Author Archive
1964 Corvette Barn Find
1964 Corvette – Barn Stored for 30 years
This ’64 Corvette for sale was recently pulled out of storage after sitting for 30 years. It looks to be pretty much intact with the exception of some poor modification decisions by a previous owner. Luckily the original engine and transmission are still there, although the heads are long gone. But the block and intake are matching numbers, so that’s a start. The frame is solid with only some minor surface rust to contend with. Read the rest of this entry »
1970 Corvette Barn Find
1970 Corvette Convertible
This Corvette has been in storage for more than 20 years. It’s in pretty rough shape and in need of a skilled body man to smooth out that fiberglass skin. The front has obviously been in a wreck, but it doesn’t look terrible. Unfortunately the original V-8 motor is gone, but the automatic transmission is still there. The interior is mostly complete, but has seen better days and needs to be replaced. On the bright side is still has it’s 15×8 rally wheels. Read the rest of this entry »
Best Corvette Books
Corvette Book Reviews
When a car has as much history and popularity as the Corvette it will certainly get its share of print. Hundreds of books have been written about the Corvette trying to document and celebrate it’s iconic tradition of being America’s sports car. Some are simple “coffee table” books with lots of stunning photos, while others dig deep into the nuts and bolts to give you facts like production runs, VINS, “matching numbers”, etc.
Here we’ll give our recommendations for the top Corvette books.
Corvette Black Book 1953-2009
Selecting the Corvette Black Book as the first in our top list was a no-brainer. It’s quite simply the consummate guide that every serious Corvette enthusiast must have. Think of it as the Cliff’s Notes of every Corvette made since 1953. Its beauty lies in its efficiency. There’s no flowery language or automotive anecdotes. It’s just page after page of the straight facts for each and every year of Corvette production; pricing, production numbers, VIN, casting numbers, features, options, colors and trim. A comprehensive glossary gives a quick reference for all the typical Corvette terms and lingo. Also included is a time line of the significant dates in Corvette history as well as a year-by-year breakdown, including photos to help in identification.
The Corvette Black Book by Mike Antonick is republished each year to bring you the latest model year production numbers as well as any new information that may have come to light on the older models. Sized perfectly for traveling and a must have resource when looking at Corvettes for sale, this pocket guide is an essential part of any Corvette owner’s library.
Corvette by the Numbers 1955-1982
Alan Colvin is well known in GM circles for his great “By The Numbers” series of books. They’re a bible of sorts for those interested in verifying every little detail of their car. And his Corvette by the Numbers certainly lives up to his previous works.
This enormous book (600+ pages) is the product of years of exhaustive research through GM records, engineering specs, blueprints and Technical Service Bulletins. It contains simply everything you could want to know about which parts were used on which Corvettes and how to verify that those on your car are correct. This book is invaluable for those restoring the C1, C2 or C3 generation Corvettes. There’s simply no better book to verify that the parts you’re getting are correct for your exact car.
Corvette by the Numbers is made to confirm whether a Corvette is “matching numbers” or not. It starts with Corvette VIN decoding and then expands to give extremely detailed and researched casting numbers on virtually every coded hard part on your Corvette including engine blocks, cylinder heads, transmissions, starters, crankshafts, carburetors, water pumps, intake & exhaust manifolds, axles, wheels, harmonic balancers, radios, fuel injection components and more. And each of these sections is accompanied by detailed photos and/or diagrams helping explain exactly where to look on your car.
If you’re a “numbers matching” kind of Corvette owner this book is not one you can live without.
Legendary Corvettes
There are so many Corvette books on the market that often volumes are simply more of the same rehashed photo books. But occasionally one comes along that just blows you away with it’s detail, designer’s layout and amazingly well researched history. “Legendary Corvettes: ‘Vettes Made Famous on Track and Screen” is one such book of greatness. Fairly new the the Corvette book scene (published August 2010) this book features amazing photography and very artfully laid out pages. The design of this stunning book is as elegant as it’s subject matter.
Legendary Corvettes is an in depth look at 18 of the most legendary Corvettes of all time. These are the amazing, historical, iconic… even mythical cars that have become part of the storied Corvette name. Some of these cars include the earliest surviving 1953 Corvette ever built; a C5 Corvette raced by both Dale Earnhardts (Sr. and Jr.); The 1959 CERV I and 1964 CERV II; Corvettes used in the TV series Route 66 and 13 more.
