C2-1964 hood trim

[Tony Reilly]

Hi guys-
Does anyone know if any 1964 models were delivered with the '63 style aluminum simulated vents? I've seen a picture of a Nov '63 build car that has the vents and was wondering if it was original. Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: C2-1964 hood trim

Tony-----

I can't say based upon any actual knowledge of this issue. However, first of all, if any 64s were built with 63 hood louver ornament panels, then they would also have had to be built with 63 hoods (or modified 64 hoods)inasmuch as the hoods were slightly different. That being said, even if any 64s were built with 63 hoods, which I doubt, I find it hard to imagine that such a thing would have occurred as late as November, 1963. I would expect such usage, if it occurred at all, to have been a "short term carryover".

Although anything is theoretically possible, keep in mind that the 63 hood ornaments were a significant styling feature of 1963 Corvettes. When someone purchased a new 1964 Corvette, they wanted the NEW year model and not one that looked, partially, like "last year's model". In fact, many folks with 63's removed their "split window" in order to "update" their cars and make them look like the "newer model". I really doubt that GM, which certainly understood the "sensitivities" which folks had regarding having the "new model", would have approved the use of 63 hoods and hood ornaments on 64 models. While some folks might regard such an installation as an "upgrade", I doubt that many folks would have felt that way in 1964.

[Joe Pennington]

Re: C2-1964 hood trim

My early Oct.63 built has the 64 outer hood but has the 63 inner panel.

[David W.]

Re: C2-1964 hood trim

Mine is the same as Joe's. My '64 built in September '63 has the inner '63 panel but the '64 exterior. I would agree with the other's comments here that it is highly unlikely the '63 hood inserts were ever used on a '64. David