71 factory primer car

[Tom M.]

Re: 71 factory primer car

I had the '66 big block car that was judged at Bloomington.The trim tag on that car which is the one displayed in Dobbins facts book is blank next to the paint.Boy it was hot that day as usual at Bloomington

Any pictures of the trim tag and car ??

[Paul D.]

Re: 71 factory primer car

I thought SPEC indicated non standard color or do primer cars use the same designation? Does burden of proof fall on car owner as to what the original color was and how would someone obtain such proof?

[Tom M.]

Re: 71 factory primer car

I thought SPEC indicated non standard color or do primer cars use the same designation? Does burden of proof fall on car owner as to what the original color was and how would someone obtain such proof?

If the dealer painted it hot pink or ??
That is the way the owner got it new, is that OK ??

[Chuck S.]

Re: 71 factory primer car

I thought SPEC indicated non standard color or do primer cars use the same designation? Does burden of proof fall on car owner as to what the original color was and how would someone obtain such proof?

Yes, burden of proof is on the owner.

As with any atypical attribute on an NCRS judged Corvette, you would need provenance back to the original purchaser documenting that the car had been ordered and received from General Motors in it's present condition. Otherwise, the car will be judged for it's compliance with typical factory production for that VIN range and trim plate.

I have heard of only one non-standard color that may have been provided by the factory during the 70-72 period, and that was black. I have seen a 72 that was black and the trim plate was stamped "SPEC". However, I didn't see any provenance to show that the car left the factory in black, or in primer and subsequently painted black. I can't remember what the story was, and that's just as well without the provenance.

In this case, Drew Papsun knew that particular car had been delivered in red oxide primer...I expect that's why he asked if the trim plate was stamped "SPEC" or "PRIMER".

[Terry M.]

Re: 71 factory primer car

SPEC, SPC, or SPECIAL are all used for both non-standard colors and/or primer in the early C3 years.

Your wording regarding burden of proof is exactly what the judging manuals for 1968-1972 say. I believe other year manuals use similar wording.

Proof: Build sheets, original photos, affidavits from original owners, etc. Could be lots of things, but if in doubt one is best advised to contact the appropriate team leader to be sure whatever evidence one has is acceptable to them.

A couple of months ago I looked at a 1972 - triple-black, two-top, convertible. The car has -- build sheet -- not the one from the tank (that one is still on the tank) but another one like we are used to seeing from the tank, original window sticker, & original sales documents -- all stating Black. Additionally the car has PoP, and the factory inspection sheet that not only shows the black paint, but all the assembly dates from the engine, transmission, and differential. Because it is a 1972 all those documents show the VIN, or parts of it. The trim tag shows SPEC, and the original purchaser was charged, IIRC, $95 for the black paint. We all might get a chance to see that car and the documentation at the Michigan Regional. The owner is considering bringing it for BowTie evaluation. Of course, not all non-standard Corvettes will have all that much documentation.

[Tom M.]

Re: 71 factory primer car

SPEC, SPC, or SPECIAL are all used for both non-standard colors and/or primer in the early C3 years.

Your wording regarding burden of proof is exactly what the judging manuals for 1968-1972 say. I believe other year manuals use similar wording.

Proof: Build sheets, original photos, affidavits from original owners, etc. Could be lots of things, but if in doubt one is best advised to contact the appropriate team leader to be sure whatever evidence one has is acceptable to them.

A couple of months ago I looked at a 1972 - triple-black, two-top, convertible. The car has -- build sheet -- not the one from the tank (that one is still on the tank) but another one like we are used to seeing from the tank, original window sticker, & original sales documents -- all stating Black. Additionally the car has PoP, and the factory inspection sheet that not only shows the black paint, but all the assembly dates from the engine, transmission, and differential. Because it is a 1972 all those documents show the VIN, or parts of it. The trim tag shows SPEC, and the original purchaser was charged, IIRC, $95 for the black paint. We all might get a chance to see that car and the documentation at the Michigan Regional. The owner is considering bringing it for BowTie evaluation. Of course, not all non-standard Corvettes will have all that much documentation.

Thanks Terry, You and Drew are Top Flight in my book !!
Do you know where i can buy or trade for : NICE 69 L88 Conv.

[Terry M.]

Re: 71 factory primer car

The judging standard is "as the factory produced it, with NORMAL (emphasis added) new car preparation." If you can convince the team leader that a hot pink paint was normal new car preparation -- well good luck.

[Tom M.]

Re: 71 factory primer car

Here's a fair to poor photo of the original red (as little as there was) coming off my 71. I think you can see the 2 colors of the primer and sealer. Next time, I'll remember to push the body outside before I take the photo for more light and contrast. Oh, that's right, the next time is going to be in my next life!
Regards,
Alan

PS: First I had the picture too large and couldn't load it, now it's too small. I'm way dumber than I need to be, I've been playing with this since 3:00.

ALAN, Thanks for the picture, 3 am ?

[Tom M.]

Re: 71 factory primer car

The judging standard is "as the factory produced it, with NORMAL (emphasis added) new car preparation." If you can convince the team leader that a hot pink paint was normal new car preparation -- well good luck.

What about Black ?

[Mark R.]

Re: 71 factory primer car

Terry:

Thanks for the information on the triple black 1972 convertible. Sounds like a great car and if unrestored a wonderful candidate for Bowtie status. Especially, since the color is atypical for the year and would provide evidence of production anomalies.

Mark

[Stephen P.]

Re: 71 factory primer car

If the attachment worked, here's a photo of the trim tag on my 65 coupe. It has a blank in the paint code location like the one shown in Dobbins book. I've been told it is a primer car, but don't have the documetation. Wish I did.

[Stephen P.]

Re: 71 factory primer car

Sorry, looks like the photo did not upload.