CRG Discussion Forum
Camaro Research Group Discussion => Decoding/Numbers => Topic started by: bheston on April 25, 2018, 10:56:45 AM
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I'm trying to verify the numbers matching claim of my car. 69 SS 350/300 with manual trans. I thought the partial VIN would be stamped into the upper block but I only see "T0306HA". Should I be looking by the oil filter? Do these number seem correct so far? Here is a pic of the block stamping and the casting number:
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That pad looks to have been decked. You can see the line of material removal just under the head. Plus the stamp is not original either.
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How can you tell the stamp is not original? Does that mean it was intentionally made to trick or mislead?
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I am not gonna explain why I think its a restamp. I will let one of the more experienced members make the final call. Just my personal opinion.
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Go look at an umolested pad on any random base engine you can find and see what an original pad looks like and see how you feel about it. That pad surface is not consistent with an unmolested pad.
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Just curious do you have the p-o-p for the car? What was the cars build date? Also get the casting date on the block.
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I used black marker to enhance the numbers. I also added contrast to the image. Not sure if that is making the image look odd. Here is the POP.
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Let me correct or make a little clearer my statement from earlier. I do not believe all of the stamp to be original. Which in turn with the other aspects of the pad condition makes me question the whole pad.
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Check the casting date code while you are evaluating the block. That would be helpful.
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Those certainly aren't broach marks on the deck.... and the stamping is too close to the head (imo)...
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Pad stamp of my former 69.
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This is a sept 68 block which is why the partial vin is stamped on it.
Rick
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Tough to evaluate. It definitely not all original. Someone scratched up the block deck pad in a poor attempt to duplicate broach marks. Some of the digits COULD and I say again COULD be original. Hard to say for sure with the head on the block. There MAY be some remnants of a partial VIN on the left side of the pad? Not sure.
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HA code was used for Camaros, Novas and Chevelles.
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I have the original window sticker so I'm not concerned with this being an original SS 350/300 car - that's established. I just don't want to misrepresent the motor if I resell one day. Should there be a partial VIN by the oil pump?
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There should be one down there. Often hard to read and sometimes can’t be seen if it’s in the car. But take a look.
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Should be a partial VIN on the back of the block above the oil filter in the rough casting area just forward of where the bellhousing bolts to the block. Very hard to see with the block in the car even with good lighting back there.
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You have the original window sticker?
OR you have what someone has claimed to be the original window sticker?
There are many many examples of aged window stickers which are new and fake... unless it has been verified BE VERY CAUTIOUS!
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Hi James - thanks for the advice. I have the original window sticker. I've also used the NCRS to obtain a shipping verification report which resulted in a match to all the documents. I also have the original POP and the original pre-delivery checklist with the original owners name. I've also contacted the original owner (although I have not heard back from the gentleman). I suppose the Declaration of Independence could be faked if someone really wanted to do it. ;)
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I'm gonna stick my neck out a little, and say it's quite possibly correct if the casting date is OK to the build. My 350/300 Z11 is a 388 block, I'm 99.999% on faith in it's originality, stamping is very similar to this one in font and appearance. I think someone took a sharp screwdriver to scrape the pad with to expose the stamping, not try and duplicate the broach marks - and I can't see any feed lines that would indicate block decking with a mill. All of the stripes appear to be hand motion, not machined feed lines, and erratic. One thing for sure - some doofus really butchered it.
If I can chop my way through the garage, I'll get a shot of my pad to compare it. Don't lose hope yet -
Regards,
Steve
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WS is original.