hey guys, I found it

[327fan]

I stopped at a body shop a few days ago. It sits off of the four lane up on a hill and it has tons of old muscle circling his shop. I have driven by there dozens of times but what looked like a blue 1970 LT1 Vette caught my eye.

The owner was a little annoyed at first but once we talked for a while I think he figured out that we shared the same passion and respect for the hobby.

I asked him if he had any cars I could buy for a project. I told him I would prefer something rough but running. He said he didn't sell them like that, only ones that were near completion. He took me around back and directed me to a 442. The paint was rough but there was no visible rust anywhere on the outside. Inside the floorboard was new in the front and he was getting ready to weld in the back half. The interior was freshly re-upholstered. He started the car with very little trouble. It was a 68 model with a 350. If it's numbers matching wouldn't that make it a "Ram Rod" 350? I can remember but I am pretty sure the only 442 with an original 350 in 68 was a W-31. I'm not an Olds guy. His asking price was a paltry $3800..

He next took me around the other side of the building and there it sat. Black with white stripes, a cowl induction hood, and my favorite piece of plastic ever molded, Z/28. It was my dream car. The right color, the right year (69.)
The paint is dull and it needs some love, but I'm talking lazer straight with no rust. The interior is in great shape. I was dissapointed that the original motor is long gone. But there is a 468 BBC w/ 2 Edlebrock four barrels. It started with 2 pumps of the gas pedal and one turn of the key. $10,500!!

I am going back in a few days, I have a baby coming Monday morning. Besides protecto-plate and vin number, what else do I need to look for to make sure this car is as represented? He said it is a factory four wheel disk brake car. I don't really car if the car is misrepresented, It's worth the money.

But I like to know what I am buying. Can you all help me decode the vin or direct me to a source for doing so? This goes for the 442 as well. Should I buy both cars? They both run wonderfully.

PS- The vette was a 70 lt1, plus he had a beautiful 70 Judge conv., and one of those Beaumonts(?), looks like a chevelle. I'm rambling, it was like stumbling into my muscle car fantasy land. I would try to describe how I feel, but I am sure you all already know