Stamp pad vin

[Brian H.]

When did the VIN derivative that was stamped on the engine stamp pad start to include the division identifier in front of the number.

For example my wife's '78 starts with 18SXXXXXX

What model year was the changeover point for including the 1?

[John H.]

Re: Stamp pad vin

Either '68 or '69; 67's didn't have it, 69's did (dunno about '68).

[Kevin Whiteley]

68 *NM*

[Brian H.]

Thanks John & Kevin *NM*

[Terry M.]

Re: Stamp pad vin

John and Kevin are right (1968 start), but there were brief stretches in 1970 and most of 1971 when the VIN derivative stamped on the engine did not start with the number 1.

[Brian H.]

Re: Stamp pad vin

That is interesting Terry.

What was the cause for this difference?

Was it limited to small or BB cars?

[Terry M.]

Re: Stamp pad vin

I have no idea what the cause was. I have some speculation, but that is not worth getting into.

No it was not limited to a particular size, either displacement or horsepower, engine. The complete story (at least as much as we know of it) is in the 1970-1972 Technical Information Manual and Judging Guide (TIM&JG).

[Brian H.]

Thanks for the info, Terry *NM*