65 engine date code?

[Tom S.]

How do you figure out the build date on a 65 engine? I should know and remember but I cannot. Please refersh my absent memory! Thanks Tom Stanton #41491

[Tom H.]

Re: 65 engine date code?

Assembly date would be on the front pad. The month and day will appear right before the suffix. Like F0104HH the 0104 translates to Jan 4. That is just a made up example, but you get the point.

[Tom S.]

Re: 65 engine date code?

Tom thanks, I remember now you jared my memory. Thanks again. Tom

[Tom S.]

Re: 65 engine date code?

Tom
date code L304 stamp pad F0512HIxxxxxxx Help I am confused. Tom

[Jim D.]

Re: 65 engine date code?

Can you post a picture of the pad?

[Bob H.]

Re: 65 engine date code?

I believe the engine block cast date will be on the top rear passenger side flange where the bellhousing attaches. Below the distributor. I believe it is month, day, year ex 1 5 5

[Tom S.]

Re: 65 engine date code?

No I can't sorry. The car is about 500 miles away. I am going to look at it next week. Tom

[Jack H.]

Re: 65 engine date code?

The date stamp that says L304 translates to a casting from Dec 30th, 1964. The F0512HI says it's a Flint block assembled May 12th, with HI telling what application, but I don't have a ref book here with me at the moment. The xxxxxxx should be the VIN info that should match up with the VIN plate under the glove box.

Kind of a big gap between cast and assembly, but possible and within the 6 month window, assuming body assembly and car birthday are pretty close to (and after) the May 12th date...but definitely pushing it.

[John H.]

Re: 65 engine date code?

Tom
date code L304 stamp pad F0512HIxxxxxxx Help I am confused. Tom

Tom -

The "HI" suffix is a 250hp base engine with A/C, for a manual transmission.

[Tom S.]

Re: 65 engine date code?

Trim tag reads E12,A-871,437'U-U,STD. I am just taking what the owner tells me. I am going to look at it next week. Tom

[Tom S.]

Re: 65 engine date code?

I am geussing it is Dec. 12th on the build by the serial # and the E-12. My NCRS hand book says there was a strike in1965 so could that affect the build date and assembly date? Thanks Tom

[John H.]

Re: 65 engine date code?

I am geussing it is Dec. 12th on the build by the serial # and the E-12. My NCRS hand book says there was a strike in1965 so could that affect the build date and assembly date? Thanks Tom

Tom -

That's an A.O. Smith body, built in Ionia, Michigan on December 12, 1964. It would have come off the line at St. Louis a week or two later; did you post the VIN, or did I miss it?

The strike was over several months before that time.

[Tom S.]

Re: 65 engine date code?

John
The vin # is S104996 so I am thinking mid- December ? Maybe a little later, I am using my NCRS pocket guide for referance. Thanks Tom

[John H.]

Re: 65 engine date code?

John
The vin # is S104996 so I am thinking mid- December ? Maybe a little later, I am using my NCRS pocket guide for referance. Thanks Tom

Tom -

Should be December 22 (give or take a day or two), per the "Birthday Book".

[Wayne M.]

Re: 65 engine date code?

Tom -

Should be December 22 (give or take a day or two), per the "Birthday Book".

Here's the P-o-P imprint off the first car I ever owned; L79 convertible # 104835, probably 2 days before Tom's. Might help to compare with some of the component stampings. Don't know if A or S-body. Was too green to even know where the trim tag was, or what it meant (June 1968).