1963 matching numbers?

[Thomas O.]

Hello NCRS members,

I'm new to this organization, just joining today and I need some help.

I recently bought a 1963 split window corvette with 29,000 miles on it. It appears to be all original. The VIN number is 30837S101742. The engine numbers are 3782870 and 3106486-FI23IRE. I believe from the history of the car that this is the original engine but am I wrong since the numbers don't match the VIN

Thanks for any help that you can provide.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 matching numbers?

Hello NCRS members,

I'm new to this organization, just joining today and I need some help.

I recently bought a 1963 split window corvette with 29,000 miles on it. It appears to be all original. The VIN number is 30837S101742. The engine numbers are 3782870 and 3106486-FI23IRE. I believe from the history of the car that this is the original engine but am I wrong since the numbers don't match the VIN

Thanks for any help that you can provide.

Thomas------


Well, the block VIN derivative stamping does not match the car's VIN. However, there's possibility other than the engine not being original to the car. That possibility is that the engine is original to the car and the VIN plate in not original to the car. I'd want to check the car's VIN stamping on the frame. This stamping is hard to see but I'd say it's very important for you to check it. It's located on the driver side, top surface of the rear frame approximately in line with the rear wheel. You'll need to clean the frame thoroughly with a wire brush inserted between the body and the top of the frame and then use a mirror to see the stamping.

[Michael W.]

Re: 1963 matching numbers?

Thomas-

Welcome!

You'll find that the NCRS steers clear of the term 'numbers matching'. The meaning has been diluted to the point that asking 10 people will get 12 different answers.

Just because 'numbers match', this does not inherently mean that it's the original engine- or vice versa.

[Leif A.]

Re: 1963 matching numbers?

Thomas,
First and foremost, welcome to NCRS and this amazing forum. According the the C2 registry, the approximate birthdate of your car is October 16, 1962. The engine pad indicates a December 31 build. If, as Joe states, the VIN on the chassis is 101742, then this is not the engine that came with your car originally. That being said, you now own one of the most desirable Corvettes ever made...a 1963 split window coupe. Congratulations!!!

[Thomas O.]

Re: 1963 matching numbers?

Thanks for for the replies! I'm going to check the frame on Friday. I'm so happy with this car. It's beautiful.

[Leif A.]

Re: 1963 matching numbers?

Thanks for for the replies! I'm going to check the frame on Friday. I'm so happy with this car. It's beautiful.

Post up some pictures when you have an opportunity. Especially pictures of the vin tag and trim tag.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1963 matching numbers?

Thomas,

Post some pics and we may be able to give you a indication if it's a early built car or not. That may help you learn more about the car. My 63 coupe is a November build so ther may be some things similar.

Congratulations on your purchase of a 63 coupe.

[Michael J.]

Re: 1963 matching numbers?

When you bought the car, did the seller make any verbal representations about the originality of the engine, etc. on the car?

[Loren L.]

Re: 1963 matching numbers?

A verbal statement about original motor and a quarter will buy you 10 minutes on a parking meter, except back East.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 matching numbers?

Thanks for for the replies! I'm going to check the frame on Friday. I'm so happy with this car. It's beautiful.

Thomas------


Keep in mind that the frame stamping might not be exactly at the location of the rear wheel centerline; it may be forward or aft of that. However, it should be there. Please post what you find.

[Michael J.]

Re: 1963 matching numbers?

A verbal statement about original motor and a quarter will buy you 10 minutes on a parking meter, except back East.

Agreed, but since he said the history of the car led him to believe it to be the original engine, I just was wondering what was said in that history and who provided it. My usual operating assumption whenever looking at a C2, and some C3s (with SHP engines in particular), is that the engine is not original, no matter what is said or presented until the engine pad gets a close, expert look. And even then you have to worry.......

[David L.]

Re: 1963 matching numbers?

Years ago I owed a 1963 white split window coupe, VIN 30837S101450, made during the 2nd week of Oct. 1962 ("B2" on data plate). The engine was a 327 from a 1967 Chevrolet and the transmission was from a 1969 Z28.

Dave

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 matching numbers?

Years ago I owed a 1963 white split window coupe, VIN 30837S101450, made during the 2nd week of Oct. 1962 ("B2" on data plate). The engine was a 327 from a 1967 Chevrolet and the transmission was from a 1969 Z28.

Dave

Dave------


In this case, though, the engine appears to have a correct 1963 Corvette suffix code. Of course, it could have been a replacement engine that originally resided in another 1963 Corvette. That's one of the possibilities. The frame VIN derivative stamping should settle that.

[Sydney G.]

Re: 1963 matching numbers?

Hi Thomas,
Your '63 #1,742 was recorded in the L. Brooks '63 registry of the late 1970's as being a Red/Red 340hp 4spd Coupe.
What does your trim tag data read?

Syd

[John D.]

Re: 1963 matching numbers?

Frame numbers are a good thing of course but it's obvious that the engine is from a Dec 62 Corvette. At least it's a real deal 63 340 HP engine guys. Or sounds like it.

Meanwhile welcome aboard Thomas Orban.
As Chairman of the Pittsburgh Chapter last night I got a list of new NCRS members in my area. I see you joined a few hours or days from two of the new members on my list. (chapters list).
FYI: At Corvette Carlisle last weekend it was stated by numerous people that the 63 Corvette is the hottest Corvette going at the moment. Most popular is a better word.
Look forward to all your questions Thomas. Buy the judging reference manual and the Technically Restoration Judging guide. Also the assembly manual and of course the 63 shop manual. I think you can get all of that material at the NCRS store.
Good luck with the new car. John