Tank label/build code/order copy

[J B.]

I'm a new comer to the Corvette world, a new memeber of NCRS and I need some advice. I recently purchased a 1968 convertible. During the sales negotiation the seller told me the car had a tank label and this was a valuable piece of the car's history. He suggested that I remove the gas tank and replace it with another tank to preserve the label. When I removed the tank I found that the tank was leaking (rusted to the support brace).
Indeed there is a tank label present in readable but fragile condition. Imagine that, 40 year old paper and it's fragile. I have taken a bunch of digital pictures.
My question is what to do next. Should I "carefully" remove the label from the tank and have it protected (acid free paper mount) or should I just store the tank with the attached label protected for future reference?

[Kevin M.]

Re: Tank label/build code/order copy

If you have the room, clean the inside of the tank so you don't blow up, then keep the entire tank if you have room. Removal can be done but is not that easy. Post some of your pictures if you can we love to see "original" tank stickers.

Kevin

[Jim T.]

Re: Tank label/build code/order copy

I have a original owner 68 and my tank is still in place, no need to look and see what I already know, however there may be more information about your car located up under the dash. Many years ago when I removed my radio for repair I found a copy of the document that showed the build information for my car. I returned it to its location after looking at it. Did you get the protect-o-plate with your 68 purchase?

[J B.]

Re: Tank label/build code/order copy

Jim,

I have not ventured under the dash yet. But I will eventually.

I did find a small pair of stickers on the underside of the body above the gas tank.

What/where is the protect o plate?

[Don 42616]

Did GM put code/order copy under dash??????? *NM*

[Warren F.]

Re: Did GM put code/order copy under dash???????

Don:

Some owners of '68 thru '72 corvettes have discovered a copy of the Corvette Order Copy sheet, I believe there were something like 7 copies of this document that followed the car around during the assembly process at the St. Louis plant, in locations inside of the car. These seem to be sporadic and unpredictable in finding them. A more luck of the draw scenario.

[John H.]

Re: Tank label/build code/order copy

The Protect-O-Plate is a steel Addressograph plate, stamped with the car's VIN and powertrain numbers, adhesively applied to the warranty book, with the original owner's name and address applied separately by the delivering dealer on clear Dymo tape. Cars sold new in Canada don't have a P-O-P; they have a white plastic card like a credit card, issued by GM of Canada, with the owner's name and pertinent vehicle information all embossed in the card.

[Donald M.]

Re: Tank label/build code/order copy

The reason some owners find the manifest or broadcast sheet in the dash behind the radio is that the dash, complete with instruments, radio, gauges, etc was assembled (or SUB-assembled) offline to be installed when the proper vehicle came down the line. Of course, the assembler had to know the options, engine,job number, etc. to correctly pre-assemble the dash or instrument cluster, thus the order copy. I'm of the opinion that the order copy was supposed to be removed just prior to the dash/cluster installation by the installer but wasn't for some reason (laziness?) thus finding its way into the car.

[Gregory G.]

Re: Tank label/build code/order copy

John,

F.Y.I.

My early '70 #1799,which was delivered to Toronto, Canada to Humberviews Motors Chevrolet dealership, came with a P.O.P. with the original owners name embossed on it.It was the 475th car delivered to Canada per the GM of Canada's build sheet.The dealership is still in business today.35+ years.

Greg

[Harmon C.]

Re: Tank label/build code/order copy

I found part of a broadcast sheet inside the frame near where the power steering ram bracket bolts to the frame. I was using a cut off wheel to remove a damaged front frame and it was smoking when I pulled it out.
Lyle

[John H.]

Re: Tank label/build code/order copy

Greg, that's interesting; Canadian GM dealers were supposed to send the P-O-P that came with the car to GM of Canada HQ in Oshawa with the retail delivery card, and Oshawa would return the embossed "Canada card" to the dealer to be given to the customer. Maybe some just short-cutted the process and didn't bother. Photo below of the GM of Canada plastic "card" - it's for a Camaro, but the card was the same for all GM cars and trucks delivered new in Canada.

[Gregory G.]

Re: Tank label/build code/order copy

John,

The card is dated '67.My is an early '70.Could it be for years prior to '70 only?

Greg

[John H.]

Re: Tank label/build code/order copy

Greg -

Could be - I only have "Canada card" images through the 1969 model year.