2) Built date is L12. May 6, 2009. 1) This car is a fantastic big block car with its original engine, transmission, and rear end. It completed a frame off last year that included an engine rebuild, with mostly new components. The interior is original except for 1 door panel and the carpet. The paint is 3 years old, and the top is a year old. While it is unlikely that the miles displayed are actual, the condition of the unrestored parts (seats, pedals, etc) suggest that the miles could be real (again, assume they are not). This is the original block and gearbox to the car, and are, of course, numbers matching. Later in the description are the numbers/date codes. Visible components have been reviewed by Bloomington Gold and NCRS. Block, Intake Manifold, Exhaust Manifolds, Distributor, Heads, Water Pump, All Carbs, Alternator, Transmission, Rear End, Body Tag, Seatbelts, Master Cyl., are all correct. The car is well equipped with all the original options, and include: 986 Silverstone Silver 402 Black Leather M21 Close Ratio L68 400 Hp A02 Glass C07 Hardtop (The top currently with the car is more (much) than likely not the original as it has a 72 glass date code and is black vinyl covered.) U69 AM/FM F41 Suspension P01 Wheel Covers PT6 Red Line Tires N40 Power Steering G81 370 Posi Axle Some History and Documentation: This car was first sold through Capital Chevrolet in Olympia, Washington on 30 Aug, 1968. I have the new car invoice showing the dates, options, and prices, as well as a plate from WA for 1968. I have nothing that ties this plate to this car, so consider it a novelty at this point. It may have come to MN in November of 68 as I have copies of gas receipts, a repair order (Nevada), and a 1968 Best Western travel guide. I also have the 1969 MN license plate. It may have come to MN in November of 68 as I have copies of gas receipts, a repair order (Nevada), and a 1968 Best Western travel guide. I also have the 1969 MN license plate. I originally purchased this car in 1971 in Minnesota, and have copies of my original notes showing this, as well as a copy of the newspaper ad when it was advertised. I took the car to CA for spring break in 72 and have a couple of pictures of me washing it at a motel and working on the rear wheel bearing and u joint (took all week). I later sold the car and also have a copy of that newspaper ad. I repurchased the car about 3 years ago via a Hemmings ad from a dealer. The previous owner had the car for 20+ years, but I cannot locate him as of yet. Also, the person I bought the car from cannot be found. I know that he was much older than me at the time. The car is fully documented and includes: Owners Manual (this is not original to the car as it didnt have one when I bought it (in 71), so I had ordered it from GM direct. It is a 1st edition and has been in my possession since 71, as is a Chassis Manual purchased at the same time.) Warranty Book and Plate. Stamped by Capital. Window Sticker, including the envelope it was in. Legible (barely) Tank Sheet. A photo copy is back on the new tank. Copies of ads from Capital in 1968. Engine Break-in, key, and tire pressure card. Over-ride instructions card. (Missing the smog card). Custom Accessories booklet for 1968. A salespersons selling tools booklets for 1968. A 1968 Chevy Seasons Best 33 1/3 record. Multiple Dealer pieces of Corvette sales literature. Corvette News magazines for 1968. (I also have them for 69-80.) About dozen of the major car magazines from 67 that reviewed the car (R&T, Motor Trend, Car Life, Hi-Performance Cars, Popular Mechanics, Hot Rod) A 1968 Service Bulletin and Service News Listed in the C3 Registry, as well as 1968 Corvettes Remaining Registry" (hardcopies included). Hardtop Wrench. Proper Keys A pile of Receipts. About 5 pounds on information. Some additional items that are a part of this sale include a Revell unassembled plastic model, a cast AutoArt limited edition 1:18 scale of a 69 Silver Convertible, a TriPower engine model, a Chevrolet Corvette assembly manual, a 68 Chassis manual, and a 1968 Motors Manual. There are also copies of other tech sheets including wipers, vacuum systems, the Tri Powers, etc. The Frame-Off Process, Operations: The body was removed from the frame just to clean it up. I think many frame offs start this way, but some do not end this way. In the end, the chassis was completely disassembled, blasted, and coated with POR 15. The engine was sent out for rebuilding as it was found that a cam lobe was wearing. All normal rebuilding practices were conducted including new pistons, rings, bearings, valves, seals, etc. All wear parts on the chassis were replaced or rebuilt, and new fasteners were used for reassembly. The swing arms were completely rebuilt, with new stainless steel parking break components used. New brake and fuel lines, calipers, rotors, u joints, ball joints, tie rod ends, A arm bushings, correct fuel tank. The chrome is new. The front bumper was rechromed, as well as the over rides, but the rears were an exchange from the same chrome shop. The vacuum system is solid and will hold vacuum for several hours. All the doors and locks work great. The trans and diff are smooth