66 Transmission VIN number

[Ralph G.]

This is my first post, so I hope I do it correctly. I have a 66 small block convertible with a 327/300 4 speed. It is supposed to be a 39,000 mile original car. All numbers check out correctly except the VIN # stamped on the tranny, which is one number off from the car and engine VIN. The car VIN is 194676S120471 with a body build date code of I20 (April 20th). The transmission VIN # stamped on left side of trans case is 6S120470 with a build date of P0421 (April 21st). The transmission VIN is one number earlier than the car VIN, is it possible that an error was make in production? I think it would be very unlikely that one would find a replacement transmission one number earlier than the VIN #. I searched for earlier questions like this but didn't find anything. Does anyone know if something like this has be seen before. Thanks for your help.

Ralph Goode

[Edward J.]

Re: 66 Transmission VIN number

Ralph, I would equate the number being by off one digit as to finding a needle in a haystack. but never say never. I think that the engine and transmission were stamp at the same time, but one never knows, maybe it was coffee break or end of the day.

[Ralph G.]

Re: 66 Transmission VIN number

Ed, Thanks for your reply. I hope someone has more information on the actual production process, so the possibility of an error can be evaluated.

[Ara G.]

Re: 66 Transmission VIN number

Tim Gilmore will post with his interesting oddity and it will make you feel good...>ARA

[Ralph G.]

Re: 66 Transmission VIN number

Thanks, Ara. I look forward to Tim's post.

[Vernon S.]

Re: 66 Transmission VIN number

Ralph, for what it's worth, in the 70's as a police officer I worked auto crime. I was inspecting a 1969 Camaro and the confidential vin number was one digit off compared to the public vin. This was not a re tagged vehicle. Contrary to what GM may or may not admit to, at times these things did occur.

[Michael M.]

[Ralph G.]

Re: 66 Transmission VIN number

Thanks Vernon and Mike for your input. I too believe the error occurred during assembly of the car; because it's just to improbable that a replacement transmission would have a VIN # one digit prior to the car VIN. It's very nice to experience the cooperation of the NCRS members associated with this forum. Thanks, for everyone's input and help.

[Ronald L.]

Re: 66 Transmission VIN number

Ralph, there is more to this so as to validate that the trans was the one it came from the factory from - get pics of the MAIN case, the tail housing and even the side cover - all three were dated as cast.