Stamp pad

[Tom L.]

Simple question. When was the block stamped with the vin# and engine code? Before or after the heads were put on??? Thanks!!

[John H.]

Re: Stamp pad

Simple question. When was the block stamped with the vin# and engine code? Before or after the heads were put on??? Thanks!!

Lynn -

The engine plant engine code stamp was done on small-blocks after the heads went on; on big-blocks, it was done before the heads went on. The VIN derivative stamp was done at St. Louis.

[Tom L.]

Re: Stamp pad

thanks for the reply. My question was directed toward big blocks but I assumed the process was the same. Your answer sparked a follow up question. Were the numbers located manually or was there a fixture that located the numbers in a specific location on the pad? I was asked by someone if it were posible for the engine code to be partially covered by the head. Thanks!!

[John H.]

Re: Stamp pad

thanks for the reply. My question was directed toward big blocks but I assumed the process was the same. Your answer sparked a follow up question. Were the numbers located manually or was there a fixture that located the numbers in a specific location on the pad? I was asked by someone if it were posible for the engine code to be partially covered by the head. Thanks!!

Lynn -

The Tonawanda big-block stamp gang-holders had a locating tab on them that registered against the front edge of the pad so the impression on the pad wasn't hidden under the front edge of the head.