~Getting old records from GM~

[Deborah B.]

This corvette records thing is probably old news to all of you but I'd like your input.
I contacted the GM Heritage Museum to ask if they had any documention on the 63 pilot line cars ( I'm still searching for as much information as I can find) I was told that "all" records prior to 1977 are not accounted for. I then read some articles where people said they had obtained documentation on their cars so I contacted them again and was told the same thing. Now I just read a story Noland Adams wrote about how he obtained the photos, records etc for his books. He got access to Chevrolets Public Relations Department's secret files (a few years back). What the heck. They can take our bailout money but yet not help people who own their product. A piece of history on top of it.
Anyone else have any ideas for me? I did finally order Nolands book that supposedly has some information about the pilot cars but it hasn't come yet so I don't know how much will be of help to us.

[John H.]

Re: ~Getting old records from GM~

Now I just read a story Noland Adams wrote about how he obtained the photos, records etc for his books. He got access to Chevrolets Public Relations Department's secret files (a few years back).

Deborah -

Noland had access to the Engineering and P.R. files (about 25 years ago). The individual vehicle production records prior to 1977 don't exist. Do a search here on "production records" and you'll find everything you ever wanted to know about it.

[Joseph T.]

Re: ~Getting old records from GM~

This corvette records thing is probably old news to all of you but I'd like your input.
I contacted the GM Heritage Museum to ask if they had any documention on the 63 pilot line cars ( I'm still searching for as much information as I can find) I was told that "all" records prior to 1977 are not accounted for. I then read some articles where people said they had obtained documentation on their cars so I contacted them again and was told the same thing. Now I just read a story Noland Adams wrote about how he obtained the photos, records etc for his books. He got access to Chevrolets Public Relations Department's secret files (a few years back). What the heck. They can take our bailout money but yet not help people who own their product. A piece of history on top of it.
Anyone else have any ideas for me? I did finally order Nolands book that supposedly has some information about the pilot cars but it hasn't come yet so I don't know how much will be of help to us.

Whats your objective. Do you own a pilot line car?

[Stuart F.]

Re: ~Getting old records from GM~

Don't know if the auto divisions were anything like the locomotive division, but our management purposefully destroyed all old records, photos, and conceptual art, etc. as a matter of routine when they needed more storage space or due to an office move. They didn't want the Archive material to get out into the public among the railfans for why I don't know. They wouldn't even let the employees have any of the material either. They would let us look through it, but keep it and take it out of the building was a no no.

Railfans are noted to be very fanatical about anything dealing with railroad history. We used to refer to them (Railfans) as "Foamers" and found them to be a nuisance. They were always trying to get onto the property or interfere with road tests of new products on railroad property - something like the car crazy types, I guess.

I did save copies of everything I wrote (Tech manuals and Instructions), but pitched most of those on my last move here to Florida. Probably should have saved them and sold them on E-Bay, Ha!

Stu Fox

[Deborah B.]

Re: ~Getting old records from GM~

Hi,

Yes we do. Coupe body 6, VIN #9. I'd like to find photos and details on the pilot cars since we have one of them. Trying to place our car to something concrete. Basically gathering as much history on it as I can for documentation purposes.
I'd like to know how long it was at GM and was it used for a specific purpose. Who got it when GM was done with it etc.

[James G.]

Re: ~Getting old records from GM~

Hi,

Yes we do. Coupe body 6, VIN #9. I'd like to find photos and details on the pilot cars since we have one of them. Trying to place our car to something concrete. Basically gathering as much history on it as I can for documentation purposes.
I'd like to know how long it was at GM and was it used for a specific purpose. Who got it when GM was done with it etc.

a very good GM Engineer friend of mine has many files on pilot line and ALL z0-6 Cars. Email me Deborah at jim@vettefinderjim.com and I will hook you two up. He lives in Michiagan and owners a very early Z0-6 Tanker that was raced at Daytona in Feb 63.

[John D.]

Re: ~Getting old records from GM~

Jim, Sounds like Franz Estericher who has dropped off the face of the Corvette World. Hope he doing OK. Franz was writing a book on the Z06's but I haven't heard about it in a long time. JD

[David D.]

Re: ~Getting old records from GM~

Perhaps your car is the one being painted in the factory photo that has the 62 entering the paint booth behind it! That would be exciting.

[David D.]

Re: ~Getting old records from GM~

The photo that i am refering to is from page 151 of the NCRS 1953 - 1972 Corvette Specifications Guide.

[Deborah B.]

Re: ~Getting old records from GM~

According to the trim tag our car was built in July 62. (7B)
Is there any mention of the photo's date?

[John H.]

Re: ~Getting old records from GM~

'63 coupe body #13 (VIN #23) tag is stamped "A27" (also stamped "prime" paint).

'63 coupe body #14 (don't have the VIN) tag is stamped "A30"

[Scott S.]

Re: ~Getting old records from GM~

The photo that i am refering to is from page 151 of the NCRS 1953 - 1972 Corvette Specifications Guide.

Hi David,

Did you mean the 1953-1967 Corvette Specifications Guide, described this way in the NCRS book store:

"These are the next generation of the classic NCRS Pocket Spec Guide! They are a convenient 4"x6" size that fits right into your pocket- perfect to carry along at swap meets, junkyard searches, and judging events. They are quick reference technical encyclopedias of basic Corvette information, including major mechanical and electrical component part numbers, casting numbers, engine, transmission and axle identification codes, original prices, options and production quantities, power teams, color combinations, body codes and much more! Both are softbound with approximately 168 pages."


I don't have that one yet, but I will soon. If that's not the one you mean, and there's another book available covering the midyears that I haven't found yet, please let me know!

[Sydney G.]

Re: ~Getting old records from GM~

Hello,

According to my records which I try to keep accurate, 1963 VIN #23, the PRIME/Black Coupe is Body #13.

However, I have '63 VIN #21 on my records as being Coupe Body #14.
Quite interesting!
Perhaps the #23 car got held back in the pilot line production for whatever reason??

Also very interesting is that Deb's Coupe #9 has body built date code 7B. Can you post a photo of the tag?
Is it possible that 7B would stand for the 2nd week in July???

Syd

[David D.]

Re: ~Getting old records from GM~

Scott -

My book covers to '72, I have both the pocket size and the larger, both spiral bound, probably an 8 1/2 by 11 or therabouts. Copyright 1991, NCRS. There are no photos in the small book.

[Deborah B.]

Re: ~Getting old records from GM~

David,

Do you have a way to scan that photo or the page (151) and email it to me?