1972 Origianl Paint?

[Ed M.]

I am off to look at a '72 this afternoon that is purported to be "all original" including paint. Besides the obvious tell-tale oversprays, what should I be looking for in order to gauge authenticity? On midyears for instance, I know how the hoods were painted and which components were attached before and after painting, but my knowledge of '72 cars is lacking in this area.

This car has original drivetrain, base motor, 4 spd, PS, PB, and AC. Supposedly fully documented with 76K miles, and in very good condition. Any guesses on value?

Thanks for the input.

Ed McGee in New Hampshire where original Corvettes are rarer than 5 legged cows.

[Brett Driscoll]

Re: 1972 Origianl Paint?

Ed, It was explained to me that one way to check for original paint on 68-72 is to look for a tape ridge around the CORVETTE letering on the rear of the car.In other words repaints were the norm as cars came off the line and you should feel a ridge in the paint when running your finger up and down between the letters.This was explained to me at a chapter judging class and I know of at least one original owner 20k mile 69 that has this paint flaw. Brett Driscoll

[Brett Driscoll]

Re: 1972 Origianl Paint?

Ed, It was explained to me that one way to check for original paint on 68-72 is to look for a tape ridge around the CORVETTE letering on the rear of the car.In other words repaints were the norm as cars came off the line and you should feel a ridge in the paint when running your finger up and down between the letters.This was explained to me at a chapter judging class and I know of at least one original owner 20k mile 69 that has this paint flaw. Brett Driscoll

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1972 Original Paint?

My friend's original 40000 mile 72 has paint overspray from the factory on the hood hinges, and a touch even on the lower front driver's corver of the windshield. I have seen another 72 with the same hood hinge overspray and irregularity in this area, as well as long the drip rail and the edge of the hood. It just looked "messier" than I expected given the overall excellent quality of the rest of the paint.

Hope this helps. Patrick

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1972 Original Paint?

My friend's original 40000 mile 72 has paint overspray from the factory on the hood hinges, and a touch even on the lower front driver's corver of the windshield. I have seen another 72 with the same hood hinge overspray and irregularity in this area, as well as long the drip rail and the edge of the hood. It just looked "messier" than I expected given the overall excellent quality of the rest of the paint.

Hope this helps. Patrick