Pre-purchase validation of engine pad stamping

[Rick H.]

I have been looking at a few chrome bumper C3 coupes over the last few weeks. I have asked for fellow NCRS member opinions on a 1972 base motor car that I ended up passing on for other reasons. I’m now looking at a couple of higher dollar cars such as an LT-1 and a big block engine car. These cars are much more likely to be restamped due to the value of these cars. That said, is there any recommendations for a person offers this service for potential buyers? I do know that a couple of the well known experts that validate engine stampings only will do so for the current owner of the car and not for potential buyers of a car.


Thanks,
Rick

[Leif A.]

Rick,
If you post up clear, highly defined pictures of the engine stamp pad here, you'll get valid responses from some folks here that really know their stuff.

[Larry M.]

If car looks good and you (or folks here) feel VIN and Trim Tags look good, you can make sale contingent on having Al Grenning validate the stampings. Owner can then request from Al Grenning....... and you pay the bill. Expensive, but better than buying a stamped car and paying original motor price.

Larry

[Wayne L.]

I had the same question/concern a couple years ago when looking at a C2. When it comes to validating an engine ID pad theres a lot to learn and many (including myself) are far from being experts. You can always ask fellow NCRS members what they think about an engine pad, and you may even get some opinion(s) from a member(s) that are really experienced with engine ID pads, but be prepared to wade through a sea of varying comments and opinions. I have not heard of any members who offer any kind of engine ID pad confirmation for a fee and for a potential buyer.

If you want to buy a car with rock solid pedigree I’d wait to find one that has already received some kind of validation either through CCAS or at a minimum been judged and has preferably obtained a Top Flight score or at a minimum a Second Flight score at regional NCRS event. When considering a Flight Judged car, ask to see the judging sheets.

If you find a really nice car that seems to be legitimate but has not been judge or received CCAS affirmation, maybe you could work out a sale contingent with the seller to obtain verification from CCAS, especially if the seller’s asking price is on the high side and in the neighborhood of what other sellers are asking for cars that have already achieved confirmation through CCAS.

In my opinion the difference in value of a car that’s advertised as “Numbers matching” (to quote an over-used and mis-understood term) and one that’s confirmed to have its “Born with” engine is far more than the cost of the affirmation from CCAS. It’s better to step up and pay the premium a legitimate car demands than take a chance and end up being disappointed later when you learn the car you bought is not what you expected or hoped it would be.

Have you considered putting in a “Wanted ad” on the NCRS web-site to see what turns up? you can be pretty specific about what your requirements are and you never know what might turn up or where discussions with fellow members will take your search.

[Rick H.]

Rick,
If you post up clear, highly defined pictures of the engine stamp pad here, you'll get valid responses from some folks here that really know their stuff.

I thought about that but both of the cars that I'm considering are not being publicly advertised. Thus I'm hesitant to post a picture of the engine pad (with the VIN) in a forum. I want to protect the sellers privacy.

[Wayne L.]

Post some clear engine ID pad photos but block out the last three numbers of the VIN stamping.

[David H.]

Rick

Clear photos of engine stamp pad, block casting number, and block casting date.

Not many folks expert on C3 Trim Tags. Person I know that is an expert, no longer frequents NCRS Tech Forum. (i.e. not available anymore).

Post Trim Tag photo in-any-case. We'll try to find comparable.

Dave

[Edward C.]

It easy to pick out fake C3 trim tags.
Lots of guys know what to look for.

[Tim G.]

Rick, it appears that two reasonably priced C3's are for sale in the classified section of this site. I don't know the cars or the owners, but the NCRS for sale site is a good place to start.

[Rick H.]

Rick, it appears that two reasonably priced C3's are for sale in the classified section of this site. I don't know the cars or the owners, but the NCRS for sale site is a good place to start.

I haven't been monitoring the NCRS classified section. I'll do that going forward. Perhaps I should create a wanted to buy thread in the appropriate NCRS Forum area detailing the characteristics of the C3 I am looking for.

[Mark F.]

I haven't been monitoring the NCRS classified section. I'll do that going forward. Perhaps I should create a wanted to buy thread in the appropriate NCRS Forum area detailing the characteristics of the C3 I am looking for.

Rick,

and here's where it would go...detailed listing of what you want would improve response...

https://www.ncrs.org/classified/index.php?a=5&b=363