Protect O Plate

[Ted S.]

Greetings to you all! What type of information do you get from a PROTECT O PLATE? I am a vette man since 1976 (the year before I graduated high school) My first was a 68 BB with a Mako Shark rear, after that first taste (or bite) my passion for fiberglass opened the door to a new world. Most of my friends had vettes, we learned how to rip them apart and put them back together, strip and repaint, buy sell and trade, and as I share this with you, I made a list from memory and the number is over 35! Mixed in were GTOs Trans AMs, Camaros, And even one Bricklin! I fully understand the importance of documentation however never paid attention to a PROTECT O PLATE! I spent countless hours researching my 57 Fuelie 283 283 with great results then sold her to a friend that cried till I gave in. Now corvetteless (sort of like homeless) I purchased a 63 340 NCRS TOP FLIGHT Roadster restored by a friend for a client 10 years ago finished in red laquer and NOS parts that was beyond stunning however no docs. She is now with the 57! 48 with a 18 month old boy I want my last vette to be real. Am I correct to assume a Duntov with a protect o plate and a trustworthy owner is enough to fill in any blanks? Thanx and god bless our country, our home! Ted and David "DIGGY" Spatz

[Michael W.]

Re: Protect O Plate

Am I correct to assume a Duntov with a protect o plate and a trustworthy owner is enough to fill in any blanks?

If you mean that it represents sufficient and irrefutable evidence that a car is authentic and genuine, the answer is not necessarily.

NCRS Flight Judging does not attempt to establish authenticity of a car.

[Tom H.]

Re: Protect O Plate

The plate if still attached to the warranty pamphlet will indicate the selling dealer, and delivery date.

The plate itself will include original owner's name and address.

The plate will also show the engine code and provide you with numbers that indicate original options and powertrain combo.

[Dick W.]

Re: Protect O Plate

And be aware that they have been reproducing protecto plates for several years. The early repo's are easily detectable, but the newer renditions are a little harder to discern

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Protect O Plate

The protect-o-plate was first issued in 1965. Any Corvette before that would not have one. It was for warrenty work. Good luck.
KEN

[Ted S.]

Re: Protect O Plate

Thanx for your reply. When a vette receives the Duntov award, would that be considered to be the "ultimate and best" or is there yet a higher level to persue? Ted

[Ted S.]

Re: Protect O Plate

Hi and Thanx! Will it identify all the options? Ted

[William C.]

Re: Protect O Plate

Different years carried different information, so an exact answer to your question is somewhat difficult, but if you are buying a car based on that alone, the answer is that's not enough. Reproductions abound, and have for many years. If you have a specific year in mind, then I could help with the information on the plate for that year, but as a general question, the answer is some information, no guarantee.

[Michael W.]

Re: Protect O Plate

Thanx for your reply. When a vette receives the Duntov award, would that be considered to be the "ultimate and best" or is there yet a higher level to persue? Ted

That's the highest level award available for specific years of RESTORED cars. There are equal or more highly regarded awards available for unrestored cars.

[Ted S.]

Re: Protect O Plate

Thanx for your reply! I have seen fake aged tank stickers, a reproduction red interior in a red 63 that the owner paid over 40k for that was so poor in quality and finish it left me speechless. My last vette was NCRS TOP FLIGHT that was simply outstanding! Upon reviewing the resoration papers I learned that even though the owner used primarily NOS parts the nose was a one piece and the color was changed. Not being anal it still bothered me enough to sell her. I think I have found the ultimate last vette and will be happy to share this find with you boys soon! Ted

[Ted S.]

Re: Protect O Plate

Hi Bill The Vette is a 65 with a Duntov award in the early 90s (I Think) The primary reason for my interest is the seller! With so many vettes under my belt (some real good ones that got away) it is where the car comes from and the options that gave me goose bumps! (when this one comes home the wife might give me a different kind of bump! On my head!) but the pain will pass. Thanx Ted

[William C.]

Re: Protect O Plate

Goose Bumps can come from many sources, remember you are looking at the integrity of the seller, and also the sellers before him. Sometimes detailed pictures from a restoration can help, but at this point, I don't have the foggiest idea of what you are looking at, so specific keys or "tells" to a specific combination are a little hard to pass on.

[Michael W.]

Re: Protect O Plate

If you're saying that the Duntov Award is over 15 years old, I'm sure it's not hard to imagine all the bad things that might have happened to this car in the interim.

[Mike M.]

Re: Protect O Plate

Caution when buying, just about any car that has not been judged at the Regional level of above within the last 4 years may be suspect.
I stronly suggest to buyers, do you research, due diligence and seek the appropriate advice.
HaND

[Terry M.]

Re: Protect O Plate

I have seen car "lose" major parts (wheels/tires, alternator, carb, etc) in the parking lot after a meet. One has to do their own due diligence.