Topic: VIN/ Paint/ motor numbers question
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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Royse City, TX - USA
Joined: 11/16/2007
Posts: 62
Vette(s): 1978 L48, p/s, p/w/ factory ac car factory manual trans has a 350 crate engine w/260hp, but also have original which may be rebuilt- we also have a 76 w/ a 454, and 74 350 in various stages of being rebuilt, plus an 86 and an 02....
Hi all- I am looking at a 73, and am trying to find the original paint color, and also if the motor is numbers matching- where do I go???????????? I need to know this to know if it is worth the asking price. Thanks (-:
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Lifetime MemberThe trim tag on the driver's door front jam should have the paint and interior info as well as the body build date. The "Corvette Restoration Guide 1968-1982" by Richard Prince has a lot of good info on the different codes and numbers and where to look for them.
Jim Olson 
"The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave! 
Check the numbers stamped on the pad on the block at the front of the right head. AIR/AC might be in the way and the pad might be dirty, but the engine source code and a VIN derivative are stamped on the pad.
Stamp Pad
Stamp Pad
Compare VIN derivative with the car's VIN.
Trim Tag
Trim tag on driver's door hinge post. Time/Build code in upper right corner; codes for original exterior paint and interior.
(modified large images to links)