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Old 02-25-2020, 03:26 PM
x33rs x33rs is offline
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This is always an interesting subject. I've never been one that got all gaga over paperwork. It's nice, but people are getting so good at faking paper these days, even with age tactics, I just don't put a lot of faith in it unless someone that is more knowledgeable comments on it.

Over the years I've just stuck to cars that can be verified easily in other ways. Such as the vin or the data plate. Those are pretty easy to see if they have been tampered with. I like the Fords because Kevin can easily document those with real paperwork, was a no brainer to buy our 69 SCJ, and Pontiacs are pretty simple with PHS available. The Chevrolets I've stuck to models with data plate or vin codes, such as our Norwood Z for example. For me to be 100% certain and verify a Van Nuys Z, it would need to have it's original block and vin stamping for me to be comfortable with a purchase like that.

To answer your question, on COPO Chevelles, if I wanted to buy one, assuming original block is gone with no vin, I'd refer to people more knowledgeable in that area such as Rick but I'd at least hope it has the right rearend in it, that would help ease my mind a little, since they are specific for that car. 69 Camaro's are a pinch easier since they all had ZL2 hoods. I have a line on what I believe to be a COPO originally. The car is a hodge podge right now with a small block/4 speed. The owner drives it around town frequently. When talk started about possibly selling. I noticed a factory ZL2 hole in the firewall, factory muncie speedo location, and an X44 cowl tag. Those threw a big flag for me. X44's as far as I know didn't get a ZL2 hood unless it was a COPO. When he told me he bought the car as a roller and got it running, he said he didn't like the 4.10 gear and swapped in a 3.42. That had me under the car looking, sure enough, BE rear. There is no paperwork on the car of course, but I've seen enough of it to make me about 90% sure it started life as a COPO. Other cars aren't as easy to tell so without vin or data plate verification, or a service like Marty and PHS, Those difficult cars I tend to not be interested in buying. That's my take on it anyway.

Last edited by x33rs; 02-25-2020 at 03:31 PM.
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