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My first Vette

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Old Dec 31, 2003 | 03:31 AM
  #21  
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Default Re: My first Vette (Corz)

after looking at the pics from the front, it looks like you have an 80-81 :skep:

care to look up those numbers?
Front emblem definately looks like an '80, can't see the back one well but it's an 80-81
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Old Dec 31, 2003 | 04:16 AM
  #22  
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Default Re: My first Vette (stickboy)

title says 1979. I cant read the date on the door. What is going on here?
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Old Dec 31, 2003 | 04:27 AM
  #23  
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Default Re: My first Vette (wilcox)

dayum, nice christmas present. Santa gave me a book for christmas :rolleyes:
It took me 2 years to get my parents to let me buy my own too.
That 400 engine is definitly a good plus, must have some nice torque. Get the Haynes amnual for the vette. the NCM has a good program that has alot of the matinace info in it for free, its a download. If oyu want to know about performance for the car get jhon lingenfeter :blueangel: on modifying small block chevys

Pretty muchanythign can be answered by forum members
Oh and if you have any carb or distributor quetion consult a man named LARS who lurks here.

MAtt
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Old Dec 31, 2003 | 04:31 AM
  #24  
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Default Re: My first Vette (pillowmeto)

If you give us a VIN some of these guys can look it up and come up with more info than you would think. ( they knew mine had the vega steering wheel)

MAtt
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Old Dec 31, 2003 | 04:36 AM
  #25  
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Default Re: My first Vette (wilcox)

What I need help with is the engine. It's not a corvette engine. its a GM 400 small block. The casting number 3951511. The Vette came with an oil leak. From what i can tell it needs a new head gasket.
That block casting number corresponds to a '70-73 400ci 4bolt main block. I don't know much about the 400ci V8's but a lot of guys would love to have that block.

Usually with a blown head gasket you'd notice coolant usage, leaking and steam coming out of the exhaust.

Most old, old vette's have an oil leak. :lol: I have one, the source of which, I've been trying to locate for 3+ years now. :lol:

Welcome. :thumbs:


[Modified by 1970 Stingray, 4:38 AM 12/31/2003]
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Old Dec 31, 2003 | 05:29 AM
  #26  
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Default Re: My first Vette (wilcox)

Post your VIN im thinking this is a 1980 sold in 1979?? that is definetley a 80-82 nose Who bought your Corvette for you?
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Old Dec 31, 2003 | 09:47 AM
  #27  
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Default Re: My first Vette (Love My 72 and 77)

Post the vin and we will see whats going on :D
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Old Dec 31, 2003 | 01:48 PM
  #28  
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Default Re: My first Vette (stickboy)

Strange, but I would bet that the hood is a 1979. Didn't the 80-82 have the tapered cowl?

It might just be the pictures, but what are the 3 screws in the horn button on the steering wheel?
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Old Dec 31, 2003 | 03:31 PM
  #29  
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Default Re: My first Vette (GreyGhost)

Post the vin and we will see whats going on :D
Here is the VIN: 1z8749s452675

Thats 13 chars long...... Dont know much about vin #s but should be 17chars. I guess older cars have 13 digits


[Modified by wilcox, 8:42 PM 12/31/2003]


[Modified by wilcox, 8:55 PM 12/31/2003]
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Old Dec 31, 2003 | 03:51 PM
  #30  
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Default Re: My first Vette (wilcox)

I don't have the manual in front of me, but that looks like a 1979 VIN. Isn't the 7th digit the year?

Also, isn't this car an L-82?

So I can't count....6th = year. :lol:
[Modified by Andrew, 3:07 PM 12/31/2003]


[Modified by Andrew, 3:08 PM 12/31/2003]
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Old Dec 31, 2003 | 04:03 PM
  #31  
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Default Re: My first Vette (Andrew)

Double POST :smash:


[Modified by wilcox, 11:49 PM 12/31/2003]
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Old Dec 31, 2003 | 04:03 PM
  #32  
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Default Re: My first Vette (Andrew)

1z8749s452675

Position 1 = General Motors Division
1 = Chevrolet
Position 2 = Car line or series
Z = Corvette
Positon 3-4 = Body style
87 = ?
Position 5 = Engine type
DOES NOT APPLY Has 70-73 400 Small Block
Position 6 = Year of car
9 = 1979
Position 7 = Assembly plant location
S = St. Louis
Position 8 -13 = Production sequence number
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Old Dec 31, 2003 | 04:29 PM
  #33  
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Default Re: My first Vette (wilcox)

Look at the rear end.

If it is a large aluminum differential and crossmember housing, then your car is 80-81. If it is a steel cross member with a smaller cast iron housing, then you have the 79 rear end which can only mount to a 79 or a pre 1980 frame.

The front clip and rear fascia can be changed with a fair amount of work :smash:

Brent...
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