matching numbers check
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Torquay Devon
matching numbers check
Hi from acoss the pond.
I have a 76 stingray which I have owned for a long time. I believe everything is factory original but want to make sure.
What do I have to check on the car to verify that it's a matching numbers car.
When it was registered to me in July 1981 the log book (Title?) did not give the engine number, it says 'not recorded'. It gives the Vin number and the true colour paintwork as beige, all this is still original.
Any information on the matter will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Jamie.
I have a 76 stingray which I have owned for a long time. I believe everything is factory original but want to make sure.
What do I have to check on the car to verify that it's a matching numbers car.
When it was registered to me in July 1981 the log book (Title?) did not give the engine number, it says 'not recorded'. It gives the Vin number and the true colour paintwork as beige, all this is still original.
Any information on the matter will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Jamie.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 126
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From: Torquay Devon
The vin on the log book is the same as on the engine block.
To be true matching numbers car is that all is needed or is there anything else I should check out like the diff and rear axle, etc.
Thanks.
Jamie.
To be true matching numbers car is that all is needed or is there anything else I should check out like the diff and rear axle, etc.
Thanks.
Jamie.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
The stamped VIN derivitive on the block should match the consecutive unit number on the VIN plate on the driver's windshield post. That will tell you whether the block is original. Having the original engine satisfies most people.
The VIN derivitive is also stamped on the transmission and on the frame in two places. Check the assembly instruction manual (AIM) for your year for the location of the tranny stamp. One of the frame stamps cannot be seen with the body on the frame. The second stamp is on top of the frame rail just in front of the #4 body mount on the driver's side. You might be able to clean the area and see this stamp.
The VIN derivitive is also stamped on the transmission and on the frame in two places. Check the assembly instruction manual (AIM) for your year for the location of the tranny stamp. One of the frame stamps cannot be seen with the body on the frame. The second stamp is on top of the frame rail just in front of the #4 body mount on the driver's side. You might be able to clean the area and see this stamp.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,170
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Jamie,
While people think first of the engine, transmission, and frame, (as Mike said), when they talk about matching numbers, there's a LONG list of parts that by part number or date code that can be tied to a car built at a certain time during the production year. Just a couple of examples... roof panel storage bags, window and door glass, seat belts, seat upholstery, door panels, alternators, exhaust manifolds, carbs, heads, all have dates on them that make them appropriate for a certain car.
So it depends HOW DEEP you want to look for "number matching". Some people find all this fascinating and others find it lunacy.
Regards,
Alan
While people think first of the engine, transmission, and frame, (as Mike said), when they talk about matching numbers, there's a LONG list of parts that by part number or date code that can be tied to a car built at a certain time during the production year. Just a couple of examples... roof panel storage bags, window and door glass, seat belts, seat upholstery, door panels, alternators, exhaust manifolds, carbs, heads, all have dates on them that make them appropriate for a certain car.
So it depends HOW DEEP you want to look for "number matching". Some people find all this fascinating and others find it lunacy.
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Torquay Devon
thanks Alan/Mike.
that list is bordering on lunacy as you say.
I have replaced the screen in 1982 as when I bought her, there were a couple of quarter inch stone chips in the glass. The door panels were replaced by the dealer with new white upvc ones as the others were in a sorry state. Carpets were replaced with factory ones (back in 81) the stamp in the window base matches the engine number.
I have always wondered what 'matching numbers' entailed, now I know!!! ouch! that has to be for the purists.
Jamie
that list is bordering on lunacy as you say.
I have replaced the screen in 1982 as when I bought her, there were a couple of quarter inch stone chips in the glass. The door panels were replaced by the dealer with new white upvc ones as the others were in a sorry state. Carpets were replaced with factory ones (back in 81) the stamp in the window base matches the engine number.
I have always wondered what 'matching numbers' entailed, now I know!!! ouch! that has to be for the purists.
Jamie
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
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There is no set definition for the term 'matching numbers' as illustrated by Alan's post and it's rare to see two people that have the same definition. Judging organizations like the NCRS avoid use of the term entirely.
Regards to Basil Fawlty and Manuel if you see them.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 126
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From: Torquay Devon
Mike,
The Hotel used in Fawlty Towers (Gleneagles Hotel ) is about 4 miles from me. Don't see Basil or Emanuel there. LOL.
Every year they have a month period of where the clients are treated in the same rude manner by the manager as the 'Fawlty Towers' episodes.
They say that people from all over the world come during that period for a bit of abuse..crazy or what?
Jamie.
The Hotel used in Fawlty Towers (Gleneagles Hotel ) is about 4 miles from me. Don't see Basil or Emanuel there. LOL.
Every year they have a month period of where the clients are treated in the same rude manner by the manager as the 'Fawlty Towers' episodes.
They say that people from all over the world come during that period for a bit of abuse..crazy or what?
Jamie.
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Race Director
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5th Gear
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5
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From: Tomkins Cove New York
no matching numbers!
Glad to hear Jamie found out about matching numbers. But now I am at a lost! I have a 1977 Vette and I'm worried that she doesn't have an original engine. The usual spot for casting numbers I believe is right in front of the passenger heads. But there are no numbers there. Instead I found a small stamp of numbers on the driver’s side on the block next to the windshield. And the numbers read 70010. Oh and those don't correlate to anything on my VIN. Any idea what that means? Thanks a lot guys
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Kissimmee fl
Finalist 2021 C3 of the Year - Modified
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
the 0010 number is the casting number for the block. Used for years so means little in your case. If the pad is blank, then either it could be the original block and it has been decked, or it could be a replacement install that has been decked, either way there is no way to call that a "matching numbers block".
If you lacate the casting date for the block it will tell you that it COULD be the original block. Still adds nothing to the originality claim.
If you lacate the casting date for the block it will tell you that it COULD be the original block. Still adds nothing to the originality claim.
5th Gear
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5
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From: Tomkins Cove New York
Hey guys, I solved my problem! Turns out I was looking for the wrong thing. I was looking for raised lettering like the ones I believed I saw on a '65 vette. But my recessed letters were covered by a perfectly even fine layer of soot. It was right in front of me the whole time. Thanks Alan! And yup, they're matching! I'm really glad. For the price I paid for her, I'm wasn't too concerned about anything else mathcing. Thanks again guys!
