I had trouble reading the VIN stamp on the engine for my Fremont-built '69 4-4-2 so I thought I would wait until the block came back from the rebuilder to get a look at it. Pictured below is what I have. It should read 39Z131299. About all I can really read is the "1299" which is all I could read before it went to the rebuilders, and it looks like a double stamp. Is this consistent with what should be on an original block? Although I bought this car in 1987, I have no reason to believe the original block was ever replaced.


The block casting number (396026G) and casting date (*97*) are consistent with the build date of the car (05C) and the rest of the parts on the block and under the hood.


The VIN derivative stamp on my '68 Lansing 4-4-2 block and my '71 Corvette block are crystal clear - no doubt as to what they are.


I'm just wondering if this is another example of what some people have said was shoddy workmanship at the Fremont plant. I've heard stories that the Fremont plant was somewhat "relaxed" in their assembly of cars. I did see this on my '70 GTO (a Fremont car) where it had the fender stickers that said it was a "455 H.O." and the tune-up sticker on the cover piece over the radiator was for a 455. But the engine was definitely a 400 and it was original to the car.


Any thoughts? Is this "double stamp" normal or out-of-the-ordinary?

Randy C.

 

Randy,

I can pretty easily make out 131299 in the upper number. Keep in mind that these stamps were made by humans, who may or may not have screwed up. While the double stamp is not common in my experience, it isn't unheard of. Try taking a pencil rubbing of the VIN derivative. You might be able to make out more of the stamp that way.

 

I have the opposite problem with my '70, built in Lansing by the way. The last few digits fade to nothing.

Not only were the blocks hand-stamped, they were probably hanging from a chain and moving at the time. It's not too surprising the stamps weren't perfect.

 

I don't think anyone would purposely "re-stamp" a block that poorly, I'd side with ORIGINAL.


FWIW, The California Mopar plant's engine & transmission stamps also left a lot to be desired, many are missing digits and/or unreadable. Must've been something in the water?

 

I also see 131299

 

With the blow-up, I see the 131299 as well. Thanks for doing that! It's pretty much my conclusion now that it is an original stamp...just poorly done...it might be the water down there! Thanks for taking a look at this for me!

Randy C.