yellow markings

[John Werner]

My 79-L82 has hand written yellow letters and numbers on the frame and some other parts. What was used to write this on the car? While cleaning and in some areas refinnishing, should I remove this and then rewrite it in the same place or work around it and leave it as it came form the factory?

Thank You, John

[Patrick H.]

Re: yellow markings

John,

LEAVE IT!!!

Anyway, the yellow markings are likely (without seeing your car) either inspection marks, or frame shim marks, or the like. Each mark gives your Corvette some character and contributes to its all-around originality. If you look closely, some of the marks on the frame are likely in white and/or green as well.

If you have ever seen a high-dollar "correct" restoration, people will spend hours trying to re-create the marks that your car still has on it. Why remove them only to put them back on? Other than some soap and water cleaning, for an original low-mileage car like yours you are likely better off doing nothing at this point to "improve" its appearance.

As an example, I will always remember judging a certain totally original (except for the valve covers) '67 435 horse convertible with 17000 miles on it. The paint had a few scratches, the exhaust had rust, the engine was still a little dirty, and the front suspension had once been painted red, but it still got a Top Flight and with relative ease. And do you know why? Because it lost virtualy NO points on originality, and after 17000 miles and 25 years (at the time) did quite well on condition.

As I noted below, I would highly recommend having your car judged as-is, and even at a Regional met if possible. Then, after a few judging events have shown you what your car is possible of, decide if there is anything truly worthy of an "upgrade" or improvement.

Sorry for the "soapbox," but I have been trying to get this same idea into the head of a friend, and frequently when I talk to him he is sorry that he did one more thing to alter the originality of his Corvette. I would hate for you to do the same.

Patrick Hulst

[Patrick H.]

Re: yellow markings

John,

LEAVE IT!!!

Anyway, the yellow markings are likely (without seeing your car) either inspection marks, or frame shim marks, or the like. Each mark gives your Corvette some character and contributes to its all-around originality. If you look closely, some of the marks on the frame are likely in white and/or green as well.

If you have ever seen a high-dollar "correct" restoration, people will spend hours trying to re-create the marks that your car still has on it. Why remove them only to put them back on? Other than some soap and water cleaning, for an original low-mileage car like yours you are likely better off doing nothing at this point to "improve" its appearance.

As an example, I will always remember judging a certain totally original (except for the valve covers) '67 435 horse convertible with 17000 miles on it. The paint had a few scratches, the exhaust had rust, the engine was still a little dirty, and the front suspension had once been painted red, but it still got a Top Flight and with relative ease. And do you know why? Because it lost virtualy NO points on originality, and after 17000 miles and 25 years (at the time) did quite well on condition.

As I noted below, I would highly recommend having your car judged as-is, and even at a Regional met if possible. Then, after a few judging events have shown you what your car is possible of, decide if there is anything truly worthy of an "upgrade" or improvement.

Sorry for the "soapbox," but I have been trying to get this same idea into the head of a friend, and frequently when I talk to him he is sorry that he did one more thing to alter the originality of his Corvette. I would hate for you to do the same.

Patrick Hulst

[Joe L.]

Re: yellow markings

John----

I agree with Patrick. However, if you do need to restore frame markings, supplies are available from Quanta Products to duplicate about every type of marking material ever used on a Corvette. For the "yellow crayon" markings, though, your quest is a much easier one. These markings were made with a yellow tire crayon. You can purchase these tire crayons in many automotive supply stores.

[Joe L.]

Re: yellow markings

John----

I agree with Patrick. However, if you do need to restore frame markings, supplies are available from Quanta Products to duplicate about every type of marking material ever used on a Corvette. For the "yellow crayon" markings, though, your quest is a much easier one. These markings were made with a yellow tire crayon. You can purchase these tire crayons in many automotive supply stores.