Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

Guys,

The Chevrolet Archives project that my company has been working on is without any doubt the biggest project that we have ever taken on. Over the years, Chevrolet has moved their headquarters not less than five times and their regional offices and manufacturing facilities have changed numerous times too!!! We are finding material all accross the country.......some of it in very unlikely places! Not to mention that some material may have been discarded, over time.

We still have a "lot" of work to do and materials to find! Rome (nor Chevrolet) wasn't built in a day! The interview that is in the current issue of Muscle Car Review (spring 2003)covers this topic very well.

As I said in the interview, a notification will come from Chevy, when the time is right. "More to come!.....Film at eleven!"

Jim Mattison

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

Jim,

Thanks for the update... Your efforts are much appreciated!

Regards,

Stan Falenski

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

I was reading an article about one of the guys who writes Corvette restoration books. He said he was given access to restricted areas in GM buildings and found info and pictures on the old Corvettes that he was allowed to use in his books. He also said there was info on other GM products where he found the Corvettes info.

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

Jim,
Thanks buddy, you know my stress levels, that takes some of the heat off. I will be down Monday to pick up some of the unmentionable parts in your Garage. I may end up going to Georgia with Al, what ya think, good idea? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
Motown [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

Matt,
So you are picking up some of Jim's "unmentionables"....kinky.
When my wife picks up my unmentionables, she gets mad at me [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif[/img](mine are usually on the bedroom floor, not the garage)

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

Jim
Thank you so much for all you are doing right now for this Hobby. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]
P.S..Can you make that Film at 10:00?

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

Johnny Lightning Convertible '68 Z28
I laughed when I first saw it. I had no idea there was one.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...;category=6763
[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

Technically, there was just one (was specially built for Pete Estes)!

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

I would have to say that if their is a way to define real cars from a fake that either the real cars will go up in value or the fakes go down. I think a little of both will happen. Too many people that want the real goods when the price tag goes over $40,000+++. It would be nice to have the real cars represted without doubt. Just my $.02 worth. The real cars need to stand alone and take their rightful place. Thank you Jim for your effort.

JIM LERUM [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif[/img]

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

Motown,
I was referred here from another site because of the discussion regarding the build sheet (potential) availablity for Chevys.
I had to register because this topic is very close to my heart. Specifically, your comment about Jim trying to clean up the hobby really touched a chord I've been playing since '82.
I currently operate a Documentation Service through our local club for '58-'64 Chevrolets (full size). I believe we have the best method available today to document the originality of one of these cars. We did it without any help from Chevy. We did it painstakingly by "interviewing" many original cars (mostly in junk yards, because we found those cars tell no lies.)
If you want to know more about our project and the service we offer, there's a story about it on our club web site: jerseylategreats.com
I hope Jim is successful, for the good of the hobby. In the meantime, I'll keep trying to do what I can for the "good" in the small "passenger car" part of the hobby.
I'm glad I found this site. Please don't view this thread as a solicitation for our service - merely an introduction.
Verne.

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

Welcome to this website Stranger...........I mean Verne.
Glad to have you aboard. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

Well you just answered a question I posed in another thread....these New Jersey folks worked their butts off trying to figure out the tag codes for big Chevies...correct me if I'm wrong but '58 to '64 Verne ? I was in Late Great Chevies for many years until they started combining with a bunch of other clubs.I read about their work many times.If anyone has questions about big Chevy trim tags I would think Verne would be the one to contact. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif[/img]

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

Verne,
Welcome. I dont think anyone here would view your post as a solicitation, I would think everyone here would agree that the efforts of you and your club is something that should be recognized and congradulated. Personally, in my opinion, solicitation is something trying to be advertised or sold that is really not needed, which in your case is as far from solicitation as possible since your efforts are not only needed but very much welcomed with open arms. Your efforts are no less important then Jims, if his project is successful there will probebly be gaps in relevant information that will be sorted out through the data of many individual and group efforts around the country, such as yours, Camaro Research Group, COPO Connection, Yenko Deuce Registry, and others to name a few. Complete success in cleaning up this hobby will be had when everyone involved comes together with all the relevant data, be it a group or an individual, any amount of information gained through research will undoubtedly help to fill in the pieces of the puzzle. Knowledge is power, the combined knowledge of the members of this board alone has helped a great deal in sorting out the truth, when considering all the other groups such as this board, many that intersect with each other, much of the origins and history to these cars has already been sorted out, add that to the existing successes that Jim has had through Pontiac Historical Services, and the possible success that Jim and his dedicated group may have with Chevrolet and it is only a matter of time before truth will prevail over the fraud in this hobby. So Verne, consider this an open note of thanks to you and your team for the work accomplished on the big Chevys. The total is a sum of the parts, by specializing in one area you have a better chance of nailing down more facts then if your resources were spread too thin. Send me a PM with your phone # and I will give you a call.
Thanks,
Matt [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

