I just recently bought my first corvette. It's a 69 convert 350/350 4 spd A/C. I was over at netVettes and they turned me on to you guys. I joined NCRS yesterday, but don't have my ID yet. I've determined that the black interior should be red (407) the paint is red (974) but may be the wrong shade as it was repainted(poorly in some places). If the engine is original I would like to restore it. I found the casting number 3970010 and on the ID pad V1022HX. I couldn't find any other numbers on the pad that relate back to the VIN. There is a fuel filter, and the A/C mount and looks like the heater hose coming out around the bottom of the pad. I can't get to the lower part of the pad to clean it, but from what I can see there isn't any numbers there. Is this an original engine, or am I looking in the wrong place for the serial number? I know the new member info package I'll receive will probably answer most of these questions but I just can't wait!
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Re: 69 Original Configuration
Gerry-----
The engine block casting number which you provided was the casting number for all 350 cid engines used in late 1969 production. My original owner 1969 built mid September 1969 with an engine assembly date of August 14, 1969 has this block casting number, so I know that it was in use by that time.
Also, your "engine number" indicates that your engine was assembled at the Flint V-8 engine plant ("V") on October 22, 1969 ("1022"). The "HX" suffix code is correct for a 350/350(L-46)with 4 speed and A/C. So, it matches your car so far. It is very unlikely that this engine was a later installed engine or a replacement engine. Replacement engines do not have the sufix codes or, usually, even the assembly date information. Since only Corvettes used the "HX" suffix code, even if the engine had originated with another similarly optioned car, it should still have a VIN-derivative stamping, even if an incorrect one for your car. I really doubt either of these possibilities. If your engine turns out to actually not have a VIN derivative, I'd say that it was most likely a "fluke" which got missed at St. Louis where the number was stamped.
I don't know why there, apparently, isn't a VIN-derivative number on the engine pad. For your 1969 small block, this stamping should be to the LEFT of the above-referenced stamping. It should be a 9 character stamping which begins with "19S7" and then the 5 digit build sequence number.
All this hinges on your car's assembly date. You didn't provide your VIN number or body build code but, if the above-referenced engine is to be original for your car, then the assembly date of your car should be sometime around mid to late November or, possibly, early December, 1969. That would mean that your body build code(upper right corner of trim tag) should begin with a "P" or a "Q". Also, your serial number should be in the range of about 34000 to 36000 APPROXIMATELY.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: 69 Original Configuration
Thanks, Joe! The VIN is 194679S735674 and the date code P17. Sounds like were in the same ball park? I guess I need to partial disassemble around the pad to see if I can find that number. BTW, I also found these numbers at the back of the intake manifold - C0 NV 8 H2 78. I don't know if these are of any help? I think the carb is a Holly and that might explain why I have the fuel filter blocking my view of the engine pad. There's also supposed to be some date numbers at the back of the engine. Should I be able to see them from above? Thanks again, and I hope these aren't too dumb of questions.Comment
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Re: 69 Original Configuration
Gerry-----
Yes, your body build date and VIN are just about what I would expect them to be for your engine.
Your intake manifold does not sound like an original, especially if you have a Holley carburetor(assuming that it's a standard "square bore" Holley and not a "spread bore" Q-Jet replacement). All 1969 Corvettes with 350 cid engines used a QuadraJet carburetor. Your intake manifold should be a cast iron manifold of casting number 3927184. On these manifolds this number usually appears on the rear of the manifold between the left rear carburetor mounting stud and the manifold vacuum fitting. The date code, which I would expect to be JXX9, should be seen just behind the casting number and forward of the left(driver's)side ignition coil mounting bracket boss.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 69 Original Configuration
Thanks for the confirmation Joe. I will look for those numbers on the manifold. It is definitely a cast piece. I will also see if I can find out more about the carburetor. If the manifold is not original is it a big deal to find a proper replacement, or is this one acceptable from a restoration perspective?
I'm also going to try to get under the car this weekend to see if I can find a build sheet. It should be on the front edge of the gas tank, no? I guess I have to lower the spare to get at it?
Thanks again for your help, it looks like I'm about to begin a journey...Comment
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Re: 69 Original Configuration
Gerry,
You might be able to see if there is a tank sticker on the top of your gas tank by looking past the rubber cup at the gas cap. The sticker is usually to the left of the gas cap. If you do see it there, I would strongly recommend that you do not try to reach in with your hand to remove it blindly as it may likely rip due to the adhesive that is still holding it in place. If the tank sticker is still attached, the best way to get it off intact is to drop the gas tank. This manuver will require you to drop the spar tire carrier and then the gas tank. Obviously, this task is accomplished best with little or no gas in the tank! ;)
First, I would drive the car unitl it is very nearly out of gas (you might want to carry some extra gas in an approved container so you are not left on the road). Once at home, disconnect the battery. Remove the spare tire carrier and top. Disconnect the sender wire. Drain the remainder amount of gas from the tank by disconnecting the supply line at the bottom of the tank and direct the gas into an approved gas container with another piece of gas tubing. Plug the line to the engine with a bolt. Disconnect the straps that hold the tank in place. You might have to remove two additional supports as well (sorry if I have mixed up the order as it has been several years since I did this to my tank due to a leak near a strap.) The tank should come down fairly easily and should not take too long. Now carefully remove the sticker.
Have fun,
TonyTonyComment
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Re: 69 Original Configuration
Gerry------
I agree with Tony on the "build sheet" retrieval information. That's exactly what you should do.
As far as the manifold goes, if you don't have the correct manifold casting number that I described, you will need to obatin one for a "correct" restoration. Fortunately, this should not be too difficult. Although the 3927184 intake manifold was a 1969-only piece, it was used on ALL Chevrolet passenger cars and trucks with 350 cid engines and Q-Jet 4-barrel carbs. For 1969, this means that a LOT of these were made and I'm sure that more than a few are still out there.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 69 Original Configuration
Thanks Tony for the detailed info. I tried to look past the rubber cup under the gas cap. It appears to be rubber but tough. I was too timid to try to bend it as I'm afraid I would break it. Suggestions? From looking in the A.I.M. it looks like I need to get under the cup to get at the bolts that connect to filler neck to the tank. Do these have to come out to drop the tank?Comment
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Re: 69 Original Configuration
Thanks again, Joe. I looked at the manifold and can't find any numbers that match those you gave me. It is a cast GM part, though. I didn't write down the numbers 'cause I know it's not the correct manifold. The carburetor _LOOKS_ like the Q-Jet picture in the Chilton/Haynes(?) manual the guy gave me when I bought the car. Its sitting on some universal mounting plate (it has extra holes for some other configuration), that is mounted to the intake manifold. Also the engine doesn't have an A.I.R. pump. Did all '69's have these?Comment
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Re: 69 Original Configuration
Joe, Eureka! I found the engine VIN 19S735674. I'm getting a little braver push parts around. I am in the process of filling out Terry McManmon's forms, and just sent him e-mail to clarify if I'm recording the correct numbers.
I have verified that the carburetor is a Q-Jet (the words "Quadra-Jet" hitting me in the face did the trick!) The only numbers I could find were 7042625 (?) and I'm not sure about them as they are arranged in a circle and very small.
The intake is not original though (GM 840261(?))Comment
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