If only one Corvette book could grace your coffee table, this one should be it.
The Complete Book of Corvettes
Mike Mueller has done a superb job on this hefty 352 page volume documenting the great American Sports Car. It covers every model from 1953 to 2006 and does so in exhaustive historic detail. In addition to the great writing and interesting research, there are dozens of photos from the GM design archives that hadn’t been published prior to this great book.
This is a book focused on Corvette history, not a “numbers” book designed to give you every casting number or VIN derivative. (See “Corvette by the Numbers” above for that) But it does it’s job very well; which is to tell the fascinating story of the birth and maturity of a great American icon; the Corvette.
Just one note of warning. This book was published in 2006, so don’t expect it to include the most recent few years of Corvettes.
Corvette VIN Decoding
How to decode Corvette Serial Numbers
When looking to purchase a Corvette for sale one of the first items on your list should be verifying the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It’s a critical part of researching a used Corvette and it’s important that you can decode and understand it. You need to know what information it provides, but also what it doesn’t tell you about a car. The VIN is only the first step in confirming that the Corvette you’re looking at is really what the seller says it is.
The VIN (sometimes called a serial number or body chassis number or simply vehicle number) is a unique number given only to that one specific car. It’s used by the factory, motor vehicle departments, law enforcement and owners alike to identify that exact car. In addition it gives valuable info (depending on year) such as model year, when it was built in relation to other Corvettes that year, engine size and body style, including special editions such as the ZR1, Z06 and Grand Sports. Decoding the VIN is part of verifying a “matching numbers” Corvette.
VIN Locations
The VIN on a Corvette has always been stamped on a plate, although the location of that plate has varied over the years. From 1953 through early 1960 the VIN was located on the drivers side door post. For the rest of 1960-1962 it was on the steering column in the engine bay. 1963-1967 saw the VIN move again to the instrument support brace, below the glove box. In 1968 it moved to the top of the instrument panel, visible from outside looking through the windshield. From that point on it was either there or on the windshield support post (A-pillar)
In addition to the VIN plate, Corvette frames are stamped with the VIN in several locations not visible at a casual glance. These are to help law enforcement track down stolen vehicles and discourage VIN swapping.
Corvette VIN Decoding
Just like the location, the configuration Corvette VIN numbers has evolved through the years. The early years of 1953-1959 had a 10 digit VIN. 1960-1964 had 12 digits. 1965-1980 got an extra to bring it up to 13 digits. Then in 1981 the VIN increased to 17 digits which is where it remains today. Follow the links below for a breakdown on each specific year range.
1953-1959 Corvette VIN decoding (10 digits)
1960-1964 Corvette VIN decoding (12 digits)
1965-1971 Corvette VIN decoding (13 digits)
1972-1980 Corvette VIN decoding (13 digits)
1981-Present Corvette VIN decoding (17 digits)
How to Decode a Corvette VIN :: 1953-1959
When the Corvette first came out in 1953 the VIN was simple and to the point. It was made up of 10 digits giving basic information like model year, assembly plant and where that particular car fell in the production sequence. In 1953 only Corvettes were assembled at the Flint, MI plant. After that St. Louis became the home of the Corvette for decades until the move to Bowling Green in 1981.
1955 Corvette Example VIN – 10 digits (11 for V8 engines in 1955 only)
Prefix digit – V = V8 engine (The stamped “V” is larger than the other digits and used only in 1955 and only if the car had a V8)
1st digit – Model: Corvette (E in 1953-1956 & J in 1958-1959)
2nd+3rd digit – Model Year: 53 = 1953, 54 = 1954, 55 = 1955, 56 = 1956, 57 = 1957, 58 = 1958, 59 = 1959
4th digit – Assembly Plant: S = St. Louis, F = Flint (1953 only)
5th-10th digits – Production Sequence Number: 1953-1956 started at 001001. 1957-1959 started with 100001. Each Corvette produced was assigned the next number in sequence. Last sequence number should equal total production for that year in almost all cases.
Decoding the VIN is just the first step when looking at potential Corvettes for sale. It’s also important to confirm “matching numbers” (ie. verify original equipment like engine, transmission, axles, etc. )
How to Decode a Corvette VIN :: 1960-1964
In 1960 Chevrolet changed the Corvette VIN configuration, going to a 12 digit VIN instead of the previous 10 digit. The added 2 digits distinguish between coupe and convertible body style. However, there was still no digit specifying 6 or 8 cylinder engine. This wouldn’t be added until the 1965 Corvette.
