C3 VIN Derivative Alternative Stamp Location

[Tom R.]

An alternative location (above the oil filter) for stamping the VIN derivative apparently was used in 1970 for a few days and then its use disappeared until 1978. I'm curious if any of the early C3 gurus have observed such a stamping in the alternative location...and if so, was the engine pad also stamped or simply void of the VIN derivative?

This past month at the Lowe's regional when I wasn't doing laps...I judged 73-77 exterior and saw a low-mileage 77 with no VIN derivative stamped on the pad. The 75-77 manual doesn't address this but the 78-79 manual does reference the use of an alternative location "vertical boss just aft of the oil filter." Afterward I did some follow up with the owner and he confirmed that indeed the vehicle's VIN derivative was stamped at the alternative location. At the time of judging, apparently the judges did not have this information. They will next time.

For those unfamiliar with late model C3s...when the blocks went blue the engine pads went square (something like that)and so it could have been that n the transition, this alternative location was used. The transition to blue was late 77 and the 77 judged is a late 77. I believe the square pad paralelled the introduction of GM Corporate blue.

[Harmon C.]

Re: C3 VIN Derivative Alternative Stamp Location

Tom Good follow up as I took a look at that pad and felt the block was original to the car but without the vin it made the judges some rough decisions on a real nice car. Lyle

[Terry M.]

[Chris H.]

Re: C3 VIN Derivative Alternative Stamp Location

For what it's worth, my very early '70 454, #531, has the stamp on the pad, not the "alternative location" mentioned in the JG.

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 VIN Derivative Alternative Stamp Location

#453 also has it on the pad. Looks like both of you are beyond the time of alternate location stamping.

[Tom R.]

Re: C3 VIN Derivative Alternative Stamp Location

So...among the earlies (70) stamped with VIN on the alternative location...were they also stamped on the pad...or void of the pad?

[Terry M.]

1970 VIN Derivative Alternative Stamp Location

Sorry Tom, I missed that part of your question. For those first three or four days of 1970 production there was no VIN derivative on the pad, only in the alternate location. At least everyone I have had a chance to see was that way, but I have only seen a couple dozen of those several hundred cars.
That is why, when I was asked at Charlotte about the lack of VIN derivative on that car, I asked if there was a VIN derivative in the alternate location. I think I inquired about the VIN derivative on the transmission as well, but I don't recall the answer. If there was none, I think I would have remembered that response, however. I asked about the transmission because the same person, with the same stamp holder struck both VIN derivative positions. If there was none in either position, one might conclude that there was some defect with the stamp or the employee.

[Tom R.]

Re: 1970 VIN Derivative Alternative Stamp Location

Thanks Terry...you cleared up the 70 question. On the 77, the owner had 16 judges pouring over his two cars simultaneously so I suspect he may not have been thinking through your question or unfamiliar with the query. I mean how many owners would be familiar with the alternate location especially if they follow the prescribed manual and it was obviously absent. But it is rather central to an NCRS Judging event.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1970 VIN Derivative Alternative Stamp Location

Yes, there sure was a crowd around there. I didn't realize he had two cars in the judging. I suppose I might have been addressing a surogate, for all I knew.
I think I asked if there was a VIN down by the oil filter - that is how I usually phrase the question. I've had that conversation with a number of early 1970 owners. It is nice to get the phone calls back with "I found it!" Makes everyone's day. I'm pleased he found it. Now the challenge will be to find some other cars done the same way. This is not the kind of one-off one wants to have.

[Harmon C.]

Re: 1970 VIN Derivative Alternative Stamp Location

Terry For bowtie judging it will be up in the air, if that is what the owner is planing and the stamp on the 4 speed and the block should be a perfect match and easy to check. I have checked some of my cars this way with numbers out of line and have never seen them different. Lyle