1969 427 Vette - How to document it
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Henderson NV
1969 427 Vette - How to document it
I've got a 1969 Corvette and have had it for about 5 years. I bought it since I wanted a 4sp BB Vette and this was the only one that I came across that I could afford at thet time.
It was supposedly a 427 435 HP car but has the wrong big block in it (it's got an early 70s 454 in it now per the casting number - the block was decked). How can I tell if it was a 427 435 originally? The reason I ask is because I've been kicking around modifying it but if it's an original car I'm probably better off selling it and buying a SB car and converting that instead.
The trans is matching numbers and appears to be a M21. The rear is a HD rear and coded for 3.70s and is correctly date-coded for the car. The tach redlines at 6,500 rpm and has the 427/435 console ID (I know those can be changed relatively easily). The fuel line is 3/8" and all metal and has one line (no return). Are there any other ways to help document if it's an original 435 car? I've had a few GTOs and there's a service where if you send the VIN and some money they send you a copy of the broadcast sheet. Does Chevy offer something similar? Thanks in advance for any help.
It was supposedly a 427 435 HP car but has the wrong big block in it (it's got an early 70s 454 in it now per the casting number - the block was decked). How can I tell if it was a 427 435 originally? The reason I ask is because I've been kicking around modifying it but if it's an original car I'm probably better off selling it and buying a SB car and converting that instead.
The trans is matching numbers and appears to be a M21. The rear is a HD rear and coded for 3.70s and is correctly date-coded for the car. The tach redlines at 6,500 rpm and has the 427/435 console ID (I know those can be changed relatively easily). The fuel line is 3/8" and all metal and has one line (no return). Are there any other ways to help document if it's an original 435 car? I've had a few GTOs and there's a service where if you send the VIN and some money they send you a copy of the broadcast sheet. Does Chevy offer something similar? Thanks in advance for any help.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,103
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
Re: 1969 427 Vette - How to document it (KenNTiff)
First, don't be too worried about modifying it even if the car is a 427 / 435. Mine is a NOM 1970 LT-1. I have found that I can actually purchase 90% of the numbers matching parts (even restamp the block if I cared) and have a macthing numbers, though non original. As such, with documentation, I will take some liberties knowing it could be "properly" restored at a later date.
Second, check for the tank sticker. Mine was still intake and verifiable. A title search may lead back to a previous owner who stil has documentation.
Second, check for the tank sticker. Mine was still intake and verifiable. A title search may lead back to a previous owner who stil has documentation.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 503
Likes: 1
From: Georgia
Re: 1969 427 Vette - How to document it (KenNTiff)
There is no documentation service from Chevy on Corvettes similar to Pontiacs. Chevy has long contended that the records don't exist. (I've never believed em)
As far as the 435 issue, it sounds like the car has a good chance. Look on the front of the left front innner skirt up close to the top (over in the corner from the driver's side headlight) for a transistor ignition box or either 3 holes in approx. a 4" triangle pattern where it was mounted at one time. TI was a mandatory option on the 435's and L88's. Unless it was a super early 69 (which I've seen listed in the books but never run across) it had a casting number ending in 512. So did the early 70's 454's, at least through '72.
As far as the 435 issue, it sounds like the car has a good chance. Look on the front of the left front innner skirt up close to the top (over in the corner from the driver's side headlight) for a transistor ignition box or either 3 holes in approx. a 4" triangle pattern where it was mounted at one time. TI was a mandatory option on the 435's and L88's. Unless it was a super early 69 (which I've seen listed in the books but never run across) it had a casting number ending in 512. So did the early 70's 454's, at least through '72.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: 1969 427 Vette - How to document it (KenNTiff)
My 69 has the original 427 block . It is a late 69 and uses the "512" block along with the 290 heads used in 1970 production. Look at the engine stamp pad in ftont.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 774
Likes: 4
From: RI
Re: 1969 427 Vette - How to document it (silvervetteman)
Do a search on this site. There is a long list of details to check for like Tach redline, rear spring, u-joint brackets, sway bars, etc. Also try to reasearch the car's history to see what info previous owners have on it.
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Henderson NV
Re: 1969 427 Vette - How to document it (KenNTiff)
Thanks for all the replies. :)
How tough is it to drop the tank and see if the sticker is there? I went underneath and tried to feel up there but could not feel anything. Or is there a way to see if the sticker is there w/o dropping the tank?
How tough is it to drop the tank and see if the sticker is there? I went underneath and tried to feel up there but could not feel anything. Or is there a way to see if the sticker is there w/o dropping the tank?
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 503
Likes: 1
From: Georgia
Re: 1969 427 Vette - How to document it (KenNTiff)
The sticker is on the left side of the tank, on top......at least that's the only location I've found one. You can usually force the rubber around the filler neck down enough to see if it's there with a flashlight and mirror. Warning: any attempt to remove it or clean the dirt/dust off with the tank in the car usually reduces the sticker to a pile of dead leaf like rubble that's unreadable. If it's still there it's almost always real brittle. I like to blow them with a can of compressed air like is available at an office supply for cleaning a computer keyboard while VERY GENTLY brushing with a very soft brush, like a pinstripe brush.....using almost no pressure.
Silver, just a quick block comment: I'm sure there must be a few, since all the reference materials continue to list em, but I've yet to run across a BB 69 with anything BUT a 512 block. I think if there really were any 439's or 270's they would've had to have been REAL early, long before the strike and long before the second design L88's for instance.
Silver, just a quick block comment: I'm sure there must be a few, since all the reference materials continue to list em, but I've yet to run across a BB 69 with anything BUT a 512 block. I think if there really were any 439's or 270's they would've had to have been REAL early, long before the strike and long before the second design L88's for instance.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 285
Likes: 1
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Re: 1969 427 Vette - How to document it (Solidlifters)
On my '74 the sheet was on the right, across the strap. Ripped into 2 pieces, and very little legible. Of course, it sat in dude's driveway for 22 years without moving, so weather exposure didn't help. Neither did the rear cover rotting off, thereby exposing it even more.
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