What are the different numbers documents for a 69 and where are they? How do they relate and what do they mean?

 

If you're looking for the build tag like Mopars have, Corvettes don't have them. You may be lucky and find a build sheet glued to the top of your '69's gas tank. If it's not there then it's likely that tank was changed at some point or the sheet has deteriorated into dust. If you have any of the original documentation like the sales order, window sticker etc. then the build info would be on that as well.

The pertinent numbers you are looking for would be the serial portion of your car's VIN which is stamped on the frame, engine pad (passenger side bank forward of the cylinder head) and the transmission (back by the tailshaft on an MT car). Other pertinent numbers would be the build date, paint and trim level of the car which is embossed in a plate riveted to the driver's side door jamb ('68-'82) or under the glove box for the mid-years. Just about every component is date coded so all date codes must precede the build date of the car.

To some guys "numbers matching" can mean that the VIN number on the title matches the one on the vehicle. To others, the term means that all of the VIN stamps and date codes are there and agree, and the color of the car and interior matches the trim plate. This would be more of the NCRS interpretation which is how the car would have been deliverd new from the dealer.

 

Thanks. perfect and concise. Where on the frame is the number I can't find it...maybe after sand blasting. No gas tank sticker.

 

The frame stencil is on the passenger side (outboard side) of the frame near the rear edge of the door. It should be upside down.

If they are there, it's kinda tough too see them. A mirror usually works well...

 

That's about 10% of the story. If you're getting into the NCRS judging game, dozens if not hundreds of numbers and identification codes are examined.

BTW, NCRS does not use the term numbers matching because of it's ambiguity.

 

On my 69, both frame VIN's are stamped on top of the left rail, one located about the rear of the driver's seat and the other on top of the rear wheel kick-up. They are very hard to see with the body on. Perhaps possible with some mirror arrangement. It's also hard to fathom the number of parts that have part numbers, dates and unique markings.

 

A good book to get on Corvette chassis restoration is by James Tripoli. It shows all of the appropriate frame and chassis markings, proper paints, plating types, etc. You should also pick up a copy of the NCRS judging guide for '68-'69 Corvettes which details what all of the codes mean and where to find them. I think Zip carries both of these books and can be ordered through the CF.

 

Both books are available at the NCRS on-line store (www.ncrs.org), and the JG will be the current 3rd edition (violet cover); many of the other suppliers only have the outdated 2nd edition, and that's what you'll get.