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Messages - Design Drive Motors

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Lol, not yet, but I am helping someone else find one. I mean when you run the gauntlet in the Camaro world, you start to pick up on a few things here and there!  I have actually help prevent somebody from buying a repop tag car from what I learned here. So thank you guys for being so hard on me!  Lol. I am no expert like you guys, but I know more what to look for, and I know who to ask if I have questions. And that’s the best part.

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Hey!  Just wondering if someone can point me to a shop well versed in Classic Chevy's, I have a 69 Camaro I would like pre purchase inspected.  Its not a numbers car, but just want to make sure the body, paint and underside are as good as they look in pictures.

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Decoding/Numbers / Re: Interesting 1969 Z28
« on: January 31, 2021, 10:13:59 PM »
Hey, thanks guys. Appreciate all the help from you here. I may keep trying to find out who the owner in floria was before with that ad that was posted in 2008. It would be interesting to talk with them. But at this point, I have talked to the last 3 owners. Who have all said they don’t know where the tag is. Even if we had it in a bag, that would be something. But it may stay a bit of a mystery for now. Car is back up for sale with Jerry’s report, and with the information that the tag has been replaced. Still a nice car for someone to own. So hopefully a new owner will be pleased with what they get.

Thanks again guys.

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Decoding/Numbers / Re: Interesting 1969 Z28
« on: January 30, 2021, 01:51:57 AM »
Here is the report if it did not upload.


​January 30, 2021
Data Analysis, 1969 Z28 Camaro
Vin #124379N632049
 
Dear Burton,
 
After careful evaluation of the photographs you supplied to me, it is my professional opinion that this car is an original 1969 Z28 Camaro with complete original drive train.   
 
Here is what I verified through data analysis and use of my Camaro Hi-Performance data base.
 
● TheV0407DZ stamping is authentic to this vehicle.  Upon close inspection and magnification, my data analysis has determined that the engine deck is authentic and original to this vehicle.  I have over a dozen DZ stamps on this date of April 7, 1969.  Your stamping matches my stampings perfectly.  The #618 block casting and D19 casting date of the engine block lines up perfectly with the assembly date of April 7th.  I should add that there were several vin stamping variations during the 1969 model year at Norwood Assembly.  Your vin stamping is correct and original as this stamping matches the build date time line of this vehicle.
 
● The transmission casting #3925660 is correct for this vehicle.  The P9D10B assembly stamp is authentic and an original stamping from the Muncie assembly plant.  The vin stamp next to the assembly date is also authentic and matches dozens of original Muncie stampings from April of 1969.  I have been rebuilding Muncie 4-speeds for over 50 years now and I see nothing unusual with your transmission.  It is my professional opinion this transmission is original to this vehicle.  This is an M21 close ratio Muncie 4-speed gear box.
 
● The trim tag on this vehicle is not an original Norwood trim tag.  This is one of the newer reproduction trims tags and was probably replaced not long ago.  Certain characters and true position of the characters are critical when evaluating trim tags.  The vin number sequence lines up perfectly with the 04C build date of this vehicle.  Tuxedo black is one of the most desirable colors for the 1969 Z28 and I suspect this is why the trim tag was replaced.  If possible, I would research the vehicle and try to locate the original tag to this car. 
 
● The rear axle stamped BV0303G1 is an authentic Gear & Axle Plant stamping.  The #860NF axle housing is also correct for this car built in April 1969.  The B189 casting date lines up perfectly with the assembly date of this vehicle.   
 
● The hidden vin stamp in the upper cowl area is authentic.  All characters are correct and match all cowl stamped characters in my data base.
 
In closing, my analysis has confirmed this car is a true “number’s matching” Z28 Camaro.  The engine, transmission and rear axle are original to this vehicle.  In the world of high performance cars, this is a bonus as many were blown up on the street or race track when these cars were new.   The replacement reproduction trim tag is not the end of the world.  I do believe you have this car priced fairly in today’s market place. 
 
Jerry MacNeish, Camaro Hi-Performance LLC
 
 
 
Credentials:
 
Jerry MacNeish of Camaro Hi-Performance is a Maryland-state licensed and nationally-certified International Automobile Appraisers Association (IAAA) appraiser.  He has written and published two best-selling Camaro fact books and many articles about the first-generation Camaro for various industry magazines.  He has been the Vice President of “Concours” judging at the American Camaro Association Camaro Nationals since 1998, and currently is a Core member of the Camaro Research Group (CRG), which is one of the premier Camaro research groups on the Internet.  He is also employed by the Barrett Jackson Auction Company as an automotive specialist and holds several certified national and world records with the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) in the D/Stock competition class, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015.  In years past, he has been an expert witness in Camaro related court cases, a certified “Diamond” master judge with the International Camaro Club, The United States Camaro Club, and The Maryland Camaro Club.   

