two tone 81 vette?

[WHEELS 81]

Helo everyone ! Been around corvettes for 40 yrs. ASE Tech, always thought that the only original two tone vette was in 1982 .(Except for anniversary editions and pace cars). Got a guy in NY claiming that he has an original 2 tone 81. Anyone care to shed some loight on that.:confused

 

[6880 Mike]

Light Shedding 101: his 81 could be original. The D84 optional two-toned paint scheme became available on the 81 models.

 

[WHEELS 81]

2 tone 81

Light Shedding 101: his 81 could be original. The D84 optional two-toned paint scheme became available on the 81 models.

I can't find any stats that indicate how many vehicles were 2 tone that year. This would help me authenticate originality for this particular vehicle for a customer. Once again thanks for all your help.

 

[bill81vette]

the trim tag in the drivers side door,should indicate a U and L for upper and lower paints
it should indicate a '5' after the 'B' in the vin as to a bowling green built vette

 

[6880 Mike]

...I can't find any stats that indicate how many vehicles were 2 tone that year. This would help me authenticate originality for this particular vehicle for a customer...

I'm not sure if there are records as to how many 81s were two-toned. All of the first batch following the plant opening were two-toned, but you do not need production numbers for originality. The trim tag shows three paint codes for the D84 cars. The same code for upper and lower (U and L) and a code for the second color. Your customer may be able to get a copy of the build schedule for his/her car from the NCM which would ocmfirms the optional paint.

https://store.corvettemuseum.com/services/buildsheet.asp

 

[bucwheat]

I have seen them at shows before,mostly two tone light browns and white.

 

[Yoda]

I don't know the figures, but to validate production of Two Tone 1981's I offer these two pages from 1981 Spec's and Magazine Cover

As stated Bowling Green Built 1981 Corvette had the option of Two Tone paint scheme... It has been rumored that a few as many as 12 - 14 were produced at St. Louis prior to production at Bowling Green. These were the new Base Coat Clear Coat, while all the other production St. Louis built Corvettes were Lacquer Solid Color Paint schemes...

Bud

 

[6880 Mike]

^ Bingo. They did several of the first run Bowling Green 81s in the two-toned combo shown above. Possibly two dozen. I've seen a pic of about two dozen of them lined up together and in the same colors. I've also seen a publicity pic of ten on a transporter ready to ship. It is my understanding these were GM media photos showig off the new plant and the capabilities of the new paint facility at the plant.