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Can anybody tell me if my 1979 vette is early first design or 2nd design here is the vin 1Z8749S427550 build date 03/17/1979 trying to buy new date coded belts fan.
Early and late almost always refer to running changes made on the assembly line. Off hand, I'm not sure there were too many running changes for the 79s, although some of the late cars got 1980 style two door rear storage compartments in place of the more common three door variety.
#53807 was the last 79. Your car (#27550) is pretty close to being midway into production.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Mar 30, 2016 at 04:27 PM.
As mentioned, some late production 79s got the 85 mph speedo. My black 79, built in the last 3 weeks of 79 production, has it.
Mine also has "80" carpet. By that I mean it doesn't have the trim piece or welt in the door jamb that secures it, instead it tucks behind like 80-82.
The 2 door compartment storage doors were only in, I think, about 800 79s. Mine has the correct 3 doors.
Neither item really applies to late/early terminology, tho.
My 79 has three compartments, a black headlight bezel, and 140 mph speedometer. Also, I recall reading that the hot water shut off valve changed in 79 also. Here's a forum post with some good info on this topic.
Found where I found my info.
From a Corvette Central catalog about 6 years ago when I myself was trying to order fan belts.
Shows first design(early?) as <8/78. Second design as 8/78>.
Also shows 5 different alternator belts for 79 And 3 for AC.
Power steering showed 1 as did AIR pump.