Engine stamping error & trim tab problem

[William V.]

I just purchased a matching number 64 300 hp conv with a engine pad stamp defect. The "D" in the last letters "xxxxxxRD" runs off the pad. There is enough of the letter left to see it is a D however much of it is missing. Is this stamping error common?

My second issue concers tne trim tab. Prior to my purchase, the master mechanics at the shop that painted the car pried the tab off so he had referance material at the desk to ordering the paint. The rivits are still there and I have the tab. The question is should I get a new tab to replace the one removed or should I reinstall the origional using two sided tape? This car is a strong #2 driver and I'm interested in keeping up it's value.

[Harmon C.]

Re: Engine stamping error & trim tab problem

Your 64 has some issues for sure. As for the stamp pad if it runs off and everything else looks good it should not be a big problem. As for the trim tag ( DON"T BUY A NEW ONE) the judges will know and you can get a second flight at best. As for what to do now with it off and the rivits still their I think you need to ask the team leader or Roy Sinor National judging chairman listed in the contacts as you don't want to do the wrong thing. Lyle

[Mike M.]

Re: Engine stamping error & trim tab problem

Bill: it isn't unusual for the suffix to be located very near the edge of the pad, so if the rest of the pad evaluation is up to snuff, i wouldn't sweat it. as far as the trim tag goes, i'd definitly keep and use the original as repro trim tags are usually detectable on the judging field. just try straightening the tag as best you can, drive out the old rivits and purchase a pair of new rivits which are available but source unknown to me. perhaps someone else knows source of rivits. good luck, mike

[Marty Monier #]

Re: Engine stamping error & trim tab problem

PRY'd off............ rotten shame.

I think I would TIG or Torch weld the tag back on and "Shape" the
offended area with dremel/file.

It should be visually fine and structurally superior if anything.

Had to fix a BENT FLAT Tag on my '71 LS5 ,looks great.

Good luck

Regards.....Marty

[Loren L.]

Put the OLD rivets back in their holes

and re-attach the tag with J&B Weld if need be.

[Mike M.]

Re: Put the OLD rivets back in their holes

loren, ya big dummy, judges now have a JB Weld-ometer that detects the sneaky stuff. seriously, judges do look at the rivits as the manner in which the nail seperates differs(sometimes) from the nail seperation manner of a "service replacement" rivet. hope to see ya in hershey, mike

[Harmon C.]

I like your idea

Loren Thats a great idea and it will be all original parts with a little damage. Lyle

[Harmon C.]

Re: Put the OLD rivets back in their holes

Mike I bet that Gm line worker had to drillem out it they didn't pop right! Se ya in Hershey!