What is the '65 VIN tag range without rosette rivets?

[G B.]

This '65 coupe, VIN 9761, has good panel and front bumper alignment: https://www.classicautomall.com/vehi...corvette-coupe. I could believe that it hasn't ever been hit hard in the front.

The car has a replacement block and transmission. The seller considers it a factory 365 hp Corvette, and maybe it is. The VIN and trim tags are shown clearly on the dealer website. They look like they could be originals to me, although the trim tag does have some odd creases. I know that some '65s had VIN tags fastened with regular rivet heads (not rosette heads).

I looked up the 9761 VIN in the '65 FI survey and learned that 7380 unit #2863 was spotted by Drew Papson with this VIN stamping back in 2004.

308

U

109761

2863

D.Papson, 6-04


I then called the dealer and asked for photos showing the fiberglass behind the fender flags. I was hoping to see filled holes for FI emblems. When the photos came, I didn't.

Here's where I'm going with this. I really like the car if it's an all-red former FI coupe. But either the hood surround and fender bonding strips have been very neatly replaced, or the FI unit entry in the FI Survey is wrong, or the body has had a VIN/Trim tag swap. I guess they could all be true as well.

Could some of you semi-professional Corvette detectives venture a guess at what's going on here? I've already googled the VIN and found nothing that will help.

The dealer has been very cooperative with me. But, they didn't restore the car and they don't own it now. I'm on my own to figure this out. I would appreciate any advice you can give me.

[Tom E.]

[Dan A.]

Re: What is the '65 VIN tag range without rosette rivets?

Not answering your question but possibly indicative of the workmanship in the car. Is this the steel fuel line transitioning into a neoprene hose.

194375S109761 furl line.jpg

[David H.]

Re: What is the '65 VIN tag range without rosette rivets?

[QUOTE=G A Bramlett (135);911981]... The VIN and trim tags are shown clearly on the dealer website. They look like they could be originals to me, although the trim tag does have some odd creases. I know that some '65s had VIN tags fastened with regular rivet heads (not rosette heads).

... Here's where I'm going with this. I really like the car if it's an all-red former FI coupe. But either the hood surround and fender bonding strips have been very neatly replaced, or the FI unit entry in the FI Survey is wrong, or the body has had a VIN/Trim tag swap. ...

[/QUOTE ]

G A

To answer your question per TIM&JG: 1965 before approximately VIN 7800 had round rivets. 1965 after approximately VIN 11000 had rosette rivets. A mix in between those VINs.

----

You need a CLEAR / SHARP photo(s) of those TRIM and VIN tags. As you note TRIM has odd creases. From this photo, some TRIM Tag BLANK fonts may also have issues.

Are those "spin" markings around VIN rivets? (Indication of Tag removal at some time)

Has VIN Tag been matched to frame VIN stamping?

Dave

[Mark F.]

Re: What is the '65 VIN tag range without rosette rivets?

Probably a rookie mistake on my part, but why does the TRIM Plate list "TRIM 407A ? " with only one "A"?

I know there were deviations that could take place on the addressograph machines, but Authentication Library Volume 1 does not list any ECLs with just 1 "A" for 1965.

It would (should?) be "AA" as this appears to me to be originally a base trim package. If so, that would exclude all the other A"?" ECL letter combinations involving use or exclusions of A31, M35 and of course, this was not a tanker (N03)

it would also be nice to see the top bent-over part of the Trim Plate with all the font up there...

[Keith B.]

Re: What is the '65 VIN tag range without rosette rivets?

A.O. Smith did not use ECL codes

[Mike D.]

Re: What is the '65 VIN tag range without rosette rivets?

1965 A O Smith bodies only had 1 letter (A) for Coupe in the trim tag. The body build date, body #, and VIN# match up with my research. Should be rosette rivets on VIN tag during that time period, and the trim tag looks like it was reinstalled also.

[Jack M.]

Re: What is the '65 VIN tag range without rosette rivets?

I agree that the BUILD date, BODY number and VIN number seem to be inline... but differ on the rivets.
Using the small sample of images that I've saved, I see the rosette rivet starting a tad later.
As the TIM&JG notes, there might be a rivet 'mix'... other folkz could share their findings.
I've obscured the final VIN numbers for privacy, but images are in numerical order.

1965_VIN_RIVETS-01.jpg
1965_VIN_RIVETS-02.jpg
1965_VIN_RIVETS-03.jpg
1965_VIN_RIVETS-04.jpg

(NOTE: The last image has a typo ERROR... the proper VIN is partially on the BOTTOM of the tag.)

UPDATE: I should also note that I do see a MIX of rivets, prior to the samples I've posted... but NOT within that particular range.

[Gary B.]

Re: What is the '65 VIN tag range without rosette rivets?

[G B.]

Photo request

Could someone who owns a factory-injected '65 please post a photo showing the inside surface of the driver's fender above the louvers? I'd like to see where the FI emblem holes should have penetrated the bonding strip.

Thanks,

Jerry

[Mike D.]

Re: What is the '65 VIN tag range without rosette rivets?

I have VINs 8698, 9925, 10051 with rosette rivets in my silver 65 library.

[Ken R.]

Re: What is the '65 VIN tag range without rosette rivets?

my 65 coupe vin 9532 has plain rivets.

[Michael G.]

[Chuck B.]

Re: What is the '65 VIN tag range without rosette rivets?

Here you go.9A3FF284-737D-4AF6-AB04-563CD07FCB86.jpg

[Michael G.]

Re: What is the '65 VIN tag range without rosette rivets?

Jack: one of your images (the 3rd from bottom) is the car Jerry’s asking about. Did you re-post his pic or photograph it somewhere else?