Topic: Early or late?
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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Hi All,
Got another question. How do I kow if I have a early or late 76? Production date says 01-76. I take it that that is a early. I do know that they start mamufacturing 6th or 7th month of the pre year. So where does that leave me? I am looking a radiator support but need to know early or late.
How much differance is there between the two? I found a used one but it is for a late 76.
Thanks,
Dan
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20229
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
'76 production started in August of '75. If your car was built in Jan of '76, that puts it pretty much in the middle of production. A "late" build would normally be in the May-August period, but...different items/components could/would have been changed at any time during the production year, so there's no real way to tell what's what.
Some Corvette parts suppliers will have some of the info on date breaks for parts. If someone here has the NCRS Judging Guide it may give some specific info on parts changes during production, also.
I think the difference in the rad support has to do with the shroud attachment brackets, and the way they bolt onto the support. The earlier ones had the two brackets farther out towards the fenders than the later ones, and the later ones may have had only one bracket, instead of the two, but....I'm really not sure.
Some Corvette parts suppliers will have some of the info on date breaks for parts. If someone here has the NCRS Judging Guide it may give some specific info on parts changes during production, also.
I think the difference in the rad support has to do with the shroud attachment brackets, and the way they bolt onto the support. The earlier ones had the two brackets farther out towards the fenders than the later ones, and the later ones may have had only one bracket, instead of the two, but....I'm really not sure.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
I have a 76 built in Sept of 75 - I think it's an early 76, but you never know for sure until you need a part that needs to be early or late. I have heard of some 76s that have both early and late parts, but after 30+ years anything is possible.
The best printed source I've found (other than Joel) is looking through Doc Rebuild's site. (the best prices would be through one of our supporting vendors)
Here's a link to the rad support page. http://www.docrebuild.com/dr-r-web/AIR-DAM2.pdf
Good luck
Thanks Willis.
When I look at the info you sent I see that I must have a early as mine has the studs to mount the fan stroud. Does anyone knoe if that the only differance? If it is I can have those spot welded on another. Will the late model bolt up and hold the radiator in the right place?
If anyone has this info or has put a late model in their vette please let me know.
Thanks
Dan
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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