Messages

241

Originality / Does engine internals affect originality? Specifically cam...

« on: January 09, 2016, 04:21:02 AM »

A couple years ago at a small local car show I talked with the proud owner of a '69 Z. His car was sharp, looked correct to my not-so-amateur eyes. The more we talked the more I learned. It was on eBay when he spotted it, had been certified by the famous "Jerry" and his Camaro Association (I honestly can't remember his last name or the clubs and I'm too lazy to find the picture I took of the framed cert.
I told him about my car and that I hadn't heard a 302 run in almost 25 years. I asked if he'd mind starting it for me, which he did. It purred like an everyday modern small block. Not a hint of cam. Is it normal for guys to swap internals for a more driveable car? I was extremely surprised and at the same time disappointed. My wife had never heard one, either, and as far as I'm concerned she still hasn't!

242

Decoding/Numbers / Re: Decked block

« on: January 09, 2016, 03:43:50 AM »

No prob, interesting stuff! Next time I'm "back home" (where my car is undergoing its resto) I'll look closely at the oil filter area.
One last thought, I have my original heads although one is cracked. I plan to save them as additional "evidence" if needed. Only thing I lack that makes it numbers-matching/complete are exhaust manifolds, which I would never put back on. I figure a light coat of "jam clear" should protect those heads. Anyone disagree?

243

Decoding/Numbers / Re: Decked block

« on: January 08, 2016, 07:46:55 PM »

I saw the 'DZ-number' with my own eyes when I purchased it, as my auto shop teacher questioned it's originality. We researched it then, that's why I hope to run across it penciled-into my old Chilton manual. I don't need convincing, and I doubt that I'll ever sell the car; it's just a potential problem IF I do....
Thanks for the many replies, and I'll see what pictures I can come up with!

244

Mild Modifications / Re: Nice fitting headers on a Z28

« on: January 08, 2016, 06:35:32 PM »

L78 Steve...thanks for that! My '69 Z had Appliance headers when I bought it way back in '77. I switched to Hooker Super Comps but the reverse lockout rod had already been tossed. Now I'll have to pick one up so it functions again. It was always a pain remembering to twist the collar on the steering column to turn off those back-up lights!

245

Decoding/Numbers / Re: Decked block

« on: January 08, 2016, 06:01:26 PM »

Thanks, Bullitt. No, I don't have the Protecto-plate. I have looked (but will look again to be sure) around the oil filter area, but if there is a number, will it be the VIN, which would tie it to the car? I do have the casting numbers/date codes to show it is of the correct period, as are all the other numbers on the car. I was just hoping somehow they all could be combined so that I would have the complete engine code. Who knows, I may have written it down in my old Chiltons manual.

I have the original window sticker, and was told there are Chevrolet folks who do historical research to provide some documentation of authenticity. Can Protecto-plates be reproduced using information gathered this way?

Mine is a Norwood car, and like me, born in February. I may never know the engine code. I had no idea when I bought the car in 1977 how important that number was!

Thanks again for the response, Bullitt!

246

Decoding/Numbers / Decked block

« on: January 08, 2016, 05:11:02 PM »

I'm fairly new to the site but I hope you'll pardon me if this isn't the right place for my question: I had my 302-DZ block B&B'd back in the early '80's, and when the block was decked I lost my numbers. Now that the Z28's are much more collectible and everyone's grandmother knows to look for the "DZ" below the alternator, I'm trying to find a way to "obtain" my numbers? Isn't it a combination of the VIN, the date of casting or manufacture (the block) and the displacement (the 302=DZ)?

I won't try to restamp the block, I believe that would throw up red flags and make it suspect of a forgery, I'd really just like to have the information. I heard of an acid procedure used by police for recovering ground-off numbers, and  I was lucky enough to speak with a state police  post commander who looked up my VIN and told me where my car was delivered, and some other info... but he said the acid method isn't reliable enough and they hardly use it.

So, anyone know if my numbers can be created by the casting numbers and other parts? I am certain mine is a numbers-matching '69, I'm just missing the second-most important stampings to prove it. 

247

Originality / Re: X33 car, should it have black door sills?

« on: September 12, 2013, 03:24:34 PM »

Alright, we've got the black body sill question answered. My 67 burgundy car should NOT have black rockers.
 NOW... Another questions comes up: my grille. Mine is black, according to the chart it should be silver if its not also a RS. My Z also has the endura bumper, painted body color also. Hopefully there were exceptions to the grill colors. I like the black grill. And I wouldn't have to buy or paint one. Thoughts?

248

Originality / Re: X33 car, should it have black door sills?

« on: September 12, 2013, 11:30:04 AM »

Thanks for the speedy replies, fellas. Already I see that my terminology could have been confusing, but you guys were sharp and saw right through that (I was mistaken in saying "door sill", when "body sill" was the word listed). I needed that information just the same, but it makes much more sense now. My "rockers" were painted body-color but as I mentioned, there may have been some paint work done. The car was only 8 years old but had changed hands 3 time before I bought her for keeps. All the other X33 details are correct on my car. Thanks again to all who replied, and for the gentleman who sent pics!

249

Originality / X33 car, should it have black door sills?

« on: September 12, 2013, 01:48:47 AM »

Hi Guys, Any help would be appreciated. I've owned my car for 36 years and still learn things new all the time. For instance, I just read on this site that the X33 (Z/28) cowl tags can or should reflect having black door sills. Since my car is only a couple weeks away from paint (67 Burgundy) that information will come in handy. But is it ALWAYS true? I'm not certain that my car had original paint when I bought it with 59k back in '77.... I THINK it was, but the sills were body color. It has std interior, white (parchment) seats and vinyl top. IF the sills need to be black, what kind of black? Gloss? Flat? Matte? and how much of the sill?
Thanks for the great site, all this information is overwhelming!
-Dale