Author Topic: Sheetmetal Date Code  (Read 25299 times)

ZLP955

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Sheetmetal Date Code
« on: September 15, 2013, 08:56:09 AM »
I was stripping down a used driver's side door from a '69 today, when I noticed that the inner panel of the door shell had 2 different date codes stamped on it. I've added some photos, showing the location of the 2 stamps (circled in red) and each of the two date stamps. How come there is a gap of several weeks (from week '39' to '43') between the stamps? The 'H39 1' stamp is upright and the 'H43' is upside-down.
Tim in Australia.
1969 04A Van Nuys Z/28. Cortez Silver, Dark Blue interior, VE3, Z21, Z23, D55/U17, D80, flat hood.
Sold at Clippinger Chevrolet in Covina, CA.
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JohnZ

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #1 on: September 15, 2013, 05:00:40 PM »
Good question - I haven't seen a Fisher Body Run Number double-stamped before; that date marker is recessed in a machined pocket in the draw die (where it also serves as a proof mark for draw punch travel).
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ZLP955

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #2 on: September 19, 2013, 07:23:49 AM »
Just checked passenger side door, came from the same donor car, and it has 2 different date codes too.
Nobody else come across this?
Tim in Australia.
1969 04A Van Nuys Z/28. Cortez Silver, Dark Blue interior, VE3, Z21, Z23, D55/U17, D80, flat hood.
Sold at Clippinger Chevrolet in Covina, CA.
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ko-lek-tor

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #3 on: September 19, 2013, 07:56:59 PM »
Yes, My LH door has a H49 on top H50 on bottom. Now I am going from memory and those numbers may not be exact. The car is up on my lift right now and there is a car undeneath, so I cannot look at it. It is the original door and it is a 12B Norwood car. Door panel is off as I am waiting to get bodywork done. I thought it was odd when I saw it, but was hesitant to post as I am still new to posting pics.I have 2 other cars with original sheetmetal I can check, if I get time.
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ZLP955

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #4 on: September 19, 2013, 09:14:38 PM »
Thanks for the reply, and yes if you get a chance, it would be nice to know if your other cars have the same issue.
Tim in Australia.
1969 04A Van Nuys Z/28. Cortez Silver, Dark Blue interior, VE3, Z21, Z23, D55/U17, D80, flat hood.
Sold at Clippinger Chevrolet in Covina, CA.
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janobyte

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #5 on: September 19, 2013, 09:16:00 PM »
Mines apart right now so I can check the doors for ( 68) difference ?  I do have a question. While it's apart I'm documenting all the numbers ,taking pics and sending copies to Ed B. Concerning the sheet metal: are all panels/pieces stamped ? Front clip etc...? It's all OE and wonderful shape so somewhere I want it noted. I know doors ,hood---can't find it on fenders ,valiance, etc. My body man is also shooting pics and leaving the undersides untouched. Lots of inspection markings. Anyway I'll get those pics of the doors posted in the near future--Saturday.
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rich69rs

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #6 on: September 19, 2013, 11:59:03 PM »
My 01C Norwood built '69 RS is currently in paint and body.  Driver (LH) door has one stamp (H34) - at the bottom.  Couldn't find andy stamp on the passenger door.
Richard Thomas
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KurtS

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #7 on: September 20, 2013, 03:16:44 AM »
Kurt S
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ZLP955

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #8 on: September 20, 2013, 03:23:13 AM »
Concerning the sheet metal: are all panels/pieces stamped ? Front clip etc...? It's all OE and wonderful shape so somewhere I want it noted. I know doors ,hood---can't find it on fenders ,valiance, etc.
As far as I know, all original sheetmetal parts have a date stamp, although I haven't checked my entire car yet. So far, I have found the following:
Quarters are stamped in the weatherstrip gutter area, near the rear window filler panel joint;
Trunk lid stamped on the underside stiffener brace near the centerline;
Doors - as shown in pictures above;
Header panel - stamped on underside, just to one side of the centerline;
Valance - I recall it is stamped on one end, where it bolts to fender extn, but will have to check;
Roof skin side support structure - driver's side, towards rear of door glass.
Fenders and fender extensions - haven't had a close look for these yet.
Tim in Australia.
1969 04A Van Nuys Z/28. Cortez Silver, Dark Blue interior, VE3, Z21, Z23, D55/U17, D80, flat hood.
Sold at Clippinger Chevrolet in Covina, CA.
AHRA Formula Stock at Lions Dragstrip, NHRA E/MP at Pomona Raceway

janobyte

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #9 on: September 20, 2013, 03:58:47 AM »
thanks for the reply
68 Z/28  born with: 302, drive line, etc..

