Hi,

I'm 'bout to buy a Corvette and I like to know how to make sure it's a original. One guy is selling a 1969 Stingray convertible with 350 engine. So, how I can check that this is original convertible Stingray? Can I see it from VIN#? Where I can decode VIN#?

Br
Ismo :confused:

 

Do you have the Vin #? If so, I can look it up in the black book for you. I can also research engine block and cylinder head #'s. The paint color code should be stamped on a plate in the drivers side front door jam. Its posible to change the paint tag. Its also possible to find a paint code tag that doesnt match the color of the car, in such case something was changed, and further investgation may be waranted. One things for sure, a vette is a vette. Nice cars, original or not.

 

There is an incredible amount of information on the internet. Here are a couple of links that might be helpful to you:

1) VIN Decoder (and other useful info):

http://www.vettescape.com

2) Understanding matching numbers:

http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/D.../matchnos.html

Good Luck! Let us know what you find out!!! :cheers:


[Modified by QikStik, 9:00 AM 1/17/2002]

 

All the VIN from 69 will tell you is if it is a coupe/conv and its build sequence.

The VIN is on the drivers windshield frame, visable thru the glass. It will look like 194679S700001. The fourth digit indicates convertible (6) or coupe (3). The last 5 are the build sequence.

There is a plate on the drivers door jam that gives the code for the paint and interior.

Matching numbers can be checked for the engine by looking at the engine casting #, located on the drivers side at the rear of the block by the bell housing flange, should be 3932386 or 3932388 or 3956618 or 3970010 for a 69 350ci engine. Then look at the stamp pad, a machined surface on the block in front of the passanger side head, for the VIN deritive and engine usage code. Should be one number something like 19S400001 where the 00001 should match the last 5 of the VIN. The other will be something like V0321HY where the V=flint engine plant, 0321=assembly date (March 21), and HY=engine usage code. There were tons of engine usage codes for 69, so post the numbers you find and we can tell you what you got.

Then there is the VIN on the transmission and on the frame. Don't know if you want to go that far into matching numbers, but some do. Then if you are a real numbers person, there are the carb #, distributor #, etc, etc throughout the car.

Good Luck

tom...

 

Hi all,

I will go to see that car first time in this weekend. I will let you know about VIN# and other things...

Thanks for the answers

Ismo

 

At this site --> http://www.bokonon.net/corvettefaq <-- you will find the following helpful pages about buying a Corvette:
http://www.bokonon.net/corvettefaq/redir.asp?site=121
http://www.bokonon.net/corvettefaq/redir.asp?site=122
http://www.bokonon.net/corvettefaq/redir.asp?site=123
http://www.bokonon.net/corvettefaq/redir.asp?site=120

 

Hi all,
So, I checked the Corvette. VIN# 194679S730351, Trim# 411 and Paint# 976.
I couldn't see any numbers on engine. Vette is in very ecxellent condition. It's w/manual transmission (4spd), do you know details (like gear ratio, etc...) of this transmission? Most of the meters are dead, only speedometer and fuel is working. How hard is to fix or replace those?

 

Thats a vin# for a 1969 convertable. Three different 4spd trannys were available in '69. M20,M21 and M22. Color code 976= Lemans blue. Interrior code 411=bright blue vinal. Cannot decode the engine on a '69 through the vin#

 

The tachometer is driven direct from the engine, so it depends on if the tach drive on the distributor is still in good working order or not on that.

For the center cluster...I don't think the clocks ever worked :lol: and as such, I removed my clock and put an A/F meter in there. As far as the oil pressure gauge goes, you'd need to know if it was hooked up, since it's a mechanical gauge. The ammeter should just work...never heard of one going out. The water temp is probably not hooked up if it's not working.

I'd say, first make sure they're all hooked up. Then worry about fixing/repair.

As far as tranny...is the shifter **** a black chrome color, or a bright silver chrome color?

How is the exterior, the interior, the undercairrage, etc? What all works/doesn't work? How does it sound/drive? How much are they asking?

For a list of possible factory options, go here. :smash:

 

Shifter **** is a black chrome color.

Exterior; Wiper panel is gone, with panel I mean panel which comes up when you put vipers on. Paint is in good shape. Top is new. I saw one hole on the car floor. Hole is located behind of passenger seat, I think that is easy fix. :eek: Weather strips are new. There is some cracks on passenger side door window. New tires.

Interior; Seats are new. Door panels are new. Radio didn't work. Do you guys take off original AM/FM radio and put new one in or do place new radio somewhere else and keep original? Speakers were missing.

Is there particulary something I need to check on 69 vette? Like common defects on these cars?

Price is $17K

Ismo

 

Sounds like they are asking a bit much with the things you're listing as missing.

As for the tranny, with that ****, it is most likely an M-20 wide-ratio 4-speed. 2.52:1, 1.88:1, 1.47:1, 1:1

My radio still works and is in the dash. I built a very quick and dirty mounting box for a new radio in the trunk space, with 6x9s in boxes in the back and 4x6s in the kickpanels. :smash:

 

Ismo,

A common problem to look for in the sharks is frame rust. Check the frame right in front of the rear tires. There's a spot there (between the rear tire and the door) where they can rust out real bad, like where you can push your finger through, crumbly. Very expensive to fix if it is. Check closely.

Good luck

 

I totally agree with Chris B above. Check closey for the things that arent in plain view. Frame rust being one of them, ask to have the car put on a lift. if the owner refuses there may be something to hide. If they expect someone to pay 17k, the should be prepared to show the underside closley. Get your local garage to help you look it over if needed.