3858180 Tonawanda blocks

[Loren L.]

The 63/4 Tech Manual & Judging Guide has carved out a late 1964 model year exception for 3858180 castings on blocks. Have any of these examples ever been found? My understanding of this "exception" was that it applied only because of the steel strike in October/November 1964 and thus would apply ONLY to the 1965 model year. Any comments?

[Scott S.]

Re: 3858180 Tonawanda blocks

Loren We had a green 1965 in Canada that had a real one in it.
Scott

[Wayne W.]

Re: 3858180 Tonawanda blocks

I have seen several in 64 and 65.

[Loren L.]

Re: 3858180 Tonawanda blocks

Wayne, any notations about when and where in the VIN range? Any "explanations" of the "whys" during the the 1964 model year? The steel strike in late '64 seems to provide a "reason" for that period....

[Michael H.]

Re: 3858180 Tonawanda blocks

From what I understand, a 3858180 block didn't exist until November or December of 1964? That would make it a bit difficult to have been used for any 64 Corvette.

Has anyone ever seen a casting date earlier than Nov 64?

The last blocks for any 64 model would have to have been cast no later than August 64.

[John H.]

Re: 3858180 Tonawanda blocks

From what I understand, a 3858180 block didn't exist until November or December of 1964? That would make it a bit difficult to have been used for any 64 Corvette.

Has anyone ever seen a casting date earlier than Nov 64?

The last blocks for any 64 model would have to have been cast no later than August 64.

Michael -

I've only seen one personally, cast in April, 1964.

[Michael H.]

Re: 3858180 Tonawanda blocks

Michael -

I've only seen one personally, cast in April, 1964.

Thanks John. If that's the case, I guess there's no reason why a late 64 couldn't have had one.

[Michael W.]

Re: 3858180 Tonawanda blocks

Here's a recent example:

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...a-Engine-Block

[Loren L.]

Re: 3858180 Tonawanda blocks

That "recent example" is to a 2007 thread that when it progressed far enough to have a picture of the pad, John H's comment was to the effect that it looked like it had been pasted on another pad.
The issue is NOT whether there were 3858180 blocks produced before 1965; there were, according to a number of sources for Chevelles, Trucks, psgr cars, etc. The issue is whether or not TONAWANDA 180 blocks were EVER shipped to Flint for assembly EXCEPT during the Saginaw Foundry problem in and around the Steel Strike of Oct/Nov 1964. I believe the answer is NO.

[Wayne W.]

Re: 3858180 Tonawanda blocks

I wish I had enough foresight to have documented everything that has come through the shop in the last 40 years, but sorry I didn't.