1972 Body build dates

[Michael C.]

My question is, what is the average time lapse between the body build date and final assembly that would be indicated by looking at the vehicle vin number. I have a car has a body build date on the last day of a month. The vin number indicates that the car was completed on the first day of the following month. Does that sound correct. I am guessing yes, but I just want to be sure. Thank You in advance. Mike Chase

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 Body build dates

Mike-----

For C3s, the body was built at St. Louis and the trim tag (with the body build date) affixed after completion of the body. So, there was not too much time lapsed between completion of the body and completion of the car. There really couldn't have been too much time. St. Louis Corvette was an old and rather small assembly facility. There wasn't that much room to have all sorts of bodies lying around awaiting placement on the line for final assembly. I think that 1 to 3 days would probably be the norm between body build completion and final assembly of the car.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1972 Body build dates *TL*

Mike,
If it is still there the blue certification label on the driver's door jamb will give you a month and year date. It was one of the last items put on the car, and for those cars with a body build date on or near the end of the month, it might tell you if the car came off the assembly line the next month. Thus giving a reference for that 1 to 3 days Joe mentioned.
BTW: My understanding is that the trim tag was affixed to 1968-1973 after the body (fiberglass) was assembled and painted, but before the body was trimmed - that is before weatherstrip, upholstery, glass and so on. Later in C3 production (and I am not sure exactly where) the trim tag was attached before paint was applied - so it is covered with paint.