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Decoding/Numbers / Re: Interesting 1969 Z28
« on: January 30, 2021, 01:47:50 AM »
Thanks Jerry! 

I have learned so much about the world of Camaro’s. I am so grateful for the help.

I will certainly be working with you in the future on this stuff. And thanks to the community for pointing out things to check.

Here is the report!

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Decoding/Numbers / Re: Interesting 1969 Z28
« on: January 25, 2021, 04:22:37 PM »
There is a pretty clear picture of the tag in this thread. Is Jerry able to give you his opinion of that tag based on pictures?

It is understandable that he may not wish to do that for several reasons.

I am also still just a student on these tags. I have been studying them since I got my first Camaro Fact Book with the tag decoder in 1989, but it wasn't until this site that I really learned anything about what makes a reproduction stand out. I have a couple hundred tags in my personal database, but CRG has tens of thousands. I do not have access to those so if those members who do have access give it an opinion, I would go with that and learn from it. I have about a 90% accuracy or agreement with their opinions. Sometimes I just don't see what they see, both original and reproduction.

I can give you a couple of pointers on what makes tags so difficult to authenticate without giving out any help to the counterfeiters. They already know all of this and more.

Some parts of the tag are stamped at different times and locations on different machines.
Different size tags are used at different times.
Different fonts and codes are used at different plants.
Errors are known to exist in certain time frames and must be present. One off mistakes are also possible.
Reproduction tags have been around since just about the beginning. Advertisements for reproduction tags were in collector magazines such as Hemmings before the internet.
The reproductions have gotten progressively better as they have leaned what we have. Early reproduction tags have more mistakes and are easier to identify.

I don't think I gave away anything that would help the con artists, but if I did I am sure the mods will delete it.

Thanks 68 Ragtop, that is helpful information on the history of the Tags.  I have seen some of those differences myself, but without a Database, I just can't do any comparison.

I have talked to the owner, and they agree, we took the ads down.  Unfortunately, the only way to get it off Hemmings is to "Mark as sold"  so it is still there, just not available, and it may come out in there magazine.  However, once Jerry has a better look at this, hopefully we can get some resolve and figure out how to advertise and price the car appropriately.

Thanks all again.

If anyone can help me out still, it would be great to get some more resolve on the car.

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Decoding/Numbers / Re: crayon marks behind rear seat
« on: January 25, 2021, 06:25:32 AM »
That must have been a sight to see!   It is strange how big decisions at plants get made.  $400 a car is a considerable amount to think about. 

I miss California.  I like to get down the west coast every year or two if I can, but not this last year. 

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Decoding/Numbers / Re: Interesting 1969 Z28
« on: January 25, 2021, 06:21:51 AM »
Well, I appreciate all the input.  I agree things need to be verified.  And although I may be frustrated with the process, I don't dispute that at all.  Most of the cars I work on are a little easier to verify as the whole model line may span 1 to 3 years, and many of them have under 5000, or even 500 cars in the whole production run of the cars.  Most of them have strong histories and if not, records are often available right back to the factory.  That being said, fakes are still out there!  There is a company that makes a fully new Ferrari 250GTO, that is identical to the originals.  So building a rare car from scratch is very possible.  But they don't hide the fact that they are reproducing cars.  Or look at the Cobra's available out there.  And I believe you can buy all the body parts, frame, suspension and practically everything for a Camaro as well.  I can go on and on with reproduction cars...

I don't want to mislead anyone.  I tried very hard to satisfy the driveline end of things at the least.  I thought it was proven out, but it seems some still don't think so.  And until there is consensuses in the Camaro world on a Camaro, its a scarlet letter.

Jerry is very busy, but we are emailing back and forth.  When I know more, I will keep you all updated.  I feel a little more part of your community, and I apricate the time people have taken to respond.  I certainly have learned a lot, and look forward to reading Jerry's book when it gets to me.

Thank you all.

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Decoding/Numbers / Re: Interesting 1969 Z28
« on: January 23, 2021, 08:59:03 PM »
This car is suspect.
The tag has been flagged as reproduction by the experts and I can see at least 3 things on it that do not correspond with known good tags from that time frame. Can't tell you what they are, sorry.
The M21 transmission is not that rare, it's the M22 that is.
The date codes are way to wide for this time frame.
Restamps and reproduction tags are rampant in this industry, buyer beware.
The 2008 advertisement was either way way underpriced for a matching drivetrain real X77 tag Z/28 (doubtful if seller had multiple cars), or it was a plain jane car with Z/28 tags (common).
Don't get burned on suspect cars. If you can't get an in person recognized Camaro expert opinion, pass on it or be willing to take a loss.

