1978 Dealer Installed Items

[Heath R.]

I recentaly purchased a 1978 Corvette that had what the seller said was "Dealer installed whells and a two tone paint job". Does anyone have information on this being correct?
Thanks
Heath

[Tom R.]

Re: 1978 Dealer Installed Items

I recently purchased a 1978 Corvette that had what the seller said was "Dealer installed wheels and a two tone paint job". Does anyone have information on this being correct?

Heath

And the dealer may have done that but typically wheels are installed at the factory and the factory did paint two tone paint jobs in 1978. If this is not quite the answer you were expecting, you may wish to describe your situation that causes your questioning the sellers claims. I mean, it sounds like you don't believe the seller.

[Tom H.]

Re: 1978 Dealer Installed Items

Very likely could have been done at the dealer. Like Tom said, you might want to give us some details or pictures. What are the colors of the car. What style wheels ?

[John H.]

Re: 1978 Dealer Installed Items

Very likely could have been done at the dealer. Like Tom said, you might want to give us some details or pictures. What are the colors of the car. What style wheels ?

And what color(s) are shown on the factory trim tag?

[Heath R.]

Re: 1978 Dealer Installed Items

82L on trim tag

[Heath R.]

Re: 1978 Dealer Installed Items

Here are some photos of the car. The top color is a silver and the bottom is the 82L color on the trim tag. The wheels are what are pictured

[Peter G.]

Interesting....the two tone factory paint jobs done on '78s were the Silver Aniversary (Silver top and dark grey on bottom) and the Pace Car (Black top and Silver on bottom).

Of course the Chevy dealership could have done the paint and tire/wheel package at customer's request.

The paint scheme remindes me of the '82 paint option.

If I was ever to judge a car like this I would sure be interested in seeing any paperwork from the installing Chevy dealership.

Nice car, the paint color combo does look good.

Maybe some others may chime in here with their first hand experience from any new '78 owners.

[Heath R.]

Re: 1978 Dealer Installed Items

So here is my next question. If I can't get dealer paper work that says they performed the two tone, do I repaint the car the factory color or do the two tone? This is also a numbers matching, low mileage, 4 speed, glass and painted t-tops and other options car.

[Peter G.]

Re: 1978 Dealer Installed Items

Heath..good questions. As far as NCRS Judging I don't know that even if you had paperwork from the dealership as two tone paint was dealer installed would help your cause in judging. I would think that you would have to have factory paperwork that the car was delievered in primer with dealer to paint. That factory paperwork I feel would help your cause.

If no factory paperwork...how to repaint car...I would match the trim tag....82...Mahogany Metallic.

I would sure get other opinions before I embark on this expensive task of repaint.

A good source would be to contact NCRS National Judging Team Leader Brian Pearce. He is listed in the front of the Driveline.

Again, nice car.

[Heath R.]

Re: 1978 Dealer Installed Items

Thanks for your help. Whoever painted this car did the two tone correct! The lines are spaced correct and no overspray inside the door jambs. I just want to restore this correctly as I can.
Thanks
Heath

[Wayne W.]

Re: 1978 Dealer Installed Items

Thanks for your help. Whoever painted this car did the two tone correct! The lines are spaced correct and no overspray inside the door jambs. I just want to restore this correctly as I can.
Thanks
Heath

But, There was no spacing on factory two tones. The upper color and lower were just taped and sprayed, then the seam was covered by two tone decal stripes and striping tape. That one didn't happen, so you should paint it the coded color if you are going NCRS.

[Don G.]

Re: 1978 Dealer Installed Items

It is my understanding that a car with primer indicated on the trim tag would have to be in primer with the same appearance on the judging field to avoid a deduction since the judging standard is as produced by General Motors and after normal dealer preparation. I don't believe painting and dealer sold and/or installed accessories are considered part of normal dealer preparation.

[Tom R.]

Re: 1978 Dealer Installed Items

Thanks for your help. Whoever painted this car did the two tone correct! The lines are spaced correct and no overspray inside the door jambs. I just want to restore this correctly as I can.

Heath

Several considerations with your 78. The trim tag will include a paint L and a paint code U for upper and lower. Silver anniversary models came 13U/07L. I would suspect your paint codes read 82L 82U. I have seen mahogany on mahogany and have photos in my archives...somewhere

You mention matching numbers which is good. But you may want to check other systems out as well to determine the degree of originality that remains. Such as master cylinder, alternator, smog system, exhaust system. These could get expensive if you wish to restore to original status. For example, the wheels are not original to the vehicle. And I suspect if you retrieved documention, would learn it may very well have been a rally wheel equipped Corvette. Also determine what options on the car and if options are functional. The car probably does not still have the build sheet on the tank but you could pick up the invoice from Allied Vaugn. This will help determine what option are original to the car.

I guess my point is once you assessed the above, than determine whether it makes sense to invest and return the vehicle to original. Getting dealer paperwork while interesting and part of the cars history, will most likely not add value. If you just got the car, its great your curioius but you should take some time and just enjoy it. Its a nice looking Corvette.

[Heath R.]

Re: 1978 Dealer Installed Items

Thanks for all the info. I will look at tag again and take a photo and post. Im sure that the tag had just 82L and Trim was 762.