Stupid numbers matching question
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 16,483
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From: The Only Corvette in Gila Bend, Az.
St. Jude Donor '09
Stupid numbers matching question
A co-worker witha 78 anniv. vette, asked " what are the numbers supposed to match? " the vin. or what.
And I know that there is one on the block and one on the tranny, but where is the one on the frame?
Hey don't rag on me for the stupid question, I thought I knew what it ment but I don't want to give him the wrong answer...
:confused: :confused: :confused:
And I know that there is one on the block and one on the tranny, but where is the one on the frame?
Hey don't rag on me for the stupid question, I thought I knew what it ment but I don't want to give him the wrong answer...
:confused: :confused: :confused:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,975
Likes: 1
From: Northwest Iowa
Re: Stupid numbers matching question (Desertdawg)
Check the frame rail either just forward of the No.3 body mount ( left side above the rear wheel well area) or just forward of the No. 4 body mount (left side near muffler).
Racer
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
From: Millington TN
Re: Stupid numbers matching question (Desertdawg)
I'm not sure what your question is, however, I have the body off my 77 and there are numbers stamped on the top of the frame in two locations. One on the drivers side slightly behind the rear tire, the other on the same side right about the same location as the drivers seat. Of course, you have to have the body off to see them. :smash:
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 16,483
Likes: 1
From: The Only Corvette in Gila Bend, Az.
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Stupid numbers matching question (Rich's75)
Ok! but what are the numbers supposed to match?
Also how does he tell if he has the L82 engine?
Also how does he tell if he has the L82 engine?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Re: Stupid numbers matching question (Desertdawg)
If your question is " What do they mean by a numbers matching car I
think the most common answer is that the car has the original engine in it and that's about it "
think the most common answer is that the car has the original engine in it and that's about it "
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 16,483
Likes: 1
From: The Only Corvette in Gila Bend, Az.
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Stupid numbers matching question (MotorHead)
Yes He wants to know if his is a matching numbers car.
If the block has the number 12345, and the tranny has the number 67890.
Then how would he tell wether the engine or the tranny is original?
What are the numbers related to ? the vin, the title , the what????
If the block has the number 12345, and the tranny has the number 67890.
Then how would he tell wether the engine or the tranny is original?
What are the numbers related to ? the vin, the title , the what????
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,975
Likes: 1
From: Northwest Iowa
Re: Stupid numbers matching question (Desertdawg)
Number that is on the frame should be 6 didgits statring with a 4, like 4XXXXX. This number should match the last six numbers in the VIN. The VIN should be a number like 1Z87L8S4XXXXX with the XXXXX telling you what number car your 78 was off the production line. If your 78 is a Pace Car there will be a 9 instead of the 4. Now the L stands for a L-48 motor, if there is a 4 instead of the L, than it is a L-82 motor
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,975
Likes: 1
From: Northwest Iowa
Re: Stupid numbers matching question (Desertdawg)
Breakdown of the VIN
1= Motor vehicle Division
Z= Vehicle series
87= Body style (coupe)
L or 4= Motor L= L48 , 4= L82
8= last digit of year (1978)
S= St. Louis Plant
4 or 9= Placement # (just an extra # put in there)
00000-40274= number of vette off the line made that year( Pace Car Edition was 00000-06502
[Modified by Rich's75, 11:10 PM 10/3/2001]
1= Motor vehicle Division
Z= Vehicle series
87= Body style (coupe)
L or 4= Motor L= L48 , 4= L82
8= last digit of year (1978)
S= St. Louis Plant
4 or 9= Placement # (just an extra # put in there)
00000-40274= number of vette off the line made that year( Pace Car Edition was 00000-06502
[Modified by Rich's75, 11:10 PM 10/3/2001]
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
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From: Moon Township PA
Re: Stupid numbers matching question (Desertdawg)
Matching numbers usually means, as a minimum, that the car has its original engine and transmission. This is verified by finding the VIN on the engine stamp pad, which should match the VIN on the windshield pillar. In more detail, the VIN can be verified by checking the numbers on the left frame rail, which are usually very difficult to find or even see. Others say that matching numbers include things like the differential, starter, alternator,etc. However the best you can say about those is that they were built in the right time frame since they don't have the VIN derivative stamped on them. These numbers will still "match" in that they all fall in a logical sequence of time. For instance, a car built on Jan. 1 can't possible have an engine cast on Jan 5 even if the VIN derivative is there. The art of restamping is good enough that a valuable car, such as a big block that is missing its original engine, can have an "original engine" remanufactured.
Unfortunately, we all go around saying "matching numbers" and half of us don't even know what that means and some of us don't care if the car has the original drivetrain.
Gary
Unfortunately, we all go around saying "matching numbers" and half of us don't even know what that means and some of us don't care if the car has the original drivetrain.
Gary
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 103
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From: Burlington NY
Re: Stupid numbers matching question (GaryS)
I've seen adds with "all numbers match" I call and ask what that means and they have no clue, just that they were told thator they know it makes it more vaulable LOL
Keith
Keith
Platinum Supporting Dealership
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Traveling the US
Re: Stupid numbers matching question (Racer78)
Here is some additional info from an expert: http://vettefinders.com/index.cfm?fu...e101Story&ID=2