and quiet, as well as is the clutch. The motor has strong oil pressure and runs at a cool, normal temp. (evidenced by the long wait in line at the Bloomington awards ceremony before the presentations). Issues, FYI: The starter installed is a high torque unit. It just works better. A Delco starter is included. The AIR is not installed, but is included. I believe all parts are there (less belt) but cannot promise. The wipers only work on wash. Someone will figure it out. All the vacuum systems work. The car has a Hurst shifter, with a stock looking handle. However, the backup light linkage does not work with the Hurst, hence no backup lights. The original shifter is included. NCRS/Bloomington Gold: This car completed evaluations for both Bloomington Gold and NCRS in 2008. The consistency was very good as to the results. For Bloomington, it was awarded a Silver, and for NCRS, it was awarded a Second Flight. The significant variation from Top or Gold was related to the modernization of the car. Remember, these organizations are looking for complete as driven from the factory line condition. Thats a good thing. However, many choose to deviate from this as times and technologies have changed (for the better). Significant deductions were given for these items: The overall paint was too glossy. This car has a clear coat overcoat that is much shinier that original. It was recommended to me that it be wet sanded with 800 grit to dull it up. Not going to happen. The AIR (smog) system is not installed. The components are included with the car. Many of the undercarriage fasteners are bright plated. In 68 they were mostly natural/black. Also, St. Louis did not paint or apply a finish to many of the chassis parts. For those parts, a "natural" appearing paint was used, as well as a clear coat. Tires are new reproduction 7 tread DOT red lines. In 68 they were non DOT, 9 tread. The starter is a modern high torque unit that turns the motor fast, hot or cold. The Delco is included. . The fuel/brake lines are stainless steel, should be carbon steel. No overspray present where it was expected (i.e. manifolds, hood hinges, exhaust, etc.) There were other deductions that affect NCRS and Bloomington scores, and can be rectified easily if desired. An example of these include: The original seatbelts show wear, and 2 of them are missing their date code tags. Date codes are obliterated/not visible on the wiper motor and fan clutch. The cigarette lighter is inop. The wipers work on wash, but hi/low is subject to chance. Courtesy lights still need to be installed. The battery is not a Delco. Some of the suspension bushings are poly and not rubber. Most of the remaining point deductions are issues that are only obvious to NCRS, and do not effect the appearance or operation of the car, such as the washer fluid tank (proper black) indicates pints rather the % full, and a leather shifter boot in installed rather that the rubber one (included). Minimal points were deducted for condition. The buyer of the car gets all the inspection sheets and awards for the car. Date Codes and Part Numbers: The following table displays the significant numbers matching information. Engine: (6.7% with this motor) Block: T0425IM (Assy Tonawanda Apr 25), D 11 8 (Cast Apr 11 68) 3935439 (This is the born with motor.) 1 of 1932 400hp engines. 18S425373 Intake Manifold: 3937745, Date Hidden Underneath Exh manifolds: Lft. 3880827, Rt. 3880828, Dated D10 8 (Apr 10 68) Distributor: 1111293, 8 D 18 (68 Apr 18) Heads: 3917215, D 1 8 (Apr 1 68) Water Pump: 3856284, D15 8 (Apr 15 68) Carbs: 3940929-EV List 4055-1 832, (68 Mar 2nd week), 3902353-EU List 3659 841, (68 Apr 1st week), 3902353-EU List 3659 841, (68 Apr 1st week) Alternator: 1100693, 7K2 (67 Nov 2) Starter: Non original, Delco Included. Hi Torque installed Transmission: P8K02B Original Trans. (Muncie 68 July 2 Close Ratio). 18S425373 Rear End: 2FA 6 15 68W Original Diff. (2nd shift 3.70 June 15 68), E 13 8 Cast Date (May 13 68), 3371375 Body Tag: Trim 402 (Black Leather, 8.5% leather), Paint 986 (Silverstone Silver, 12% slvr), L12 (July 12) Seatbelts: 23E68 (June week, Friday 68) Master Cyl: 5455509 App Code DC, Proper Cover Summary: This is an excellent, fantastic example of the first year of the C3s. It has the appropriate options that make it a popular, yet not commonly found, convertible. Both the Bloomington and NCRS judging teams commented that it was a wonderful car. Its chassis is similar to that of a mid year, but the body has been updated to the shark styling that started the modern Corvette. Also, the color combination cannot be topped (silver/black leather is timeless). The car is complete and is very well documented, and can be totally enjoyed as is, winning most any show awards, or one can move it to the next NCRS/Bloomington level at minimal effort if that is your objective. I put together a hokey video that depicts the car on YouTube, and is available for viewing at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4bVfYmK8so. ProTeam (proteamcorvettes.com) owns the sister car to this one, stock #102Z, with an asking of $90,000. Worth a look. Originally bought in '71, repurchased in '05. 59,000 miles. |