Any comments on 70 LT-1 for sale?

[Robert S.]

Does anyone know anything about this 70 LT-1? There are several photos, and it appears it might be a real LT-1, but not sure about the engine pad stamping.

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/855930088.html

I've just joined the NCRS. The information here is great and I'm trying to learn as much as I can as I'm looking to purchase an early C3.

Thanks

[Kenneth H.]

Re: Any comments on 70 LT-1 for sale?

That vette was for sale on Ebay a couple of weeks ago, and more than once. I remember the VIN (14145). There were a lot of questions concerning it's authenticity at that time. Check previous threads. I think there was one concerning it on this site, or the thread may have been on CF. I'm not sure. Anyway, for my money, the pad doesn't quite look right.

[Robert S.]

Re: Any comments on 70 LT-1 for sale?

Yes, I also saw the car on ebay. The bidding suggested not much interest.

I did an initial search, but will look again.

[Dick W.]

Re: Any comments on 70 LT-1 for sale?

I believe that the VIN sequence is some what non typical as to what we are used to seeing.

[Robert S.]

Re: Any comments on 70 LT-1 for sale?

Thanks for your comments. For my learning curve, could you provide some detailed remarks on the engine stamp that look non-typical from what you would expect?

[Dick W.]

Re: Any comments on 70 LT-1 for sale?

The first clue I saw was the 10****** sequence on the VIN. 1970's normally start with 70*****

[Robert S.]

Re: Any comments on 70 LT-1 for sale?

I also noticed the "10xxxxx" instead of "70xxxx". So, when you say "1970's normally start with 70" on the stamp, does that mean that there have been exceptions that were valid?

[William C.]

Re: Any comments on 70 LT-1 for sale?

Also seems to have two different character sizes between the "1" characters and the rest of the set. Anyway, a lot of $$ for a car with who knows what in the engine (look at head casting date) and needing a complete Chassis restoration, Carburetor, and who knows what?

[Robert S.]

Re: Any comments on 70 LT-1 for sale?

That's a good catch on the size of the "1" character. These comments have been helpful and I have a better idea of what to look for.

[Jim T.]

Re: Any comments on 70 LT-1 for sale?

Reference the "1" as mentioned in the VIN on this 70's engine stamp pad. The transmission stamping of the VIN starts with the "7". Is the transmission and the engine stamping done at the same time with the same stamping tools at the factory?

[Dick W.]

Re: Any comments on 70 LT-1 for sale?

Lookie here

[Kenneth H.]

Re: Any comments on 70 LT-1 for sale?

I just noticed that this vette is back on Ebay. In addition to all else that's been noted so far, check the dates. The engine block casting date is June 11, 1970 and the pad ID stamping is June 12, 1970. I'm not sure if those 2 dates are typically that close together, but when you see an assembly date code on the body trim tag of March 2, 1970 you have to question what's going on. The assembly date should never be before the engine build date on an original car.

[Kenneth H.]

Re: Any comments on 70 LT-1 for sale?

P.S. The Judging Guide alerts that the "G" (July) month code on the trim tag can easily be mistaken for a "C" (March) month code which would bring the dates into line, but I looked very closely at the tag and I don't see any evidence that the letter on this trim tag is a "G".

[Robert S.]

Re: Any comments on 70 LT-1 for sale?

I would guess that the build date letter is probably a "G" based on the VIN sequence. I can almost see a little blob on the lower leg of the C or G. But one would probably have to see it in person to be sure.

Does a one day difference in block casting and engine build make sense? Heck, it would probably take a day for the casting to cool down.

I actually called and talked to the person selling it. He did not offer too much info, and I really didn't press him on some of the details. The right head is a service replacement (photo shown), and the left is original. The TI distributor is gone, along with all of the smog stuff. The carb is correct part number, but wrong date.

I noticed that the But it Now price is now lower. But considering what that car needs, its still way too high in my opinion.

[William C.]

Re: Any comments on 70 LT-1 for sale?

One day is not really that unusual from casting to completed engine.