1st design "three bullet" air intake vs. 2nd design "dual pot" air intake

[Harold W.]

Re: 1st design "three bullet" air intake vs. 2nd design "dual pot" air intake

Bob,

Please give me the source for '54 assembly dates. I wasn't aware there was a definitive list. My VIN is 2929, and I only assumed it was a June time frame, but don't have any specific date.

Thanks,
Harold

[Bob R.]

Re: 1st design "three bullet" air intake vs. 2nd design "dual pot" air intake

There is an app available for smart phones called the Corvette Birthday Calculator and covers all years. It was put together by Rob Musketeer who is very active on this board. Serial number 2929 build date is listed as May 20th. This is an approximate date based on the available information.

[Harold W.]

Re: 1st design "three bullet" air intake vs. 2nd design "dual pot" air intake

Bob,

I downloaded the app. Very interesting. It certainly was correct on my 1965, but I'm wondering where the data came from on 1954. Perhaps a few data points and then extrapolated? I'm certain that my car, which I acquired in 1972, has the original engine and drivetrain, and other parts. The engine casting date of May 13, and car assembly on May 20, is possible, but seemingly unlikely. May 13 was a Thursday. That leaves 6 days for machining, engine assembly, and shipping from Flint to St. Louis. The last car was supposedly built July 16, and the first '55 was in January, 1955. I didn't realize they effectively shut down production for 6 months, though I have seen the stories about 1000-1500 units being left until the end of the year. The 700 '55 units were produced over the full year according to the calculator.

Thanks,

Harold

[Bob R.]

Re: 1st design "three bullet" air intake vs. 2nd design "dual pot" air intake

I am not that knowledgeable on the C-1's but it was not unusual for the engine dates to be close on the C-2 cars. I think there are some documented cars that had an engine the same day as the build. I know the NCRS offers a historic document service for Corvettes. I'm not sure it goes back to 54 but you could look into it. I think the cost is $40 and they can tell you the date and location your car was shipped to.

[Harold W.]

Re: 1st design "three bullet" air intake vs. 2nd design "dual pot" air intake

That historic document service goes back to mid-1962, nothing earlier. I used it for my '65, and actually talked to the original dealer, but unfortunately Chevrolet had cancelled their franchise for being too small. All the records were thrown out about 8 years ago.