important

I was looking through this thread:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...g-numbers.html

and it seems like the matching could be endless.

But is there a minimum in order for the car to be considered "numbers matching" or does everything have to be original?

Mike Ward

Just avoid using the phrase 'numbers matching' and you'll be much happier in life. There is no set and agreed upon definition of any type.

Alan 71

Hi i,
People generally mean that the engine pad and transmission stamps match the car's VIN.
But as Mike says there's no fixed definition.
Personally for me the numbers…. (part numbers and dates), go far beyond the engine and transmission pads in cars that are being described as 'original'…. another term with no fixed definition.
Regards,
Alan

Zoomin

Drivetrain, vin and trim tag. Anything rare or unusual better have documentation.

7T1vette

It all depends on who is asking about the 'numbers' and what vehicle you are trying to buy/sell. Many parts in a vintage vehicle have part numbers, casting numbers, production/casting dates, etc. which...for some rare and exotic cars...MUST be appropriate for the car to garner the kind of money being asked.

For the average C3 buyer purchasing the average C3 car, the VIN, engine, transmission, and frame numbers are those usually considered. And most buyer don't even bother with the tranny and frame.

68/70Vette

For sure engine and tranny number's matching. Also the trim plate has to agree with the car color, etc. Next just everyting, intake manifold part number, distributor part number, PS, PB, part numbers, water pump part number, radiator part number...it just goes on an on. To guarantee a real blue ribbon part's number matching car, all the parts will be the parts the car rolled off the assembly line with. For sure, if a part has had to be replaced it was replaced with a part with the same part number.

Easy Mike

No.

blueray72

The outrageous number that I would ask to sell and the persons number who wants to buy. My car is not numbers matching.

Mike Ward

What's a 'blue ribbon parts number matching car'?

1955pirate

Terrifically overused term.

Zoomin

Yet still very significant, particularly so on Corvettes.

AirborneSilva

I have a numbers matching vette and am very happy

AirborneSilva

And muscle car era MOPAR's

joewill

The only thing that it must mean is that the main VIN tag on the windshield pillar matches what the title says.

Funny when you look at motorcycle sales many sellers advertise numbers matching when the engine and frame do not match. in fact, the engine and frame should be within an acceptable range of numbers.

Numbers matching term does have a connotation of 'original engine'. good luck arguing that connotation in court.

AARRA

Alternatively, when the asking price matches the offer.

Mike Ward

Can't speak for everyone here, but I'm personally delighted that you've gotten over your anger.

Just think of the euphoria that awaits you if you can put the 'numbers matching' misunderstanding and confusion behind you.

Give it a try.

AirborneSilva

No anger or misunderstanding here, you're the fine upstanding member of this community that gets her panties in a wad whenever this is brought up. Some day you'll grow up and figure out that your opinion isn't the last word

Mike Ward

I see the misunderstanding and confusion on your side continues from the last time. That's too bad. Maybe someone else wants to take the time to explain how and why. I gave up trying.

AirborneSilva

No misunderstanding or confusion and don't be a quitter all your life, it's not healthy

important

Seems like a good starting point would be the VIN, engine, transmission, frame then trim plate.

Would there happen to be any pictures or a how-to guide showing where to find these numbers?

So if an owner wanted to retain matching numbers on say the engine or transmission, they would have it rebuilt as opposed to replaced, correct?

How easy or difficult is it to find parts?

I'm also looking at Camaros in similar years (late 60s early 70s) and it seems like almost nothing matches whereas many C3s are almost entirely original.