MyRed67

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #10 on: September 20, 2013, 06:11:04 AM »
janobyte;
  (quote);Concerning the sheet metal: are all panels/pieces stamped ? Front clip etc...? It's all OE and wonderful shape so somewhere I want it noted. I know doors ,hood---can't find it on fenders ,valiance, etc.(quote)
  I am attaching a picture of where the Dr. Front Fender date code is on my '67.  Pass. Front Fender is in similar position. They are 3/8 in. letters and not stamped very deep.
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Mike C.    NW - Illinois

ZLP955

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #11 on: September 22, 2013, 09:20:01 PM »
Found a couple more stamps over the weekend. Fenders are stamped exactly where Mike's are, in the above photo, and both seat back braces are stamped in the center, about half way between the rectangular hole (near the bottom) and where the 'Y' fork occurs.
Tim in Australia.
1969 04A Van Nuys Z/28. Cortez Silver, Dark Blue interior, VE3, Z21, Z23, D55/U17, D80, flat hood.
Sold at Clippinger Chevrolet in Covina, CA.
AHRA Formula Stock at Lions Dragstrip, NHRA E/MP at Pomona Raceway

janobyte

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #12 on: September 22, 2013, 09:46:41 PM »
Thanks again, didn't have a chance to get those door pics, will get to it this week.
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janobyte

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #13 on: September 27, 2013, 10:20:38 PM »
Took pics of the doors today, 1# on driver's , 2#s on pass. Will post tomorrow. Fenders are primed, not going to sand for number ( guy painting my car would blow a gasket if I did) Plus he's shooting  as he's stripping( showing no filler) Knows what to look for ,might already have them.
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janobyte

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #14 on: September 30, 2013, 09:54:08 PM »
driver,pass 68
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janobyte

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #15 on: September 30, 2013, 09:56:01 PM »
one more
68 Z/28  born with: 302, drive line, etc..

69Z28-RS

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #16 on: October 01, 2013, 12:22:29 AM »
My drivers door, the only door I've checked, is  'H 37 -1'    which is within 1 or 2 weeks of the production week 09C.   How close are the doors on you fellas' cars to your production week??
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Bryan302

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #17 on: October 01, 2013, 01:30:05 AM »
Mine are H 17 - 1 on the LH door.  Every place I've found has been H 17 - 1 on a 05A build date.

Bryan
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MyRed67

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #18 on: October 01, 2013, 03:22:38 AM »
My drivers door, the only door I've checked, is  'H 37 -1'    which is within 1 or 2 weeks of the production week 09C.   How close are the doors on you fellas' cars to your production week??
  I found several date codes on my car and most of them were 1 to 2 weeks prior, the pic. I posted of Drivers Front fender (41) was furthest out about 4 weeks, and the only one.
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ZLP955

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #19 on: October 01, 2013, 04:02:05 AM »
Thanks for the photos janobyte. I may have missed something, but did you say that the 'H 12' and 'H 17' are both on the same door?
My drivers door, the only door I've checked, is  'H 37 -1'    which is within 1 or 2 weeks of the production week 09C.   How close are the doors on you fellas' cars to your production week??
Gary, the door in the photos at the start of this thread is from a parts car, but on my 04A car, almost all of the panels are stamped 'T 12'; so far I have found one 'H 7' and the latest is '13' (the flat hood) which is cutting things fine for an 04A build.....
Tim in Australia.
1969 04A Van Nuys Z/28. Cortez Silver, Dark Blue interior, VE3, Z21, Z23, D55/U17, D80, flat hood.
Sold at Clippinger Chevrolet in Covina, CA.
AHRA Formula Stock at Lions Dragstrip, NHRA E/MP at Pomona Raceway

69Z28-RS

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #20 on: October 01, 2013, 04:13:54 AM »
The closeness of sheet metal production to car usage implies that the sheetmetal items were pretty much JIT (just in time) even back then.. I suppose that's more true for sheet metal than some other smaller parts, in part due to the difficulty of warehousing large quantities of these larger bulkier parts.   I'd bet John Z can shed some good light on this subject..  :)
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JohnZ

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #21 on: October 01, 2013, 03:03:15 PM »
The closeness of sheet metal production to car usage implies that the sheetmetal items were pretty much JIT (just in time) even back then.. I suppose that's more true for sheet metal than some other smaller parts, in part due to the difficulty of warehousing large quantities of these larger bulkier parts.   I'd bet John Z can shed some good light on this subject..  :)

