Corvette Body Code

Former Member

Joined: 5/6/2006

Posts: 7

We just purchased a 69 Stingray Convertible and are trying to learn all that we can about it. On the door there is a metal tag that says:

Chevrolet N18

Trim ZQ4

986 Paint

We have found the Trim code is correct, and the paint is correct, but we can not find anything for the N18.

Does anyone know what that stands for?

Thanks,

Newby

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Corvette Body Code

Posted: 5/12/06 6:52pmMessage 2 of 11

smscorvette

Free Member

The Woodlands, TX - USA

Joined: 1/27/2006

Posts: 67

Vette(s): 1969 Coupe, Red, L88 Tribute

The "N" is the month and "18" is the production day. I think the 69 model started in August 1968 with "A", September 1968 was "B" and so on. "N" should be September 1969. The 69 model ran longer due to a strike at GM. Your production date should be September 18, 1969. Hopefully someone else will have this information and be able to verify it.

SMSCORVETTE

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Corvette Body Code

Posted: 5/12/06 7:02pmMessage 3 of 11

Adams' Apple

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Duncanville, TX - USA

Joined: 11/8/2003

Posts: 22742

Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

N18 is indeed Sept 18th, 1969.
986 = Cortez Silver
The ZQ4 is unusual, as it is the standard black vinyl, which is normally coded 404. They could be coded either way, but the 404 code is the most common.

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
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Corvette Body Code

Posted: 5/12/06 7:39pmMessage 4 of 11

smscorvette

Free Member

The Woodlands, TX - USA

Joined: 1/27/2006

Posts: 67

Vette(s): 1969 Coupe, Red, L88 Tribute

The ZQ4 is not really that uncommon for 1969. It is also the code used by the parts houses.

SMSCORVETTE

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Corvette Body Code

Posted: 5/13/06 2:47pmMessage 5 of 11

Former Member

Joined: 5/6/2006

Posts: 7

Thanks for all the help. That must be right because in the door it says September 69. The N thru me off because I assumed November.

Could I bother you with one more question? The block casting is CE 072494. I can't find that listed either. I read something about "crate engine", but don't really know what that means or what the 072494 numbers mean. The sales slip and the stickers etc. say the motor is supposed to be 427/435 if that helps.

Thanks again!!

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Corvette Body Code

Posted: 5/13/06 2:50pmMessage 6 of 11

Former Member

Joined: 5/6/2006

Posts: 7

On the 404 and ZQ4 interior codes. Are there different vinyls- like one solid and one woven for breathability? This one is the woven type. I was just curious.

Thanks

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Corvette Body Code

Posted: 5/13/06 2:51pmMessage 7 of 11

daveb12

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KERNERSVILLE, NC - USA

Joined: 1/13/2004

Posts: 1355

Vette(s): 1968 L-71 convertible

Look on the deck of the block where the head meets on the pass. side. If you have the correct motor, the serial number will be right there.

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Corvette Body Code

Posted: 5/13/06 2:54pmMessage 8 of 11

Former Member

Joined: 5/6/2006

Posts: 7

That is where the number came from.

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Corvette Body Code

Posted: 5/13/06 6:43pmMessage 9 of 11

Adams' Apple

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Duncanville, TX - USA

Joined: 11/8/2003

Posts: 22742

If the "CE" is stamped on the pad, it indicates a factory/dealer replacement engine. Possibly replaced under warranty. If it was actually an original 435hp engine, it is very possible the original owner grenaded the original engine...I've heard tales of people actually racing their new Corvettes....imagine that!Adams' Apple38850.780462963

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Corvette Body Code

Posted: 5/13/06 8:18pmMessage 10 of 11

Former Member