1960 Corvette Example VIN – 12 digits
1st digit – Model Year: 0 = 1960, 1 = 1961, 2 = 1962, 3 = 1963, 4 = 1964
2nd+3rd digit – Model: 08 = Corvette
4th+5th digits – Body Style: 37 = Coupe, 67 = Convertible
6th digit – Assembly Plant: S = St. Louis
7th-12th digits – Production Sequence Number: Starts at 100001 with each Corvette produced being assigned the next number in sequence. Last sequence number should equal total production for that year in almost all cases.
Decoding the VIN is just the first step when looking at potential Corvettes for sale. It’s also important to confirm “matching numbers” (ie. verify original equipment like engine, transmission, axles, etc. )
How to Decode a Corvette VIN :: 1965-1971
In 1965 the Corvette VIN configuration was changed from the earlier 1960-1964 format. There were now 13 characters, although the basic information remained the same as previous years, just rearranged slightly in their order. The basic information was still shown including year, body style and order in the production sequence. The 3rd digit now signified a V8 engine, but not which one. Later in 1972 the engine digit would become more informative and specify size and horsepower rating.
1965 Corvette Example VIN – 13 digits
1st digit – Make/Manufacturer: 1 = Chevrolet
2nd digit – Model: 9 = Corvette
3rd digit – Engine: 4 = V8 (all engines)
4th+5th digits – Body Style: 37 = Coupe, 67 = Convertible
6th digit – Model Year: 5 = 1965, 6 = 1966, 7 = 1967, 8 = 1968, 9 = 1969, 0 = 1970, 1 = 1971
7th digit – Assembly Plant: S = St. Louis
8th-13th digits – Production Sequence Number: Starts at 100001 with each Corvette produced being assigned the next number in sequence. Last sequence number should equal total production for that year in almost all cases.
Decoding the VIN is just the first step when looking at potential Corvettes for sale. It’s also important to confirm “matching numbers” (ie. verify original equipment like engine, transmission, axles, etc. )
How to Decode a Corvette VIN :: 1981-Present
Starting in 1981 GM added several characters to the Corvette VIN to bring the total up to 17 digits. Thankfully this new longer VIN helps standardize the decoding process and has remained mostly the same for almost 30 years now. Those extra characters also allowed GM to give more information about each car. Special options like the ZR1 are now easily verified by VIN, which can be a big help when researching Corvettes for sale.
1986 Corvette Example VIN – 17 digits
1st digit – Country of manufacture: 1 = United States
2nd digit – Manufacturer: G = General Motors
3rd digit – Make: 1 = Chevrolet
4th digit – Body Series: A or Y = Corvette (‘A’ used in 1981-1984, ‘Y’ used from 1985-present)
5th digit – Additional Info: Y in most cases, but Z for ZR-1 (1991-1995) and R for ZR1 (2009)
6th digit – Body Style:
7th digit – Restraint System:
8th digit – Engine: See below for list of engine codes by year
9th digit – Random Security Number: This number varies randomly from car to car
10th digit – Model Year: B = 1981, C = 1982, D = 1983, E = 1984, F = 1985, G = 1986, H = 1987, J = 1988, K = 1989, L = 1990, M = 1991, N = 1992, P = 1993, R = 1994, S = 1995, T = 1996, V = 1997, W = 1998, X = 1999, Y = 2000, 1 = 2001, 2 = 2002, 3 = 2003, 4 = 2004, 5 = 2005, 6 = 2006, 7 = 2007, 8 = 2008
11th digit – Assembly Plant: 5 = Bowling Green, S = St. Louis (used only on 1981 Corvettes which were made at both plants)
Engine VIN codes by year:
