Matching Numbers 1968-1982
A Guide to 68-82 Corvettes
BY: Bob Kroupa of Vette-N-Vestments
As stated in our previous matching numbers
article on the 1953-1967,
a "matching numbers" Corvette can add thousands of dollars to
its
value.
A matching number Corvette refers to the
original Corvette motor that was installed
where the Corvette was built. The production number of the
Corvette, which is
the last 6 digits of the serial number or VIN (vehicle
identification numbers),
is stamped on the motor, thus matching the production number
to the original
motor.
The location of the VIN number on the 1968-1982
models was relocated from the
previous models. The VIN number on the 1968-1982 models can be
found on the
inside driver's windshield post. The numbers can be seen by
simply by looking
at the location from the outside of the vehicle.
The VIN number identification for the 1968-1971
models was a carryover from
the previous years. A VIN of 194678S400025 represents the
following:
The first digit "1" identifies the Division of
General Motors Chevrolet.
The second and third digits "94" identify the series Corvette.
The fourth and fifth digits identify the body style, 37 = T-
Top, 67 = Convertible.
The sixth digit identifies the model year (8) or 1968.
The seventh digit identifies the assembly location (S) or St.
Louis.
The last six digits identify the build sequence of the
Corvette. In the example
above, this was a 1968 Corvette Convertible that was the 25th
one built.
The 1972 Corvette VIN number was changed and
additional information related
to the installed engine was added. With the new VIN number,
one could tell if
the Corvette was built with the base motor or one of the
optional, high performance
motors. This practice would continue through the 1980 model
year.
Assuming a 1972 Corvette had a VIN of
1Z37W2S500033, the breakdown is as follows:
The first digit identifies the Division 1 =
Chevrolet.
The second digit identifies the series, Z = Corvette.
The third and fourth digits identifies the body style: 37 = T-
Top, 67 = Convertible.
The fifth digit identifies the engine: K = base motor, L = LT-
1, W = LS-4 (454).
The sixth digit identifies the model year 2 = 1972.
The seventh digit identifies the assembly location, again S =
St. Louis, MO.
The last six digits identify the build sequence of the
Corvette. In this example,
it was a 1972 T-Top with the optional LS-4 (454) motor and was
the 33rd Corvette
built in 1972.
The motor identification 5th digit continued
through the 1980 model year when
more than the base motor was available. Following are fifth
digit code identifications
for the respective years:
1972: K = base, L = LT-1, W = 454
1973: J = base (L-48), T = L-82, Z = 454
1974: J = L-48, T = L-82, Z = 454
1975: J = L-48, T = L-82
1976: J = L-48, X = L-82
1977: L = L-48, X = L-82
1978: L = L-48, 4 = L-82
1979: 8 = L-48, 4 = L=82
1980: 8 = L-48, 6 = L-82
Through the 1976 and 1977 years, only the 37
code (third and fourth digits)
was used since no convertibles were built. During the 1978
model year, this
code was changed to 87 and continued to represent the T-
Top.
Also in 1978, the six-digit build sequence
number for the standard model began
with 400001, however, the Pace Car had its own sequence build
code of 900001.
The Silver Anniversary did not have a special sequence build
code.
In 1981, the VIN changed again, and additional
digits were added. An example
is 1G1AY876XB5400041 and is decoded as follows:
The first digit identifies the nation of
origination: 1 = US.
The second digit identifies the manufacturer: G = General
Motors.
The third digit identifies make and type: 1 =
Chevrolet/Passenger Car.
The fourth digit identifies the type of vehicle restraint
system: A = non-passive/manual
belt.
The fifth digit identifies the car line/series: Y = Corvette
The sixth and seventh digit identifies the body type: 87 =
Corvette.
The eighth digit identifies the engine: 6 = L-81.
The ninth digit is a check digit that is used to verify the
VIN had been correctly
recorded - X.
The tenth digit identifies the model year: B = 1981.
The eleventh digit identifies the location of the assembly
plant; S = St. Louis,
and 5 = Bowling Green, KY.
The last six digits are the build sequence number. In our
example, this Corvette
was a 1981 T-Top built in Bowling Green, KY, with the base
motor (the only one
available) and was the 41st Corvette built.
In 1982, another code was added to the sixth
and seventh digit "07"
that identified the 1982 Collector Edition.
As outlined in our previous article, "Matching
Numbers the 1953-1967 Years",
the coding on the engine block preceding the six-digit
sequence build code remained
the same for the 1968-1980 models. This coding identifies the
manufacturing
location of the motor, the month and day of the build and
motor identification
and transmission. The location remained the same, on a pad in
front of the valve
cover on the passenger side of the Corvette.
We are sure you will find this information
helpful. Now, with just a glance
at the serial numbers, you can identify the original engine
motor in any 1972-1982
Corvette.
An article on matching numbers for the 1984-
2001 models will be available soon.
Related Publications
For more information about other C3 technical
projects, check out these publications
available at the VetteFinders.com
Online Store:
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