Matching Numbers
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Sugarland Texas
Matching Numbers
Hope this doesn't sound to dumb, but I'm a newbe.
This weekend I was attending a classic car auction in Houston. On certian cars they would say matching numbers.
What do they mean by matching numbers? What numbers? Motor #, Serial #, number on frame? What numbers.
If I were to buy a classic where would I look for these numbers?
How would I beome educated in this area so I do not get taken.
Thanks,
Tony
This weekend I was attending a classic car auction in Houston. On certian cars they would say matching numbers.
What do they mean by matching numbers? What numbers? Motor #, Serial #, number on frame? What numbers.
If I were to buy a classic where would I look for these numbers?
How would I beome educated in this area so I do not get taken.
Thanks,
Tony
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 26,679
Likes: 17
From: This vette goes to 11 Milford MA
St. Jude Donor '03-'05
Generally refers to having the original engine where the VIN on the car matches the number stamped into the block. It can be taken to different degrees, some cars have all "matching numbers" meaning that all of the parts are date coded correctly.
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 5
From: Sacramento California
Here is a link to a very good site, that not only has a list of 'numbers' but an explaination of what they mean, where they are located, and how to decode them.
http://www.mortec.com/location.htm
Welcome to the insanity
http://www.mortec.com/location.htm
Welcome to the insanity
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,416
Likes: 1,825
From: Apple Valley, MN
Matching numbers means several things. A few include:
1. Casting numbers are correct for the application.
2. Casting date codes (where applicable) preceded the production date code of the car by X months (often about 2)
3. The engine codes (production source, production date (usually 2-3 weeks before the production date of the car)are correct for the application
4. The latter part of the serial number of the car appears on the engine (and transmission). EG: Vehicle VIN 19437S9138972, Engine Block T1207LO 38972. This sequence signifies the engine was built in Tonawanda (NY) on December 7 and is an L-88 with a manual transmission (code LO).
5. Correct tags for distributors
6. Correct part numbers and date codes for starters and alternators
There are many excellent publications out there for learning more about this. Joining the NCRS is a great step as well.
Good luck!
1. Casting numbers are correct for the application.
2. Casting date codes (where applicable) preceded the production date code of the car by X months (often about 2)
3. The engine codes (production source, production date (usually 2-3 weeks before the production date of the car)are correct for the application
4. The latter part of the serial number of the car appears on the engine (and transmission). EG: Vehicle VIN 19437S9138972, Engine Block T1207LO 38972. This sequence signifies the engine was built in Tonawanda (NY) on December 7 and is an L-88 with a manual transmission (code LO).
5. Correct tags for distributors
6. Correct part numbers and date codes for starters and alternators
There are many excellent publications out there for learning more about this. Joining the NCRS is a great step as well.
Good luck!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Sugarland Texas
Thanks,
This site is great guy's (and girls, i'm sure there are some rebuilding females out there somewhere).
Everones help has been great! My problem is now I am spending hours at night looking and reading the site. Guess I'm hooked. But after all I've been in love with the Vette for over 40 years.
Thanks again,
Tony
Everones help has been great! My problem is now I am spending hours at night looking and reading the site. Guess I'm hooked. But after all I've been in love with the Vette for over 40 years.
Thanks again,
Tony
Last edited by Tony24; Nov 30, 2007 at 10:20 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 799
Likes: 21
From: Rock Hill SC
Here is a link to a very good site, that not only has a list of 'numbers' but an explaination of what they mean, where they are located, and how to decode them.
http://www.mortec.com/location.htm
Welcome to the insanity
http://www.mortec.com/location.htm
Welcome to the insanity
Bill
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,455
Likes: 5
From: Upstate South Carolina
The web site looks like it has some good info. Some really good books are the Corvette Black Book, Corvette by the Numbers, and probably the best in what is original, the NCRS Technical Judging Manual.
The term matching numbers is often over used, misused, and misrepresented. The important thing to keep in mind, when looking for a car, is that your definition of matching numbers and that of the seller may not be the same. Everything must be checked and verified.
The term matching numbers is often over used, misused, and misrepresented. The important thing to keep in mind, when looking for a car, is that your definition of matching numbers and that of the seller may not be the same. Everything must be checked and verified.
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