C4 hood date code etchings

[Rex M.]

Re: C4 hood date code etchings

Joe, I've been working on an article that describes the time frame of who produced the fiberglass components. I've called it, "The History of Corvette Fiberglass". I'm hoping to get some information from Molded Fiberglass in Ashtabula, Ohio before I let it out. They have e-mailed me that they will send some info but as yet it hasn't happened. If you have any questions call me at 765-603-6820. Rex

[Pat F.]

Re: C4 hood date code etchings

Dave, thanks for the response. This does not surprise me. Last week I examined a 1995 ZR1, original owner with 1900 miles on the clock and no markings what so ever. I guess the etecher had the day off when your son's hood was made.

Thanks again for your help.

[Pat F.]

Re: C4 hood date code etchings

Rich, no problem, thanks for your time and effort. I do appreciate it.

We have a colletion of right side, left side and NO side.

[Rich C.]

Re: C4 hood date code etchings

Rex,

That would be an GREAT article, good luck!


1973 LS-4 454 coupe owned 25 years
1996 LT-4 CE coupe
Long Trail Ale-currently on tap!

[Tom H.]

Re: C4 hood date code etchings

Here's one from a February built 96 convertible. It is on the passenger's side of the bonnet.

[Pat F.]

Re: C4 hood date code etchings

Tom, is that etching 2-1-21? I am having a little problem with seeing the photo.

Also, for everyone who has made a contribution to this topic, I put all the information that you sent me on a spread sheet.
What the spread sheet tells me is that the early etchings 1990 to 1993 were the day, month, year and shift and were on the driver's side of the hood.
Then I have about 5 Corvettes from 1994 to mid year 1995 with no etchings. Then in the latter part of 1995 the etchings reappear on the passenger side and the code is day, month and sequence of hood built.
Possibly as the original company went through bankruptcy and changed hands a couple of times, one of the acquiring companies did not require the etching or they just forgot about it.
There will be six more examples at the Carolina Regional to look at.
Thanks again for everyone who sent me some STUFF.

[Tom H.]

Re: C4 hood date code etchings

You read it like I did, Pat. That is the way it looks any way you look at it. Not really sure how it reads, but thought I'd share it !!

[Pat F.]

Re: C4 hood date code etchings

Tom, again, thanks for all your help.
I will take any information concerning this topic that you can share.
A definite pattern has developed in this etching of the underside of the C4 Hood.

[Don G.]

Re: C4 hood date code etchings

Pat
This may be a new data point for you. My 1986 Pace Car has a date code 3-12-86- 1 B
The build date is 4/86
The location is passenger side near the headlight. This date is 4 days prior to Peter's '86 on the convertible top lid.

[Pat F.]

Re: C4 hood date code etchings

Don, thanks for your input. I am posting a photo of the date code on your hood.

[Rex M.]

Re: C4 hood date code etchings

Etchings weren't done until the hoods were made in Shelbyville, Indiana. The exact date is unknown but it was sometime in 1990. In 1986, hoods were produced in Marion, Indiana at General Tire & Rubber / Plastics division. In Marion, small paper tickets were molded into the inner surface of the part around the center section. Someone has etched this and it is a forgery! I was the supervisor over the Corvette department in Marion.

[Pat F.]

Re: C4 hood date code etchings

Okay guys now that the temperatures are above 32 in most of the country would you please go and look at your C4 to see if there is any indication of an etching that we have discussed earlier. I am trying to build this data base. Even if you go to a show this weekend, see what you can find out to help us all out.

Thanks in advance

[Kenneth P.]

Re: C4 hood date code etchings

I came upon this thread somewhat late but would like to add mine to the list. I have a 1990 with a built date of 1/90. My hood date is on the driver side and is 12-10-89. Looks like the letter B at the end.

Ken
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[Pat F.]

Re: C4 hood date code etchings

Kenneth, thanks for the information. We are always glad to have this information for our database. I enlarged the photo you sent along and I could make out the alpha character B at the end of the etching. This is exactly what we have seen before.

Thanks again for all your help.

[Kenneth P.]

Re: C4 hood date code etchings

On my build sheet in box 6 it has a date of 89/348 which would make it 12/14/1989. I have gotten different definitions for this box from it being the beginning of the start of the build to the date the build sheet was printed or the date the order was placed in the system. Would you know which of these it is?

I've had my 90 for little over a year now and have learned so much. I have recently decided to have it judge in the Spring and have been working on getting it ready. The car had been well taken care for having 60K and it is the little stuff I have been correcting. My first major project was restoring the original Bose Gold system.

Ken