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Old Nov 8, 2014 | 08:52 AM
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Default Engine Stamp Pad

Looking at a matching numbers C3 to buy (1970). The stamp pad on the engine was painted orange (VIN and codes still legible). Does this indicate that the engine was re-painted at some point or were they painted originally from the factory? Most stamp pads that I've seen are raw metal.
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Old Nov 8, 2014 | 08:56 AM
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Originally Posted by Cajun_LS3
Looking at a matching numbers C3 to buy (1970). The stamp pad on the engine was painted orange (VIN and codes still legible). Does this indicate that the engine was re-painted at some point or were they painted originally from the factory? Most stamp pads that I've seen are raw metal.
The pad was NOT painted at the engine plants nor at the assembly plant.
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Old Nov 8, 2014 | 09:20 AM
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No big deal , it just means that the engine paint was freshened up at some point , although I don't see why he wouldn't cover it up to keep the paint off of it.
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Old Nov 8, 2014 | 09:37 AM
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My '71s number pad is painted.

Motor has never been opened.

Carter
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Old Nov 8, 2014 | 09:50 AM
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Hi C,
As others have posted the pads weren't originally painted.
The issue with a painted pad at this point is that depending on how much paint is on the pad it may make looking at the stamped characters themselves somewhat difficult.
It certainly makes looking at the surface appearance of the pad pretty much impossible.
So a paint free pad is probably the first requirement for taking a look at the 'numbers'.
With a painted pad a person needs to be careful how the paint is removed…. NOTHING abrasive should be used. Perhaps lacquer thinner or citrus paint remover.
Regards,
Alan
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Old Nov 8, 2014 | 10:05 AM
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Don't consider paying extra for a supposedly original engine car unless the bare pad surface can be examined. It's relatively easy to fake the numbers, not so much the pad surface.
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Old Nov 8, 2014 | 11:03 AM
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if you are paying a matching numbers price for the car, then you need to do more homework..
paint on the pad concludes that it has been 'Worked on'. either rebuilt, replaced or whatever.

have the owner remove the paint and look at the casting date of the block also.
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Old Nov 8, 2014 | 11:37 AM
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Thanks. The numbers are still easy to read as is the casting date and suffix. I would've preferred to see the raw metal to make sure it hadn't been blocked and re-stamped. Casting date seems consistent with the VIN sequence (June date and late VIN). Just a little worried about "work" that may have been done. Thanks again for the replies.
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