Matt,
Thank you for your kind comments (and Belair62 as well).
'58-'64 Chevrolet Passenger cars were assembled at a total of 18 different assembly plants over those model years (three of which were Fisher Body "only" locations, with no Chevrolet final assembly line attached). I think one of the greatest assets toward the "good" of the hobby is the fact that there was very little uniformity in the cowl tag coding methods used at the different plants. I even have evidence of option codes changing during one model year at the same plant. This inconsistancy makes it harder for someone to know what to have stamped on his "reproduction" cowl tag.
Jim's efforts should yield better results than our project can provide, since he is collecting build sheets. The build sheets contain information on every option, where our information is based on what was stamped on the trim tag. Unfortunately, not all of the options were coded on those tags. In the earlier years, very few were coded. And even in the later years, some plants only coded for one or two. Most plants did not code for the engine. So, Jim's efforts are really targeting the holy grail - undisputed evidence - the car's birth certificate, while our documentation is derived by "deciphering" of cryptic information based on a sample size to be statisically valid. But many build sheets contain those cryptic codes as well, rather than a simple "X" next to the option, or the actual RPO number, so it is possible that a combined effort will produce many more completed verifications of the originality of the Passenger cars. Please let Jim know that I am 100% in favor of combining efforts for the good of the hobby. That has always been my motivation since the beginning of our project.
If Jim needs any help with his "treasure hunt" regarding the Passenger car plants, I am offering my services (donated, of course).

Verne.

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Hey Verne..I have a builsheet out of a 64 Impala SS 327-300 4spd....can you use a copy in your records ? I don't have a trim tag rubbing of it but remember colors etc...

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

Belair,
I would like to add a copy to the files. I appreciate the offer. Thanks very much. Jot down anything you can remember about the car too.

You can mail it to me
c/o Jersey Late Greats, Inc.
P.O. Box 1294
Hightstown, NJ 08520

(I usually pick up the mail anyway)
Verne.

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

If you have a fax---PM me with the number Verne...the car had a stroked 409 in it when I sold it and i believe it went east....

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

There is a gal who posted on camaros.net and claims she works for the archive department. She says there are no records. I still want to believe. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif[/img]

Here's the link:

click here

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

[ QUOTE ]
I still want to believe.



[/ QUOTE ]

Kinda like Santa Claus. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Does anyone have any new information on that whole project?

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Boy, she definitely puts a new spin on it! Rather depressing reading her posts over there...

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After many discussions with Jim over the years.... my money is on Jim!
Peter

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

A new "spin" for sure but Jim Mattison is a great guy and what he's done speaks for itself. I don't know who she is or what she's done for our sport.

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Very interesting info from Jennifer at GM........I hope it is not true. Why won't Jim just comment on the whole subject? Maybe people will stop asking if it is true.

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

I contacted vtntage vehicle services of canada last week on a vin and the subject came up and they told me that the old Chevrolet records do not exsist if so they would have them. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] But i have a lot of faith in Jims project and I feel that he wouldn't be wasting his time if they were none to be had. If anyone knows the Chevy paper trail it would be Jim M. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

There's information somewhere. How do you think some of the big collectors end up with documentation for rare muscle cars that didn't have it when they originally came up for sale? Be patient.

edit: Sorry, I didn't mean to drag names into this so I edited it out.

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Floyd has GM docs on non-Canadian cars?

I have the original sticker off my 85 Fiero GT. Forgot to give it to the purchaser, when I sold it a couple years ago. Theoretically, if/when the Fieros become "Valuable" someone my contact me and get original GM documentation.
Floyd could do the same thing with old Camaros, but I doubt he has any deep connections to get info that Jim can't get.

