anyway to determine original engine by VIN

[Ron Dunn]

I am researching the purchase of 1965 roadster, non-origiinal engine. Is there a way to determine what engine type this vehicle originally had by the VIN or body tag?

[Bryan L.]

Re: anyway to determine original engine by VIN

Not on a Corvette. That's why there are so many made up cars. There were engines that were only offered at certain times in production, for instance the 396-425 cars which began sometime in January (I think). As an example, if someone tells you that a 65 was an original BB car and it has a build date in November 64 it doesn't add up. Chrysler and Ford both had a way through codes and tags to show an engine option but I don't know why the Corvettes didn't.

BL

[Ron Dunn]

Re: anyway to determine original engine by VIN

Thanks Bryan.

[Donald T.]

Re: anyway to determine original engine by VIN

Ron,

There will likely be other clues as to it's original configuration. It really depends on how original the car is other than the engine. Check oil pressure gauge, tac redline, rear diff codes, fuel line, sway bar, etc.

[Ron Dunn]

Re: anyway to determine original engine by VIN

Thanks Don. The car belongs to a friend of mine who has owned it for several years, but who knows very little about it. I'm not very knowledgeable about corvettes either, and appreciate your input. The car has some frame rust, and I need to more thoroughly examine the extent of the rust before I commit. It appears to be pretty rusty; however, I enjoy saving classics and a frame-off doesn't intimidate me, but I hate to put a lot of time and money into something that will not be worth my expense when done. The body appears to be very straight, crisp lines, no seam cracks, so I don't think the car has been damaged by accidents. I have decoded the VIN and body tag, and everything appears to be as it was built (same exterior color, interior color, 4 speed car). The body, paint and interior are in very good condition, so most of the work required is under the car. Have you ever done a frame-off, and if so, how difficult is it to remove the body? Any special equipment required?

[Mark Milner]

Re: anyway to determine original engine by VIN

There have been times I have said doing a body off job is easier than trying to keep the body on. For one thing, everything is out of your way.

There are a lot of little things that disconnect.

Kevin McKay had a checklist on the web for several years that was good. Maybe someone still has a copy.

Noland Adams has a book and video for doing it.

Here is a link to the C1, which of course is different, but gives you an idea of what you are up against.




C1 body lift - for ideas

[Mark Milner]

Here is the C2 checklist

this is the one I was thinking of.




Mid Year Body Removal & Reinstallation

[John H.]

Re: anyway to determine original engine by VIN

Here's the McKay midyear body lift/drop checklist.




Midyear Body Lift/Drop Checklist

[Ron Dunn]

Re: Here is the C2 checklist

Thanks Mark. Your time in finding this is greatly appreciated!

[Ron Dunn]

Re: anyway to determine original engine by VIN

Thanks John. I really appreciate it.

[Bryan L.]

Re: anyway to determine original engine by VIN

The one thing to consider before purchasing the car is how bad the rust is. If the frame is rusty it can be salvaged as there are replacement sections and even new and used frames available. If the frame is pretty rusty you can expect the birdcage to be rusted too. It is the metal structure around the dash and sill area. If the birdcage is rusty it is pretty much a death blow to a car. There aren't many people who will attempt this repair and even fewer who know how to do it correctly. It's an expensive undertaking.

BL

[Ron Dunn]

Re: anyway to determine original engine by VIN

Thanks Bryan. Is there a way to tell if the birdcage is rusty? Is it visible by inspection without removing anything, or if you have to remove something, what? Does the birdcage begin on the sides of the dash and go down to the sill area and stop there, or does it actually encircle the dash area, like under the windshield and then run under the sills? Do you know of a link that shows a diagram of the birdcage?

[Ron Dunn]

Birdcage picture

I got lucky and answered my own question and found a site. http://www.racingicons.com/gs/birdcage.htm Wow, this would be a death blow.

[Bryan L.]

Re: Birdcage picture

Ron, do a search on this board for birdcage and you'll get a lot of information about how to spot birdcage rot from many very experienced restorers. I haven't seen that many and lucked out as my birdcage was very nice.

BL