Trim and paint codes decoded
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 320
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Re: Trim and paint codes decoded (Don67)
OK , I've got something a bit unusual on my trim tag (I think anyways) ... it's a '74 Roadster, just got it two weeks ago ...
Trim: 415
Paint: 80L (at least that's what it looks like)
The code next to "CHEVROLET" on the trim tag reads K21 (which relates to the build date ???)
I believe it was repainted the orginal red but the "Original Corvette" book I have doesn't list an "80L" paint number ... any ideas?
Thanks ...
OK ... decoded the "415" trim # through another search, it matches the interior in the car Medium Saddle/Vinyl (or that "comfort weave" cloth like center seat inserts and the standard interior) which actually has held up fairly well ... still see no mention of an "80L"
[Modified by J R C, 10:05 AM 4/7/2003]
Trim: 415
Paint: 80L (at least that's what it looks like)
The code next to "CHEVROLET" on the trim tag reads K21 (which relates to the build date ???)
I believe it was repainted the orginal red but the "Original Corvette" book I have doesn't list an "80L" paint number ... any ideas?
Thanks ...
OK ... decoded the "415" trim # through another search, it matches the interior in the car Medium Saddle/Vinyl (or that "comfort weave" cloth like center seat inserts and the standard interior) which actually has held up fairly well ... still see no mention of an "80L"
[Modified by J R C, 10:05 AM 4/7/2003]
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,133
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From: NM
Re: Trim and paint codes decoded (J R C)
80L is Corvette Orange, or code 980. In 74 most of the code books show the paint code starting with a "9". But the trim tags omit this 9. Thus 980 becomes 80. The L is still in debate but general thought is that it is for "lower" based on other Chevy products two-tone paint jobs (would have a lower and an upper code).
tom...
tom...
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 320
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Re: Trim and paint codes decoded (Tom73)
Thanks for the explanation Tom! ... had a little time to look a liitle deeper on other forums while I was awaiting responses and came across this paint chip chart for '74's which supports your answer (although they also refer to the "L" on a different part of the chip chart as "Russet") ... this means that I should probably find Orange paint on a portion of the car that didn't get the repaint (don't see any yet). Paint chip link: http://autocolorlibrary.com/cgi-bin/...rolet-pg01.jpg
This source seems to have the most complete listing I've come across yet ... now I'm curious to see if they used a shade of Corvette red in the repaint because it's not as dark as the Mille Miglia that's shown (of course this could be showing up darker because of the computer resolution, etc.). I personally like the red on this car better than orange but its interesting to find that the original paint was different ...
This source seems to have the most complete listing I've come across yet ... now I'm curious to see if they used a shade of Corvette red in the repaint because it's not as dark as the Mille Miglia that's shown (of course this could be showing up darker because of the computer resolution, etc.). I personally like the red on this car better than orange but its interesting to find that the original paint was different ...
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Team Owner
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From: Massillon,Ohio USA
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Re: Trim and paint codes decoded (Tom73)
tom, I believe you are correct in the "L" for lower, as I have my "original" shipper copy for my '74 and it clearly says 80U upper on one line, next line down it says 80L lower. 
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 29
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From: Boone NC
Re: Trim and paint codes decoded (Don67)
Sorry it took so long to get back... and thank you very much for the info.
The car was a burgundy color. I guess the original color done in a repaint some years ago. It's in the paint shop now being painted.
How do I decode the build date and other stuff on this car?
There was also a 3 digit chalk mark on the rear interior area. What would that be? :confused:
The car was a burgundy color. I guess the original color done in a repaint some years ago. It's in the paint shop now being painted.
How do I decode the build date and other stuff on this car?
There was also a 3 digit chalk mark on the rear interior area. What would that be? :confused:
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Washington Michigan
Re: Trim and paint codes decoded (kraventhearcher)
For a '70, the build date code is stamped just to the right of "Chevrolet" on the trim tag; "A" is January, etc., and the two numbers are the day of the month. That's the date the body entered the Trim Line - the actual off-the-line date is a day or two later. :thumbs:
