Duke, I remember in the past you have discussed the decoupling of the big tank from the Z-06 package in '63, but I can't find it in the archives. Could you please advise the earliest a Z 06 could be obtained without the tank in '63?
-
Bill Clupper #618 -
Re: Duke, need Z-06 help
...can't give you a link to the archives, but Corvette News, Vol 6. No. 3 has an article about the revised Z-06 option. Next to the Z-06 revision article is a brief article about the newly available AM/FM radio. I ordered my SWC in late February and recall being told that the AM/FM was available, but I opted for the AM. (IIRC at some point when the supply of AM radios was exhausted later in the year, you got the AM/FM even if you order the AM. I got the AM I ordered.)
N-03 was also available when I ordered my car, and I briefly considered it until realizing that it consumed most of the rear compartment. Prior to N-03 being unbundled from Z-06 I don't think it was available separately. It was also my intention to order KO wheels, but was told they were not released and including them on the order would delay production for an indefinate period. Since I wanted the car YESTERDAY, I did not include P-48 on the order.
I'm sure the revised Z-06 was available when I ordered my car, but I did not discuss it and had no intention of ordering Z-06. That just proves what an idiot I was...
No specific release date for the revised Z-06 option is stated in the CN article, but IIRC previous discussions have pegged it on or about Feb. 1, and this jibes with the latest option revisions that I was briefed on when I ordered my car. My purchase order is dated Feb. 28, 1963.
Franz might know the exact date that the revised Z-06 option was released.
I assume that there were Z-06 orders in the que, and dealers were informed of the change and given a chance to modify their orders to add back the deleted big tank if they so desired in which case it could have been a few weeks until a second release Z-06 was actually built.
Duke -
Re: Duke, need Z-06 help
Bill,
The original decision to split the Z06 and N03 was made/finalized on 17 Dec and it officially became available, at least in print, on 19 Dec 62.
The AM-FM radio was officially announced on 6 Feb and released for production on 8 Feb.
Dealers would have had this information within days of the release.Comment
-
I should Also Clarify.......
....that because the AM-FM option was officially listed as being available on 8 Feb 62 does not mean cars built on or immediately after that date could have had this option. I should have instead called the option "orderable" after that date, which means the first cars that actually left the plant with the AM-FM didn't roll out until at least late Feb or early March. There was at least that much lead time between orders and actual production dates. The same would be true for the N03 fuel tank option. I would expect the first possible N03 would have been at least mid/late January.Comment
-
Also...
... weren't the Z-06s built in "batches". I recall that from previous discussions. The first "batch" was the six racers, most of which showed up at the Riverside six-hour in October '62.
The second "batch" was built in December, but probably before the the revised Z-06 option went into effect, and most of the rest were built in two more batches, the last being very late in the year. I think David Van Weele ordered his Z-06 in October, but it wasn't built until May or June.
I think you had to be "somebody" - a known racer with an inside GM connection - to get a Z-06 before about midway through production. These early cars were really development models, and I think the brake shoe material was changed at least once during the model year in an attempt to get better operating characteristics from the HD brakes
If Franz sees this he can probably correct and clarify as needed.
DukeComment
-
Re: I should Also Clarify.......
anybody seen or know of a NO3/Z06 built in august of 63 or a vin # > 20301? mikeComment
-
Re: I should Also Clarify.......
Mike, the Z06 you inquired about is listed in the Z06 registory. The only info. I could give you is as follows: Dayton Blue, blue int. Big Tank, power windows, heater,radio, build day of K4, body#10107. Mike don't you have a Datony blue, big tank car?Comment
-
Re: I should Also Clarify.......
yes, 20301 is mine.I just wondered if there were any others built after it. it's the newest one in Noland's book. mikeComment
-
Re: last known Z-06 tanker
Mike you seem to have the last big tank but not the last Z-06 a few small tanks after yours.(still looking for shocks?) Phil 8063Comment
-
Re: last known Z-06 tanker
still lookin for all 4 shocks. regards, mikeComment
Comment