In those days, cars were selling like hotcakes, and the system was stretched to its limits most of the time; for a stamping plant, that meant racks were in short supply, and you can't produce stampings unless you have the proper shipping racks for the panels (each panel had hundreds of special racks designed just for that panel) - there weren't any "warehouses" to store stampngs - the only "storage" was in the rail cars that hauled the racks of panels to the assembly plants.
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janobyte

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #22 on: October 01, 2013, 03:17:27 PM »
Upside down H12 and right side up H17 on pass door. BTY car's 04D Norwood built. H172 on driver's. Doors are un-molested in any way. (except for door speakers---ugg !)
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69Z28-RS

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #23 on: October 01, 2013, 04:20:39 PM »
The closeness of sheet metal production to car usage implies that the sheetmetal items were pretty much JIT (just in time) even back then.. I suppose that's more true for sheet metal than some other smaller parts, in part due to the difficulty of warehousing large quantities of these larger bulkier parts.   I'd bet John Z can shed some good light on this subject..  :)

In those days, cars were selling like hotcakes, and the system was stretched to its limits most of the time; for a stamping plant, that meant racks were in short supply, and you can't produce stampings unless you have the proper shipping racks for the panels (each panel had hundreds of special racks designed just for that panel) - there weren't any "warehouses" to store stampngs - the only "storage" was in the rail cars that hauled the racks of panels to the assembly plants.

Thanks for confirmation, John..      that's as I thought....  :)
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rich69rs

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #24 on: October 01, 2013, 04:32:06 PM »
In those days, cars were selling like hotcakes, and the system was stretched to its limits most of the time; for a stamping plant, that meant racks were in short supply, and you can't produce stampings unless you have the proper shipping racks for the panels (each panel had hundreds of special racks designed just for that panel) - there weren't any "warehouses" to store stampngs - the only "storage" was in the rail cars that hauled the racks of panels to the assembly plants.

Referring back to post #7 on page 1 of this thread, would it be kind of odd then that the sheetmetal date code stamped into the driver side door of my car is H34 for an 01C built car?  Quite a time diffrerence between the 34th calendar week of 1968 and 01C bulid (the 3rd week of January 1969).
Richard Thomas
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69Z28-RS

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #25 on: October 01, 2013, 06:15:57 PM »
Not i
In those days, cars were selling like hotcakes, and the system was stretched to its limits most of the time; for a stamping plant, that meant racks were in short supply, and you can't produce stampings unless you have the proper shipping racks for the panels (each panel had hundreds of special racks designed just for that panel) - there weren't any "warehouses" to store stampngs - the only "storage" was in the rail cars that hauled the racks of panels to the assembly plants.

Referring back to post #7 on page 1 of this thread, would it be kind of odd then that the sheetmetal date code stamped into the driver side door of my car is H34 for an 01C built car?  Quite a time diffrerence between the 34th calendar week of 1968 and 01C bulid (the 3rd week of January 1969).
Not if your door had gotten replaced somewhere along the way???
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ZLP955

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #26 on: October 01, 2013, 09:11:18 PM »
Upside down H12 and right side up H17 on pass door.
Thanks for confirming. Interesting that your door has 2 stamps as well.....
I guess we're unlikely to ever find out why, unless someone who worked in one of the many stamping plants (and knows why it occurred) reads this.
Tim in Australia.
1969 04A Van Nuys Z/28. Cortez Silver, Dark Blue interior, VE3, Z21, Z23, D55/U17, D80, flat hood.
Sold at Clippinger Chevrolet in Covina, CA.
AHRA Formula Stock at Lions Dragstrip, NHRA E/MP at Pomona Raceway

KurtS

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #27 on: October 02, 2013, 07:44:29 AM »
Sounds like they were changing locations of the stamp in the die and hadn't (or forgot to) removed the original location.
Kurt S
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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #28 on: October 02, 2013, 03:41:29 PM »
Kurt,.. 
That's a reasonable theory..   could be..    only thing I've heard that makes sense...
If we knew those dates, and had some dates before and after along with the die location, we might be able to confirm that theory...

Gary
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firstgenaddict

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #29 on: November 17, 2013, 11:08:13 PM »
How bout this one? 64? the car is a 12C all the other panels are between H46-H50 I think the characters were in upside down and or out of order. lol ???

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ZLP955

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Re: Sheetmetal Date Code
« Reply #30 on: November 18, 2013, 10:58:55 AM »
James, I've seen several other stamps with one digit upside down, so imagine it was H49.......
Tim in Australia.
1969 04A Van Nuys Z/28. Cortez Silver, Dark Blue interior, VE3, Z21, Z23, D55/U17, D80, flat hood.
Sold at Clippinger Chevrolet in Covina, CA.
AHRA Formula Stock at Lions Dragstrip, NHRA E/MP at Pomona Raceway