LS6 Block Stamping Question

[AutoInsane]

Need some help on a little mystery.

1970 454 LS6

Block casting code: 3963512
Date Code: E 18 70 (May 18th 1970)
Engine Numbers: T0616CRV
Partial VIN: 18B208611

Head Casting Codes: 3964291
Head Date Code: E 7 70 / E 8 70 (May 7th / 8th 1970)


Engine decoder results:

Engine assembly plant: T= Tonawanda, New York.
Engine was assembled in June, day 16.
Engine assembly code "CRV" was used for the following vehicles:

1970 Chevelle 454cid Manual trans 450hp CRV


What is wrong with that picture? The VIN has an 8 for the 2nd digit.. ???? Should be a zero for 1970. The VIN sure looks to be 100% original. Explination???

Could the 8 be a mis-stamp from the factory?

Thank you for the help

[Ls6 Ragtop]

Billy,
Baltimore is a plant known in 70 to have used 3 different variations of v.i.n. stampings. 10BXXXXXX, 18BXXXXXX, and 188XXXXXX are all known real partial vin stamping styles we've documented over the years. Most of the odd stampings seemed to be early in the production run but I've learned a long time ago to never say never. The pic on my monitor is not clear enough for me to comment on originality, but from what it looks like it's possibly OK.
Chris

[Rixls6]

My concern on this one would be the first "6" in T0616CRV. I haven't seen a Tonowanda stamp with a curved leg in the 6 before.

[AutoInsane]

So the block was cast in Tonawanda and built and stamped with a partial VIN in Baltimore?


Thanks for the education!

[Ls6 Ragtop]

Billy,
Cast and assembly dated with I.D. suffix in Tonawanda, v.i.n.
stamp is always done at the final car's assembly plant. I have seen the curved 6 before, and given the 2 6's used in this engine's assembly date not unbelievable. I would want a clearer picture of the stamp pad before I'd comment on it's possible originality.
Chris

[69 Post Sedan]

I have an issue with how close the &quot;V&quot; appears to be next to the head as the head is on the block when they stamp it. I see this quite often. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif

Unless it's the way the picture is taken. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif

Kurt

[Ls6 Ragtop]

Kurt,
I don't believe that's correct regarding when Tonawanda stamped the blocks. Pics I have seen show the heads not installed at the time of stamping. I've also seen original motors with the stamping very close to the head. Obviously the vin stamp can't be too close to the head as they definitely are on for that proceedure.
Chris

[Verne_Frantz]

If someone was trying to fake it, why would they use two different 6s?

Verne <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif

[m22mike]

I concur with Chris, heads not installed when pad was stamped.

[Rixls6]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Verne_Frantz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If someone was trying to fake it, why would they use two different 6s?

Verne <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif </div></div>

Chris has already said that he's seen the 2 different 6's. Works for me.

[69 Post Sedan]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ls6 Ragtop</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Kurt,
I don't believe that's correct regarding when Tonawanda stamped the blocks. Pics I have seen show the heads not installed at the time of stamping. I've also seen original motors with the stamping very close to the head. Obviously the vin stamp can't be too close to the head as they definitely are on for that proceedure.
Chris </div></div>

Thanks for the clarification Chris. This is the first I've ever heard of the head possibly not being on for the Tonawanda stamp.

As the old saying goes....you learn something everyday. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/scholar.gif

Kurt <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[AutoInsane]

The more I look at it the more I think the 5th digit might be a '5' and not a '6'. If anyone would like I can send a high res picture. Just PM me an email address.