68 water pump original to engine?

[sabino56]

Hi,
I have a 68 base model 327. I've had it since 74 and at some point I put away a water pump with intention of rebuilding. I found it the other day and trying to figure out it if was original to car or a replacement.

The car body tag is 06A.  The VIN 8N44xxx. The engine stamp is V0506MA.  From reading here I understand this to mean the car was built in June of 69 and engine was assembled on May 6th in Flint.

The water pump casting is 3782608 which I understand is correct for the engine. I'm confused by the casting date code -  D291.  I believe the D29 means it was cast on April 29.  However, I expected a 9 instead of the 1.  I read they switched to the "tall" water pump in the 69 model year. So if the "1" means 1971 would this indicate that this is a GM replacement pump made in 1971?

also - just curious on what the "29" after the GM means.  There is also a "29" on the back side of the pump.

Thanks
Ed

[Tinkerr]

The D291 should decode to April 29th 1971 as you said. You need to be looking for 1968 dated water pump if your car is a 1968. Anything dated 1969 is going to be for 1969 cars leading into 1970 Cars. You have to remember new models started showing at dealers fall of the year before.

[sabino56]

Thanks.  I'm not thinking I'll try to get everything date coded right on this car but I would like the right period parts though. I guess I'll look into rebuilding this pump.

Btw - I meant to say my car should have been built in June of 68, not 69 - got off by a year.

Mostly I was curious as from 69 model year on they didn't use this pump on new cars so I guess this means only that GM was making replacement 608 pumps at least thru 1971.

[bertfam]

That pump was still being used on the 1969 and 1970 Corvette, but since yours is dated 1971, it's a service item.

Ed