with 4spd. but according to your numbers it doesn't match up..
1 = Chevrolet
z = Corvette
37 = Coupe 87 = ?
J = 350 cubic inch standard motor I have a 350 but no J in my number.
5th #: 8=Base, 6=L-82, H=LG4
Not everything you were wanting to know, but it is one more peice of the puzzle.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 905
Likes: 0
Re: Checking a C3 VIN (Steve86)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,041
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, KS
Re: Checking a C3 VIN (Koz)
The codes are not the same for every year. For your car the fifth digit being an 8 means that you have an L48 350. The 87 is for a coupe. The sixth digit should be a 0 according to my source if you have a 1980. Are you sure that you don't have an '83? :jester 1980 Corvette vin # started with 400001 so your car was the 14599th off of the line.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,826
Likes: 0
From: Why Drive When you can ride
Re: Checking a C3 VIN (1979toy)
Hi, I was just comparing the VIN number to mine, and my Engine code is an L. What the heck is that :D :D. L= loose:eek: , or L=lackluster :jester
Please help.
AGAIN,
Thank you
Dwayne
Please help.
AGAIN,
Thank you
Dwayne
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 951
Likes: 0
From: NW Burbs IL
Re: Checking a C3 VIN (Steve86)
1 out of 40 might be accurate if he's looking at multiple options for a car. Just as an example, a C3 with the power windows may not be too rare, but finding one with the power windows along with a/c, power seats, tele/tilt steering column and Gymkhana suspension , would be a little more rare.
Does that make sense?
Does that make sense?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
From: Dixon, CA, USA
Re: Checking a C3 VIN (Leos 81)
He was trying to sell my on it being an exotic, hot-rod option. I think he was just trying to lay it on thick not knowing I do have a little knowledge of Corvettes. It's a 73 I've looked at and the owners have zero documentation on the car, so I called the mechanic who has done all the work on the car since 1978, he has no documentation either, but gave me all he can remember he has done to the car. The owners are a nice couple who just like the car and are not as **** as normal Corvette owners. The car looks nice, just has a crack in the nose from a parking lot war. I'll be looking at the car again this weekend and will make an offer then. Thanks for all the help. Steve
