78 vet HELP

[Guy L.]

I'm nearing the end of an 18 month restoration project. I'm not really a "car guy" and this project has been a learning experance for me. My car didn't come with a trim tag, but it had matching numbers stamped on the block.Not sure how to read them or what they mean and how they translate to the trim tag PLEASE HELP. The first set of numbers stamped on the motor reads...42 GM 3970010 The 2nd set of numbers reads...K'77 The 3rd set of numbers reads... VIII5cut or V1115cut or VLLL5cut (not really sure) next set of numbers is the vin no.?1Z87L8S410838 . Also how do I go about tracking down where the car was orginally purchased and who owned it . Thanks Guy L.

[Joseph K.]

Re: 78 vet HELP

I'm nearing the end of an 18 month restoration project. I'm not really a "car guy" and this project has been a learning experance for me. My car didn't come with a trim tag, but it had matching numbers stamped on the block.Not sure how to read them or what they mean and how they translate to the trim tag PLEASE HELP. The first set of numbers stamped on the motor reads...42 GM 3970010 The 2nd set of numbers reads...K'77 The 3rd set of numbers reads... VIII5cut or V1115cut or VLLL5cut (not really sure) next set of numbers is the vin no.?1Z87L8S410838 . Also how do I go about tracking down where the car was orginally purchased and who owned it . Thanks Guy L.

Guy,

The 3970010 is a casting Number for a 350 CI engine that was made from 69 through 80. The long number is the Vin Number. CUT is 350/185 hp L48 Motor with Turbo Hydro Automatic Trans I do not know what the rest of the numbers are. The car was also manufactured in October/November of 1977

[John H.]

Re: 78 vet HELP

The 2nd set of numbers reads...K'77

Guy -

The "K 7 7" is the block casting date - November 7, 1977, and the "VIII5CUT" is the engine assembly date at Flint V-8; November 15, 1977.

[Michael W.]

Re: 78 vet HELP

Guy,

If your car was imported to Canada by GM, the paperwork is available for purchase. If not there's a company in the US that has copies of the window stickers for cars '77 and newer.

[Greg A.]

Re: 78 vet HELP

Guy, it's not a copy of the window sticker that is available, but the dealer invoice. I was able to get mine for $50 -- I believe from GM Archives. If you're interested, I can dig up the contact info. It shows the original dealer that the car was shipped to (which I already knew, but nice to have confirmation.)

Confirming ownership is a longshot. There are many techniques and you have to be lucky...I was and talked to the original owner of my '78 several years ago. There are many threads on this subject, so poke around a bit.

Enjoy your car.

[Steven B.]

Re: 78 vet HELP

Greg, if the car was a customer order is that info. on the sheet, too? I assume it is an exact copy of the dealer invoice--- Is it a Xerox type copy?

Thanks!

Steve

[Greg A.]

Re: 78 vet HELP

Steve, attached is a copy of what I received...

Here's the link to get a copy: http://www.gmmediaarchive.com/

[Steven B.]

Re: 78 vet HELP

Thanks Greg! I appreciate it! I would have thought the CA emissions would be less $$$. I assume some of those dollars went to the State or contributed to the cost of testing and certifying.

Thanks Again!

Steve

[Greg A.]

Re: 78 vet HELP

Less $$$??? No Way. In those days Gov Moonbeam (Jerry Brown) was playing around with Linda Ronstadt and would have (and did) spend any $$ that came his way on pet projects to feed the commune-less.

I moved to another "tax hell" state over 20 years ago, but at least the scenery is better!

[Guy L.]

Re: 78 vet HELP

Guy,

If your car was imported to Canada by GM, the paperwork is available for purchase. If not there's a company in the US that has copies of the window stickers for cars '77 and newer.

Michael THANK YOU for the info VERY helpful
Do you know the US company that has copies of the window stickers???? Guy

[Guy L.]

Re: 78 vet HELP

Guy, it's not a copy of the window sticker that is available, but the dealer invoice. I was able to get mine for $50 -- I believe from GM Archives. If you're interested, I can dig up the contact info. It shows the original dealer that the car was shipped to (which I already knew, but nice to have confirmation.)

Confirming ownership is a longshot. There are many techniques and you have to be lucky...I was and talked to the original owner of my '78 several years ago. There are many threads on this subject, so poke around a bit.

Enjoy your car.

Please send me anything you can thank you

[Guy L.]

Re: 78 vet HELP

Thank you ALL for your help

[Michael W.]

Re: 78 vet HELP

Michael THANK YOU for the info VERY helpful
Do you know the US company that has copies of the window stickers???? Guy

As Greg A. mentioned, it's the dealer's invoice, not the window sticker. Sorry for the confusion.