1966: What parts have the VIN sequence number stamped?

[rwd]

Anything besides the VIN plate and the block? For example, is there a plate on the top frame rail or in some other location? Thanks.

 

[67HEAVEN]

Anything besides the VIN plate and the block? For example, is there a plate on the top frame rail or in some other location? Thanks.

Two places on the frame. Not a plate, just numbers stamped into the rail. To the left of the driver's seat, and at the top of the rear kickup on driver's side. It will also appear on the transmission.

(NOTE: I'm definitely NOT an expert on numbers........as I'm sure many here will agree. This is from memory and my car is a '67 not '66).

 

[rwd]

Understood, I won't hold you to it!

On the '67 frame sites- were the numbers on top of the frame requiring a mirror or were they on one of the sides? I was thinking maybe a mirror was needed.

Do you happen to recall where the sequence number was stamped on the tranny?

Thanks.

 

[67HEAVEN]

The numbers on the frame rails are on the top, not the sides.

As for numbers on a Muncie (I'm assuming you are talking about a 4-speed), see here....
http://www.interlog.com/~muncie/history.html

 

[rwd]

That was what I was thinking; I think a mirror or fiber optic may be needed. IIRC, one's sort of by the driver's left hip pocket, and the others actually at the top of the kickup on the top side?

It's a 4-speed and probably an M20. That's the area I was looking at, but all that I saw was a casting number and a patent number. Perhaps there's another number higher up and more out of sight. The numbers suggest the box is a '64-'65, but I'd still like to be able to locate the sequence number site. [I'm working off pics right now, not a car.]

I really appreciate your help. The books and documentation I'm working for are surprisingly unhelpful in these areas.

 

[ChuckG]

To the best of my recollection, Muncie VIN derivitives are stamped on the passengers side....bellhousing "flange" mounting area. They're stamped vertically. BTW, supposedly, the SAME gang stamp used to stamp the engine VIN derivitive was used on the trans. Chuck

 

[rwd]

Thanks, ChuckG

I did locate a transmission number stamped vertically on the passenger side rear flange (manufacturer code, month and day), but I haven't found anything with the sequence number yet. That passenger side is also where the site above suggests the info should be located- and where everything except something with the sequence number is.

I wonder if there are replacement trannies that don't have a VIN stamped on them since they were never on a built car, or if some of boxes used on other product lines didn't have the numbers stamped on them.

The casting numbers make this particular one almost certainly wrong for a '66, but at this point, I'm just trying to understand what I'm looking at.

 

[JohnZ]

The Muncie "P"-code (date code) is stamped vertically on the rear rib on the passenger side of the main case, and midyear Corvette VIN derivatives were stamped vertically on the same rib on the driver's side. Some other Chevrolet car lines had the VIN stamped on the top - it varied somewhat by assembly plant. If there's no VIN stamped on it, it's a service case. It's very rare to find an original VIN-stamped Muncie still in the Corvette it was installed in; most have been rebuilt or replaced several times, and commercial rebuilders in those days didn't pay any attention to numbers - they mixed and matched the parts, as almost everything in the many years of Muncies is interchangeable.

 

[rwd]

JohnZ, thanks for the post.

The only pic I've got of the driver's side wouldn't necessarily show a stamp on that flange (or the top, for that matter), so I'll have to check it later.

However, the Muncie appears from the casting and patent number to be the 7/8" shaft model that was last used (supposedly) in 1965. I'm fairly convinced (and unconcerned) that it's not original, but I just need to make sure I'm not missing anything. Your comments on the case and replacements thereto were very enlightening.

If anyone knows whether or not the sequence number appears somewhere on the rear axle/diff, I'd certainly appreciate the info being posted. The gearset may not well be original, but I'd be curious about the housing.

It's not a big deal; I just don't like post-purchase surprises.

 

[JohnZ]

No VIN derivative on the diff; the ratio/build date code is on the machined surface on the bottom of the housing just forward of the spring mount area, the housing casting date is on the driver's side just above the camber strut rod bracket, and the ring gear is dated on its O.D.

 

[rwd]

Thanks, JohnZ. I sincerely appreciate your assistance.

 

[Sams '66]

No VIN derivative on the diff; the ratio/build date code is on the machined surface on the bottom of the housing just forward of the spring mount area, the housing casting date is on the driver's side just above the camber strut rod bracket, and the ring gear is dated on its O.D.

Is the ratio/build date code visable without removing anything? :confused

 

[JohnZ]

Yes, it is - no removal required. The area gets pretty dirty, so you may need a wire brush to clean up the surface in order to read the stamped numbers. It's inbetween the spring plate and the camber strut bracket.