1953-1982 C1-C3 Chassis Crayon Marker Kit - Frame, Engine and Body
Mark It Like They Did in St. Louis: Whether you’re chasing NCRS Top Flight or simply striving for factory-authentic detail, this Permanent Paint Marker Kit helps you recreate the original inspection and assembly marks that defined the Corvette production process from 1953 to 1982.
Authentic Restoration for the Discerning Eye
In the St. Louis and Bowling Green plants, Chevrolet workers used paint markers to identify engine suffix codes, job numbers, build sequencing, and more. These markings were applied to the firewall, frame rails, cylinder heads, and other components as part of the build process—providing essential traceability. Red, Yellow, Orange, Green and White crayon style markers.
Factory-Style Finish That Sets Your Car Apart
This kit includes the same type of permanent paint markers used on original cars, allowing you to recreate or touch up authentic markings with confidence. Perfect for judges, enthusiasts, and restorers who know the difference.
Features
• Fits all 1953–1982 Corvette C1, C2, and C3 models
• Recreates original frame, engine, and firewall markings
• Includes high-quality permanent paint markers
• Ideal for NCRS, Bloomington Gold, and concours restorations
• Helps match build sheet sequencing with underhood identifiers
• Durable, long-lasting application
• Used to duplicate job numbers and engine suffix codes
Dimensions and Weight
• Marker size: Standard automotive paint marker size
• Lightweight, easy to handle
Take Action
Restore your Corvette’s assembly-line authenticity with this Permanent Paint Marker Kit. Because the difference is in the details—and the judges notice.
Also known under these part numbers: (For reference only)
Mid America Motorworks | Corvette Inspection Marks & Dyes (1953–1982)
Mid America Motorworks Corvette Inspection Marks & Dyes Guide (1953–1982)
At Mid America Motorworks, we’re dedicated to preserving the authentic details that make every Corvette restoration factory-correct.
This single-sheet reference combines commonly documented assembly inspection paints, crayon marks, and engine/headlight dyes used on Corvette
chassis, suspension, engine compartments, and headlight systems from 1953–1982.
These marks were applied on the line for quality control, part identification, and sequencing. Placement and color can vary by plant/date/shift, so
survivor documentation should take priority when available. Use this as a starting point; when evidence from an original car conflicts with this guide,
follow the survivor car.
Legend: Daub = paint spot across a fastener after torque/inspection ·
Stripe = band(s) on springs/shafts for rate/ID ·
Crayon = wax pencil marks for shims, option codes, sequencing ·
Dye = liquid marking used in engine/headlight areas for ID/QC.
| Year(s) |
System |
Component / Location |
Typical Color(s) |
Type |
Notes |
| 1953–1955 |
Chassis / Suspension |
Torque-checked chassis fasteners; coil spring stripes (mid-coil) |
WhiteLight GreenYellow
|
Paint |
NotesSparser markings on early cars; rely on survivor photos when possible. |
| 1956–1957 |
Chassis / Suspension |
Front spindle / fastener checks; tie-rod ends; driveshaft stripes |
Spindle OrangeYellowGreen
|
Paint |
Notes“Spindle Orange” is a known QC color; driveshaft stripes for build spec. |
| 1958–1960 |
Chassis / Suspension |
Control arm bolts; crossmember; coil spring stripes; driveshaft |
WhiteYellowBlueGreen
|
Paint |
NotesSpring stripes mid-coil; driveshaft often “Driveshaft Green”. |
| 1961–1962 |
Chassis / Suspension |
Tie-rod ends; half-shaft hardware |
YellowWhiteGreen
|
Paint |
NotesHalf-shaft Green common; QC daubs white/yellow. |
| 1963–1964 |
Chassis / Suspension |
Upper/lower control arm nuts; tie-rods; coil spring stripes; steering box bolts |
YellowOrangeLavenderWhite
|
Paint |
