early or late 1959 vette?

[Robert L. Doyle]

I'm restoring an Inca Silver, White cove 1959 vette s# J59S105354. As far as I can figur, the car was biult around March, 12, 1959. The dash end caps are the early style flat type and their are other early indicators but the trunk is painted body color like later production. The question,(early or late?) pops up from time to time when ordering parts. Can anyone tell me if this is considered an early or late production car?


Thanks, Robert Doyle

[Jack H.]

Re: early or late 1959 vette?

When running changes are made (part was X, then became Y), we distinguish by generalization (early/late). The actual definition of 'early/late' changes with the specifics of what we're talking about.


Example: I've got a '71 and the starter is an 'early' unit (same as used in '70 production). Car was built late April '71. So it appears to have the wrong starter.... But, by studying assembly instruction manual (AIM) engineering change notification (ECN) blocks on the bottom of the drawings, we can see the second starter wasn't phased in until the middle of June/July.


Hence, here the terms 'early/late' centers around an issue that happened in VERY LATE '71 production. Hopefully you see & understand how these words are tossed around in a 'relative' setting. For those with experience, we simply know what we're talking about. Plus, re-writes of Judging Guides have been focused on making the use of these terms more refined by textual reference to time of build, VIN, Etc. on an item by item basis.


Last, since you're working on an older Corvette, you have to BEWARE the JG's are VERY old (new books in the pipeline) and it's vital to double check everything you read against the eratta sheets in the front. Often, you'll find critical updates/corrections/retractions there....

[L Taylor]

Re: early or late 1959 vette?

You're on the right track. My April 1st car had the SS dash end caps and the soft top compartment along with the trunk was painted body color. There is no definite VIN that is a cutoff between early and late. Each example is different from case to case. Sorry