C2 VIN Check/Original Paint Color Change

[Les Jacobs]

1. Car Fax only goes back to 1981. Is it possible (and practical) to do a VIN check in some other way? 2.- How would the resale value of a "nice" frame off #2, 1963 be affected if the exterior color was changed from the original Saddle Tan(932) to Riverside Red (923)? Opinions appreciated. Thanks Les

[Jack Humphrey (17100)]

Re: C2 VIN Check/Original Paint Color Change

Don't know what you're trying to achieve with a 'VIN check'.... Original factory records of VIN vs. car configuration do NOT exist anymore. Only GM Canada retained records.

On color change, recognize the 'market' is NOT homogeneous for Corvette. You have distinct market segments and different things affect 'value' based on who you're trying to attract/sell to, what market segment they're coming from, Etc.

For the factory concours crowd (NCRS is predominately of this pursuasion although not entirely), any deviation(s) from a Corvette's factory original configuration result in scoring loss and are therefore undesirable. A change in exterior color results in a full deduction for exterior paint and thereby reduces a car's originality approximately 6%.

Since top award honors in a factory concours environment begin at 94-95%, depending on the concours circuit (NCRS vs. NCCB, etc.) this is a MAJOR drawback and loss of value (figure a full body off, Top Drawer, paint job is going to run $6,000-12,000 depending on painter, level of detail, Etc.). But, in other circles/market segments, a color change might actually ENHANCE a given car's value....

Bottom line, you'll get different answers to the question based on the background and ultimate objective of he who speaks.

[Les Jacobs]

Re: C2 VIN Check/Original Paint Color Change

Jack Thanks for the thorough response. Sometimes I'm too cryptic for my own good. Regarding the "VIN Check" what I really meant was I'd like to obtain a title history report for a C2. Im interested in determining the number of owners, accident record etc, the same type of information available from Car Fax for the post 1981 vehicles. Les

[Jack Humphrey (17100)]

Re: C2 VIN Check/Original Paint Color Change

Gotcha (VIN check)! There is no such service to my knowledge. Guys spend INCREDIBLE time/$$$ doing primary research to backtrack the ownership history/chain of their Corvettes; often many years and lots of dollars....