Early '59 Dash Insert

[Curt R.]

Has anyone with a very early production '59 seen the white lettered dash insert used on their car? I thought I remember hearing how early ones may have had the left over '58 parts used, and the attachment is the one that was on my '59 which is VIN #36 the first day of production and it looks like it had never been removed, so before I order a black lettered insert(To make it "Correct"), I want to confirm that others may have seen this before. Thanks!

[Ian G.]

Re: Early '59 Dash Insert

Rich, You might visit https://www.c1registry.com
I can see the top three 59 vin owners from the first few days of September 58 (VIN 6, 20 & 37) have their emails there. Maybe they have some stories. Time Mickey was helpful on your last question too.

[Curt R.]

Re: Early '59 Dash Insert

Yes! Thank you!
Curt

[Ian G.]

Re: Early '59 Dash Insert

I’d be interested to hear if you find out anything intriguing

[Richard M.]

Re: Early '59 Dash Insert

In 2015 we had a Corvette event in downtown Melbourne Florida. 1959 Serial #3 was in attendance.

Now I don't know if the insert was ever replaced, but it had the Black lettering. My suspicion, a replacement. It appears the dashpad was replaced, evidenced by the later speaker grill surround(common upgrade), as 1959 didn't use that until very late production and through 1962.

Also, it has a non-original(Hurst?) shifter, aftermarket master cylinder, later cylinder heads, so some mods were done on this car.

So this doesn't help confirm white insert lettering on early cars, but it's nice to view a early car for its intrinsic heritage.

Rich

DSCN3036.jpg

DSCN3034.jpg

DSCN3040.jpg

DSCN3037.jpg

DSCN3038.jpg

DSCN3039.jpg

DSCN3033.jpg

[Curt R.]

Re: Early '59 Dash Insert

I remember seeing a couple of early '59's with the white lettering and also seeing it publicized but couldn't remember where and thought it was either in Nolan Adams book or a NCRS judging manual, so I went back to the last edition judging manual and found where it states that '58's and early '59's had white lettering! I have not had anyone explain why it's not mentioned in the latest edition?? See attached

[Ian G.]

Re: Early '59 Dash Insert

If I were you, based on the fact your car is in the first few days of production, the existing cove "looks" original & that page in the old manual, I'd stick with a white letters cove insert and then email Tim Mickey and find out if the current guide needs an addendum.

[Curt R.]

Re: Early '59 Dash Insert

Sound advice, Thanks !