vehicle history question

[Vincent F.]

If a car was in an accident and was properly reported and repaired, would there be a way to track that history and maybe even track the registant of the veihcle.
I bought this mess from the second owner an NCRS member named Jess Jackson in Arkansas. cant find him anymore, not suprised. He bought it with front end damage from I think somewhere in Illiinois. car is 71 LT1 convert vin # 1356
Buying my first vette from an NCRS member I thought would be benificial, got screwed bad on this deal, live and learn.
Any info on any of this is greatly appreciated
Thanks

[Jack H.]

Re: vehicle history question

Service bureau data bases like Car Facts recite reported repairs WHEN there's been an insurance claim to a reporting data base contributor...

[Michael W.]

Re: vehicle history question

Was the damage not visible during the pre-buy inspection?

[John H.]

Re: vehicle history question

Service bureau data bases like Car Facts recite reported repairs WHEN there's been an insurance claim to a reporting data base contributor...

But only on 1981 and later cars with 17-digit VINs.

[Anthony M.]

Re: vehicle history question

If you bought it with known front end damage either on it or repaired and the seller disclosed it to you what is the problem? Unless he was witness to the accident in Indiana he probably doesn't know much about it either.

If you knew it was hit isn't the burden on you to check it out thoroughly? Being a NCRS member does not make anyone an expert it just means you paid your dues for that year.

[Joseph K.]

Re: vehicle history question

I agree with you Anthony

[Tony S.]

Re: vehicle history question

if you bought it from a Bo Jackson, he is stillin Arkansas the name of his company is Arkansas Corvette they sell things on e-bay every so offen
Tony Salter

[Ridge K.]

Re: vehicle history question

http://www.arkansascorvette.com


found this on a google search.

[Vincent F.]

Re: vehicle history question

To all I appriciate your in put. The damage was not disclosed at time of sale. It was dicovered when I removed the body from the chasis, not the first time by the way. The bumper braces were incorrect and welded on. No holes or TI box on front end, keeping in mind this is suppost to be an LT1.
Being new to corvettes I missed this on inspection.
I dont know any Bo Jackson, thats not the name I mentioned. I'm just trying to find the original owner to validate what this car is. I have great respect for all members of this club, I just got screwed by one who I'm sure is not a member anymore.

[Martin T.]

Re: vehicle history question

Don't get too discouraged. If you really bought an original LT-1 convertible all may not be so bad. There is a fellow in California by the name of Bill Grace (Graceway Machine). Bill has a jig and can bring damaged frames back to a condition close to original. If Bill is too far away then maybe he can refer you to someone with a jig (and knows how to use it) closer to you. The reality is most Corvettes have been damaged at some time. The body parts are not a big deal either. If it is a car you like then go for it. In the long run you won't get hurt. Sounds like a neat car. Is it numbers correct and matching?

[Vincent F.]

Re: vehicle history question

It is #s matching, spent alot of time on this, motor,trans, and frame all have vin stamp, rear end date matches as well. The M21/3.70 rear combo did not come in base engine cars, so thats a relief, the frame is fine as well. Missing TI, correct carb and alt, some other small items too.
One unexplainable item is the trans tunnel was cut out for auto, but the frame is a welded 4sp cross member. guess someone tryed an auto trans in this car at one time, who knows

[Martin T.]

Re: vehicle history question

When you say it is missing the T.I., are the holes there for the t.i.? does it have the correct distributor? Have you looked for a tank sticker? I think you should have someone really check the car and validate it before you put money into it. If it checks out, go for it.

[Vincent F.]

Re: vehicle history question

To late,Ive replaced every nut and bolt on this car, no documentation at all, new tank. It has a base engine distributor in it, I think as a result of front body damage.Front fiberglass replaced I think.
Bottom line it was a hack job by previous owner, Ive given it a new life as a mint respectable LT1 convert with a few original parts missing.

[Vincent F.]

Re: vehicle history question

Martin, for all I know this car could have had enough body damage that the previous owner replace the entire body and changed the vin tag from the wrecked one. That would explain alot, the vin tag doesnt look to be tampered with, but those rivets are available.