Might buy a 56
Hello everyone, I am brand new to NCRS, and I thought this is the obvious place to start with my potential journey. I am looking for any and all information regarding production records, compilations of research, including surveys, and any articles referencing 56 corvette production. Any help would be greatly appreciated. P.S. I am usually very busy running my business, so there might be delays getting back to this site if any asks me questions. Thanks again!!!!
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Re: Might buy a 56
Jim,
Welcome to NCRS. First thing before buying any Corvette is to purchase the Judging Reference Manual from the NCRS on-line Store. Link to the '56-7 Judging Reference Manual https://www.ncrs.org/shop/index.php?...roducts_id=215
First - 1956 VIN numbers start at 1001, not 001. So, where your looking at VIN 2345, it's actually 1345 produced 1956 Corvette. When looking at the Corvette Birthday Book make sure which number the data you're looking at uses; production number or VIN.
In 1956, there are two iterations. Early up to VIN 1700 and then the rest of the production year. The early 1956 Corvettes up to VIN 1700 use one a lot of one off hard to find parts.
IMHO, best to get a very late 1956, if possible a June or July production.
Good luck with your pursuit.
Gary
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NCRS Texas Chapter
https://www.ncrstexas.org/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565408483631 -
Re: Might buy a 56
Thank you Gary, for your warm welcome and your great advice. I am buying the judging reference manual you suggested. Your insight on the early 56s vs later production #s was very informative. I was talking with an older gentleman recently that has a 56 for sale.
Unfortunately the car was in a different location, and I have not been able to see it in person, only a video of the car driving around. He did however have a gas tank cover that laid under the convertible top which he replaced many years ago. Being the over the top for details type of person that I am, I wanted to learn as much about the original build of this car as I can while I'm waiting to see it in person. The cover has what appears to be a layer of primer with a layer of white paint on top, and a layer of red paint on top of the white paint. QUESTION... Was this a white car with red interior or a red car with white interior? I'm sorry for being long winded, but I can be a glutton for detail. Thank you again!!!!Comment
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Re: Might buy a 56
You may also want to look at some of the corvette dealer websites just to see what's out there and the info that's available. You can join a local NCRS chapter and get assistance from NCRS judging and performance verification experts to assist you in checking out a vehicle you may want to purchase. Some dealer web sites where you can find pictures, info and ballpark prices are "corvette mike" and "pro team corvettes". Good luck in your research. DonComment
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Re: Might buy a 56
Jim, if I understand your question correctly, you are seeing a section of the tank cover that shows primer, then red paint and then white. If this is correct, there are several scenarios. First of all, there was no white interior offered in '56. Beige was the lightest color offered. With this in mind, if the car body was red, it could have had a red or a beige interior. If the car was white it would have had a red or beige interior (very rare btw). There were only two colors of interior offered in '56 and the tank cover was always painted to match the interior color of the car. Considering the middle paint layer is red, my guess would be that the original interior was also red, but no real way to know for sure.
GarryGarry Barnes #18531
'67 Lynndale Blue Coupe- National TF, BG
'67 Sunfire Yellow Coupe- 4 Star Bowtie,
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Re: Might buy a 56
Jim, I will only add that this is the land of details. There are folks here who will make your head spin with details. All good. Welcome to NCRS. Good luck on your journey.Comment
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Re: Might buy a 56
Don, Garry, and Jeff, Thank you for the support. It's very comforting to know there are so many knowledgeable people here willing to share their insight with others so generously. It is very refreshing. Garry, there was a misunderstanding about the layers of paint that where on the gas tank cover. It is primer, then white, then red. So what you said about the order in which the paint was applied, and the available interior colors is very interestingComment
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Re: Might buy a 56
Jim, you have me stumped and here's why. If white is the layer of paint between the red and the primer, that would indicate that it was the first layer of actual paint. Is it actually white or a very light beige? If it is light beige, that's easy. It was delivered with a shoreline beige interior and someone painted it red. If it's actually white...not so easy. I don't recall if the later models painted the tank cover body color instead of interior color, but if they did then it's a replacement cover from another model year. I also don't recall if this cover was in place when the actual car was painted. There are always signs of the original color inside the glove box and sometimes on the floor boards. It's possible that the car was painted white with the cover in place and then the interior red was applied during assembly later. That seems to make sense assuming this cover was in place when the body was painted.Garry Barnes #18531
'67 Lynndale Blue Coupe- National TF, BG
'67 Sunfire Yellow Coupe- 4 Star Bowtie,
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Re: Might buy a 56
Jim,
You might be able to get a better idea if seat backs were removed to check the interior paint around the console/storage compartment area as to where the console/storage compartment meets the wall behind the seat.
If you see a light color in the top well, I'd bet it was Shoreline Beige as Garry Barnes said.
Gary
....
NCRS Texas Chapter
https://www.ncrstexas.org/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565408483631Comment
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Re: Might buy a 56
Great suggestion. The Shoreline beige could be interpreted as old "yellowed" white paint.
GarryGarry Barnes #18531
'67 Lynndale Blue Coupe- National TF, BG
'67 Sunfire Yellow Coupe- 4 Star Bowtie,
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Re: Might buy a 56
Thanks very much guys, I can't wait to see the car in person and learn more about it. If it's what the owner says it is, I'll be loving it.Comment
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Re: Might buy a 56
Jim, you may want to ask a local chapter member to go with you to look at the car. Check the trunk interior color and overspray throughout the interior as Gary suggested and under the instrument panel. Is there still a rectangular piece of fabric on top of the tank cover? It was factory installed to protect the soft top window from scratching. SteveComment
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Re: Might buy a 56
In 1977, I owned an Artic blue, beige early 56. I did not know how rare it was. Look forward to seeing your discovery. 56 and 57 are two of my favorite Corvettes.Over 80 Corvettes of fun ! Love Rochester Fuel Injection 57-65 cars. Love CORVETTE RACE CARS
Co-Founder REGISTRY OF CORVETTE RACE CARS.COMComment
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Re: Might buy a 56
James, first want to send my condolences for your recent loss. I have to say the enthusiasm and willingness to share knowledge on this forum is amazingComment
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