I understand, and I don't have the expertise to determine this, that is why I am reaching out here.  That's why I have reached out to experts knowing the Transmission verifies an original stamped VIN motor.  I am still working on this. 

With all due respect, I can't call it a fake if I don't have proof that it is.  There is as real a possibility that flagging something as a fake, drops a price, then verifying it as real after the fact gives said buyer a real advantage in suddenly being able to sell it as real.

I have verified it to be an original stamped body, with an original stamped m21 trans behind an original stamped 302 serial number that may or may not have an original stamped engine assembly stamp. 

So in order to verify the original engine, if I can't trust the engine assembly stamp, I have to look at casting date codes, and serial numbers of the transmission.  Although the M21 may not be as rare, it did only come with a big block or a 302 according to the research done on:
http://www.camaros.org/trans.shtml#4speed

"The close-ratio M21 was available only with the SS396/350 hp (L34) engine and the solid lifter engines (Z28, L78, and COPO)." 

This engine was Date coded April 1 1969, and the Build date of the car finishes on April 23 1969 (according to muscle car docs).  The assembly stamp says the engine was built on April 7, which if the stamp is correct or not, still lines up with the consistency of when engines were cast and built according to:
http://www.camaros.org/drivetrain.shtml#BlockCast 

"The block casting date must always be before the engine assembly date and it is usually very close to engine assembly date. Blocks have been found that have been cast and assembled in the same day, but that is not normative. There are also blocks that have been cast and then assembled months later; again, that is not normative.
The engine assembly date must always be before the vehicle (not body) assembly date. The engine assembly date almost always is before the Fisher Body cowl tag date. In the unusual case it is later (since the Fisher Body calendar does not always line up with the normal calendar), it should be within a week of the body. Most engine assembly dates are less than 30 days before the vehicle build. Some engine assembly dates can be 30-90 days before vehicle build with the odd exception being >90 days." 

This engine was Cast 22 days before the car was completed, the engine was built 16 days before the car was completed, and the body started its build in the 3rd week of April, as you know, the tag does not say what day.  Then the car was completed April 23, in the 4th week of April, so please tell me how dates are way to far off, I just don't see it.

http://www.camaros.org/numbers.shtml#a

"This is composed of two digits (01 thru 12 corresponding to each month of the year) and a letter (A thru E corresponding to the week of the month) and indicates when the assembly of the body was started"

If I am missing something here (most research done on this site) then please inform me.  I can't go back in time.  No one will say why this tag is bad, I have tried to prove this car out to the best of my abilities, and therefore I have only a few conclusions left:

-The car is a real Black Z28, and people here just cant believe it, as these cars should be scrutinized to the max.
-Someone here wants this car, knows its original, and wants it to be underbid so they can turn a profit on it.
-The car is an original Z28, but may not have a correct Tag on it, either someone wanted to change the color, or the interior.
-Someone here built that car, and knows the secrets of it, but in order to say, would hang themselves in doing so.
-The secrets of the Tag are so deep that they can not be shared here on line, in which case there is no proof of said secrets, and therefore I cant accurately represent such a car to be a fake unless someone comes forward with definitive proof of it, but it still proves out to be a Z28 none the less.  In which case, the price as advertised by my client is Accurate. (an original black Z28 may go for more than they are asking)

However, please, add to my speculation if I am off here, I am open to options that are proven or reasonable.  Either come with proof, or take the VIN off this thread please.

Seeing as the car was advertised in 2008 by a person who is unknown, with 2 different phone numbers for ads on the same car at the time, 937-314-4659 , and 786-738-6903.(and a gmail address that seems to be not responding to), who knows why they were "selling" it for $15,000.  I had a client just buy a car for $65,000.  The previous owner spent $200,000 on the car getting it up to racing spec in the last couple of years, and just needed to sell it quick.  I have had clients buy cars for so cheep simply because the person selling had no clue of the market.  I have checked out ads for clients on cars with listed VINs and pictures, and they were all scams.  There are lots of reasons a car can be advertised for less than its value.  Only goodsinlife knows why they advertised this car, with this VIN.  Everything else is speculation.

