between a 1976E and a 1976L Now I do know that it mean early and late - so please do not tell me that, However, I want to know the difference. Can anyone tell me???

All that means is that certain parts to the car were changed by Chevrolet during the model year, as opposed to waiting for the annual model year change. It's just a way of making sure you get the proper parts for the car for those parts that matter. I believe it affects trim parts more than mechanical.

NVMY76 said: between a 1976E and a 1976L

Good question. But what I would like to know is how can you tell? I read somewhere that the "Corvette" emblem on the rear is different between 76E and 76L. But I'm not sure what the difference is as it wasn't explained.

I've also seen on some Corvette part sites as I looked at interiors, that on the 76L, it has a dome light on the T-bar? Not sure how accurate that was either.

Anyone know how to tell?

|UPDATED|10/24/2003 1:25:20 PM|/UPDATED|

On my '76 I found that there is no exact date that will distinguish between the two. Mid year production changes were incorporated when ever they were individually approved. Some items on my vette are early and some are late. I have to compare the two versions of the specific part to see which one matches mine. Sometimes you can figure it out using the assembly manual and notice the 'discontinued' or 'awaiting approval' stamps on the pages. As far as the rear emblem goes, I think you will find that the 'early' were individual letters and the 'late' was a single emblem. I could be mistaken about that so check closer. Hope this helps.

Owen

|UPDATED|10/24/2003 1:57:14 PM|/UPDATED|

Owen said: Mid year production changes were incorporated when ever they were individually approved. Some items on my vette are early and some are late.

Ahhh - that may explain some of my confusion. I did hear something about the emblems as you stated and mine would then be late. But as I said, I saw a replacement interior listed as late 76 with a dome light on the top T-bar which mine doesn't have.

This is so confusing....

Well we removed all of our interior and replaced/repaired it. I moved the dome light from the rear to the t-bar. There simply was not enough light in the front. It was no big deal. Just moved the wires also. Good luck with it!

Owen

A buddy of mine had an early 76 that he had painted. We replaced some of the emblems and I remember that the rear emblem was only about 6" long and 1 piece. The late 76 emblem is the same as the 77-79 and about 8" long. Hope this helps.

I do own a 76 ... and a few others to boot...BUT if you take the trouble to find the date your car was manufactured and go to the trouble to buy an assembly manuel you will have no problems...

My car was made in early February...it is an early car for some parts...a late car for others.... You will notice
going thru the assembly manuel they have the DATE of the change printed on the bottom of each spec sheet...any car made before that date was early..any after was late...FOR THE PART THAT WAS CHANGED...

I honestly can not remember now but the radiator support
on my car had to be replaced...looking at the assembly manuel gave me the date of the change and I then knew what replacement part to order...based on my cars February Build date...

Bob Griffiths

try this site out for a build date of your vette
http://www.ncrswi.bizland.com/wi_ncrs/bdaycalc.htm
thank Adam for giving this site's address

|UPDATED|11/3/2003 7:10:20 PM|/UPDATED|

Aegisfang-
Thanks for that Link!! I went there and it said my car was built on 6/23/76. I though that was really really cool!! Thanks again for the link!