Found a "1958" I am interested in purchasing. Not sure if it is truly a 1958. Interior paint and trim is turquoise (1959/60) and is old, faded, and tattered. Looks original. It has 1959/60 hood and trunk lid (no spears). VIN number is on the door section and is a 1958 number, but wondered if in the past there may have been some trickery and someone, for some reason, may have made a switch. One could replace a VIN plate number. Am I right in assuming there is no other way to truly authenticate the year of the car? And, if so, might I be purchasing a car that is purported to be a 1958 but is truly not?
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Re: C1 1958 VIN Verification
Richard,
I would advise getting a copy of the 1958-60 Corvette Technical Information Manual and Judging Guide. It identifies a number of differences between the respective years. If the VIN tag is suspect, you may research several other characteristics to help nail it down. The manual can be purchased from the NCRS store, on this web site. Not having a valid VIN tag is a serious item if you plan to restore it to NCRS standards but it's not necessarily a show stopper as you'll learn if you continue to read this board or its archives.
Ted #32350 -
Re: C1 1958 VIN Verification
Check the rear suspension. I believe that '59 was the first year for the "
Tracton arms" that ran from the rear axle to the frame above the rear leaf spring front mount. I Know that '58 did not carry those items, and there was no provision for it on the frame. Check the steering column for evidence of a welded-on vin tag used in the 59-60 cars. As was mentined, check Nolands book or the Judging Guide for more indicators. '58 cars were unique in servral areas, and it should not be too hard to verify a '58 if you look closely.Comment
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Re: C1 1958 VIN Verification
The VIN should also be stamped into the top of the frame rail in the approximate position of the driver's seat. Tough to see without actually raising the body a bit and using a mirror, but if you want to match VIN's, this is the best way. Good luck.
BobComment
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Get a mirror, a light, some steel wool,
some sandpaper, some solvent and another pair of eyes and go after the serial number stamped (twice) on the top of the left side frame rail opposite the front of the driver's seat. It's the only way you're going to be sure.Comment
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Re: C1 1958 VIN Verification
Also look at the door panels. The 58 had 2 piece door panels. They could not be easily converted to 59/60 style due to the placement of the door release handle. "Updating" 58's was pretty common in bygone years due to the lack of availability of 58 specific parts and the "cleaner" look of the later models.Comment
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Addendum
Look at the windshield frame. 59 and later cars had a nutplate spot welded in the center of the upper frame molding for visor attachment. Add on visors probably won't have the nutplate unless teh frame has been changed.Comment
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I Use
Scotch brite and white shoe polish first. Makes it wasier to read.
Dale.Comment
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