fjd

All

I just purchased a 63 and Im a newbie. The previous owner (13 years) doesn't know much about it and the prior owner is deceased. How can I tell whats original and whats not? Like did it come with A/C, what colors originally, etc?

Thanks

kenba

Wouldn't know where to start with this thread. All I can say sir is that you need to start reading about Corvettes. Should have done that before you bought. GOOD LUCK.

warrenmj

Post some photos of the car to include the Trim Tag and VIN plate both should be attached to the bar underneath the glove box. These will help folks on the forum provide info to you on your car.

Congratulations and welcome to the forum

tbarb

Take some pictures of the engine compartment, interior etc. and post them, there are lots of knowledgeable people here that can tell you about your car.

Congratulations on your purchase.

fjd

[QUOTE=fjd;1597209763]All

I just purchased a 63 and Im a newbie. The previous owner (13 years) doesn't know much about it and the prior owner is deceased. How can I tell whats original and whats not? Like did it come with A/C, what colors originally, etc?

Thanks!!
Thanks to all of you who replied so far. I did have the car inspected, its a west coast car, Im east cost and based on that I believe i paid a fair price. Of course I admit that I could've done more up front homework but thats hindsight. I will post some pics as suggested and take it from there.

Panama 58

Let's start with the following:
Coupe or convertible?
Stick shift or automatic?

Pics of exterior, interior, gauge cluster and engine would be a real help. Help us and we will help you.

warrenmj

Unlike the first response to your post, most forum members are extremely helpful when trying to answer questions. However, there are always a few that provide less than valuable responses so just learn to ignore those as this forum is an tremendous resource.

Look forward to seeing photos of your car.

fjd

Thanks! Believe me, even with the inspection, I know I could've done more. Im looking forward to posting pics and getting your responses. I love the car so that's the bright side and my local mechanic has it on the lift now and so far (fingers crossed) so good as far as overall condition over and under. When I get it back I will post the pics everyone has asked for.

Swept57

Coupe or convertible? If possible, take a picture of the engine stamp located on the front of the engine by the RHS cylinder head.

DucatiDon

This thread is worthless without pics

GTOguy

....Or any usable information about the car. We don't even know what body type it is.

GTOguy

I'll go even further....we don't even know if it is a Corvette. It is a '63 something....possibly a Ford Galaxie?

Jackfit

Hi, here are some simple things to do that will help you enjoy your new purchase.

Get some books...".Corvette by the Numbers" is a good one

Also get sent to you from 3 or 4 vendors...their catoglogs. They will have diagrams that are better than the AIM...manual..that you should get.

When you get the car take pictures of all the areas that have been mentioned.

Ignore critical posts here ...some members just don't know how to communicate in a positive way, but still have knowledge.

You will be disappointed at some of the items that may be in your car...it is 55 years old...so...see how it runs...and over time you will really enjoy the car..

These cars need to be driven......not waxed and polished to death.

Don't be afraid to drive it....it is just a car...it will break sometimes...and most things that will go wrong are simple to fix..

Frankie the Fink and some others have this year and will only too happy to help you

Jack

GTR1999

Jack,
Well said and something that many lost along the way.
Drive them, fix them and drive them some more.

Nowhere Man

also if your looking to see if someone has a master list of vin numbers that will tell you how it was built that does not exist ANYWHERE.

morly1963

Hi and welcome. Buy some books on 63's and read-its like a car history lesson-good luck and post some pics when u can.

63driver

Good day, you mentioned you are an east coast guy. Many of us 63 owners live on the east coast and would probably be happy to walk the car with you. Where are you located? I'm in southern New Hampshire.

vettebuyer6369

An easy buy for you is the pocket guide Corvette Black Book. For an absolute newbie, you can read through the general info and the 1963 specific details and learn a lot, quickly. You can see if certain configurations are even possible for your car.

For example, you asked about AC. ‘63s with air carry an enormous premium in price, as there were only 278 built. Most 63 fans can give you a good idea if an existing AC unit in your car could have been original, although I’d hope your inspection covered that.

You can also use the Black Book to quickly check your trim tag for original colors and engine numbers as well as accessories. The engine VIN derivative is what you would look to see if it “matches” the body/chassis VIN, while other parts such as alternators, radiator, etc will have numbers and dates that could be considered “correct” for that vehicle.

And as everyone said, post as many different angle photos as you can, including the trim tag/VIN plate under the glove box and we can give you a ton of info.

outofspec

Hi FJD,
Welcome to the wonderful world of Corvettes, and to the forum. There’s lots of great information here on the forum. I’d suggest starting by going to the search bar and entering 1963, and reading through some of the questions and responses. It will help you understand the nuances of the mark, the variations of 1963 equipment and parts, and some of the responses that were generated by your question. Originality to this group means everything from the direction the wiring harness was wrapped at the factory, and what shade of black is on the frame, to what engine did the car come with originally, and what color was it at birth. Entire books and judging manuals have been written in response to your question.
As suggested, you need to start with the trim tag, located under the glove box, the vin plate, located net to the trim tag, and see if there’s anything stamped on the engine block pad, located on the passenger side of the engine, front, just below the head. I own a 1963 roadster and there are many parts that are unique to a 1963, with many running changes throughout the production year. The trim tag and Vin will help with original color, and determine where in the production run your car falls. Old Corvettes with no documentation require a lot of detective work and extrapolation to determine what is original and what is not.
Good Luck and congratulations on the new to you Corvette!

Swept57

To some of the group, for sure, but there are plenty, myself included, that originality means little to.