Authenticating a real RPO 687 car

[Robert M.]

If I understand correctly, all the big brake items and fast steering adapter could be purchased and put on any car. If that is so, how does one go about authenticating a real big brake? Thanks

[Dick W.]

Re: Authenticating a real RPO 687 car

Provenance

[Robert M.]

Re: Authenticating a real RPO 687 car

Dick, I totally agree with you. Let me go one question further. If it was determined from finding the color written on the rear fiberglass of the passenger seat, and the car was than painted a different color, would that devalue it. That is assuming the original color was part of the "provenance."

[Tom P.]

Re: Authenticating a real RPO 687 car

If I understand correctly, all the big brake items and fast steering adapter could be purchased and put on any car. If that is so, how does one go about authenticating a real big brake? Thanks

Theoretically, if all the correct parts were installed, it would be extremely difficult to determine an original big brake car from a "built" BB car.
On the 57-58 cars, it would be MOST difficult to clone one because of the scaricity of some of the unique BB parts, such as the fiberglass ducting parts that were unique to these cars.
At one time, a person could buy all the brake hardware to convert a car to big brakes, to include backing plates, shoes, scoops, drums, etc, etc. Thus, a base 4bl carb, 3sp, non-posi car could have a solid lifter FI 283 built, the 3sp swapped out for a T10 and a posi center section installed in the axle housing, as well as all of the BB service parts added.
WISH I'D KNOW THEN WHAT I KNOW NOW!!!
I went to a lot of trouble to fabricate my own BB pkg!

[Robert M.]

Re: Authenticating a real RPO 687 car

Thanks to all for your opinion. I guess even a radio and heater delete does not guarantee a cars pedigree. As most were bought to race, I would think logbooks and a verified race history would be the best provenance.

[Paul M.]

Re: Authenticating a real RPO 687 car

Robert, I have owned 3 real big brake cars. One had the original window sticker and one has the original paper work from the original owner. The other I am still trying to find documentation. All 3 have heaters and 2 have radios. One was hardtop only, one was soft top only and the 3rd had both tops. So you can't really make any assumptions. Original paper work is the best way to document a true big brake car. I should also mention that 2 are FI and one is a 270 HP.