How do I figure out the production date of my 1979 Vette?

[Jack M.]

Re: How do I figure out the production date of my 1979 Vette?

Jack, I just checked it out and they seem to only have build date data for Cadillacs...they have invoices for 77 and newer, but those invoices don't have build dates on them according to the sample they provided.

Thank you for the lead.

Michael

Michael- This is an example from the bottom portion of a 1979 Corvette (sorry that I redacted some info).
There may be several areas of interest for you... hope this gives you a better idea.

GM-Invoice-1979-Corvette.jpg

[David H.]

Re: How do I figure out the production date of my 1979 Vette?

... Please tell me where you got the cypher data for these codes? I'd like to have this information for me for other C3's too. Please inform me where I can get my hands on it. ...

Michael

Date codes are included in NCRS' "Corvette Specifications Guide" available at NCRS Store.

In the mean time, I've attached a summary sheet of Body Date Codes.

Dave

Body Date Codes.jpg

[Michael M.]

Re: How do I figure out the production date of my 1979 Vette?

Thank you Mark,

Everyday I learn more.

Michael

[Michael M.]

Re: How do I figure out the production date of my 1979 Vette?

Dave,

You're hitting all of my posts today! Thank you for the info. "Corvette Specifications Guide" Got It! Is there a book with torque specs for all the bolts on the chassis, motor, etc.??? That would be super helpful too.

Mike

[David H.]

Re: How do I figure out the production date of my 1979 Vette?

... Is there a book with torque specs for all the bolts on the chassis, motor, etc.??? That would be super helpful ...

Michael

You're right, a book like that would be super helpful. However, ....... Nothing is complete, and best you can do is have several sources.

You should have a 1979 "Assembly Instruction Manual" (A.I.M.), and a GENUINE GM 1979 Corvette Shop Manual.

A.I.M. will have many torque values (be careful, later C3 are Newton-Meters vs Foot-Pounds). However, as an assembly manual, many components were supplied as complete units and hence have NO torque values for component parts. e.g. Front suspension knuckle, brake disk, splash shield, bearings, races, nuts, etc were supplied to the assembly line as a single entity. Thus there are no torque values - line workers didn't need them.

Most of those "missing" torque numbers can be found in your shop manual. Be sure to get a genuine 1979 GM Shop Manual - generic "all years C3's" manuals can lead you astray.

A.I.M. and Shop manuals are available as paper and DVD at most large Corvette Vendors.

Another very useful document is the GM Parts Catalog - also paper (used) or as a (large) pdf. If you can't find one, send me a PM, and I'll see what we can do.

Worthwhile to read John Hinckley's Assembly Manual article (link below). It will give you insight into what the A.I.M. is and what you can and cannot rely on.

http://www.camaros.org/AIM.shtml

Dave

IMG_2803 copy.jpg1979 AIM.jpg

[Michael M.]

Re: How do I figure out the production date of my 1979 Vette?

Thank you Dave. You've been very helpful...much appreciation.

I'll look into obtaining these as soon as possible.

Got some homework cut out for me...but at least it'll be fun homework!

Thanks again,

Michael