As an aside... the Ferrari dealer in Canada who purchased N633599 from Lloyd told me that he called Macneish and told him he bought a Black 69 RS/Z... first words out of Jerry's mouth were "It's fake" he said "not likely as you certified it and it has original paint"
Jerry replied WHICH car?
Then said, "I didn't know Lloyd was selling it"

Within the art and collectibles markets there is a formula for price depression given the introduction of fakes into the market.
There are so many fake black cars that when they begin to satisfy any of the demand because the buyers believe they are real, then at that point the fakes depress the price of REAL black cars due to there being fewer buyers to drive up prices of real cars.

If you wanted to get the best deal on a real black car introducing 10 fakes into the market will satisfy some of the demand and allow the acquisition of a real one at a lower price.

I appreciate all that is said.  Those are true economics.  And its a real shame that people do such things.  Why cant we just call a spade a spade, and leave it at that.  I know people are hard up for money, I know people are greedy, but I also know not all people are that way.  I hope you all see I am not trying to pull the wool over anyone's eyes here, I am trying my hardest to get to the bottom of this.

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Decoding/Numbers / Re: crayon marks behind rear seat
« on: January 23, 2021, 05:21:57 PM »
I remember being in the paint area at the Van Nuys Plant in 1985 when a group from Mercedes Benz viewed our new facilities, which at the time were supposed to be one of the most advanced water-based paint systems in use.  Due to the strict environmental laws in California, we had clean rooms set up where the cars were painted, with the paint fumes passed through carbon filters.  Due to the inversion layer conditions in the San Fernando Valley, they had to install these tall stacks in an effort to disburse the remaining fumes, but I don't believe we ever were able to meet the State standards when at full production.  When Van Nuys went to one shift however, we met the local smog laws as the inversion layer conditions were usually during 2nd shift.  Unfortunately, the only assembly plant at GM at the time that could make a profit with only one production shift was the Corvette plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky.  I did visit Bowl Green when they had two shifts in 1986 and found out that they didn't stop the assembly line during a shift change as it was moving so slowly that it wasn't necessary!

That's some cool history, I love the ins and outs of car production history  It seems like these companies played big risk games, with unwilling governments, and being responsible for such a large work force.  Its all quite amazing to me.  It makes me feel pretty small, and that's a good thing, and humbling. 

How long did you work there?

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Decoding/Numbers / Re: crayon marks behind rear seat
« on: January 22, 2021, 06:53:24 PM »


My X77 (January car) has the X7 on the bulkhead. Le Mans, black std. interior.

Interesting about your trip to the Mercedes plant - V6/V8 plant in Stuttgart ? I toured the plant in 2000, interesting to see the mix of old craftsmanship and modern technology. I was particularly impressed with the "green energy" solar roof on the plant generating for the suplemental electrical needs of the operation.

Regards,
Steve

Yes Stuttgart!  It was pretty awesome.  2 people run the Frame and Body "shop"  All robots handing whole cars from station to station welding in parts as they go.  Just incredible.  Then the size of the plant, then the 10KM stretch of the river that is all dedicated to suppliers to feed the plant with all sorts of small parts that end up on the line.  I was there in 2018.  Really cool experiance.

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Decoding/Numbers / Re: crayon marks behind rear seat
« on: January 22, 2021, 03:25:57 PM »
X is the default... meaning Black- (most interior colors had black painted trim)
All 4 of the houndstooth had black painted trim - all the black and white interiors had black painted trim. Every color interior except Greens, Red, and Blue had black painted interior trim -

Thanks!  That's good information, and makes a lot of sense.  The code is for the paint on the inside of the body, but not necessarily for the interior fabric or external color of the car.  Correct?

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Decoding/Numbers / Re: crayon marks behind rear seat
« on: January 22, 2021, 06:14:47 AM »
The marking behind the rear seat indicated to the assembly line workers at Fisher Body what body that they were building. The reason it is written here is that some line operations were done before the trim tag was installed. So it was the way the body build was identified, and any error here would have resulted in an incorrect body being built. Not a small problem.

Yes, that would be a problem. It’s pretty amazing to think about it. When I visited the Mercedes plant in Germany, the parts essentially get handed to the installers on arms. As the part gets “handed” from arm to arm, it’s scanned and verified at each step.

Do you know why some come with an X and others with a color code?  This is pretty cool history to learn about. Or is X a color code of sorts? 

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Decoding/Numbers / Re: Interesting 1969 Z28
« on: January 22, 2021, 06:09:18 AM »

Remember, this is from 2008.

Thank you, yes the phone is disconnected. But the email address does not kick back, so who knows. We will see if they answer my email?  They were advertising a few vehicles from that number in 2008 in Ohio.

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Decoding/Numbers / Re: Interesting 1969 Z28
« on: January 21, 2021, 06:31:38 PM »
Do you know where I can find the listing for it then?  Do you have more info on who was listing it?

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