NotesSpring stripes often Yellow/Lavender; QC daubs are functional, not neat. |
| 1965–1966 |
Chassis / Suspension |
Control arm & strut-rod fasteners; half-shaft bolts; driveshaft stripes |
YellowOrangeWhiteGreen
|
Paint |
Notes“Halfshaft Green” persists; driveshaft build ID stripes. |
| 1967 |
Chassis / Suspension |
Frame rail dots; spindle & steering linkage fasteners; control arms |
Bright GreenYellowOrange
|
Paint |
NotesCrayons begin to be widely documented in ’67; see row below. |
| 1967 |
Chassis / Suspension |
Shim & option/sequence marks (frame & suspension) |
WhiteYellowRedGreen
|
Crayon |
NotesUsed for shim locations, option IDs, and sequencing marks. |
| 1968–1969 |
Chassis / Suspension |
Frame rail dots (passenger rail); control/strut-rod nuts; driveshaft stripes |
Bright GreenGrayYellowWhitePurpleGreen
|
Paint |
NotesConsistent with late C2; verify per plant/date. |
| 1968–1969 |
Chassis / Suspension |
Shims/body-mount ID & option coding |
WhiteYellowRedGreen
|
Crayon |
NotesWax pencil marks on frame/suspension for sequence and ID. |
| 1970–1972 |
Chassis / Suspension |
Suspension fasteners; steering box bolts; half-shaft/axle marks |
WhiteYellowGreenBright Green
|
Paint |
Notes“Halfshaft Green” remains standard; typical QC daubs continue. |
| 1970–1972 |
Chassis / Suspension |
Shims & plant/sequence codes |
WhiteYellowRedGreen
|
Crayon |
NotesWax crayon marks visible on frames and arms. |
| 1973–1975 |
Chassis / Suspension |
Fastener torque marks; frame inspection dots; driveshaft stripes |
Bright GreenGrayYellowWhiteOrange
|
Paint |
NotesSystem continues into mid-C3; expect plant-to-plant variation. |
| 1973–1975 |
Chassis / Suspension |
Shim & code marking (frame/suspension) |
WhiteYellowRedGreen
|
Crayon |
NotesWax pencil still used widely for sequencing and shims. |
| 1976–1978 |
Chassis / Suspension |
Control arm nuts; steering components; driveshaft stripes |
WhiteYellowGreenBright GreenOrange
|
Paint |
NotesCrayon marks commonly used for sequencing and shim calls (see row below). |
| 1976–1978 |
Chassis / Suspension |
Job sequencing on frame rails & suspension |
WhiteYellowRedGreen
|
Crayon |
NotesHand-applied wax marks; look for surviving chalky lines/letters. |
| 1979–1980 |
Chassis / Suspension |
Frame rail dots; spindle/steering linkage fasteners; driveshaft |
Bright GreenGrayYellowWhiteOrangePurple
|
Paint |
NotesPalette mirrors earlier C3; confirm with survivor/NCRS when possible. |
| 1979–1980 |
Chassis / Suspension |
Shim & option marking (frame/suspension) |
WhiteYellowRedGreen
|
Crayon |
NotesFollow survivor cars for exact characters/placement. |
| 1981–1982 |
Chassis / Suspension |
Suspension fasteners; chassis inspection dots; option/shim ID |
Bright GreenGrayYellowWhiteOrange
|
Paint |
NotesLate C3 retains both paint and crayon marking systems. |
| 1981–1982 |
Chassis / Suspension |
Crayon marks for shims/options (frame & arms) |
WhiteYellowRedGreen
|
Crayon |
NotesWax marks still present in final C3 years. |
| 1953–1982 |
Engine Compartment |
Cylinder head ends (front face above exhaust) |
YellowOrangeBlue
|
Dye |
NotesCasting/batch identification; often faded on survivors due to heat/cleaning. |
| 1953–1982 |
Engine Compartment |
Intake manifold runners |
Light BlueGreen
|
Dye |
NotesOption/engine code indicator; varies by plant and option. |
| 1953–1982 |
Engine Compartment |
Valve cover ends |
WhiteYellow
|
Dye |
NotesQC mark after valve cover torque; small daubs, sometimes smeared. |
| 1968–1972 |
Headlight System (Vacuum) |
Headlight actuator body (hose ID) |
RedGreen
|
Dye |
NotesMarks correct vacuum hose connection; red commonly noted (incl. LT-1 era). |
| 1963–1982 |
Ignition |
Distributor housing ID band |
SilverRed
|
Band / Dye |
NotesID band color as quick line identifier; silver typical, red observed on some hi-perf builds. |