Matching Numbers question?

[Jim M.]

I'm looking at a 1970 convertible that is supposed to be a matching numbers 350 CI car. But it appears to me that the 1st number on the block VIN ledge is a "7" not a "1" as you would expect for a Chevy engine. I have looked at it several times and no matter how I look at it, it still is a "7"! The block casting number is the correct one but the casting date and the engine build date appear to be rather close as follows: Engine code = V0706CTJ (Build date July 6th 1970?) block casting date = G 3 0 (Block casting date July 3rd 1970?) I'm not an expert on these issues and that's why I asking for some help, the VIN stamp on the block is "70S 415XXX" with a bit of a space between the S and the 4. X = equal numbers I excluded on purpose. Can anyone help me sort this out, the block numbers look almost to prefect and I'm concerned they have been re stamped and its not a real matching numbers car! I could use some help and guidance on this subject!

[Joe L.]

Re: Matching Numbers question?

I'm looking at a 1970 convertible that is supposed to be a matching numbers 350 CI car. But it appears to me that the 1st number on the block VIN ledge is a "7" not a "1" as you would expect for a Chevy engine. I have looked at it several times and no matter how I look at it, it still is a "7"! The block casting number is the correct one but the casting date and the engine build date appear to be rather close as follows: Engine code = V0706CTJ (Build date July 6th 1970?) block casting date = G 3 0 (Block casting date July 3rd 1970?) I'm not an expert on these issues and that's why I asking for some help, the VIN stamp on the block is "70S 415XXX" with a bit of a space between the S and the 4. X = equal numbers I excluded on purpose. Can anyone help me sort this out, the block numbers look almost to prefect and I'm concerned they have been re stamped and its not a real matching numbers car! I could use some help and guidance on this subject!

Jim------


If you're referring to the VIN derivative stamped on the block, why would you think the first digit is supposed to be a "1"? It's supposed to be a "7" which, apparently, is exactly as it is.

[Dan D.]

Re: Matching Numbers question?

I don't know, brother, but I think that first number should be a "1." That's what confirms that a specific engine was installed at time of assembly. In the case of my '72 convertible "12S511XXX V0104CKW" That same "12S511XXX" appears on the transmission between the case number and the tranny numbers. On my '72 "3925661 (case) 12S511XXX (VIN) P2T16A (tranny).

[Patrick H.]

Re: Matching Numbers question?

From the Judging Guide:

"For 1970 the last six digits of the serial number are preceded by the model year and S for St. Louis; example - 70S4XXXXX. Early 1971 Corvettes built in August 1970 to about September 2, 1970, (B02) are stamped 71S1XXXXX, following the 1970 pattern. For the rest of 1971 the VIN stamping is C11S1XXXXX. C for Chevrolet, 1 for the Chevrolet car line, and 1 for the last digit of 1971. For 1972 the stamping is 12S5XXXXX, with 1 standing for the Chevrolet and 2 for the last digit of 1972."

As is usually the case, the answer is in there.

[Michael W.]

Re: Matching Numbers question?

Aside from the term 'numbers matching' being meaningless in today's world, a pad having the correct numbers/letter is just the first step in dterimining if it's legit. I can't say that I remember seeing a real pad with an unexplained gap in the VIN derivative.

[Paul O.]

Re: Matching Numbers question?

Jim

The casting date and the build date are normal we have seen them closer then that. Do what Dan suggested look at the VIN stamping on the transmission it should duplicate the engine stamp. As far as spacing and fonts. Right side of the transmission passenger side going vertical on the transmission. If you can take a photo of each then put them on your computer side by side enlarged that should help you make a good determination. I have several photos of inconsistent spacing between characters of original stamping.

[Jim M.]

Re: Matching Numbers question?

Thanks to all, I'm onto the transmission now. The reason for the question was that I have had several different opinions on the vette's VIN derivative # that noted "1" should mean "Chevrolet" then the year in this case "0" but you have helped me a lot I'll keep digging!