Latest info on the Differences Between St.Louis Vs. A.O. Smith C2 Bodies

[Larry E.]

Question> Is there a simple "Look at the outside/inside of a C2 Corvette" without taking anything
apart to see where the body came from exclusive of the Trim Tag?? Thanks-Larry

[Gene M.]

Re: Latest info on the Differences Between St.Louis Vs. A.O. Smith C2 Bodies

The front belt line is straighter on AO Smith while St Louis is arched. The parts are the same but the gluing fixturing is different between the two plants.

[Harry S.]

Re: Latest info on the Differences Between St.Louis Vs. A.O. Smith C2 Bodies

This is from a presentation at our chapter meet. There is a great article by John Hinckley in a past Corvette Enthusiast. It's too large to post here. It's from June 2006.

[Larry E.]

Re: Latest info on the Differences Between St.Louis Vs. A.O. Smith C2 Bodies

Thanks for the responses. Does anybody have pictures of the differences showing both bodies?? With out a reference point it is very hard to tell what is meant. Question for Gene>What do you mean by "Front Belt Line"? Thanks again-Larry

[Harry S.]

Re: Latest info on the Differences Between St.Louis Vs. A.O. Smith C2 Bodies

Larry, send me your email and I'll send you the article.

[Larry E.]

Re: Latest info on the Differences Between St.Louis Vs. A.O. Smith C2 Bodies

Larry, send me your email and I'll send you the article.

Harry>I have that article that John wrote. It was a long time ago; I'm sure newer thoughts have surfaced since. Thanks-Larry

[Gene M.]

Re: Latest info on the Differences Between St.Louis Vs. A.O. Smith C2 Bodies

Thanks for the responses. Does anybody have pictures of the differences showing both bodies?? With out a reference point it is very hard to tell what is meant. Question for Gene>What do you mean by "Front Belt Line"? Thanks again-Larry

We have covered this quite extensively in the advanced Judges training classes at regional and National meets. Anybody interested can sign up you do not have to be a senior judge. In fact we try to cover a lot of material that is not presented in the judging guides. Owners, restorers and judges generally present in varying numbers at various meets.

Belt line is the peak that runs all the way around the mid year body just below the bonding strip adhesive.

[Rick A.]

Re: Latest info on the Differences Between St.Louis Vs. A.O. Smith C2 Bodies

Doubtful - differences are what they are and Master Hinckley spells everything out

[John D.]

Re: Latest info on the Differences Between St.Louis Vs. A.O. Smith C2 Bodies

I was at a judging event once and the very knowledgeable judge I was with could spot the Smith cars from a distance due to the hood bulge.

[Michael H.]

Re: Latest info on the Differences Between St.Louis Vs. A.O. Smith C2 Bodies

Larry, send me your email and I'll send you the article.

Harry could you send it to me as well. PM sent with e-mail.

Mike

[Don H.]

Re: Latest info on the Differences Between St.Louis Vs. A.O. Smith C2 Bodies

Mike and all-
if you bing "Hinckley Other Corvette Body Builder" you will find the article in PDF.
here it is --->
A.O. Smith - The Other Corvette Body Builder.pdf

Mike-
it's also in your 3rd Qtr 2013 StL Chapter Newsletter. But, that has been a while ago now....

[Michael H.]

Re: Latest info on the Differences Between St.Louis Vs. A.O. Smith C2 Bodies

Mike and all-
if you bing "Hinckley Other Corvette Body Builder" you will find the article in PDF.
here it is --->
[ATTACH]92850[/ATTACH]

Thank you Don and Harry, great article.

Mike

[Harry S.]

Re: Latest info on the Differences Between St.Louis Vs. A.O. Smith C2 Bodies

Don, I see your PDF is 4 meg smaller than mine, so attaching it worked for you. Mine has the magazine cover included.

[Larry E.]

Re: Latest info on the Differences Between St.Louis Vs. A.O. Smith C2 Bodies

Just as I thought there is no easy way to tell the difference unless your a Master Judge. Without pictures showing the difference all
the points mentioned are completely useless to the average Corvette fan. JMHO Thanks for responses-Larry

[Don H.]

Re: Latest info on the Differences Between St.Louis Vs. A.O. Smith C2 Bodies

I imagine that is exactly how Chevrolet wanted it.