1959 Color Codes

[Salvatore I.]

I am new to C1-era Corvettes...can someone tell me where I would find (or if I will find) a plate on the C1 cars that identifies the VIN and trim tag information...? On the C2 cars, this is located on the frame cross-member beneath the glove box....

I am looking to be able to tell what the original color combo was for a 1959 Corvette without the benefit of any dealer invoices or other information.

Any info is appreciated....

[John H.]

Re: 1959 Color Codes

The VIN plate is on the driver's side hinge pillar, and contains no information about the car's configuration; all you can derive from it is the build date. C1's didn't have trim tags, but sometimes you can determine the original color by scraping the paint off the back side of the panel behind the passenger side seat and looking for a crayon marking. Old overspray up under the dash in the areas that may not have been touched during a restoration or repaint may also yield a clue to the original color.

[James B.]

Re: 1959 Color Codes

Hi Sal,

Unfortunately, the system was a bit more primitive in 1959 for this info- In the trunk area, on the passenger side, the color of the car was written in grease pencil. If you email me directly, I can send you a pic of where mine reads "sylver" (yes, with a Y). There were no other color indicators for that year.

Regards,

Jim Brady III
1959 Corvette Registry, Webmaster

http://www.59registry.com

NCRS Member #44671

[Joseph T.]

Re: 1959 Color Codes

You can scrape the paint off the rear vertical panel behind the passenger seat or sometimes on the trunk seperation vertical panel passenger side in the trunk area..to reveal a grease pencil marking..that identified what color the car was to be painted..otherwise no trim info plate like mid years and later.

Joe

[Salvatore I.]

Re: 1959 Color Codes

Thanks everyone for the input and guidance...

[James B.]

Re: 1959 Color Codes

Make sure you let us know if it still says anything there!

Jim

[Joseph T.]

Re: 1959 Color Codes

Check for overspray under the dash around the vent cowl.