General

[JerryH]

Purchased a 1981 Vette. It's White with Medium Red Interior. Started some repair and intend to do a great deal more. While the repair done was performed by a specialized corvette mechanic I would like to do some comparison shopping making certain that I'm getting my money's worth since I'm not mechanically inclined. In addition, if anyone knows how I can establish it's orignal color combination as I'm not sure it is the original. I've read about retaining it's color and I guess I have to make that decision but I would like to at least know how it started out.

Also since I'm located in Ft Lauderdale FL would like to hear of any reliable mechanics in the area so I can do some comparison shopping to "save" some money in the process but with quality.

 

[XLR8]

Can't help with your search for answers Jerry, but I wanted to say hi and

Jane Ann

 

[Yoda]

Jerry Welcome

Ah the 1981 Corvette I happen to know a little bit about this year of Corvette

The factory color and interior color/leather or cloth can be found (usually) from the Trim Tag on the drivers door frame. Open the door and look below the top of the fender/windshield you should see a small aluminum tag with the Color/Interior Codes.

Either the Action Center Model center or the L81VetteRegistry will provide the translation for ya

As for mechanic... I NEVER recommend a mechanic other than to say the work they do for me has always been good and fair... Too many times I have said Oh... XYZ shop is the best... and have the person not happy with the work or costs... Oh... I don't live in Florida so I wouldn't be any help with that question anyway

Good luck with your 1981 and search for a trusted mechanic/shop

Bud

 

[vetteboy86]

Corvette Fever usually runs annual shop lists based on recommendations from corvette owners. You may be able to aquire information about a reputable shop in your area from their website.

Welcome to the forum!

 

[6880 Mike]

...The factory color and interior color/leather or cloth can be found (usually) from the Trim Tag on the drivers door frame...

I agree.
There are two different trim tags for the 81s. Bowling Green tags contain a VIN derivitive. St. Louis tags do not.

 

[JerryH]

Apparently the 2nd owner had some work done on the vette and did not have the sticker put back.... Isn't there a way with VIN# to determine the color combination on the car or is it somewhere else on the car?

 

[6880 Mike]

Apparently the 2nd owner had some work done on the vette and did not have the sticker put back.... Isn't there a way with VIN# to determine the color combination on the car or is it somewhere else on the car?

There is no color information in the VIN. The trim tag isn't a sticker; it's a metal plate riveted to the driver's door hinge post. Contact the previous owner and see if he/she has it.

St. Louis tag:

Bowling Green tag:

You can go here Corvette Action Center | Tech Center | Owner Information Center | Build Sheets | Documentation and see if you can obtain a copy of the original dealer invoice for your car if it's a St. Louis built car. The invoice will list the interior and exterior colors. The National Corvette Museum might have a copy of the build order for your car if it was assembled in Bowling Green.

The VIN will tell you where the car was assembled. An alpha S after the B is the plant code for St. Louis. A numeric 5 after the B is the code for Bowling Green.

 

[vett boy]

One thing that I did when I bought my first Corvette back in 1985 was to join a local club .Florida has a lot and they know who's in the area for shops etc

 

[JerryH]

Thanks guys..........

 

[Evolution1980]

Hey, JerryH, I'm also just popping in to welcome you to the site!