Here are the numbers off my car:

VIN: 45867K171435

Engine Code: F050IJ and casting: 3849852

Trim Tag:

03F
64-5867 KC 3373
710 9083
2L

So far, I've deciphered that it is a true '64 Chevelle Malibu SS Convertible built in Kansas City. That's good. The interior should be saddle, and the exterior should be Dark Green (9083?). One thing concerns me is that the car is currently Aqua Azure Metallic with White Interior. This leads me to believe that either a) the previous owner really wanted these colors or b) the car was a basket case when it was restored. Either way, are there breakdowns on sales volume by color?

The other thing that bothers me is the engine. I'm not sure what the entire line means, but the single J at the end seems to signify a 283/2 barrel with a 3-speed trans application. This car is equipped with a 4-speed trans and the trim tag code of 2L appears to coincide with the m21/22 Muncie 4-speed trans. Also, the engine pad does not have a partial VIN number, but I understand that's not unualy (?). The casting number is also a match to the car.

Any thoughts?

Oh yeah, and what does the 03F stand for?

Brian

After I painted my 64 convertible green and a new saddle interior. I found a original GM advertisement of a 64 Chevelle convertible with similar colors.

It’s about 12” x 16” an aerial view. I think it;s a great picture to have. I see them at local SWAP’s, quite often about $8.00. If you cant find one let me know, assuming you want one.

The "908" is Bahama Green and the "3" following the paint code is, I believe, for a beige convertible top color - white, black, and beige were available and 64s typically used a 4-digit code to add the convertible top color. Current paint and interior could easily be your (a) or (b) choices. :D

The engine code - F050IJ - is Flint (F), 050I is May 1st. The letter "I" was used instead of the number "1" as it was easier to read. The "J" is indeed a 283 2-bbl and a manual 3-speed although the "2L" on the body plate would indicate a 4-speed. There wouldn't be another letter behind the "J" suffix, like JA (4-speed)? The 4-speed in 64 would probably be a M20, possibly a M21 but definately not a M22 - those are 65 on.

The "03F" should be a month/week code but should only go to "E" for the 5th week of March (May did barely span 6 weeks in 1964)...which makes the engine originality suspect as well as it was stamped in May. The VIN stamping on the engine wasn't mandated until 1968 but could occasionally be found in earlier years.

Well, it definitely appears to be just a J. Is there a possibility it is the right engine?

If not, what kind of impact does that have on the overall value? Large? or Small? And what percentage (guesstimate).

Thanks,

Brian

Impact on value...only as much as someone would place on it without any paperwork. Replacing the 4-speed with a 3-speed would match the engine code and body tag, but the engine still isn't original (wrong date) to the car although it's 'period correct' for the car. I think the 4-speed would be more fun to drive than the 3-speed. Paint and interior don't match the body tag so it's not numbers matching there either.

I'm no appraiser but I don't think the 'value' of 64s are great when compared to a 66 and up SS car. Unless a 64 purist were interested in buying the car, the mods aren't going to affect the value...to me anyway. The turquoise w/white interior is a nice combination and not all that common - say compared to red/black or black/black - and is just as much a conversation starter as the original green/tan. The biggest selling point is the VIN verifying it's a SS convertible - are you thinking of selling the car?

I'm no appraiser but I don't think the 'value' of 64s are great when compared to a 66 and up SS car. Unless a 64 purist were interested in buying the car. The biggest selling point is the VIN verifying it's a SS convertible [/QB][/QUOTE]

You hit the nail on the head!! 64's are the redheaded step children of Chevelle's. It's the 40th anv and we still can't get any respect!! Fix it like you want it!! Cause you can't get out of it what you put into it graemlins/sad.gif

Hey there Red Ragtop---
You get respect from me!!!!!!! In the 70s I owned a 64 Malibu and a 64 SS with a powerglide and 6 cylinder!!!!!! Why in the world was I attracted to this car.......well.......

I'll tell ya.......

When I was a kid (1960s),,, I had my first ride in a four-speed car. My neighbor had a 1964 Malibu SS with a 327 and a four speed. It was supposed to be Daytona blue.....but he painted it Hugger Orange...(now get this)...with a flat black bubble hood. You may call it a tear drop hood scoop. To this day, I can remember sitting in the passenger seat while the driver ran thru the gears. I remember the black buckets, the SS trim and the big Holley........the SOUND that it made while gulping air into those two screened openings on the back of the bubble hood!!!!!

It affected me so bad.......I bought the two cars mentioned above.......but they were never like the orange car. I'm almost 50 now......I still have a soft spot for a 1964 Chevelle!!!!

I see your from Hickory........I live in Kannapolis.......currently have a 1970 Nova SS.

I respect ya........yes sir......

ktownkid

Hmm, none of the price guides really show the '64 as a significant value disadvantage. Granted, it doesn't compare to a SS big block drop-top care from later generations, but value seems comparable to an SS small block drop-top car. Right?