67 Big Block Coupe questions

[Chris H.]

Hello, this is my first post to this site. I'm going to be looking at a 67 Medium Blue Metallic 435hp coupe and have some questions. First, I have the numbers ,vin, vin derivative, suffix, block casting part number, and all check out. However, the owner said he's having difficulty reading the block casting date. Is this something to be concerned about? is this an area of forgery?

He also says it's a non origianl transmission, the stinger is painted gray (looks factory) and the back end seems to sit slightly higher than stock. Are these bargaining issues for the sale price? He sent me pictures and the car looks excellent and correct except for those issues. He wants $45k. Thanks for any feedback in advance.

[Scott Marzahl]

Re: 67 Big Block Coupe questions

Sure, anything can be forged. I have heard of people ginding down those casting numbers and forging new ones with epoxy or something to that effect. For 45K, does this car come with any NCRS documentation. Have you checked out an issue of the driveline for well documented cars.

Good Luck, Scott

[Robert C.]

Re: 67 Big Block Coupe questions

Chris, I swear there are twice as many 67 big block 435 Corvettes than were ever made!!!!!! Oh well, your question about the casting DATE. The casting date is very important. Sometimes they are hard to read, but with the right light it shouldn't be a problem. There are MANY other things to consider when looking for original Corvettes. The term "Matching Numbers" doesn't mean a whole lot. "Original Engine" is a much more 'to-the-point phrase. Ask the seller if the engine is the original engine that came with the car. If he back-peddles on the subject then beware. The other thing is to make sure you take an NCRS or other very knowledgable 67 expert with you to see the car. VERY IMPORTANT ! To close , the transmission doesn't have to match #s wise, the vin is not judged. It would be a leverage point to me. A complete stranger like myself can't tell you what to do or make any kind of judgement about a particular car WITHOUT SEEING IT ! Take some expert "eyes" with you, thats the best advice.


Texas Chapter NCRS

[Wayne W.]

Re: 67 Big Block Coupe questions

That Casting date will be near the RH motor mount on the side of the block. These blocks seem to have been cast in groups of two or three days at a time. If the date turns out to be in a known grouping I am a lot less suspicious.

[GRR]

Re: 67 Big Block Coupe questions

I own a 67 L-71 427/435hp. What color blue is your car? #976,#977 or 980? Please provide this info off your trim tag and I can match up with correct stinger hood color.I can only find 3 blue colors in 67,#976,#977, #980. stinger colors for #976-blk/white,#977-blk/white,#980 blk/dark teal blue. Info from nolan adams vol#2.If I'm mistaken someone will set your striaght. As for the block numbers, have him check down by the dip stick for the casting date of the block, mine is H 5 6. August-5-1966, the casting numbers on the back of the block on the drivers side 3904351. My block stamped suffix letters are "JE". If you really want to get more info privide more info as there are lots of members that can assist you before you spend $45k.Good luck GRR

[Tom B.]

Re: 67 Big Block Coupe questions

Chris,

For the most part I agree with what has already been said. But these additions are going to depend on exactly what you desire to have from your 67, and the choices are what is (or isn't) important for "factory originality" to you.

I'm sure that the stinger does or could "look factory", but the only problem is that there was no gray color stinger, and it wouldn't be considered factory correct. Also, I would definitely find out more about the "Medium Blue Metallic" paint. It sounds like Marina Blue, a factory color for 67, but then again the paint on this car may not be.

Definitely look at the block casting date. It is one of the telltale signs of replacement if the block casting date does not precede the production date of the car and assembly date stamped on the engine pad.

As far as the transmission, to me I prefer them to be as original as the engine, and unfortunately they can't all be. But, it's worth more to me if it is. Also, $45K is still alot of money, but it's not top dollar for what a 67 Coupe 435-car would bring, so I'd find out why and what the seller has to say about it. TBarr #24014

[Chris H.]

Re: 67 Big Block Coupe questions

Men, thanks for the replys.

Here's the skinny on the numbers he gave me over the phone. VIN;194377S100173,VIN Derivative;7100173, Suffix;T0824JE,block part# 3904351. Block casting date code; G31"6". He "thinks" it's a 6. Says it's very hard to read. Paint; 976. He says it's an early 80s body off resto. Known problems are broken speedo and wipers turn themselves on occasionally. 30k miles and in the pictures he emailed the car looks great. He says the motor pulls clean to redline.

My goal with this car is to drive it and do show and shines, not necesarily to flight judge although that would be fun. However, originality and correctness are important to me. I'd also like to get my money back in 5 years or so. Is 45 a reasonable price with no POP, very little title history (2 in that time including the present owner).?

[Dave Stafford]

Re: 67 Big Block Coupe questions

Chris; just a note on the cast date of the block... G316 would be July 31st, 1966, a Sunday. I don't know if Tonawanda casted on Sunday. Anybody out there know for sure?

[Robert C.]

Re: 67 Big Block Coupe questions

Dave, Very sharp of you ,Dave. Maybe that 6 is really an 8. NEVER ON SUNDAY!!If it's really an 8 , that would be a Wednesday..Bob


Texas Chapter NCRS

[Tom B.]

Re: Sunday casting dates: Ask Terry M?

Bob, and Dave,

I'm pretty sure I've come across some casting dates (not necessarily blocks) that worked out to be on a Sunday, maybe even New Year's. If Terry McManmon is around, then he might be the one to get a clearance with on Sunday block casting dates. TBarr #24014

[Terry M.]

Re: Sunday casting dates?

Sorry guys I have not checked the day of the week for all the casting dates in my collection.

There is a possibility for that though in that foundries like to work early in the morning - cool of the day for these places that are one circle removed from the center of Hades - That might indicate an early start on Monday morning - say really 11 PM Sunday.

Now even if they started the shift at 11 PM Sunday did it count as Sunday or Monday? Did they care? If I was putting in the dates I sure would do a Monday even if it was 11 PM Sunday - why change them an hour later? Unless the boss felt otherwise and he was watching.

I can say I have never seen a body build date on Sunday, but that is a far cry from castings.

Terry