1964 Hard Top Date Code Stamping Question

[David P.]

I have owned this mid production '64 Convertible since 1987 and it came with its hard top. The Judging Manual states the date code in the rear window should say "Plexiglas" and under that, "AS-4" followed by the digits for month and year, as in, "1 64." I have no way of knowing if this window is original to the hardtop, since I have never been able to contact the previous owners from the 1960s or '70s.

The code info on this rear window states, "Plexiglas," but I can't find anything underneath it, even with a magnifying glass. However, in the 1:00 position from the "s" in "Plexiglas," there is a very faint "T" and then an "F." What do these letters stand for? Is this a factory replacement rear window, or aftermarket? The stamped word "Plexiglas" looks identical to the regular heat applied stamping I am familiar with on other tops. Since the word "Plexiglas" is stamped on this top a tad lower than the other tops I have seen, I was wondering if the AS-4 and date code could be lower, perhaps underneath the weatherstrip? However, that still does not explain the "T" and "F" marks. Has anyone else ever seen this strange code? This mid production car has a build date of February 20. Thanks for any info.

[James B.]

Re: 1964 Hard Top Date Code Stamping Question

David, as you said, date coding on the 64 was numerical. In 65 they changed on alphabetical coding but as with 63-4 year was upper right and month lower left (or vice versa?). Your two letters iin the upper right muddies it further. Does the top have a notch at the bottom front for clearance with the windows? The notch was dropped sometime during 64, maybe someone else can give you a rough date for the change. From what you describe I suspect you have a 65-6 hard top (if so your not alone, that's what I found on my 64- we need to do a search of 65-6 owners with 64 tops and trade!).

[James B.]

Re: 1964 Hard Top Date Code Stamping Question

David, just happened on an old article in the restorer on 63-64 hardtops. It says that the notch was removed at about SN 15,000 and the AIM drawing was revised in March of 1964. If your car was built before that date sounds like the hard top would probably have notches.

[Donald L.]

Re: 1964 Hard Top Date Code Stamping Question

I have a 8,000 SN 64 with the original hard top on my all original car, it has never been painted or glass removed, the top is clearly dated 11-63 and no notches, my 63 is dated 9-62 with notches.

[David P.]

Re: 1964 Hard Top Date Code Stamping Question

James, thanks for the reply, and no, this top does not have the notch the earlier ones had. It is straight across the bottom and has both the upper and lower special button/clip in the center of the window. I am still wondering if the date code could be below the weatherstrip?

[David P.]

Re: 1964 Hard Top Date Code Stamping Question

Thanks for your info, Donald. I am using Meguiars Plastic Cleaner/Fine Scratch Remover to clean extra well around that pesky date code. I am going to keep trying and see if I can back light it with the flashlight to see if there is the faintest bit of date code. As we all know, very light stampings have occurred in various parts. I am still baffled by the two letters "T" and "F" to the upper right of the word "Plexiglas." As James pointed out above, perhaps that is the coding for a '65-'66 top? I have no idea, and am unfamiliar with the changes in the date codes/positions of the later mid years. The only other mid year I owned was a '63 340 hp 4 speed I had from 1976 until it got stolen in '86. Its hard top had the notch, by the way.

[David P.]

Re: 1964 Hard Top Date Code Stamping Question

Additional info on the "Mystery Date Code Top:" It still has the old white lacquer paint with a few crazes here and there, which I have been rubbing with compound. The stainless trim is in excellent dent free/unscratched condition. The weatherstrip appears to be original to me, with the front strips being in the "semi rotten/worn" category, and the rear strips showing lots of age. The head liner is gone. It was soft, black, "leather-grained," and biodegraded on me in the early '90s. I have had the top stored in the rafters of our garage since '95. The word "Plexiglas" is stamped only 5/16ths of an inch from the upper rubber seal on the bottom stainless trim, which leads me to think it may possibly have the date below it, under the rubber. The car is a February 20th build date, white with black interior, which matches what the hard top is.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1964 Hard Top Date Code Stamping Question

David,

I think the archives from a few years ago has a discussion about this same topic that may be some help. FWIW, I think the hardtop I bought for my 67 has the same condition with the some of the info below the weatherstrip.

[David P.]

Re: 1964 Hard Top Date Code Stamping Question

Thanks, Timothy. I read the other related hard top date code threads in here, looking for info, before I started this one. The stainless steel trim on this top is in good enough shape I did not want to remove it just to see the date code, but I may have to, lol. I have been going through some of my back issues of The Restorer and Noland Adams' book, looking for more date code clues. The search continues.

[James W.]

Re: 1964 Hard Top Date Code Stamping Question

Dave,

Here are some picture of my 1964 Corvette hard top date coded 12 63 and the top is not notched. My car was built on January 18, 1964, VIN #9258.

Regards,

James West

I have owned this mid production '64 Convertible since 1987 and it came with its hard top. The Judging Manual states the date code in the rear window should say "Plexiglas" and under that, "AS-4" followed by the digits for month and year, as in, "1 64." I have no way of knowing if this window is original to the hardtop, since I have never been able to contact the previous owners from the 1960s or '70s.

The code info on this rear window states, "Plexiglas," but I can't find anything underneath it, even with a magnifying glass. However, in the 1:00 position from the "s" in "Plexiglas," there is a very faint "T" and then an "F." What do these letters stand for? Is this a factory replacement rear window, or aftermarket? The stamped word "Plexiglas" looks identical to the regular heat applied stamping I am familiar with on other tops. Since the word "Plexiglas" is stamped on this top a tad lower than the other tops I have seen, I was wondering if the AS-4 and date code could be lower, perhaps underneath the weatherstrip? However, that still does not explain the "T" and "F" marks. Has anyone else ever seen this strange code? This mid production car has a build date of February 20. Thanks for any info.

[Ronald L.]

Re: 1964 Hard Top Date Code Stamping Question

The date code is there - clear a mud.
12 63 look at your 2nd picture again.