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I am looking to buy a 56 Vette. It has a a 265ci dual 4bbl engine and 3 speed. I am trying to read the block numbers. My eyes are not as good as they once were. I tried taking a couple pictures and zooming in but the numbers look funny. I think I see an F56GR at the end but all I see before that is 002157. Any ideas what the numbers are?
Originally Posted by silver837
Carefully remove the paint from the pad. Do not use any scraping or sanding to do this use paint remover . Then take pictures .
I will ask the seller to do this and I will get updated pictures.Thanks
BonitaVette
Typically you expect those stamped characters to be in-line as characters were held in a gang stamp (holder).
HOWEVER, NCRS Technical Information Manual for 1955-56 does state that some 1956 Corvette stamp pad did have individually stamped characters.
So, I would not necessarily discount this car.
As recommended by silver837, get a photo of paintless stamp pad. Evidence of original broach marks, would help sort this out.
The owner sent me another picture which doesn’t look much clearer. If I zoom in I can make out the number. It seems to be 0002157F56GR. Is this even a correct pattern for the year?
The only way to determine if the pad is original and unmolested is to remove the paint. If the seller won't agree to do this , it is likely not correct .
I don’t think he won’t do it.,He explained that he is having difficulty getting the paint off. He is using a tiny paint brush and turpentine and he said he only got a small amount of paint off after an hour. He says the fuel line from the pump and a heater hose are in the way. I don’t know what to tell him to do.
I don’t think he won’t do it.,He explained that he is having difficulty getting the paint off. He is using a tiny paint brush and turpentine and he said he only got a small amount of paint off after an hour. He says the fuel line from the pump and a heater hose are in the way. I don’t know what to tell him to do.
You might suggest that he use lacquer thinner instead of turpentine.
Originally Posted by silver837
Carefully remove the paint from the pad. Do not use any scraping or sanding to do this use paint remover . Then take pictures .
I will ask the seller to do this and I will get updated pictures.Thanks
BonitaVette
Typically you expect those stamped characters to be in-line as characters were held in a gang stamp (holder).
HOWEVER, NCRS Technical Information Manual for 1955-56 does state that some 1956 Corvette stamp pad did have individually stamped characters.
So, I would not necessarily discount this car.
As recommended by silver837, get a photo of paintless stamp pad. Evidence of original broach marks, would help sort this out.
Mapman
Mapman, it depends on how you interpret this statement. Some stamp pads, actually all original stamp pads did have some individually stamped characters, but this is because the gang only held 5 characters at a time. You will see in the photo an original '56 stamp from a '56 that I restored years ago that the first five numbers are straight as an arrow, the sixth and seventh characters, in this case 49 were stamped individually. Additionally, many times you will find the last letter of the suffix, in this case G is also stamped individually. So it depends on your interpretation of the JG statement. I don't believe it was stated this way to imply that ALL letters and numbers were stamped individually, just making it clear that SOME of them were stamped individually. My personal opinion of the OP"s original post and photo is this is in no way an original stamp. I can't say that it isn't an original block based on the information and that it might be an attempt to re-create the stamp after a decked rebuild.
I might also add, take a close look at the fonts of each. As an example, compare the 6 to the OP's photo versus the photo provided and you will see very different fonts. The 6 and 9 have very clear "straight" legs whereas the OP's photos on the 6 curl up and around which is not seen on typical factory original stamps.
Mapman, it depends on how you interpret this statement. Some stamp pads, actually all original stamp pads did have some individually stamped characters, but this is because the gang only held 5 characters at a time. You will see in the photo an original '56 stamp from a '56 that I restored years ago that the first five numbers are straight as an arrow, the sixth and seventh characters, in this case 49 were stamped individually. Additionally, many times you will find the last letter of the suffix, in this case G is also stamped individually. So it depends on your interpretation of the JG statement. I don't believe it was stated this way to imply that ALL letters and numbers were stamped individually, just making it clear that SOME of them were stamped individually. My personal opinion of the OP"s original post and photo is this is in no way an original stamp. I can't say that it isn't an original block based on the information and that it might be an attempt to re-create the stamp after a decked rebuild.
Panama 58
I don't know if image below is of an original pad - would need to examine in person. However, NCRS Technical Information Manual for 1956-57 does state: "Some original engine blocks appear to have been stamped individually." (emphasis mine)
I agree, typically you expect to see these stamp pads in a 5-1-1-5 pattern just as your example shows. Five characters in a gang stamp, then an individual stamp, then another individual stamp, and finally a gang stamp of five characters - 5-1-1-5. NCRS Tech Manual details this 5-1-1-5 pattern as typical, so I believe they do mean individual stamps are possible.
Just saying, other possibilities. Seems like owner is not cooperating, so perhaps moot point.
Engine Block number
