Big Lebowski

Greetings! I'm trying to sift through multiple online Guides on a '64 Engine stamp and wondering if I can get your help? The VIN matches, but then the character placement is off from what I'm reading online. It is supposed to be a "numbers matching", though there is ZERO documentation / paperwork. I thought the "engine" type was to be in the 9th & 10th position? It ends in RE (or RF), and it is supposed to be an 365hp engine. The trim plate seems to match up to year, coupe, black interior, silver exterior, etc. It has been restored, and is in nice condition....though again, actual miles (pre-restoration) is unknown. Anything else you can tell me would be greatly appreciated.

Bluestripe67

I'm certainly no authority, but the whole thing looks correct/original etc. I referenced a couple of sources and RE should be correct as you have described the engine. Dennis

mikelj

Yep, looks all good, RE is '64 L76, and VIN aligns with engine assembly date too.

DansYellow66

What happened to the trim tag - did someone shoot it or drill it?

Big Lebowski

Interesting question. I don't know. I know the car was a full frame off restoration within the last 5-10 years. No documentation...so not sure how or why those holes would occur in the process.

856666

Hi Big Lebowski;
Try this:

4 - 1964, Vin-106831 (The 6,831 first car off the line)
F-Flint, I2-December, 06-Sixth
RE- 327 CUBIC INCH, 365 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Phil

Big Lebowski

Thanks for the confirmation everyone. I get that the first part 7 numbers are a partial VIN, and that the 8th position designates "Flint, MI". The Suffix "RE" references the 365hp L76 engine, but what do the I206 refer to in the middle?

856666

just added this

Hi Big Lebowski;
Try this:

4 - 1964, Vin-106831 (The 6,831 first car off the line)
F-Flint, I2-December, 06-Sixth
RE- 327 CUBIC INCH, 365 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION

If you compare the stamp date of Dec sixth and the build date below it would appear to line up with original block.

what is the casting code of the block?

Phil

856666

65GGvert

1206= Dec 6

65GGvert

The letter I (capital i) was used for a 1 in engine stamps.

65GGvert

I would say sometime in it's life someone has added a bracket there for a tape player, radar detector, etc

Todd H.

So December 6, 1963 is the date that the engine was assembled.

The engine's casting date is not a stamp but is cast into the block itself. It is on the right side of the back of the block, just down the back of the engine from the distributor. It's visible from the top, though you may have to remove shielding (if you have it) and get the plug wires out of the way.

Big Lebowski

Thanks for the decipher everyone. Numbers seem to match up, but it was a resto with NO documentation of the original purchase, the restoration itself or event the miles prior to restoration. Kicking tires at this point, but know even with an inspection I could not buy-in to it being a Mathcing numbers car, as even I would have no way of proving that.

I don't have the vehicle in hand, looking at it remotely. I will ask.

Very Cool. I did not know that.

Lol, I'll be sure to thank them for that...

I'll ask them for a shot of that.

Early66L72

mine had a couple holes with one in the trim tag for a fire ext bracket. i remember a lot of guys adding the fire ext under the glove box..

Big Lebowski

3782870? This is on all 1964 engine blocks correct? I'm asking for the cast date stamp...which I think might have been right next to this.

Rob_64-365

Yours Looks just like mine, right down to the RE code.
Same correct 3782870 block, and on the other side you will find the date the block was cast.
Mine was cast L193 Dec 19 1963
Assy date FI226RE Dec 26 1963
Trim tag build date E14 Jan 14 1964
Your car is pretty close to mine.

Big Lebowski

Engine Build Date: (K 30 03) Nov. 30th, 1963.

Moot point now...car sold. Oh well!