Matching numbers question.....
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Check the two stamped numbers on the pad at the front of the right head on the engine. You will find the engine code and a VIN derivative. Engine date and suffix code should match the published information; VIN derivative should match the vehicle's VIN. '78 shown; yours will be similar.
You can then check the tranny for the VIN derivative.
Almost everything on the car has a date code of some type. All of these dates should predate the time/build code of the car (code in the upper right corner of the trim tag) since all the various parts were manufactured and shipped to the assembly plant before the car was assembled.
Most folks are tickled if the engine and trans are original.
You can then check the tranny for the VIN derivative.
Almost everything on the car has a date code of some type. All of these dates should predate the time/build code of the car (code in the upper right corner of the trim tag) since all the various parts were manufactured and shipped to the assembly plant before the car was assembled.
Most folks are tickled if the engine and trans are original.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 330
From: Indy Indiana
first you have to define what matching numbers is.... it is a nebulous term... the most common definition is that the last 5 or so numbers stamped on the VIN Derivative section of the engine front pad match the last 5 characters of the VIN that is on the title and windshield post..
another definition means that the engine is original to the car.. I don't think there is anyway to prove that.
another definition is that the car is totally original all the way down to every little bolt...
another definition means that the engine is original to the car.. I don't think there is anyway to prove that.
another definition is that the car is totally original all the way down to every little bolt...