1981 – 6 = L81 (5.7L, 190 hp)
1982 – 8 = L83 (5.7L, 200 hp)
1983 – N/A
1984 – 8 = L83 (5.7L, 205 hp)
1985 – 8 = L98 (5.7L, 230 hp)
1986 – 8 = L98 (5.7L, 230 hp)
1987 – 8 = L98 (5.7L, 240 hp)
1988 – 8 = L98 (5.7L, 240 hp)
1989 – 8 = L98 (5.7L, 240 hp)
1990 – 8 = L98 (5.7L, 245 hp), J = LT5 (5.7L, 375 hp)
1991 – 8 = L98 (5.7L, 245 hp), J = LT5 (5.7L, 375 hp)
1992 – P = LT1 (5.7L, 300 hp), J = LT5 (5.7L, 375 hp)
1993 – P = LT1 (5.7L, 300 hp), J = LT5 (5.7L, 405 hp)
1994 – P = LT1 (5.7L, 300 hp), J = LT5 (5.7L, 405 hp)
1995 – P = LT1 (5.7L, 300 hp), J = LT5 (5.7L, 405 hp)
1996 – P = LT1 (5.7L, 300 hp), 5 = LT4 (5.7L, 330 hp)
1997 – G = LS1 (5.7L, 345 hp)
1998 – G = LS1 (5.7L, 345 hp)
1999 – G = LS1 (5.7L, 345 hp)
2000 – G = LS1 (5.7L, 345 hp)
2001 – G = LS1 (5.7L, 350 hp), S (Z06 only) = LS6 (5.7L, 385 hp)
2002 – G = LS1 (5.7L, 350 hp), S (Z06 only) = LS6 (5.7L, 405 hp)
2003 – G = LS1 (5.7L, 350 hp), S (Z06 only) = LS6 (5.7L, 405 hp)
2004 – G = LS1 (5.7L, 350 hp), S (Z06 only) = LS6 (5.7L, 405 hp)
Transport your Corvette
Finding a Car Transport Company for your Corvette
When you start looking for transport companies to get your newly acquired Corvette safely back home you’ll find you have plenty of choices. Enough in fact to make narrowing it down pretty confusing. As with most things you get what you pay for with transport services, so don’t make your decision based solely on price. You’ve spent countless hours searching hundreds of Corvettes for sale. When you finally find the perfect one, bringing it home should be an exciting experience. Don’t risk starting it off poorly by using a cheap transport company that ends up damaging your car. Read the rest of this entry »
How to Decode a Corvette VIN :: 1972-1980
Chevrolet changed the VIN configuration around again in 1972. It was still 13 digits like in 1965-1971, but the order of characters and their meaning was switched around a bit. The basic information was still shown including year, body style and engine. Decoding the VIN should always be one of your first research tasks when looking at potential Corvettes for sale.
1972 Corvette Example VIN – 13 digits
1st digit – Make/Manufacturer: 1 = Chevrolet
2nd digit – Model: Z = Corvette
3rd+4th digits – Body Style: 37 = Coupe, 67 = Convertible, 87 = Coupe (1978-1980)
5th digit – Engine: See below for list of engine codes by year
6th digit – Model Year: 2 = 1972, 3 = 1973, 4 = 1974, 5 = 1975, 6 = 1976, 7 = 1977, 8 = 1978, 9 = 1979, A = 1980
7th digit – Assembly Plant: S = St. Louis
8th-13th digits – Production Sequence Number: Starts at 5100001 with each Corvette produced being assigned the next number in sequence. In the example above the first 1972 Corvette VIN ends in 500001 and the last ends with 527004. The Production Sequence Number changed to 4100001 after 1972.
Engine VIN codes by year:
1972 – K = base (350 cid, 200 hp), L = LT1 (350 cid, 255 hp), W = LS5 (454 cid, 270 hp)
1973 – J = L48 (350 cid, 190 hp), T = L82 (350 cid, 250 hp), Z = LS4 (454 cid, 275 hp)
1974 – J = L48 (350 cid, 195 hp), T = L82 (350 cid, 250 hp), Z = LS4 (454 cid, 270 hp)
1975 – J = L48 (350 cid, 165 hp), T = L82 (350 cid, 205 hp)
1976 – L = L48 (350 cid, 180 hp), X = L82 (350 cid, 210 hp)
1977 – L = L48 (350 cid, 180 hp), X = L82 (350 cid, 210 hp)
1978 – L = L48 (350 cid, 175 hp), X = L82 (350 cid, 220 hp)
1979 – 8 = L48 (350 cid, 195 hp), 4 = L82 (350 cid, 225 hp)
1980 – H = LG4 (305 cid, 180 hp), 8 = L48 (350 cid, 190 hp), 6 = L82 (350 cid, 230 hp)