66 production question

[Ralph P.]

Concerning Feb. 66 production, what was the normal time frame from time the car was released to the Complete Auto Transit lot to being loaded and leaving for the ordering dealer. Would a 500 mile trip be one day or possibly two? I'm trying to back into a narrow vin range on my original since I do know the exact date it came off the truck at Hill Chevrolet in Huntsville, Ala. Thanks so much for any help !

[Tom D.]

Re: 66 production question

It took me a few minutes to understand. I understand that you don't have a VIN (or the car) now, but want to search for it?

If I understand correctly, let me know. I know when my (early, made in '65) '66 was made and when it was scheduled to arrive. However, imagine how many little things could vary and thus cause a different date for your intended Corvette...

[Ralph P.]

Re: 66 production question

[Tom D.]

Re: 66 production question

Ralph: I am lucky to be a friend of Chuck Hartway of Hartway Motors in Medina, NY. I used to live in the area and bought many Corvette parts there. I cannot tell you when I was there, but they let me look in some boxes that held shipping records for new cars shipped there. I can tell you it has been a long time ago. It is still Hartway Chevrolet (see them on the web).

What they allowed me to copy: A "MAILING COPY" of a shipping document which looks a lot like today's "dealer invoice". So, it has the VIN and the options much like a tank sticker. It also shows pricing information (including the price for an employee named on the document). This document was created on 10/14/1965 for a VIN just under 3000. Various other sources have told me the car's birthday is 10/13. But when did the car arrive in Medina, NY?

EDIT: The document I mentioned above has an "EXPIRATION OF TRANSIT TIME" of 10/23/65. I believe this is the last possible date the shipper was allowed to arrive, and I believe the car was shipped quicker than that. I also have the POP so let me look up the delivery date. See my next entry in this discussion...

[Tom D.]

Re: 66 production question

The delivery date on the "Protect-O-Plate" or POP Warranty Booklet was 10/30/1965. The new owner got a Corvette each year back then, because he bought at the employee "A" price and made money or broke even each time he sold. (I remember his yellow '67 and almost purchased his copper/bronze '68 Conv.) Not every employee got a yearly chance, but the buyer was the head of a large dept. at Harrison Radiator Div.

I would bet the car was unloaded in Medina, NY on 10/23/65, the expiration date mentioned above in post #4. The car would have been 10 days old on the 23rd, if the birthday calculator is right and my bet is correct...

If my bet is wrong, you would have to factor in each of the dates between 10/20? and TUESDAY, OCT. 29th. (I don't think the delivery was on the same day as the arrival date. This example is an early 1966 conv. and not a 1965 model.)

Reviewing this for the first time ever, and knowing the dealership size (SML), I would also bet they had the car over the weekend...

[John L.]

Re: 66 production question

How about using a mirror and getting the vin off of the frame ?????

[Ralph P.]

Re: 66 production question

How about using a mirror and getting the vin off of the frame ?????

[Mark L.]

Re: 66 production question

Ralph,
My 66 was produced on 2/26/1966. The Factory Invoice indicates a ship date of 3/2/1966. The expiration date is 3/10/1966 and the post date at the dealership is 3/22/1966. The car went to a dealer in Fairfax VA. Hope this helps.

[Ralph P.]

Re: 66 production question

Thanks, Mark ! Can we assume most were delivered well before the expiration date?

[Mark L.]

Re: 66 production question

I have no idea what the expiration date means. Maybe it is the last day to get the car shipped out of St. Louis?

[Tom D.]

Re: 66 production question

Mark: I think it means the end fo the time allowed, to get to the dealer with the car. See my post #4 above.