VIN Question C1

[Wenlock Free]

I am looking at a 1954 and was wondering where the VIN's are located, how many were placed on the car and how to decipher the numbers to see if there is a matching engine, body and what the original colors and options were. Maybe someone could recommend a book for me to look through that has these details.

Thanks in advance.

[Gary C.]

Re: VIN Question C1

Recommend you join NCRS and purchase the '54 Judging Manual and Operations Manual. Also, NCRS will send you a list of local Chapters in your area which you can join. At the local Chapters you will meet a great bunch of NCRS members who are willing to help and share their vast knowledge of Corvettes. NCRS would also link you up to members who specialize in '54's. Hope you'll join NCRS and become a part of our great organization that is 18,000 member stong. Gary....

[Mike E.]

Re: VIN Question C1

You're going to be disappointed. The "VIN" tag is on the cowl on the driver side door, fastened with two phillips screws, and will tell you only which car, in numerical order (last 4 digits) that it is. No more, no less. (other than it better have E54S001 as a prefix, or the car is dead in the water.

[Christopher R.]

Re: VIN Question C1

Are you considering buying a '54?

If so, Gary is giving you good advice. These cars are valuable, and like anything else valuable, subject to counterfeiting. Most of the value is in the originality. You really can't go to a book and become an expert at spotting the fakes.

How much you gonna spend on this car? You wouldn't buy anything else that expensive without having an expert inspect it first.

Join for the reasons Gary gave you. But even if you reject those reasons, join for access to the expertise.

[Wayne P.]

Re: VIN Question C1

The vin is also located on the upper side of the driver side frame rail, in the general location of the driver seat. The vin is not on the engine or other mechanical parts.

[Wenlock Free]

Re: VIN Question C1

Thanks to all of you for the details. I have always wanted that 53-54-55 body style but this will be my first corvette, (not my first restoration though).

How do I join and get the book that was mentioned?

[John H.]

Re: VIN Question C1

You can join by clicking on the "Join Now" button at the top of the page, and clicking on the "NCRS Store" button will take you to the store, where you can find numerous '53-'55 reference books.

[Kent K.]

Re: VIN Question C1

The vin tag is located on the driver side body door jamb just below the winshield bottom left corner and, as Rev. Mike said, it's secured with two screws. Originals were covered with a thin film of translucent material. You should find the same vin number on the frame X-member below the driver's seat and on the left frame rail near the rear wheel kick-up. Engine blocks where stamped "__###____YG" and the numbers were somewhat relatable although not as corvettes from years where the vin was stamped on the blocks. The cast date should be prior to the cars assembly date. Hope you join NCRS and learn more than available on this board through other members at some meets.
Good Luck,
Kent #6201