Hawthorne Chevrolet
I am going to Hawthorne Chevrolet (the original delivery dealer of my 71) to see about the possibility of available documents from the original sale and wanted to know if anyone has tried this at this particular dealership and if they were successful. I thought I'd avoid calling ahead and just show up with some motivation (cash). Any advise would be helpful and appreciated. Thanks, Mike
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Re: Hawthorne Chevrolet
Most dealerships do NOT have old past records (not required by Federal records retention requirements) and they use Vampire rejection techniques to ward off 'historians' (silver bullets, garlic, cruicfix) because they're in business to sell/service new cars. So, you're correct in assuming you might encounter a rejection situation...
But, I've found those same dealerships change their attitude when the 'historian' starts the conversation by saying he's not trying to get something for nothing and is willing to PAY for clerical research time/effort! Once you find a willing 'ear', the probability that they'll actually charge you drops SIGNIFICANTLY.
But, expect the final answer to be disappointing...the records simply don't exist! However, once in a great while, you'll run into a helpful good ole boy who recollects boxes gathering dust stored 'somewhere' and that place might be off-site. So, it's worth a try. But, remember, you're swimming upstream on this one... -
Re: Hawthorne Chevrolet
Mike, I lived in the next town, Wyckoff, but moved away many years ago. As I recall the dealership is still in the same building. Saying that let's hope for the best on the records.
Harry
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Re: Hawthorne Chevrolet
The dealwership is in fact in the same building and I believe it retains the same ownership. Gene Meyer who also owns Paramus Chevrolet (formerly Malcom Konner Chevrolet at one time the largest Corvette dealer in the US)hosts several big Corvette shows each year. Glass Class Corvettes hosts some of these shows so they may be able to help you.
38 years is a long time to retain records but you never know at least you have a fighting chance.
Gene is an old time Chevy dealer who loves Chevrolet and Corvettes.Comment
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Re: Hawthorne Chevrolet
Hi Michael,
My first car a used 55 Belair Convertible, (1962), came from Hawthorn. I go by the dealership several times a year. My brother who still lives near by has bought more than a few cars there over the years. I'll ask him if he still knows anyone there when I talk to him this week end.
Regards,
Alan71 Coupe, 350/270, 4 speed
Mason Dixon Chapter
Chapter Top Flight October 2011Comment
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Re: Hawthorne Chevrolet
Thanks guys,
Lots of great input. They have a receptionist (male) who catches you as you enter the showroom. He was enthused with my quest, but unfortunately, Jack has echoed his response. By law they must retain records for 7-10 years and have only started to keep older records longer on discs but stuff as old as mine was not saved. I'd still appreciate any effort you can make for me Alan. I now realize that I accepted defeat too easily and should have approached the folks in the parts department. Who knows? This was just my first attempt. The quest continues....... Thanks for the responses and positive reinforcement. MikeComment
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