1979 or 1980?

[Luigi]

Hello all, I'm new to restoration Vette world and have always wanted a Vette project. I typically restore old Mercedes (80-81 500 SL's/ SLC). I finally found a perfect Vette to work on and I have a question.

I purchased a 1979 Vette, I knew as soon as I saw the car it wasnt a 1979, yet the title, and the Vin indicate its a 79.

1Z8789S448085

Its not to far off, it is identical to an 80. So my question, is GM known for this type of issue? meaning, if a 80 was released in mid 79 would they have labled it a 79 even though it was the new 80 model?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Tuna]

What are you seeing that makes you think it is not a 1979 after all?

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

The VIN confirms that the car it was attached to originally was a '79 model year car, built in July '79.

Why do you think yours is an '80?

 

[n8dogg]

could have the 1980 frount clip on it and still be a 79

 

[Luigi]

The whole body is a 80, the front valance and rear spoiler, the side vents ect... Here's a pic after two solid weeks of work on the engine and body.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o227/lpiergal/CorvetteSummer049.jpg

 

[Luigi]

This is what it looked like when I started, lots of fiber glass damage. and yes it will go back to being Red once the car is done and ready for the final paint job. Flat black is a color I prefer while working on cars, easy to maintain, spray touch up and it looks decent all the while.

 

[CarolinaC4]

What does the engine stamp pad say? Does it match the vin#?
Car was probably hit in the front and a 80 front clip was added off a doner car. While they were at it they also put on the 80 rear bumper, thats an easy bolt on.

 

[Luigi]

the number more or less matches,
V0717ZAH. 19S448085. Whats the reason for the 19 that doesnt match my vin?

Any chance its just a late 79 and they put the 80 front clip and bumper on it? August of 79 seems to be a late manufacture date for a 79, right about the time they would start pumping out 80's. Just wondering, becasue the car doesnt seem to show any damage that would indicate that it was in a reck.

 

[bill81vette]

Right side on front of engine under the A/C Compressor.
there is a boss on the front of the engine
with the code and vin of the vette

It wasn't unusual for owners to put nose's and tails of the 80's vettes on the earlier C-3's.as some people thought they were
'sportier' looking than the 70's nose's and tails

 

[CarolinaC4]

Passengers side of engine, look where the head bolts to the block in front near the waterpump. Should be a flat machined pad about 3/4" X 3" W/ #'s stamped on it. Should be your vin#'s and a second line like: V0712ZAH
V07 would be July, 12 would be the 12th of July, ZAH would stand for L-48 engine automatic & air.
*Yours will be different but not much.... I have this car in my shop now Vin 19S445369 V0712ZAH
Let us know what your pad says. If you don't have air or if you have a 4 speed you won't have ZAH it will be different

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

the number more or less matches,
V0717ZAH. 19S448085. Whats the reason for the 19 that doesnt match my vin?

Any chance its just a late 79 and they put the 80 front clip and bumper on it?

1= Chevrolet
9= model year of car
S= St.Louis plant
44etc. sequential serial number.

As to your second point, ummmm.... No.

 

[Luigi]

1= Chevrolet
9= model year of car
S= St.Louis plant
44etc. sequential serial number.

As to your second point, ummmm.... No.

haha. Yeah I figured not. Thank you all for the help, I guess for some reason one of the previous owners changed out the front clip and rear bumper.

I guess I'll have to do some reseach as to why.

 

[CarolinaC4]

Still can be a very nice car. Looks as if you have done a good job so far. Will make a great story at car shows

 

[Luigi]

True. I'm happy to hear it really is a 79, now I can put a 79 front cip back on it at some point and it truely will be a 79 again. I'm not sure why but I prefer that front end over the 80.

 

[sstearns2]

Oh man... you have a red interior... please paint it black!

Black/red is the best on a C3...

Have fun.. Scott

 

[Luigi]

I live in Arizona, no way I can keep this car black... I would like to though.

Last question about this topic.

Are the rear fender flares on the 79 and 80 the same?

 

[Vette79]

Oh man... you have a red interior... please paint it black!

Black/red is the best on a C3...

Have fun.. Scott

I agree!

 

[bagger]

Although you can't see it very well..........I agree!

 

[Luigi]

Although you can't see it very well..........I agree!

wow super sexy.

 

[White75]

Can't go wrong with black with that interior. If can't/won't do it, white is always an option too. Yellow looks cool too if you like the ketchup/mustard look.