About Corvette C3 Decoder

From Street Rod 2 to Real C3 Ownership

My love for the C3 Corvette runs deep. It all goes back to my childhood and too many hours playing Street Rod 2, where I was always chasing after that elusive 1968 Corvette. That early obsession eventually turned into the real thing: years of research, forum lurking, and finally owning and driving my own 1976 Corvette.

Why I Built This Decoder

When I was shopping for my own C3, I couldn’t find a fast, reliable decoder that let me quickly check the originality of cars for sale. So I decided to fix it.

I built the entire VIN decoder from scratch using pure, hand-written JavaScript and HTML (no third-party libraries, no bloated frameworks). Every rule, every exception, and every rare RPO combination has been personally coded and verified by me against original GM factory documents, service manuals, and the GM Heritage Center archives.

I still spend time every day in the major Corvette forums and Facebook groups. Owners regularly send me trim tags and build sheets I have never seen before. The moment something new turns up, I update the code. That is exactly why this remains the fastest and most accurate free C3 decoder on the internet.

I’m also a member of the National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS), the organization dedicated to preserving accurate Corvette history and factory-correct restoration standards.

Want to see the full list of sources I trust? Check the References & Sources page.

When this project outgrew its original free hosting, I upgraded to a full website with its own domain to make it faster and more reliable. Ads help cover the costs — but my main goal is still the same: to make the best free Corvette C3 decoding tool out there.

My 1976 Corvette

This 1976 Corvette is powered by its original numbers-matching L48 350-cubic-inch V8 engine and automatic transmission (TH350), fitted with the factory Quadrajet carburetor. It has 85,000 original miles and sports a Green exterior with a Black leather interior. Equipped with power windows and air conditioning, this car represents the final year of the iconic Stingray nameplate.

For more details, visit my 1976 Corvette page.

My Passions

I love technical hands-on work. That’s exactly why I maintain the entire site using pure HTML code, without any content management system like WordPress. This approach gives me complete control over speed, security, and customization, guaranteeing the fastest and cleanest experience possible for fellow Corvette enthusiasts.

For the site’s intro video I composed, performed, and recorded the music myself. It’s a fun way to combine my musical side with my Corvette passion. I also inherited a professional DSLR camera, taught myself how to use it, and now take all the high-quality photos you see here. Video production is next on my list. As soon as time allows, I’ll be creating Corvette-focused videos.

Want updates, cool articles, or some rare Corvette trivia? Follow along on Facebook or join my newsletter for occasional updates (no spam, promise).

Found a mistake? Got a suggestion? I'd love to hear from you. Your feedback keeps this site improving for the whole Corvette community!

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