Im looking at a 04 Commemorative Edition Z06 but it doesn't have the stripes. Im pretty sure they all came with the stripes or am I wrong? Could they be ordered without them? It doesn't have the polished wheels either. How much does not having the stripes or polished wheels affect the value?

 

Just sounds like a 2002 LeMans blue Z06 to me.... lol.

 

so you're saying its rare.

 

I'd investigate it some more before buying, make sure it is really a commemorative edition.
Make sure it has the carbon fiber hood.
I don't know for sure if they could be ordered without the stripes, but they could have been removed.
Stripes are still available if it is real and you want to make it look right.
Those cars are the best looking Z06's when they have the full stripes on them.
But, yes, missing stripes and wheels would seriously devalue the car IMO.

 

Does the underside of the hood have exposed carbon fiber that I can see to verify that it is the correct hood?

 

Might have to pull the insulation down to see it.

 

I'm not sure you can even do that. The only time I've seen the carbon finish on one was on a completely unfinished version. I think the only way to check non-destructively would be to weigh it.

Stripes are definitely available aftermarket. Wheels are going to be nearly impossible to find, but there are reproductions available.

Without the stripes and wheels I'd be seriously concerned the hood was replaced too, definitely not worth paying any sort of premium.

 

Verify by VIN:

2004 Commemorative Edition Corvette Z06 Production Numbers - Corvette Action Center

 

Yes, all Z16 optioned cars came with LeMans Blue paint, the stripes, carbon fiber hood, polished wheels, and an embroidered headrest seat covers. Naked cars (without stripes) are cars that have had their stripes removed. Reproductions are available, around $1000 for the entire set. Polished wheels will set you back $2000+ with the proper center caps. So, in a nutshell, a naked car missing the wheels is worth less by a few grand. You can tell the carbon hood by the weight, about 17 lbs, roughly half the weight of the standard C5 hood. The white sticker on the glove box door should also have the Z16 option code. Feel free to shoot me any other questions.

Ron CE #1969

 

I am the original owner of my 2004 CE Z06 and like others have said, the stripes and wheels do add to the overall value. I do not believe GM offered the car as a stripe delete from the factory, but an owner could certainly have removed them. Other specific CE Z06 items to look for would be the 24 Hours C5 emblem on the hood and rear trunk lid. These were specific to all Commemorative Editions, Coupes, Convertibles and Z06. The emblems are crazy expensive to replace nearly $800 per emblem if you can find them. The driver and passenger seats were the "Standard" non sport seat in black leather with an embroidered C5 logo, no other C5 had this seat. The stripes are available from folks like Phoenix Graphics and others however they are not an exact match. But only an over the top nut (like me) and NCRS Judge would really know the difference. I spoke with two of the Corvette Engineers about this topic when I was looking for a replacement set of stripes. Back in 2004 the third party manufacture of the stripes made a limited run of the stripes and then destroyed the die/machine used to make the stripes. They have multiple layers of thin vinyl and the word Carbon Fiber is visible in the carbon fiber weave pattern on the stripes. Check the VIN against the list mentioned earlier in this thread. Best of luck, they are great cars.

 

Those cars are one of the best looking Corvettes that were made.

 

I for one would be suspicious of that car. And continue to search. Just my opinion.

 

Look at the CPO list in the glovebox door. Z16 is clearly posted. Also the registry is an absolute must. No stripes, hmm. Look at hood it’s carbon fiber and different than SMC. Polished zo6 rims with caps that say commemorative. Look at corvette flags. Same thing commemorative. It’s fairly easy to identify a real Z16

 

THIS guy knows. I have #1428 myself. Sorry I didn’t read what you wrote brother.


QUOTE=zipity;1609430264]I am the original owner of my 2004 CE Z06 and like others have said, the stripes and wheels do add to the overall value. I do not believe GM offered the car as a stripe delete from the factory, but an owner could certainly have removed them. Other specific CE Z06 items to look for would be the 24 Hours C5 emblem on the hood and rear trunk lid. These were specific to all Commemorative Editions, Coupes, Convertibles and Z06. The emblems are crazy expensive to replace nearly $800 per emblem if you can find them. The driver and passenger seats were the "Standard" non sport seat in black leather with an embroidered C5 logo, no other C5 had this seat. The stripes are available from folks like Phoenix Graphics and others however they are not an exact match. But only an over the top nut (like me) and NCRS Judge would really know the difference. I spoke with two of the Corvette Engineers about this topic when I was looking for a replacement set of stripes. Back in 2004 the third party manufacture of the stripes made a limited run of the stripes and then destroyed the die/machine used to make the stripes. They have multiple layers of thin vinyl and the word Carbon Fiber is visible in the carbon fiber weave pattern on the stripes. Check the VIN against the list mentioned earlier in this thread. Best of luck, they are great cars.[/QUOTE]

 

tdhal has stated all of the information required to tell if it is a real Commemorative! Just went through all of the history and background myself. Lots of homework was done. Have #744 in the garage now.

 

Is there a carbon fiber strip exposed on the hood incorporated in the strip

 

There is no exposed carbon fiber, the stripe has a faux carbon fiber section in it.

 

this is truth.

 

I have one of those hoods hanging on my wall off an original low mile Z16.