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

I commend Jim in his quest to bring some sort accountability to this hobby. There is nothing like walking into the garage and looking at some cars, when you know they are what they are supposed to be. I have a 1970 LS5, but when I look at it I still wonder if it is. I got a copy of the buildsheet with it but in today's car world they can be made to represent anything....SOOO...MARCH forward Jim your quest will be enjoyed by many...Thank-you..Ian [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

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Hey Jeff, Some3 very nice photos of the 68 convertible Z/28. What are those 4 knobs on the console? also, do you have any more photos of the car? TIA,
Sam

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

At over 10,000 views, does this thread hold the record for most viewed? That is a lot of people reading, it would be safe to assume this thread has been discussed enough in other locations to have brought many to this site for the first time.
Motown [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

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I enjoyed reading the post, any updates or news? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/confused.gif

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

[ QUOTE ]
Speculation: What if the records available were those from Fisher Body, which maintained the Body numbers ,options and a corresponding Vin to the appropriate Vehicle and mfg,via an internal work order.

[/ QUOTE ]

wow, that would be great..... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

taken from CRG - http://www.camaros.org/assemblyprocess.shtml


"Fisher Body - Trim Shop Operations
When the body was released from the Paint Shop and it was sequenced into the delivery conveyor to the Trim Shop, Fisher's computer generated their version of a "Broadcast Copy" for each car, called a "UOIT" (Uniform Option Identification Tag), which identified the color, trim, and options information for the Trim Shop build of that particular car; that document was placed on the car at the transfer station for worker reference."

Is Fisher's computer files is where the data is being complied from? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/confused.gif

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There might be shipping records that would contain car information like VIN's with options etc for insurance documentation in transit.

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I've been told that Jim's quest has come to
a screaching hault. It seems that GM wanted to have some additional people get involved with the project and change a
bunch of the things Jim was attempting to do. Jim refused and said if the project was going to go that way he didn't want to be involved anymore. I guess there are some people in Detroit who feel this would look good on there resume.
This info was told to me by a reliable source, anybody else
here anything. Jim..... are you out there? Say it isn't so!

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

I do not have the specifics, but I do know from the last few times I had spoke with Jim that he was having problems with upper management at the current time. But, not to lose hope, this has happened before. Jim has been gathering info since about 1991 on this project, during that time management has changed over a few times. Some are gung ho and behind him all the way, while others could care less about our hobby and the records. When that happens his project takes a pause, the suits end up being transferred through promotion, demotion, or retirement, and the seats are then filled by other bodies. It takes a new suit who has interest in the cars and the hobby as a whole to give Jim the green light to launch again. At the moment I tend to think the project is on pause, but certainly not finished or without a future. Jim is still what I would consider rather young and very dedicated and deternined as well as in good health, so it is up to all those involved in the hobby to keep the spirit alive and keep behind him with enthusiasim and encouragment, as long as that happens the suits will change and once again the dust will be blown off the project to move forward towards completion. Keep the faith, and Jim, by all means we are behind you on this, I know you arent a quitter so keep your face in the wind and give it hell! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif
Motown https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/burnout.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: latest Jim M. Chevy records rumor
 

In all of my years at GM, I have found very few people in management who have any interest in our hobby. There have been a few exceptions. Check the www.gmcanada.com web site to see the 1908 McLaughlin-Buick Model F that Stew Lowe had restored for the company. Harry Sherry did an incredibly in depth restoration, going so far as to have two new engine blocks cast at the GM St. Catherines foundry. Some GM Oshawa tool and die makers were also involved in the process fabricating various pieces. Hopefully there will be a few Stew Lowes' who will come along to help Jim Mattison along. I think that it would be excellent PR for GM and would stir a lot of interest in their products.

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Is there anybody we can write or email to at GM to show them that there are people in support of this project? I'm one person that wants this project to go full steam ahead until it's done.

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I think GM wants me to despise them. I have to say I'm sure not my father who is diehard GM guy. Way to alienate your fanbase GM! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...thumbsdown.gif

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GM fan base?

How many that own these cars also own a new GM car or truck? Thats all they (GM) care about today. I know one guy who owns a 1969 original Z28 for about 15 yrs but has never purchased any other GM car and says he never will, loves to drive Fords.

So why should GM care about him?

btw
He rarely drives the Z28, 4th of July etc and all he ever talks about is how much its going to be worth in the future.

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Every manufacturer bases their sales on return customers. They have to. When they lose return customers, they need to find out why. I've been driving newer GM cars/trucks ever since I bought my first 69 Camaro. Chevrolet should definitely care about the work Jim has been doing. All I keep hearing anymore is "who do I contact about information on my car?". There's a lot of new people getting into the older car hobby and as the prices rise, people will want some sort of verification of what they're buying.