1969 Corvette (Numbers and Decoding)

[Harvey S.]

I am looking at a 69 427ci x 390hp Corvette. All original unrestored 43K miles. Anyhow, I am looking for a web-site that lists and decodes all the numbers and codes for the 69 Corvette. Vin #'s, Trim Tag, etc. I am going to order an NCRS manual but I do not think it will get here by the weekend (I am thinking about inspecting the car this weekend). I know the mid year Corvettes well, but I really don't know much about the C3's. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

-Dave

[Steven C.]

Re: 1969 Corvette (Numbers and Decoding)

http://www.rogerscorvette.com/specs/69.htm

http://www.idavette.net/facts/69.htm

These two are a good start. Also, buy the Black Book at Borders before you inspect.

Steve

[Chuck S.]

Re: 1969 Corvette (Numbers and Decoding)

For your present purpose of buying a Corvette, the more valuable reference would be the 1968-1982 Corvette Specifications Guide rather than the 68-69 judging manual. Unless you are VERY familiar with the judging manual, you will not be able to find much helpful info under the finite time pressure of evaluating a car. Been there, done that.

If you, in fact, "know the mid year Corvettes well", you probably know more about C3s than you think. At least that's what I find on C2s...my C3 knowledge generally makes perfect sense on C2s. Regarding the way things were done, virtually anything you know about late C2s, with a some exceptions, can be extended to C3s because GM kept doing things pretty much the same every year. Methods and processes evolved slowly over time.

You won't know the equipment codes, but the dating systems, location of the dates, and the sequencing of the dates are generally pretty much the same...engine stamp, frame stamp, differential stamp are all in the same location. The manual transmission stamp did change from the driver side to the passenger side. I believe the Muncie dating format is the same, but it may have varied slightly from late C2 to C3.

Beyond that, there's too much information necessary to type out "what to look for to know a 69 Corvette is real". But...here's a start: The suffix codes for 69 427/390 hp engines are LM (manual transmission) and LL (THM).

[Anthony S.]

Re: 1969 Corvette (Numbers and Decoding)

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/c3/1969/69id.html